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Prince Albert

what to do

tel: +27 (0)23 5411 366  fax: +27 (0)23 5411 788  e-mail: princealberttourism@intekom.co.za

We offer lots of special experiences - including a wander round the Museum, star-gazing, 

 a Ghost Walk, cheese, olive & wine tasting ...

Click to find out more  i

Museum       Cheese making and dairy tour

Go on  Ghost Walk

Star-gazing with Astro Tours

Take a stroll through Prince Albert's history

Wine tasting: Bergwater          Wine tasting: SoetKaroo

Swartrivier Olive Farm                Kredouw Olive Farm

African Relish cookery school

Indigenous plants for sale

Prince Albert Gallery    

"Art at Sunset / Under the full Moon" tours 

Carpet weaving                     Internet cafe 

Gym         Tennis        

Massage and BodyTalk

Saturday Market      The Karoo Labyrinth

Dennehof          Dennehof Tours

Swartberg Tours

John's Donkey

fossilised reptile footprints

Bushman Valley

hiking in the area     4x4 route         visit our farms       

hire a bicycle             Albert's Mill           scenic drives

What's on stage at the Jans Rautenbach Schouwburg?

conference facilities

Fransie Pienaar Museum Tel 023 5411 172  

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

For more about the Museum click here

R10 per adult and R2.00 per child - children must be accompanied by an adult

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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. 

WEEKDAYS: 07:00 to 09:00;  10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 18:00

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS:  07:00 to 10:00 and 16:30 to 18:00

Guided tours and school groups by arrangement, please telephone Gay. 

Click here for photographs and more information

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Prince Albert Walks and Stories with the Story Weaver- Storyteller and accredited tour guide Ailsa Tudhope 

Tel: 023 5411 211    

R40 per adult, R20 per school child  Booking essential

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.

visit The Story Weaver website at www.storyweaver.co.za

or click here

 

prince albert images 

a cd of Prince Albert memories

with more than 120 photographs, interesting 

facts and stories about the village

available from the Tourism Bureau  

for just R70

visit the digital sa webpage 

 

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Astro Tours:  

Hans & Tilanie Daehne 

+27(0)72 732 2950 or 

 

+27(0)72 641 9657  

 

e-mail: astrarea@absamail.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.

Hans and Tilanie will be available for stargazing in Prince Albert on 15, 16, 22 and 23 January 2010. For bookings please call Tilanie on 072 732 2950.

click here for more details

 

Bergwater Vineyards - wine tasting and sales at the vineyard in the Prince Albert Valley. Monday to Friday 09h00 to 16h30 and Saturday 10h00 to 14h00.  Please contact us at 023 5411 703 or wine@bergwater.co.za

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SoetKaroo Wine Estate

Dessert wines grown, made and bottled on Herman & Susan's little village farm at 56 Kerkstraat - in the main road of Prince Albert!   Visitors are welcome to see the vineyard and cellar, tasting and sales from 8h30-17h00.  Closed on Sundays.  

Tel: 023 5411768  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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Wolskuur Spinners  

55 Kerkstraat         

Tel: 023 5411 363/434 

photo from pa images, a CD available 

at shops in the village

 

for 100% mohair hand-woven carpets, jerseys, mohair blankets and products. Visit our shop in Kerk Street where we also sell handcrafted African felt wall-hangings, embroidered cotton nighties, cotton rugs and jewelery. Our mohair carpets are produced in Prince Albert and can be shipped world-wide. Click here for photographs and more information

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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

Click here for photographs and more information

Karoo Art - local scenes by local artists in the foyer of the Swartberg Hotel

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"Art at Sunset / Under the full Moon" tours at Villa Kruger

The artist Hennie Boshoff  offers guided "Art at Sunset / Under the full moon" tours at Villa Kruger on certain dates, normally at full moon.  Tickets are always available at the Tourism Office at R50 pp.  For further information, Hennie Boshoff can be contacted on telephone 083 267 2436   or e-mail villakruger@azazel.com or visit their website on www.azazel.com/villakruger.

Villa Kruger, on a koppie overlooking the town, is a treasure trove of provocative artworks... by the world's leading artists, sculptors, calligraphers and more. It is both an art house and sculpture garden and also home to Genius Locum, Hennie Boshoff, and sculptor/artist Rossetta Woolf.
 
It’s a most extraordinary living museum of collaborative arts projects that should not be missed. For example, standing commandingly at the front gate, is the huge sculpture "Le Diable" by famous Rumanian sculptor Nicolas Fleissig. Carved exquisitely from unyielding granite the piece weighs over four tons and is a wonderful example of Cubist art.
 
