The Karoo is situated in the Cape, South Africa. It is an arid semi desert region and is divided into two sub-regions: The little (Klein) Karoo in the south and the Great Karoo in the north. The word Karoo originates from the Khoisan language and means “great thirst”.
Approximately 400 km North-east of Cape Town, on the southern edge of the Great Karoo is the lovely little town of Prince Albert. It lies in the shadow of the Great Swartberg Mountains which separate the Great Karoo from the Little Karoo.
This peaceful little village has been created into a charming oasis by the spring waters provided by the surrounding mountains. At one stage the town was almost impenetrable, but today there are three major mountain passes making it easily accessible. They are the Meiringspoort Pass, the Seweweekspoort pass that links the Central Karoo to the Klein Karoo and the Coast, and the Swartberg Pass which is 27 km long and is a World Heritage site and was declared a national monument in 1988.
The Village of Prince Albert is a jewel of magnificently conserved Victorian, Karoo and Cape Dutch Architecture and at least 13 of the buildings to be seen have been declared National Monuments.
Prince Albert is an ideal stopping place for travellers between Cape Town, The Transvaal (Gauteng) and Port Elizabeth and is only about 2 hours travel time to the forests, lakes and lovely beaches of the Garden Route. The Karoo National Park and the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn are less than an hour away.
Prince Albert and surrounding areas are well known for the farming of Merino sheep as well as Angora Goats and Prince Albert Mohair wool is much sought after due to its very high quality. It is also a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers to enjoy the many attractive destinations in the area.
Accommodation is available in Lodges, Guest Houses and B&B’s.
