Feeling Like A Royal In Prince Albert

Before I lose my mind completely, I must tell you about my very special visit to Prince Albert a few weekends ago. This is a Karoo town to look up to, where authentic architecture and a strong community spirit create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

If you’re impulsive, always on the lookout for a house, enjoy the great outdoors, are up for a challenge, and yearn to get away from it all, be warned. Prince Albert has irresistible charm. It won’t be long after arriving before you’ll want to see an Estate Agent, become the mayor, and settle into a life of peace and tranquility.

This is what happened to my friend. She’s a lost cause now. Every waking moment is consumed by her obsession with Prince Albert. She and a business partner bought a beautiful cottage, the one the estate agents would describe as “a little gem waiting to be polished for the tiara”. As with most renovations, this will take time, patience, and fortitude. 

Butch had hardly loaded his hunting rifle before we were off. He was heading to another farm in the Karoo for the annual corporate hunt with clients, and my friend Molly, her Boxer, and I were to explore outdoor adventures and scenic spots in Prince Albert. 

We were on a road trip, which meant we could make pit stops; we did so as soon as we’d passed through De Doorns. At the Farm stall, we stopped for a delicious chicken mayo sandwich. Once watered and fed, we hit the road and, at a brisk pace, headed into the Karoo.

Of course, the weather forecast was all doom and gloom for the weekend. Meteorologist Pete has got it wrong on numerous occasions this winter, might I add. With my weekender packed with beanies, cardigans, coats, gloves and scarves, we headed north. The weather was brilliant. Warm, sunny skies with no breath of wind. No sign of rain.

The only way to truly experience this small hamlet is on foot, but be prepared for uneven terrain and steep hills. Molly and I navigated carefully, enjoying the scenery and fresh air, though visitors with mobility issues should consider guided tours or vehicle access to enjoy the area fully.

Prince Albert offers a delightful mix of eateries, from fine dining to wholesome, homemade fare, all set in a charming town that invites you to relax and savour the moment.

We enjoyed pancakes at the weekly locals' market, browsed the stalls, bought a book, and picked up some wonder ointment from a very smooth operator who promised us eternal youth. We then headed to the art gallery. 

There is no shortage of interesting shops, and we popped in to admire beautiful mohair blankets. In a large room at the back, weavers are still busy at their trade. 

Avoova is an upmarket gallery showcasing beautiful artefacts made from wood, glass, and mainly ostrich shell, reworked into exquisite objets d'art. For luxury African gifts, don't miss this shop, with the friendliest assistant. Satellite stores are in Cape Town, Franschhoek, the V&A Waterfront, and Johannesburg. I can see why. 

Antiques always catch my eye, and I saw plenty to draw my attention. Now I admire the pieces I liked in my photo albums—space-saving. I would love to pour our Earl Grey from that silver teapot... but alas—no Thrifting for me.

There were spaces I couldn’t resist for their colour schemes, atmosphere and simplicity, creating a tranquil environment perfect for a momentary respite. B&Bs are plentiful, and I'm sure TripAdvisor or Airbnb will have all the details.

Reservations are sometimes necessary to secure a good table at a restaurant, but you don’t need to reserve a seat at the cinema; we went and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I believe “The Darkest Hour” is the best film I’ve seen this year and deserves all the accolades. We invited the tourist, an Australian teaching primary school children in China, to join us for a nightcap at the Gin Bar adjoining the Hotel. Their selection of local Gins was excellent. He was interesting, and we found his solo adventures fascinating to listen to.

Here was a young guy who took up the challenge of forsaking a weekend in Cape Town to spend it mooching around a quiet, quaint Karoo village. I wonder whether he took our suggestion to do Route 66 back to Cape Town. 

Molly needed to get out, and she loves driving in the car with the wind in her ears or perched on Bronny’s shoulder. Prince Albert is the gateway to Die Hel and the magnificent Swartberg Pass. We did that, letting Molly out for a tinkle near a huge ostrich farm.

On a previous visit to Prince Albert, we camped, and it has remained one of Butch’s granddaughter Anna Louise’s favourite outings with her Grandpa. She met lovely children splashing in the communal water channel (leiwater) while we wandered up and down the Main Road, admiring all the stalls at the Olive Festival. 

The freedom children have in this small village struck me as particularly significant. It’s still a safe place. In this small Karoo town, residents share a powerful sense of community. Weekenders might give the town a financial boost, but they’re not the main ingredient. On their own, children have the freedom to run, play, socialise, and be in an environment where they’re lovingly nurtured. This impressed me once again, and I salute the efforts of all the townspeople who maintain this palpable community spirit.

Farming includes olive orchards, sheep and other livestock, ostriches, and Mediterranean fruit such as figs, pomegranates, and quince (a tree common in Karoo gardens). You can buy, taste, and enjoy the produce at the shops and stalls.

Once your cottage has been restored and you’ve unpacked your boxes, decorated, and settled into your puffy cushions, I do believe you might put down roots and stay in Bron. I’d love to return to attend a course at the African Relish cookery school, take a guided night tour, and do an Olive tour—plenty to look forward to. Prince Albert scores 100% in my book for its winter climate. At night, it's cold enough for a crackling fire in the hearth, and during the day the sun shines, warming one out of long sleeves and spencers. Although our Mezze platters were delicious, a large Farmhouse casserole would tick all the boxes too.