DISCOVER PRINCE ALBERT, THE JEWEL OF THE KAROO

Prince Albert is a delightful, historic town in the Great Karoo of the Western Cape in South Africa.

Prince Albert lies at the foot of the awe-inspiring Swartberg Pass. The town offers wide open spaces to hike and bike, crisp, clear air, star-filled skies and quiet to restore your soul. Through the Prince Albert Tourism Association, visitors can discover beautifully preserved Victorian, Karoo, Cape Dutch and uniquely gabled buildings. The town is home to artists and crafters, purveyors of fresh produce and good food, as well as the friendliest people in the Karoo.

Prince Albert is on the Swartberg Circle Route® linking the Great Karoo to the Klein Karoo. Drive the Meiringspoort with its soaring cliffs and astounding rock formations. The Swartberg Pass is a national monument and provides travellers with spectacular views and an experience never to be forgotten.

The region also includes the village of Klaarstroom, the hamlet of Seekoegat and the small town of Leeu-Gamka.

Where to Stay

Prince Albert Tourism offers a travel and accommodation portal catering to the needs of travelers who want a distinct, authentic and unforgettable experience in our region.

GUESTHOUSE and B&B

SELF CATERING

HOTEL

FARM STAY

CAMPING

Food and Dining

Prince Albert offers visitors a wide range of food experiences emphasising the joys of homegrown produce.

The town is surrounded by farms and the renowned veggie patches of several residents, making it the ideal place to enjoy fresh and quality farm-to-table cuisine at local eateries.

Planning to self cater for the weekend, then make the most of Prince Albert’s soul food by visiting the many delectable delis. Stock up on local specialities that will make your stoep-sit kuier or braai social a true Karoo culinary experience.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

COFFEE SHOPS & CAFES

BAKERIES

DELIS & DAIRY

TAKE AWAYS

What to do

Whether you come to Prince Albert to work or play, the variety of activities continue to grow.

Prince Albert is a haven for artists, drawn by its long shadows and honey-colored light, with many showcasing their work in galleries around town. The surrounding mountain passes and farm roads invite adventure, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, trail running, and cycling. Our knowledgeable tour guides bring the area to life, sharing insights into the region’s unique succulents and fynbos, its rich history, ghostly legends, and thriving olive industry.

In the Karoo, we understand the importance of staying hydrated, so don’t be shy to ask a local for the best sundowner spots—whether it’s along the Weltevrede road or “Skaapieseinde,” you’re guaranteed a breathtaking golden-hour experience. Seasonal delights like citrus fruit, apricots, figs, and other fresh produce can be found at the Saturday market, alongside olives, fresh-baked bread, kudu salami, artisanal cheeses, and the finest Karoo lamb – perfect for a picnic or a hearty meal.

Prince Albert is also part of South Africa’s renowned mohair-producing region and home to champion Angora goat breeders. A visit to the local weavers or mohair shops offers the chance to take home beautifully crafted products, celebrating the timeless elegance of this exquisite fiber.

SPORTS & ADVENTURE

TOURS

ARTS & CULTURE

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

HEALTH, WELLBEING & BEAUTY

Swartberg Pass

Experience & explore the Swartberg Pass’s unrivaled natural beauty.

An iconic mountain pass that has found its way onto the bucket list of many an international traveler. The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1 585 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breath-taking views at every turn and geological formations that shout, ‘plate tectonics’! The road is supported in places by hand-packed dry- stone retaining walls, a trademark of brilliant road engineer Thomas Charles Bain. Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. Often covered with snow in winter, the mountain’s unique micro-climate supports fynbos and a rich bird life in contrast with the arid zone flora and fauna outside its cool shady kloofs. The Swartberg Pass was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in its Centenary year, 1988.

Shopping

Retail therapy that is as unique and quirky as Prince Albert itself, emphasising handmade and locally lekker.

Whether antiques, clothing, jewellery, art, homeware, plants, or just your staple groceries, we have you covered. Meander the streets of Prince Albert and discover shopping delights to suit every whim and want. Spoil yourself with gorgeous apparel or pampering body products made from local botanicals. Hand crafted is our mantra, whether knitted children’s toys, ostrich shell inlay wine coolers, found objects bull horns, hand-spun mohair carpets, table runners printed with our endemic succulent range, all these and more await. Looking for a special piece from yesteryear, a perfect artwork to adorn your wall space, unique handmade jewellery to adorn yourself, or accessories to adorn your four-legged friends, our galleries and shops are at your service, happy shopping.