Why not choose Karoo View Cottages as a base,
uniquely elevated 350m from the Prince Albert village,
between the Great and Klein Karoo, from which to explore each day!
Wake up and enjoy your provided health breakfast provisions on your stoep,
shared with Familiar Chats, Cape Buntings and various sunbirds,
as well as being in the enviable position to watch the sun rising up over the Swartberg
whilst listening for the call of owls before dawn.
Following are a few suggestions from our guests for you to experience.
SPECTACULAR 1 DAY TRIP:
Journey from the Great Karoo to the Klein Karoo and back ... SWARTBERG PASS, CANGO CAVES, OSTRICH RIDING in OUDTSHOORN
returning via MEIRINGSPOORT & the GREAT WATERFALL:
SWARTBERG PASS, 2km south of the village, 27km long and last of the 17 passes built by the remarkable road builder, Thomas Bain 1893, now a World Heritage site and one of the most spectacular passes in the world. You will see magnificent fluorescent green lichen on the mountain sides, abundance of flora and wildlife, including the petit, shy Klipspringer, as well as sightings of Rock Kestrel and Verreaux’s Eagles. Experience the breath taking views and the amazing natural stone walls, hugging the mountain sides.
CANGO CAVES, 46km from PA where you explore a natural wonderland with daily tours leaving on the hour.
WILGEWANDEL holiday farm, a few meters right of the T-Junction to Cango, offers Camel and Donkey cart rides, animal feeding, foefie slides over the dam, quad buggies and light meals . . . wonderful for the kiddies.
BUFFELSDRIFT Game Lodge, en-route to Oudtshoorn, offers you a close up elephant experience, game drives to see rhino, buffalo, giraffe and kudu or a horse ride around the 5ha waterhole. Receive 10% discount if bookings made through Karoo View.
CANGO WILDLIFE RANCH is also en-route to Oudtshoorn and offers you much in adventure and animals.
OUDTSHOORN being the feather capital of the world offers you so much – enjoy a thrilling and exhilarating experience of riding an Ostrich or sampling Ostrich Steaks at one of the Ostrich Show farms and more.
Returning via...N 12
DE RUST filled with Antique shops, Galleries and quirky tea gardens.
Continue through the majestic MEIRINGSPOORT gorge, with its geological formations a complete contrast to the Swartberg Pass, colours changing constantly throughout the day and rare sightings of rainbows and waterfalls. 25 Km long, 25 interestingly named drifts to traverse, each with their own story and the Great Waterfall, midway, to have a picnic and in summer have a refreshing ‘dip’ in one of the pools, where it is said you may spot the Karoo Mermaid if you are lucky.
Visit the tiny hamlet of KLAARSTROOM, little affected by time and change in SA, 58km from PA, as you exit Meiringspoort.
As you crest the KREDOUW PASS you now enter the picturesque PRINCE ALBERT VALLEY 25km from PA, with ‘picture cut-out’ views of the mountains, grape vines and olive groves. This is the home to BERGWATER VINEYARDS, which is a first in the Great Karoo, and a definite for both their wines and olives.
As you return to the village, keep a look out on your right hand side for a truly magnificent example of the fluorescent green lichen on the rocks, which is really a beautiful sight, particularly as the sun sets.
KAROO NIGHTS . . . . PRINCE ALBERT:
Relax and unwind after your travels, with a sun downer on your private stoep overlooking the village,
whilst watching the moon rising over the Swartberg, and relishing in the peace and tranquillity
that surrounds you as the night’s sky draws your eye to the heavens as the sun sets...
Who said that GHOSTS do not exist? Enjoy an evening “Out on the town” with our local storyteller who will share with you many a tale about Prince Albert or have a private story telling around your log fire or in the boma here at Karoo View. We will happily make a booking for you.
Enjoy an exciting and informative evening with ASTRO TOURS who will show you our beautiful night sky, an experience not to be missed, where you will have the opportunity of using the telescope, first hand.
Take in a sunset moon tour of VILLA KRUGER and ART GARDEN, adjacent to KAROO VIEW COTTAGES for an interesting experience.
Enjoy one of many restaurants that are on offer – details in our In-Suite brochures for when you arrive.
Relax and enjoy what KAROO VIEW COTTAGES have to offer you;
Natural stone Boma with lovely large braai, equipped with all your firewood, firelighters, braai grids and utensils, with our compliments and for those extra chilly nights a Mexican chimineya to cuddle round.
Natural stone Plunge pool, with lounger and umbrellas – a perfect way to end a summer’s day with your glass of vino or two.
3 Private braai and viewing spots to choose from, all individually designed to blend into the natural vegetation, equipped with your firewood and firelighters with our compliments. Braai grids and tongs also supplied for your use - really special to view our magnificent night sky ending off your day.