Gifted French sculptor, Laurent Belloni, has two pieces on display; "Le Fou" a 2m bronze work and "Le Batteleur" a 3m resin sculpture. Further in is a mixed media piece from Woolf and Boshoff's "Doors Period" and covering the whole western façade of the house is the mural "Heaven & Hell" by Vulindlela Art & Design.
 
The back garden is bejewelled with a myriad mirrored surfaces and suspended crystals. Painted ostrich eggs clink companionably against CDs and beaded strings send prisms across pathways as you wend your way between fascinating sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, mosaics and more
 
Boshoff has brought back with him from years of exile abroad a unique collection of artworks. And these he generously showcases in a "visionary environment" to friends, art connoisseurs, tourists and indeed anyone who appreciates the gift of original art.

Boshoff himself conducts the Tours which are about 90 minutes and include a glass of wine under the full moon... all for just R50 / person.

Numbers are restricted to just 12 persons on each tour.

Click here for the dates of the next tours

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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 symbols of Earth, Air, Water and Fire all feature in the labyrinth.  

Visit www.storyweaver.co.za/labyrinth.htm for more information.

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The Prince Albert Tennis Club

Tennis has been a part of Prince Albert sporting and social life for well over 100 years, and is still played today on the same grounds that were purchased by the merchant James Forsyth for this purpose from Dr Pieter Luttig during or soon after the year 1902.

Join members of the Prince Albert Tennis Club every Saturday for a game of social tennis.  The key to the tennis courts is available at the Tourism Office at R20 per person for play during the week.  Please note that no play is allowed on Sundays.  Click here for upcoming tournaments.

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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 CAFÉ. 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

African Relish 34 Church Street Prince Albert 

virna@africanrelish.com   jeremy@africanrelish.com

An exciting new tourism development in Prince Albert is the establishment of African Relish, a cooking school aimed at the international and local traveller who is looking for something different. Tourists can participate in hands-on interactive cooking experiences, while learning about South African food and culture and the beautiful Karoo. 

The African Relish Restaurant is open for dinner from Wednesday through to Sunday evenings from 19h00.  They also open the restaurant for small groups or to host special functions on request.  Booking is essential, please contact Virna Gouws on 023 541-1381The African Relish Restaurant is fully licensed and offers an wine list with some unusual boutique wines as well as local and Klein Karoo wines.  Major credit cards are accepted (Visa and Mastercard)

For more details visit www.africanrelish.com

Dennehof  Ria and Lindsay Steyn Tel 023 5411 227

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.

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Dennehof Tours  

Lindsay Steyn 

Cell: 082 456 8848   

Tel 023 5411 227

 

Lindsay is an accredited tour guide for the Western and Eastern Cape and offers trips throughout the district in an air-conditioned micro-bus. View the magnificent Swartberg Pass and visit Gamkaskloof. He also arranges private and customised tours - go to Dennehof  Tours for more information.

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.

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Swartberg Tours & Travel

Accredited National Tourist Guides, Heinrich & Morné Hinkman offer the following guided tours:  Swartberg Pass, Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), Meiringspoort, Central Karoo, Garden Route, Route 62 as well as farm and township tours in Prince Albert.

Tel:  078 287 9210 or 072 136 1407

 

John's Donkey

Let John share his passion and love of the Karoo with you.  John's donkey will take you to the dizzying heights of the Swartberg Pass or down into the depths of "Die Hel".  Transport to other centers also available on request.

 

 

Contact John Claassen's on Tel.  082 575 5133

click here for more infomation

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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Massage and BodyTalk 

To make an appointment, contact: 

Erica Phaal (CBP) @ HEALTH HAVEN

7 Mark St  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.

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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

pedal round the village or head for the Swartberg Pass

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Bushman Valley  Tel: 023 5411 322 or  044 382 6805 or 082 452 8134  www.uys.com/bushmanvalley

Bushman's 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

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)

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. 
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
contact the Nature Conservation office in Oudtshoorn for details on the five day hiking trail in the Swartberg Pass tel: 044 279 1739, fax: 044 272 8110. 
3 day hike into Gamkaskloof - "To Hell and Back" - contact Dick Billiet 023 5411 267

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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 the Tourism Office and the National Garage in Prince Albert. 

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Renu-Karoo

Open 7.00-16.00 weekdays; Saturday at “markie”

Indigenous seed for Karoo veld restoration

Specialist assessment of Karoo veld for grazing

Indigenous Karoo succulents, shrubs, trees for gardens

Herbs and compost

CONTACT

Sue Milton-Dean and Richard Dean

Tel 023 541-1828, Cell 082 770 0206; 082 845 9588
e-mail renukaroo@gmail.com; Website 
www.renu-karoo.co.za

 

Karoo plants also available from True-karoo, 67 Kerkstraat, Open Saturdays Tel 023 541-1813

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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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