Prince Albert's story from prehistory to today
	the Anglo-Boer War
	our Gold Rush
	building the Swartberg Pass
	"Witblits" still (right)
	historical walks with guide
	books on the history of the village and our architecture
	trained guides

Gay's Guernsey Dairy Gay van Hasselt  Tel: 023 5411 274 or  023 5411 538  Upper Kerkstraat

farm fresh milk, yoghurt, cream, amasi, feta & hard cheeses, fruit juices.

Prince Albert Walks and Stories with the Story Weaver- Story teller and registered tour guide Ailsa Tudhope  Tel: 023 5411 211     R50 per adult, R25 per school child  Booking essential The walks take us through the streets, along pavements and roads, so sensible shoes are needed.  All walks are taken at your own risk.

	The Ghost Walk is a gentle evening stroll (11/2 hours) around the streets of the village with stories about some of the characters who have lived here – and some of the ghosts who show no interest in ever leaving ...
	Historical Walks - meet some of the people who made Prince Albert what it is today - from Zacharius and Dina De Beer, who arrived in 1762, to Carel Lotz who created the Prince Albert Gables during the 1850's, to Dr Piet Luttig - a Boer War Rebel. See well-preserved examples of  Karoo cottages, Victorian homes and various National monuments. Ailsa brings the village of by-gone years back to life. Afternoons only.
	Prince Albert Stories - Ailsa can join you over a pre-dinner drink to tell you stories about the village, the Swartberg Pass, the Boer War and more.

 

Astro Tours:   Hans & Tilanie Daehne  +27(0)72 732 2950 or    +27(0)72 641 9657     e-mail: info@astrotours.co.za   www.astrotours.co.za

Join Astro Tours on a tour through the celestial splendour of the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy the celestial "Big Five" of our dark sky in the Great Karoo: the brightest star, the closest star, the largest globular cluster, the most beautiful open cluster and the closest galaxies.

 

Renu-Karoo Ecotourism and Environmental Education Services

Special environmental education tours arranged for school groups. Price R350 per hour.  Tel Sue 082 770 0206.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery near the southern Karoo desert village of Prince Albert and learn about the geology, botany, natural and cultural history of the area on a two hour guided nature walk  No dogs allowed in private nature reserve Charges 1-2 people R120 pp,  3-4 people R100 pp,  5-12 people R80 pp Tel. Sue Milton-Dean 082 770 0206 or Richard Dean 082 845 9588 e-mail renukaroo@gmail.com  lycium@telkomsa.net

Website www.renu-karoo.co.za

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Koekemakranka Tours

Explore the heartland and forgotten frontiers of the Karoo

Dr Brian Rademeyer and Dr Judy Maguire of Koekemakranka Tours offer tourists an in-depth exploration of the multi-layered history of the Karoo landscape, from its geological origins, evolution and rich fossil heritage to its gradual peopling with indigenous Khoisan and ultimate settlement by Trekboers. This process has created a vast theatre of memories with many relics, ruins and landmarks along the timeline and they attempt to include the very best examples available in their tour itineraries. Most of these are unknown – apart from academics – and are therefore not visited by the average tourist.  

Koekemakranka Tours offer an insight into the prehistory, history and cultural evolution of South Africa by visiting key landscapes, localities and heritage sites situated in the remote former heartland of the pastoralist Khoi and hunter-gatherer San or Bushmen in the vast semi-desert area of the Great Karoo.

Tours can be arranged for visitors to Prince Albert

Contact details:

Mobile Dr Brian Rademeyer: +27 (83) 442 5416

Mobile Dr Judy Maguire: +27 (76) 977 2308

Business Telephone: +27 (23) 541 1713

Business Fax #1: +27 (23) 541 1713

Facebook Name: Koekemakranka Tourism

email:   brian@koekemakrankatourism.com  
               

and       judy@koekemakrankatourism.com  

 

www.koekemakrankatourism.co.za

 

Bergwater Vineyards - Please note that Bergwater is now also open for wine tasting on Sundays from 10h00-15h00. Please call the office on 023 541-1703 to confirm your visit on a Sunday.

Their regular trading hours are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 08h00-16h30, Friday 08h00-16h00 and Saturday 10h00-15h00. 

