Prince Albert is a delightful South African village in the Karoo. Although situated in an arid region, the town is blessed with water from the Swartberg Mountains and the village is an oasis.

The climate is typical Karoo and superb, with a high sunshine index and spectacular night skies.

Prince Albert is well situated for overnight stops from Gauteng, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route resorts and beaches lie only two hours' drive to the south. Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and the Karoo National Park are just an hour's drive away.

Just 2kms from the foot of the awesome Swartberg pass, Prince Albert is the perfect base for exploring all the wonders of the Swartberg including Gamkaskloof - "the Hell" and Meiringspoort.

The 27km Swartberg Pass (a National monument) is considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world. The dirt road winds to the summit 1 583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks, with breath-taking views at every turn. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a trademark of the brilliant road engineer Thomas Charles Bain. Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut, hotel and other interesting historical sites. Often covered in snow in winter, the mountains' unique micro-climate supports fynbos and a rich bird population, in contrast with the arid zone flora and fauna outside its cool, shady kloofs.

Every April the town holds its Olive Festival when the village entertains crowds of visitors to a street market, delicious food, music, an art exhibition, competitions, a half marathon and a cycle race.

Activities for visitors include a historical walk through the town to view the gables, well preserved examples of Karoo cottages, Victorian homes, former cinema's and National monuments. Activities include a ramble along the "koppie stappie" trail with almost 100 listed plants, fossil hunting and star-gazing, a tractor trail to the olive farm, trips into the Swartberg Pass, traditional Karoo meals and a visit to the delightful Fransie Pienaar Museum.

Hiking, mountain biking, scooter rides into the Karoo, birding and botanical excursions are major attractions.

Every Saturday morning a morning market is held on the square next to the Fransie Pienaar Museum. Stallholders offer dried fruit, cheese, homemade jams, pickles, cakes and bread, fresh fruit and vegetables.

A range of accommodation in the village and on local farms at prices to suit every pocket is available.