Prince Albert Municipality

General information

Prince Albert, South Africa (spelt Prins Albert in Afrikaans) lies on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, nestling under the majestic Swartberg mountains.

Prince Albert was founded in 1762on the loan farm De Queek Vallei with Zacharias De Beer as its first incumbent. Originally known as Albertsburg, when it obtained municipal status in 1845 it was renamed Prince Albert in honour of Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg.

The village has many well-preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, thirteen of which are National Monuments. There are several olive farms and other very large export fruit farms in the area, as well as sheep farms, an export mohair trade, and each year the village celebrates the well-known olive festival. Birding, hiking, cycling and stargazing are other pursuits for visitors. The area is well known for its hardy endemic veld plants and is frequently a destination for botanists from all over the world. Visitors also enjoy excellent dining on fine Karoo lamb and cheeses from the local dairy.

The sleepy village also houses the highly acclaimed Villa Kruger art house and sculpture garden with show-tours, Art after Dark, conducted by the artist Hennie Boshoff.

The pure water and air in Prince Albert are optimal for producing the highest quality Spanish jamon. Prince Albert is the headquarters of Lucas Jamon, The only producer of the Iberian delicacy in South Africa.