Travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town and you will pass through the Great Karoo. Just about midway, set within the Groot Karoo, you will find the charming village of Prince Albert.
Instead of zooming along the N1 Highway direct to your next destination, the Karoo experience offers the curious traveler a menu of vast open landscapes topped by clear blue skies, and shimmering mountain peaks.
Explore down dusty back roads and mountain passes interspersed by rolling farmlands and you will discover one of the few places left in the world where there remains pure stillness and peace broken only by the shy indigenous wildlife who survive off its arid landscapes.
This is a land both harsh and beautiful and yet so rich in history, culture and natural wildlife where in just one day you can experience the Big 5, scuba dive off the Garden Route coast, visit cultural villages and ostrich farms and settle into 4-star luxury at De Bergkant Lodge. But please remember to go slow so you don’t run over our Leopard tortoises who can often be seen crossing the road.
Don’t Miss:
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The local Prince Albert Market which takes place every Saturday on Church Street, is a five minute stroll from De Bergkant Lodge, where you can buy freshly baked home produce to take with you for a lunchtime picnic should you find yourself off to explore the infamous "Die Hel"; or if you are one of the many adventurers who come to explore and challenge the mountain peaks of the Swartberg Pass
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Cycle enthusiasts flock to the Great Karoo because of its expansiveness coupled with its many mountain challenges. There are three highlights on the cycling calendar which you may want to make note of, namely the Meiringspoort 21.1 km and 12.5 km cycle which takes place 10 October 2020. Visit www.meiringspoort21.co.za to learn more
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The Cape Classic Bike Race take place from 6 – 8 November 2020. Visit www.capeclassic.info to book your place in the race
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For die-hard cyclists, the Cape Pioneer Trek has it all, offering a truly African mountain biking experience. See capepioneer.co.za/ to get an update on the route
- Then there is the legend of the To Hell & Back which takes place on the 14th and 15th November 2020 (see www.tohellandback.co.za) which is a rocky dirt road with steep slopes, sharp switchbacks dropping a hair raising 3 000 feet down into the valley, hence its nickname "Die Hel". The race is limited to only 500 participants but spectatorship promises to be equally entertaining
- One of Prince Albert’s hidden gems is its donkey rescue efforts witnessed at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary on the outskirts of Prince Albert, which stands as a beacon to healing and rectifying the abuse shown to the humble donkey and one which will fill your heart with hope at the efforts being brought to their upliftment
- Everyone loves a good story and Ghost Walks with Ailsa aka The Story Weaver will keep even digitally-addicted teenagers’ attention spans riveted. Wander the streets of Prince Albert on an evening Ghost Walk and hear stories of characters from down the centuries and the ghosts who don't want to leave
- Alternatively, join a Historical Ramble and discover the fascinating tales of days gone by as you admire a wide range of heritage architecture. Prince Albert has so many stories and the walks are informative and entertaining and fun for the whole family, especially those with a deeper interest in the 250+ year history and the culture of our small rural South African community
- The art deco Showroom Theater on main street Prince Albert is an entertainment highlight offering both theater, musical and film screenings
- Travel a little further afield to the Celebratio theater in Oudtshoorn and you can enjoy a holiday season menu of classical music and theater. The line up can be viewed at www.celebratio.co.za.
Ask us about other activities and special events and celebrations taking place in and around Prince Albert this 2020.
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