In 1762 Prince Albert's first permanent settlers, Zacharius and Dina de Beer, established a farm called Queekvallei. The water flowing from springs in the Zwartberg mountains was the life-blood of the farm and is still vital to the village's existence. 

In 1845 the governor gave the community permission to name their home after HRH Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. The village history is proudly celebrated in the local Fransie Pienaar Museum, one of the finest country museums in South Africa.

IN AND AROUND PRINCE ALBERT

Wander through the streets to admire the wide variety of architectural styles, including the Prince Albert gables, built by Carel Lotz between 1840 and 1860, unique to the district. 

The furrow system established in the 1880's still carries water past Alberts Mill, one of our historic buildings.

Karoo and Cape cottages and fine Victorian buildings house shops, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and the African Relish cookery school. On Saturday the locals sell their garden produce, cakes and bakes at a market next to the museum.

The pace of life is comfortably slow in Prince Albert. There is time to chat to the locals and soak up the peace.

The second smallest wine estate in the country Soet Karoo is in our main street, as is Karoo Looms, where you can see weavers at work. Further up the street visit Gay's Dairy, home to a prize winning Guernsey herd and delicious cheese.

Guided botanical nature walks are available with Renu-Karoo, or you can ramble along Gordon's Koppie looking down on the village below. 

A Karoo labyrinth has been established in the St John's church garden.

In the evening join the Story Weaver for a Ghost Walk or Astro Tours for their guided tour of the night skies. Once a fortnight, a film club entertains locals and visitors alike.

Aromatherapy and Thai foot massages are available. There is an internet café, gym, road-running, cycling and tennis clubs and a desert golf course.

Within short drives of the village you can explore olive and fig farms and taste wines at Bergwater Vineyards.

In the spring the Karoo blossoms as daisies and vygies appear in all their glory. The Tourism Association office in Kerkstraat can provide maps and general information.

WORLD HERITAGE SITE  

The world famous Swartberg Pass, completed in 1888, is on Prince Albert's doorstep. The spectacular dry-stone walled road threads its way through a World Heritage site which surrounds the secluded Gamkaskloof Valley, popularly known as "The Hell". 

A circular day drive can encompass the wonders of both the Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort and perhaps a visit to some of Oudtshoorn's attractions, including the Cango Caves.

The days drift past ... in Summer the air-conditioner at Amy's Place will ensure a cool haven, in Winter the stoep provides a warm suntrap. Whatever the season the welcome in Prince Albert and at Amy's Place will be just what you would expect of the hospitable Karoo.