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KAROO LODGE
Bed & Breakfast, Prince Albert, South Africa
THE LOCATION OF PRINCE ALBERT
Prince Albert is situated only 44 kms off the main N1 highway in an easterly direction on the Prince Albert Road (R407). Prince Albert is considered the gateway to the breathtaking Swartberg Mountains, the famed Swartberg Pass, the sun-drenched Karoo Plains and the temperate regions of the Garden Route.
The serene beauty of the vast Karoo plains and the magnificent mountain formations remain unequalled as you wind your way to this picturesque and very interesting town. Prince Albert is a "must do" on anyone's itinerary and can be easily accessed from the Garden Route (N2), Route62 or the highway (N1).
Strategically positioned, Prince Albert remains the most ideal base from where you can explore the marvels of this most unique and interesting region in South Africa.
THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ALBERT
It is well documented that Bushmen were the earliest inhabitants of Prince Albert as relics and remains of the Bushmen culture are evident throughout the region e.g. Bushmen rock paintings.
The town of Prince Albert lies on one of the first "loan farms" which was made available in 1762 in the district. The original loan farm on which Prince Albert is now established was allocated to Zacharias De Beer who established fruit orchards, vineyards and wheat fields in the fertile soil of the region. With an abundance of water, crops were bountiful and soon the "farm" became a stopover for travellers and explorers needing refreshment and a resting place during their long treks through the mountains and plains of the Karoo.
A Dutch Reformed Church parish was established in the town during 1842 when Prince Albert was known as Albertsberg. Legend has it that the village was officially named Prince Albert, in honour of Queen Victoria's husband.
There are in the region of 17 historical buildings, amongst these the Dutch Reformed Church and Hall, the Albert's Mill and the Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage. These have received National Monument status, thus preserving the heritage and fine architecture of Prince Albert.
THE PEOPLE OF PRINCE ALBERT
The folk of Prince Albert are renowned for their warm Karoo hospitality and kindness. The residents of the town delight in sharing anecdotes and history of the town and its people. Spend a day strolling the village streets on a guided tour, or at your leisure, and you are bound to bump into a local who will eagerly share the town's interesting history and happenings.
THE SHOPS OF PRINCE ALBERT
There are several appealing and unique little shops to be found on Church Street and just off Church Street. Prince Albert is known for the finest mohair and hand woven pure wool garments, blankets and carpets. You will are sure to find an item to suit your pocket!
The local Guernsey dairy supplies the town with delicious home-made cheeses, fresh yoghurt, milk and cream.
Buy fresh local produce, jams, preserves, olives, olive oil, sundried figs and much more at the local market held every Saturday.
There is also a well-stocked pharmacy in the village.
Don't forget to pack in extra batteries for your camera, for the many photo opportunities in and around Prince Albert.
SUGGESTED DAY TRIPS FROM PRINCE ALBERT
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Round-trip to the Cango Caves, Oberholtzer Dam Waterfall, Wine Estates and back to Karoo Lodge
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Karoo National Park
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Prince Albert, Prince Albert Valley, Karoo National Park, Kruitfontein and back to Karoo Lodge
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''Die Hel" - Gamkaskloof - experience the beauty and solitude and cover the many hiking trails which the Pioneers carved in the valley
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Klaarstroom, the majestic Meiringspoort, De Rust and back to Karoo Lodge via the splendid Swartberg Pass
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Take along a picnic basket packed for you by Karoo Lodge and drive out to the Weltevreden Valley for an unsurpassed sunset
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Drive out early morning to the Kredouw Pass and see a magnificent sunrise whilst you enjoy an early morning cup of coffee and home-baked rusks packed for you by Karoo Lodge. A truly unforgettable experience!
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