Start your day afresh and take in a nature walk led by either ornithologist Dr Richard Dean or botanist Prof Sue Milton-Dean of Renu-Karoo, where you will discover the hidden life of the desert landscape including burrowing animals, dwarf succulents, past landscapes and cultures. You will never look at the Karoo veld with the same eyes. We will gladly make a booking for.
Visit Renu-Karoo Indigenous Nursery in the main street where they have a large range of Karoo plants, some really interestingly potted Karoo succulents and Olive trees, which make perfect gifts for your loved ones back home.
As you travel along the main street of our village you will see our very own Lotto Shop – where you will meet Blinde Piet who is our local piano tuner and one of the last remaining Kloowers – he is the most awe inspiring person that you will ever have had the opportunity of meeting, and hearing his story is mind blowing.
Sample award winning cheeses; Queen Vic, Prince Albert Regal and Prince Albert Royal at Gay’s Guernsey Dairy, located at the top end of the Main street, and if you may be fortunate enough to taste their delicious thick Guernsey cream, which is in such demand. A delight for the kiddies is watching the cows being brought in for milking, usually at about 15h00.
Visit Soet Karoo Wine Estate, the smallest and only wine estate in the main street of Prince Albert, where you are able to taste and purchase their lovely dessert wines which are made from grapes grown in their back garden.
Prince Albert is fortunate in having a strong source of water from the Swartberg which is the lifeblood of the village, and is one of the last Karoo villages which still has “working and running” Lei Water which is another wonderful and delightful attraction. Whilst walking around the village you will “hear the gurgling sound of the water” as it rushes down the furrows along the main street and many of the side streets.
Take a drive or scenic walk around the village taking in its Historical Route including 13 National Monuments, and which boast an assortment of historical architectural delights. Maps are available at the Tourism office or Museum.
Take a tour of the Fransie Pienaar Museum, which abounds with history of the village, its surrounds and also has a very interesting fossil display. Another “special” is they have the only licence to Stook Witblitz, which takes place annually during April, however they do have it sale for sale for those who are brave enough to taste this special tipple. Keep a look out for the local ghost who it is said floats in out of the various rooms.
A visit to Karoo Looms is an interesting experience, where you will be able to see the hand weavers at work whilst producing wonderful hand spun woven rugs made from Mohair and Wool, many of which are exported all over the world.
Don’t forget to visit the The Gallery in the Seven Arches building, which hosts numerous art exhibitions during the year and our Bi-Annual 30 x 40 Art Exhibition and Part Festival, usually held during August or September, as well as the new Kokkedoor Shop situated next to the Coffee shop at the Swartberg Hotel.
Whilst driving or walking around the village you will see many Artists’ houses as well as an array of wonderful shops filled with locally made crafts and other interesting “finds”, including our neighbour Hennie Boshoff who has created a Museum without walls – Villa Kruger. Should you wish to take a tour please make an appointment as he is very Private and there are times when they are not open.
When you need a moment to catch your breath, there are many interesting eateries catering for all; real home cooking, teas, scrumptious tarts and cakes topped with Gay’s cream, right through to those delightful cordon bleu style meals.
For those of you who have been following Kyknet’s Kookedoor series, you are sure to want to meet and experience Hendry Oliver’s Master Chef’s culinary fare at The Olive Branch.
If visiting on a Saturday do not miss out on the Saturday market in the Markie, where you will be able to sample food, refreshments, home- made preserves and jams, fresh vegetables and fruit, freshly baked bread as well as other local produce and craft, majority of which is “Proudly Prince Albert” made.
