Galenia Estate: Our full report
Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg ...
... Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds.Formerly Les Hauts de Montagu, Galenia came under new ownership in 2016. We know the new owners very well as they also run two first-class lodges in Tanzania, Beho Beho and Oyster Bay and Galenia offers the same levels of comfort and individuality.
The hub of your stay at Galenia is the Estate House. Historically a barn, this has been renovated in a contemporary Cape Dutch design. Gable windows and a ceiling made of whole wooden tree trunks lend a rustic but chic feel. The sitting room is light and airy with a large log fireplace (ideal for the cooler winter months); and a stylish dining area, with floor-to-ceiling windows, affords views over the surrounding scenery.
Other places to take in the views are the manicured garden, the swimming pool with sunloungers and a relaxing Jacuzzi.
Galenia's ten suites are twin or double semi-detached rooms set within five thatched cottages, each with its own covered stoep – Afrikaans for a veranda. A seating area features an open log fireplace, a well stocked minibar and a tea and coffee station with a Nespresso machine, and mod-cons including WiFi, satellite TV and an electronic safe. The en-suite bathroom has a free standing ‘claw-foot’ bathtub and a separate semi-enclosed outdoor shower.
Galenia’s location is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Robertson Wine Valley, the Breed River, the Koo Valley and the Klein Karoo. On the estate itself, however, activities include nature walks and mountain biking. Guided walks can be arranged, giving the opportunity to find out more about the estate and its flora and fauna. You can also join the ‘olive familiarisation and tasting’ in the afternoon and learn about the manufacturing process of olive oil on the estate, which has more than a thousand olive trees; you can purchase the end result!
Our view
A high-quality guesthouse offering a welcoming and charming atmosphere, a high level of service and food, and stylish and comfortable accommodation.
Country manager: South Africa
Geographics
- Location
- Little Karoo, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 or 3 nights
- Directions
- Galenia Estate is 3km outside Montagu on the scenic Route 62, about a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Dinner is a 5-course affair, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm and costs around ZAR630 per person.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Excluded
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome here.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under the age of 12.
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available, and mobile reception.
- TV & radio
- Each room has a satellite TV.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a doctor in Montague 3km away.
Swimming pool warning: Take care when using the pool as there are no depth markings although there is a sign to advise No Diving.
Indoor fire place warning: Do not use the open log fireplace in your room as the room does not have a carbon monoxide detector. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are no security guards.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the main lodge and in the bedrooms.
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Extra cost
Other lodges in Little Karoo
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Rosenhof Country House
Rosenhof Country House is a luxurious country house in South Africa’s Little Karoo, ideal for exploring the nearby Cango Caves and various ostrich farms.
Mooiplaas Guesthouse
In a rural area, not far from Oudtshoorn, the friendly Mooiplaas Guesthouse is a good base for exploring an ostrich farm, the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Mountains.
