Prince Albert

Prince Albert is an oasis in the Great Karoo where water from springs in the Swartberg mountains runs through the village in furrows, bringing gardens and orchards to life.

The first settlers arrived in 1762 and established a farm called Kweekvallei: Valley of Plenty. By 1845 a little village had sprung up, named after Queen Victoria's consort.

The town attracts visitors who come to experience the tranquility of Karoo living enhanced by comfortable accommodation, excellent restaurants and many unexpected attractions.

Please ask me for restaurant recommendations and here are a few of the local attractions:.

Indulge in an Awesome Massage, just a few steps away, across the garden, chat to Lynne-Marie to make a booking.

Meet the Story Weaver and join her on a Ghost Walk with stories about characters who have lived here over the years and the ghosts that don't want to leave, or take a Historical Ramble through ‘Bodorp’ with stories about the first farmers, the architecture and fascinating former residents. Booking is essential for all of Ailsa's walks.

Schedule a visit to Gay’s Guernsey Dairy (7.00am - 4.00pm Mon - Fri. and mornings Saturday and Sunday)

Visit Moeder Aarde Karoo Shop (just behind ABSA) and take home a memory!

Fit in a trip to our excellent Fransie Pienaar Museum - voted best in the Western Cape in 2017, .

Pop into the Prince Albert Art Gallery and take a walk along our streets to admire our dustbins - each a work of art.

Saturday morning brings Market time - meet the locals and share the village atmosphere.

parkrun is held every Saturday, starting at the Odendal Stadium and following a route along a koppie with stunning views.

In our Library in Kerkstraat you can see the Heritage Quilt created for our 250th anniversary year and the Bookcase Quilt made for our annual Leesfees Book Festival. Both were created by our 'Patchwork Dolls' sewing group. Open on weekdays 09h00 - 17h00 (closed for lunch from 13h00-13h30)

If you plan to braai at home visit Karoo Slaghuis in Kerkstraat for Karoo lamb, buy your salad makings, potatoes or pap and all the extras from our well stocked SPAR supermarket, and drinks from one of the bottle stores.

A magical evening option is to stock up on snacks and a bottle of wine and head for the Serendipity upstairs balcony to watch a Karoo sunset - different every night! Then linger to see our sparkling night skies…

Go star-gazing with Night Sky Tours on Wolwekraal farm - our starscapes are magnificent.

Gardeners will find Renu-Karoo Nursery fascinating, they stock indigenous plants, including more than fifty types of pelargonium, native to the Swartberg Mountains.

There are wonderful drives in the district, along tar to Meiringspoort or gravel across the scenic Swartberg Pass.

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Swartberg Pass in your own vehicle or book a tour with John's Donkey. John offers offers a variety of tours in his Ford Everest, including one into Gamkaskloof.

There are a number of festivals throughout the year.

The International Journey to Jazz in March/April

Gamka Klassiek Chamber Music event in May

Open Studios

Plaaskombuisfees in August

Kaleidoscope Classical Music event in August

Vino Camino in August

The Open Gardens weekend in September/October

The Landbouskou ~ Agricultural Show in October

Feeling energetic?

Take a stroll around the town.

Clamber up and along Gordon’s Koppie trail on the hill behind the town, no permit required.

Hike the Swartberg Pass day trails - be aware of the dangers of hiking when it’s too hot and too cold. The best months for hiking and cycling are April/May and September/October. Permits are required and you can get one from the Lazy Lizard in Prince Albert or from Cape Nature on-line.

Prince Albert

Prince Albert is an oasis in the Great Karoo where water from springs in the Swartberg mountains runs through the village in furrows, bringing gardens and orchards to life.

The first settlers arrived in 1762 and established a farm called Kweekvallei: Valley of Plenty. By 1845 a little village had sprung up, named after Queen Victoria's consort.

The town attracts visitors who come to experience the tranquility of Karoo living enhanced by comfortable accommodation, excellent restaurants and many unexpected attractions.

Please ask me for restaurant recommendations and here are a few of the local attractions:.

Indulge in an Awesome Massage, just a few steps away, across the garden, chat to Lynne-Marie to make a booking.

Schedule a visit to Gay’s Guernsey Dairy (7.00am - 4.00pm Mon - Fri. and mornings Saturday and Sunday)

Visit Moeder Aarde Karoo Shop (just behind ABSA) and take home a memory!

Fit in a trip to our excellent Fransie Pienaar Museum - voted best in the Western Cape in 2017, .

Pop into the Prince Albert Art Gallery and take a walk along our streets to admire our dustbins - each a work of art.

Saturday morning brings Market time - meet the locals and share the village atmosphere.

parkrun is held every Saturday, starting at the Odendal Stadium and following a route along a koppie with stunning views.

In our Library in Kerkstraat you can see the Heritage Quilt created for our 250th anniversary year and the Bookcase Quilt made for our annual Leesfees Book Festival. Both were created by our 'Patchwork Dolls' sewing group. Open on weekdays 09h00 - 17h00 (closed for lunch from 13h00-13h30)

If you plan to braai at home visit Karoo Slaghuis in Kerkstraat for Karoo lamb, buy your salad makings, potatoes or pap and all the extras from our well stocked SPAR supermarket, and drinks from one of the bottle stores.

A magical evening option is to stock up on snacks and a bottle of wine and head for the Serendipity upstairs balcony to watch a Karoo sunset - different every night! Then linger to see our sparkling night skies…

Go star-gazing with Night Sky Tours on Wolwekraal farm - our starscapes are magnificent.

Gardeners will find Renu-Karoo Nursery fascinating, they stock indigenous plants, including more than fifty types of pelargonium, native to the Swartberg Mountains.

There are wonderful drives in the district, along tar to Meiringspoort or gravel across the scenic Swartberg Pass.

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Swartberg Pass in your own vehicle or book a tour with John's Donkey. John offers offers a variety of tours in his Ford Everest, including one into Gamkaskloof.

There are a number of festivals throughout the year.

Feeling energetic?

Take a stroll around the town.

Clamber up and along Gordon’s Koppie trail on the hill behind the town, no permit required.

Hike the Swartberg Pass day trails - be aware of the dangers of hiking when it’s too hot and too cold. The best months for hiking and cycling are April/May and September/October. Permits are required and you can get one from the Lazy Lizard in Prince Albert or from Cape Nature on-line.

Time stands still in Prince Albert - come and enjoy the peace and quiet.