Please contact us at 023 5411 703 or wine@bergwater.co.za

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Fernskloof  Wine Farm

Fernskloof Wine Farm is situated in the Prince Albert Valley . The farm has been home

to the Le Grange family for the past six generations.

The certified organic vineyards were reintroduced in 1995, after almost a century and consist of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz , Merlot, Pinotage & Chardonnay.  

We invite you to come and experience the fruit of our labour.  

Open Monday – Saturday, 09h00 – 17h00. By prior arrangement on Sunday.

Contact Diederik Le Grange  Tel. 023 541-1702

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SoetKaroo Wine Estate

Dessert wines grown, made and bottled on Herman & Susan's little village wine estate at 56 Kerkstraat - in the main road of Prince Albert!   Visitors are welcome to see the vineyard and cellar.

Open for tastings and sales

Monday to Saturday, 08h00 to 18h00 

Closed on Sundays

Exceptions by appointment only

Kindly contact Susan on 023 541-1768  

  click here for photographs and more information

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Swartrivier Olive Farm -  5kms out of Prince Albert on the Kruidfontein Road (turn at the Prince Albert Golf Club).  Tel: 023 5411 917

Jan & Annalien Bothma harvest 50 - 80 tons of olives per year from 3000 trees - Manzanilla & Mission for processing and Leccino for oil. Tours and tasting by prior arrangement.   Click here for photographs, information on olives and sales

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Kredouw Olive Farm 25kms from Prince Albert on the R407 towards Klaarstroom Home of Karoo Virgin Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  

Situated at the foot of the Kredouw Pass in the picturesque Prince Albert Valley, Kredouw Olive Farm now boasts an olive press for the processing of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. This oil is extracted from a selection of five varieties of handpicked Italian Olives, grown on the farm, and blended to achieve a unique flavour.  The farm shop sells olive oil and products as well as almonds and other farm products and has a viewing window of the press, visitors are welcome to see the operation first hand.  Olive picking and pressing takes place from the end of March to the end of May. Please contact us on Tel:  023 5411 105 / 023 5411 663 or admin@kredouwfarm.com.  Visit our website at www.kredouwfarm.com

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Seven Arches a 19th century building which houses the Prince Albert Gallery, a restaurant and several  shops.  photo from pa images, a CD available  at shops in the village

Prince Albert Gallery - in Seven Arches, across the road from the Museum, Kerkstraat. 023 5411 062; after hours: 082 749 2128

	Regular exhibitions by South African artists, sculptors, ceramicists and photographers
	Prince Albert artists, potters and photographers exhibit their work.
	Open Tuesday - Friday 9h30 - 12h30 & Saturdays 9h00 - 12h00

Karoo Looms Prince Albert's Weavery Visit the weavery and experience the fascinating age-old craft of hand weaving.  Here you will find ladies carding, spinning, hand dying, and weaving beautiful top quality rugs. 55 Church Street Tel: 023 5411363 082 8194851 info@karooweavery.co.za

Miller's CafE: Big Ideas & simple Food Christina de Wit Street ,   Prince Albert Tel: 0724056295

	Conversations, or quiet reflection (you can also make use of our sand tray for this). If you need to sit quietly and think, we will not disturb you, or chase you away to make space for other customers.
	Special social or family gatherings. Miller’s can be booked for your particular gathering and we will help you create a special occasion.
	As the headquarters of TEDx PrinceAlbert, a conference to be run on the 1st and 2nd September 2012 in which we will explore  the theme of  Thriving Systems – Beneath (our conscious and unconscious minds), Between (our relationships with others) and Beyond (our interactions with our environment), Miller's is a meeting place for planning and organising.
	You will be able to use our small reference library of books and articles that help to stimulate ideas. We will scan the media to find articles that are relevant to ideas of living more sustainably and make them available.
	All tips go towards supporting local initiatives designed to empower people in a sustainable way, particularly the development of more local food gardens.
	Everyone has the opportunity to share their ideas with others, either by writing them down, or by talking about them.
	As proprietors and hosts, we will actively try to implement the ideas we talk about.

The Karoo Labyrinth in the garden at  St John the Baptist Church  in Bank Street.   You are most welcome to walk the Karoo Labyrinth at St John's and spend some time in contemplation and prayer. The Karoo labyrinth is unique to Prince Albert and has been constructed from local materials and indigenous plants. The path is defined by stones and weaves its way from the Church door towards a tree which provides shade for quiet contemplation and prayer. The Celtic Christian symbols of Earth, Air, Water and Fire all feature in the labyrinth.