For your convenience we will gladly provide you with a Braai Basket, where we have sourced a lovely assortment of local meats and chicken together with various other ‘goodies’ and Richard’s home baked bread. You need only enquire and we will email you all the details.
You need only give us a days’ notice and your braai basket will be ready for your arrival.
You are also encouraged to help your- self to our veggies and herbs growing in our tunnel, with our compliments.
Nothing beats the “fresh and fragrant” taste and smell of ‘freshly picked’ straight from the garden, also a delight for the kiddies.
A real treat to end off your Karoo day, is to take a short walk or cycle at dusk along our road leading into the far distance where you may be fortunate to spot a Karoo Hare, Tortoise, or a Spotted Eagle Owl perched on one of the farm fences and if you are very very lucky you may see an Aardvark, silhouetted against the setting sun.
SOME MORE DAY TRIP IDEAS:
GAMKASKLOOF (Die Hel), a really special full day’s trip, unfortunately only suitable in a 4 x 4
So pack your picnic basket, fill your tank as there is no petrol in the valley and head off up the Swartberg for 20km. Make a right turn at the sign; 37km – 2hrs, and experience magnificent views as you traverse this part of the Swartberg and meander down the zigzags of Elandspad, dropping 1000m to the almost ‘forgotten valley’ of the Kloowers who lived in this fertile valley in isolation until 1962.
As you would have been travelling for 2 hours, visit the kiosk for light meals and produce made only down in the valley. Once refreshed continue along the valley floor, criss-crossing the river bed, and depending on time of year, will be either dry or full, but still navigable.
Take time to stop and look at the interesting grave yard, school and school house as well as various Kloower’s cottages. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach Cape Nature’s kiosk, at the end of the valley, where you can laze under large trees and grass to enjoy your picnic. See the Norse Water-mill and learn more about these ‘almost forgotten’ people.
The return trip will take you about 2,5hrs which you must plan into your timing so that you arrive back before nightfall, as it is not advisable to travel the mountain in the dark. (Total driving time in and out = 5 hours excluding refreshment stops)
As you travel down the main street of our village you will see our very own Lotto Shop – where you will meet Blinde Piet who is our local piano tuner and one of the last remaining Kloowers – he is the most awe inspiring person that you will ever have had the opportunity of meeting, and hearing his story is mind blowing.
Another suggestion is that if you wish to experience life down in the GAMKASKLOOF valley for the night, (we will gladly send you contact details), you will be hosted by the Joubert’s, and being the last family of Kloowers down in the valley this makes for an interesting experience and where you will learn all how the name GAMKASKLOOF came about.
Returning the following day, taking in more Daytime delights of our special village and return to KAROO VIEW COTTAGES where we will welcome you back for another special evening under the stars, experiencing the peace and tranquillity that surrounds you.
Or
GAMKAPOORT DAM, is only 45km west directly from KAROO VIEW COTTAGES, and is yet another wonderful day or half day trip, but again only suitable by 4 x 4, and especially after the rains as the dry river beds are now in full flood, but an awesome sight to see. The terrain is now completely different to the mountainous areas, as you will be travelling through the Karoo farmlands, dotted with windmills along the way.
From memory 3 / 4 farm gates to open and close, but worth the trouble as this journey takes you from valley to valley between the mountain ranges where you will experience the amazing rock formations along the way, and if you are fortunate you should have quite a few sightings of Kudu, Klipspringer, Ostrich, Tortoises and Baboons with the most amazing silky long hair.
You will enter the Cape Nature Conservation area at the dam, and if you continue you will drive alongside the dam and around to an area where you can picnic next to the dam, canoe, fish or even take a dip, if you feel brave enough. Need to warn you though that it is very desolate and filled with ‘nothingness’, but so rejuvenating for the soul.
The Dam was built in 1970, and even though it is close to PA, was built for the sole purpose of the farmers in Calitzdorp, just on the other side and due to its construction there is now NO through road from PA to the other side, as it covers the original road, which is said to have been the main route through to Cape Town in days long gone.
This is yet another great cycling route for our crazy MOUNTAIN BIKERS, don’t forget to take lots of water.
DAY TIME DELIGHTS in our village:
Start your day afresh and take in a nature walk led by either ornithologist Dr Richard Dean or botanist Prof Sue Milton-Dean of RENU-KAROO, where you will discover the hidden life of the desert landscape including burrowing animals, dwarf succulents, past landscapes and cultures.
We will gladly make your booking or details are in our In-suite brochure.
