Prince Albert Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Prince Albert

• Anysberg Nature Reserve
• Bontebok National Park
• Marloth Nature Reserve
• Meiringspoort
• Swartberg Pass
• Beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings - 13 of which are National Monuments
• Prince Albert is known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots
• Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and cheese are local delicacies
• Every April the Prince Albert Olive Festival is being held
• Guided historical walk through the town
• Ramble along the "Gordon's koppie"
• Star tours
• Trips into the Swartberg Pass
• Prince Albert Gallery
• Fransie Pienaar Museum
• Hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, birding and bird-watching are major attractions
• Prince Albert is well situated for overnight stops from Gauteng, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
• Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and the Karoo National Park are an hour's drive away from Prince Albert

Distance to Airport: 163 km

Introducing Prince Albert

The delightful town of Prince Albert in the Western Cape, South Africa, lies on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, nestling under the majestic Swartberg mountains. Oudtshoorn is situated on the other side of the Swartberg mountain range, with Gamkaskloof within the mountain range. The road across the Swartberg mountain range to Oudtshoorn allows for lovely scenery. Prince Albert was founded in 1762 on the loan farm De Queek Vallei with Zacharias De Beer as its first incumbent.

Originally known as Albertsburg, when it obtained municipal status in 1845 it was renamed Prince Albert in honour of Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Prince Albert is subject to extremely high temperatures in summer and comfortable conditions during winter.  Summer and winter blends into one another, leaving only a few days for spring and autumn. Prince Albert dry heat leaves no moisture in the air making it an ideal place for hunting. This dry heat easily reaches 40° Celsius in the summer with an average of 17° in the winter months.

The village is a small gem, with beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings - 13 of which are National Monuments. Prince Albert is known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots. In the Prince Albert Valley, to the south of the village, farmers have restored vineyards last farmed in the 19th century. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and cheese are local delicacies.Every April the Prince Albert Olive Festival is being held when the village entertains crowds of visitors to a street market, delicious food, music, an art exhibition, open homes and gardens, competitions, a half marathon, cycle race and lots more.

Just 2kms from the foot of the Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert is the perfect base for exploring all the wonders of the Swartberg including Gamkaskloof - "the Hell" and Meiringspoort. Activities for visitors include a guided historical walk through the town, a ramble along the "Gordon's koppie",  a ghost walk in the evening, star tours,  trips into the Swartberg Pass, a visit to the Prince Albert Gallery, where numerous South African artists display their work, local shops, the weavery,  traditional Karoo meals, and a visit to the delightful Fransie Pienaar Museum where a local farmer distills "Witblits".

Hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, birding and bird- watching are major attractions. Prince Albert is well situated for overnight stops from Gauteng, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route resorts and beaches lie a two hour drive to the south. Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and the Karoo National Park are just an hour's drive away.