The Lazy Lizard open daily  Upper Kerkstraat   Tel: 023 5411 379   photo from pa images, a CD available  at shops in the village

The Lazy Lizard offers breakfast, coffee and cakes and delicious light lunches.

ALSO: herbal products, collectables, art, delectable edibles AND an INTERNET CAFE. Juan is a computer expert, so consult him for all your computer needs. 

You can keep up with your GYM sessions and YOGA at the Lazy Lizard Gym

Lazy Lizard Gym

For further information contact Juan or Karyn on 

023 541-1379.

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Ria and Lindsay will show you round Dennehof, the oldest farmhouse in the village and tell you about its history, its rescue, renovation and declaration as a National Monument.

Dennehof Tours   Lindsay Steyn  Cell: 082 456 8848    Tel 023 5411 227 lindsay@dennehof.co.za

Guided tours by Accredited Tour guide. Day trips up the Swartberg mountains and into the lost valley of "The Hel"

	Hiking in the Swartberg Pass - Lindsay drives you up, you hike down and he collects you.
	Cycling in the Swartberg Pass - up and down ... or just down!
	Dennehof Tours now offer as part of the normal tours, " Motor Bike recovery service " & transport to anywhere in SA.  We can take two large bikes at a time on a special bike trailer.  Very reasonable rates apply.

John's Donkey

Let John share his passion and love of the Karoo with you.

John's Donkey will take you on a day trip to any of the following destinations:

John is an accredited tour guide for the Central Karoo   Join us for a 2 day all-inclusive  package with accommodation   at  Bougain-Villa     and a John's Donkey adventure.    click here for details.

The dizzying heights of the Swartberg Pass Down into the depths of "Die Hel". Meiringspoort with its amazing geological formations Gamkapoort Dam Cango Caves Matjiesrivier Valley , in fact any local destination which appeals!  Please phone John  for details Tel: 023 5411 659 Cell:  082 575 5133 click here for more information

The Alberts Mill where flour was milled for more than 100 years... photo from pa images, a CD available  at shops in the village

Drive out along Christina de Wit Street towards the mountains and you will see the Mill on your left hand side, opposite Miller's Restaurant. The restored wheel and over-shoot launder can be seen.  More information on the Mill at the Fransie Pienaar Museum.

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LA VIDA BEAUTY SPA

LA VIDA BEAUTY SPA (Spanish inspiration for "Life")  is situated on the farm Kelby-Creek which has the most beautiful Karoo views. Follow the Zeekoeigat gravel road 4km out of town and on your right you will see the entrance. LA VIDA BEAUTY SPA offers you a wide range of treatments from waxing to massages to specialised facials and IPL treatments, etc. TheraVine skin and body products make your Spa experience even more luxurious. Open from Monday to Saturday by appointment only. Therapist:  Wida-mari Tel:  082-474-0747 Fax:  086-723-8568 Mail: lavidabeauty@webmail.co.za

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Massage and BodyTalk  To make an appointment, contact:  Erica Phaal (CBP) @ HEALTH HAVEN 35 Klip Street Prince Albert   Tel: 023 5411857   Cell: 084 7728306

	Enjoy a MASSAGE from the HEART Relax BODY and MIND: Reduce stiffness, pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. Remove toxins and improve circulation Relieve Stress Rejuvenate the skin R E S T O R A T I O N in motion using a special lotion of vegetable based cream, olive, grapeseed, jojoba & essential oils.
	Experience the Simplicity , Ease, and Effectiveness of The BodyTalk System, a well-established system of health care. Its power is based on increasing the levels of communication within the body, stimulating the body's own ability to regain and maintain a healthy balance. BodyTalk is non-invasive, completely safe and has seen excellent results. Visit www.bodytalksystem.com for further info.