Visit RENU-KAROO Indigenous Nursery in the village where they have a large range of Karoo plants and some interestingly potted Karoo succulents, which make perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Sample award winning cheeses; Queen Vic, Prince Albert Regal and Royal at GAY’S GUERNSEY DAIRY, located at the top end of Main street, and if you are lucky you may be able to taste their delicious thick Guernsey cream, which is in such demand.
A delight for the kiddies is watching the cows being brought in for milking, usually at about 15h00.
Visit SOET KAROO WINE ESTATE, the smallest and only wine estate in the main street of Prince Albert - where you can taste and purchase their lovely dessert wines which are made from grapes grown in their back garden.
PRINCE ALBERT has a strong source of water from the Swartberg which is the lifeblood of the village - in fact it is one of the last KAROO VILLAGES which still has “working and running” LEI WATER which is another wonderful and delightful attraction. Whilst walking around you will “hear the wonderful sound of gurgling” probably before you see the furrows which line the main street and many of the side streets.
Take a drive or scenic walk around the village taking in its HISTORICAL ROUTE where there are 13 buildings that have been declared National Monuments, and which boast an assortment of historical architectural delights.
Take a tour of the FRANSIE PIENAAR MUSEUM, which abounds with history of the village and its surrounds and including a very interesting fossil display. Also keep a look out for the local ghost.
Whilst driving or walking around the village you will notice many Artists’ houses as well as an array of wonderful shops filled with locally made crafts and other interesting “finds”.
A visit to THE WEAVERY is an interesting experience, where you will be able to see the hand weavers at work whilst producing wonderful hand spun woven rugs.
Don’t forget to visit the THE GALLERY situated in the Seven Arches building in the main street, which hosts numerous art exhibitions.
When you need a moment to catch your breath, there are many interesting eateries for all tastes; real home cooking, teas, scrumptious tarts and cakes, right through to those delightful cordon bleu style meals, which line the main street.
If visiting on a Saturday do not miss out on the SATURDAY MARKET – in the Markie – where you will be able to sample food, refreshments, home- made preserves and jams, fresh vegetables and fruit, freshly baked bread as well as other local produce and craft, majority of which is “PROUDLY PRINCE ALBERT” made.
PRINCE ALBERT au NATURELLE:
For all our Nature Lover’s and outdoor people there is so much to keep you busy...
Before the sun rises...take a walk on the ROBERT GORDON KOPPIE. Yes, this is the view that you are looking at right now from Karoo View Cottages . . . where the paths are marked and you will be able to get ‘close to nature’ and at the same time experience magnificent views overlooking the village as it awakens.
For those “who seek adventure” from MOUNTAIN BIKING, CYCLING to HIKING, there are many interesting routes available. Close at hand directly from Karoo View Cottages, head out for the GAMKAPOORT DAM, SWARTBERG, or for the more adventurous who don’t mind the adrenaline pumping, venture into DIE HEL. If you are interested we are able to put you in touch with our friends who have access to circular routes via the various farms and who have experience of the different trails, who will gladly take you on these adventure trails.
Who said that the Karoo wasn’t for golfers? Why not take in a 9 hole on the unique sand and oil greens of the PRINCE ALBERT KAROO GOLF COURSE, where only Van plays with a yellow golf ball in Spring Time . . ., oh don’t forget your piece of Astro turf for teeing off.
Talking of SPRING in the KAROO, wow how the vegetation ‘comes alive’ after our winter rains, and as far as the eye can see is covered in a multitude of colour, as every inch is amass of blooms. So who needs to trek to the far northern regions of the Province, when you can experience this and much more, in the surrounding areas and here at KAROO VIEW COTTAGES, as it is a sight to behold when you draw back your curtains upon waking.
A visit to MALACHITE NURSERY will leave you amazed at the array of colourful and scented plants available, with information and examples of how they can be used in the garden and crafts. Who said that Indigenous plants were boring and the Karoo a drab landscape?
For those who wish to laze away the day, why not pack up a picnic basket and head to the SWARTBERG PASS where you will find a couple of picnic spots:
EERSTEWATER (First Water) so named as this was a place that the draught animals could be outspanned and watered when coming out of the pass. There are also ruins of the convict base camp which housed the convicts building the pass for Thomas Bain.
TWEEDEWATER (Second Water) Where the older people of the village waited for the water level to drop before they could cross the drift.
MALVADRAAI (Geranium Bend) Geraniums are prolific in this area and it is also the start of one of the most beautiful walking trails in the Swartberg.
TEEBERG (Tea Mountain) This is where you will see the well- known honey tea bush growing.
If the past interests you, take in a FOSSIL TOUR and visit Karoo fossil sites as well as view bushman paintings along the way.
We also have a converted Catholic Chapel with a difference...which has recently been converted into a FORGE, bringing back the age old traditions. If you look from your stoep at KAROO VIEW COTTAGES, you will see it on your right hand side, within easy walking distance.
