Prince Albert
"The nothingness (die niks), the wide open spaces and the deafening stillness... balm to the soul at sunset." This is the magic of Prince Albert at the gateway to the Great Karoo.
The Karoo (from the Khoi word Karusa meaning 'dry arid place') is a vast area of South Africa comprised of various unique biome regions of which the Great Karoo is the largest. The Swartberg Mountain range is a World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, boasting the greatest number of plant species, particularly fynbos, in the world. Prince Albert is a delightful, historic Victorian village situated at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range and is blessed with a perennial water supply which belies the reputation of this arid region.
The climate is superb with an extremely high sunshine index, spectacular night skies and pure clean air. The village is a well preserved gem, with water furrows and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings - thirteen of which are listed National Monuments and there are a further five in the district, including the Swartberg Pass and Gamkaskloof (The Hell). The village has undergone a recent growth spurt and is fast becoming a much sought after tourist destination.
Prince Albert is renowned for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, particularly apricots and figs. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and home-made cheeses are other delicious local delicacies to entice visitors. Prince Albert is at the centre of the mohair producing region of South Africa and boasts being home to champion breeders of Angora goats. The village has wonderful mohair products on sale for chilly winters and colourful summers. The region is emerging as a quality wine producing area and has been incorporated into the Klein Karoo Wine Route. Prince Albert has one of the oldest and last remaining working watermills in South Africa.
User reviews
View all user reviewsAverage user rating from: 6 user(s)
Reviewed by africanrelish September 29, 2011
Karoo culinary experience
Prince Albert can easily be called a pioneer in culinary tourism. The town and surroundings offer numerous food products olives, olive oil, the Guernsey dairy and award winning cheeses, figs and orchards, Spanish style cured ham,lamb, vineyards and wines, locally distilled witblits, heirloom vegetables and more. The Saturday morning market is delicious. Visitors and residents enjoy these local ingredients whether themselves, or in the towns restaurants and recreational cooking school. There is an emphasis on cultural heritage. The ancient landscape, unique vegetation, archaeology and astronomy highlight this haven in the Karoo.
Prince Albert - you may never want to leave
Prince Albert quite simply gets under your skin - the landscape, the light, the colours.............after 15 years I still see the magic working on tired stressed out city travellers who sometimes even become residents. You can't help but unwind, relax and simply succumb to the magic.
Destination Prince Albert For SURE
Sandwiched as we are between 'Dorp van die jaar' De Rust and the wonderful Prince Albert means I count my lucky chickens (or some such) every morning. For its size, PA has an extraordinary number of good people, restaurants, listed architectural gems, covetable canvasses in its art gallery and, of course, champagne air and uncountable stars. If courses are the new black, stylish PA has cooking, painting, photography, life-drawing and more. For locals, the produce, dairy products, witblitz and wine keep us all fat and sassy and I know visitors love PA because so many of us end up living here!
Prince Albert Review
Prince Albert is truly one of the most special places that I have ever visited. There is no end to the culture and beauty, and every time I leave I feel like I have experienced a little bit of magic. I love Gay's Diary, the Art Gallery and the awesome African Relish Culinary School.
foodies heaven
Spent a few weekends giving classes in African Relish. I love the place it is a foodies heaven. Good restaurant, good wine and very friendly people.