Call me for more information or an appointment. Karen Miller 083 664 2200 12 Mark Street Prince Albert

Hire a  mountain bike at

	The National Garage Tel: 023 5411 797 at the North entrance to town
	Dennehof Guest House, Ria and Lindsay Steyn, Tel 023 5411 227 - Lindsay also organises mountain bike trips through the Swartberg Pass

Bushman Valley   Tel: 023 5411 322  or  044 382 6805  or 082 452 8134  www.bushmanvalley.com
Bushman Valley is in the Swartberg Private Nature Reserve, which stretches from the area south of Prince Albert up to Tweedewater in the Swartberg Pass.
take a hike past Bushman shelters to the Ein Gedi waterfall (fountain of small bucks)  1 hour there and back hike into the entrance of the Swartberg Pass view indigenous plants, many used by the Bushmen for food and medicine picnic and braai sites are available cottages and log cabin available camping and caravan sites have been laid out below towering cliff faces the lodge provides facilities for learning about the Bushmen and a shop (souvenirs and refreshments) NO PETS ALLOWED

photo from pa images, a CD available  at shops in the village

Hiking in the area Tourism Association Office  023 5411 366

	you can do the "koppie" trail on the hill behind the village (no permit required). The path starts at the top of Cromwell Street and ends in Klipstreet. Wear a hat, sturdy shoes or boots and carry some water. Wonderful views of the village and the Karoo.
	Bushman Valley has seven trails which include fossils, riverine bush, view of Prince Albert from the mountain top, dry waterfall, Bushman shelters, Bushman museum, etc. Tel: 023 5411 322
	The Sam de Beer 4x4 trails suit hikers too - click here for more details
	You can hike from Weltevrede farm over the Swartberg into Gamkaskloof with a guide - click here for more information
	Head into the Swartberg Pass with Lindsey of Dennehof  Tours. He'll drop you off at the start of a 9km or 18km hike, leave beers cooling for you in the river and pick you up when you finish the trail! Lindsay Steyn Cell: 082 456 8848   Tel 023 5411 227. Click here for more information
	3 day hike into Gamkaskloof - "To Hell and Back" - contact Dick Billiet 023 5411 267

SWARTBERG NATURE RESERVE: DAY HIKES, OVERNIGHT HIKING TRAILS AND 4X4 ROUTE

Sam de Beer 4x 4 trails - ideal for hikers too! Tel: 023 5411 322 

The Sam de Beer 4x4 trail starts opposite the road to Scholtzkloof, an information sheet and prices are available from Bushman Valley - 023 5411 322.  There are three ecologically different trails:

	Circular route (5km) - includes a bad lands clay pit
	Mountain route (4km) with stunning views
	Bain's road bush route (5km) with an exciting diversion

Enjoy the wide variety of plants including numerous succulents; game and bird viewing; see the historical ruins of Sam de Beer's house and farm walls built in the early 1800's, swim in the concrete dam.

A permit and the key for entrance to the route are available at Bushman Valley - 023 5411 322. 

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Renu-Karoo Nursery and Nursery Shop

Open 7.00-16.00 weekdays.

Indigenous seed for Karoo veld restoration

Specialist assessment of Karoo veld for grazing

Indigenous Karoo succulents, shrubs, trees for gardens

Herbs and compost  

 

OR visit our 

 

Nursery shop: Corner of Kerk and Van Dyk Streets, Prince Albert

 

Contact Information 

Tel / Fax *27 (0) 23 5411828

Mobile (27) 082 7700206

PO Box 47 , Prince Albert , South Africa , 6930

RENU-KAROO VELD RESTORATION cc 1998/068599/23

Cape Nature Flora Seller Registration 241-01300

Electronic mail

General Information: renukaroo@gmail.com

                          renukaroo@telkomsa.net

Private Nature Reserve and farm nursery 1.2 km north of Prince Albert as indicated on the map.

Click here to read about our Ecotour guided walks

Karoo plants also available from True-karoo, 67 Kerkstraat, 

Open Saturdays Tel 023 541-1813

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The Prince Albert Garden Club holds regular meetings and visitors are most welcome. The club hosts guest speakers and makes outings to neighbouring farms and nature reserves. 

Please contact Sue Goosen suegoosen@yahoo.com or Linda Jaquet 023 5411480 lkjaquet@mweb.co.za  for details.

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Fossilised reptile footprints - viewing by special arrangement with Paul Miller Tel: 02082 and ask for 1631

see where prehistoric reptiles roamed when the Karoo was a great inland sea

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Swartberg Hotel

 

Tel: 023 5411 332       e-mail: hotel@swartberg.co.za  

 

website: www.swartberg.co.za

 

Conference facilities including catering.

 

 

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