Another special experience is a visit to the TANNERY, just along the road from KAROO VIEW COTTAGES, where you can have your own custom made woollen slippers made for you. It does take a day or 2 for these to be made especially for you, but we will gladly arrange to post to you, should you not be fortunate in being able to be here for longer, but, yet another reason to linger longer in our piece of heaven..
KAROO VIEW COTTAGES offer our NATURE, BIRD LOVERS and PHOTOGRAPHERS an unspoilt paradise, as we have built to retain our natural flora for you to enjoy..wherever you look and walk you will see and experience the natural beauty that surrounds you right on your doorstep.
Within the next year we will be establishing NATURE WALKS and PLANT IDENTIFICATION...so keep a look out for this interesting and new development as it unfolds on our koppie.
PRINCE ALBERT
“IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, CLOSE TO EVERYWHERE”
Have a guided tour of SWARTRIVIER OLIVE FARM, 4 km from the village, where 50 to 80 tons of olives from 3000 trees are harvested each year and where you will be able to buy their locally made olive products.
A visit to WELTEVREDE FIG FARM, 28km through the beautiful Weltevrede valley will amaze you, as you see numerous fruit farms – yes – right in the middle of the Karoo, where you will be able to stock up on your fig and pomegranate supplies, which are in great demand.
Do not forget the numerous MOUNTAIN PASSES, POORTS & GAME FARMS all within easy daily travelling distances from KAROO VIEW COTTAGES, herewith some suggestions:
SEWEWEEKSPOORT: Just off ROUTE 62 between CALITZDORP and LADISMITH
BOSLUISKLOOF PASS: Not far from LADISMITH
UNIONDALE: Has a nice little circular route taking in the POTJIESBERG PASS to AVONTUUR and back via UNIONDALE POORT
OUTENIQUA PASS and MONTAGUE PASS: Between OUDTSHOORN and GEORGE take either route to make a circular route.
Who can now say that the KAROO is a plain, desolate and boring place,
after reading and or experiencing just how much our village of PRINCE ALBERT
and surrounding areas have to offer you?
Richard and I from KAROO VIEW COTTAGES
encourage you and your families to come and share our heaven.
We hope that you are able to take the time to STOP and spend some quality time,
experiencing our world,
instead of rushing down the N1 or N2 to your final destinations.
You are sure to take many memories to take with you and you will certainly
not forget the “smiles” and “waves”
from the friendly folk of PRINCE ALBERT...
Take a few moments to look at our Guest Comments...
which endorses what we so wish to portray to those of you who have not discovered our gem, here
In the heart of the Karoo Western Cape South Africa Prince Albert
KAROO VIEW COTTAGES
“the name says it all”
In the middle of nowhere, close to everywhere!
KAROO VIEW COTTAGES are situated in the quaint Karoo village of Prince Albert in the Western Cape, which is located at the foot of the Swartberg, which forms the gateway between the Great Karoo and the Klein Karoo.
From the N1 - for the less adventurous who want a more direct route or stop over:
• 476 km South of Colesburg
• 180 km South of Beaufort West
• 125km South of the Karoo National Park
• 45 km off the N1 from Prince Albert Road
• 155 km North of Matjiesfontein
• 400 km North of Cape Town via the N1 and the Hex River Valley
All roads are tarred, in good condition with spectacular views of the Karoo veld and mountains.
From the East Coast - perfect for the more adventurous who wish to explore poorts and mountain passes:
• 400 km from Port Elizabeth
• 332 km from Barrydale and 162 km from Calitzdorp along Route 62
• 245 km from Knysna via George / Oudtshoorn
• 185 km from Mossel Bay via Robinson Pass
• 175 km from George via Oudtshoorn / Meiringspoort
• 115 km from Oudtshoorn via N12 / Meiringspoort
• 67 km from Oudtshoorn via the Swartberg Pass
• 45 km from the Cango Caves via the Swartberg Pass
• 77 km from De Rust via Meiringspoort
• 55 km from Meiringspoort and Klaarstroom
• 157 km from Uniondale and the entrance to the Langkloof valley
• 148 km from Willomore and the entrance to the famous Baviaanskloof via Klaarstroom and the Prince Albert Valley.
All roads are tarred, with the exception of the Swartberg Pass, which is in good condition, unless it has been snowing. (There will be notices to advise you on either side of the mountain advising if the pass is closed.) NB: No caravans allowed over the Pass.
KAROO VIEW COTTAGES are located towards the Northern end of the PRINCE ALBERT village, 350m off the main street, overlooking the village, only tarred roads to travel.
* GPS: 33 degree symbol 13 08.60S / 22 degree symbol 01 26.09E
