Prince Albert, Western Cape

Prince Albert Prins Albert
View overlooking Prince Albert
Prince Albert Prince Albert shown within the Western Cape
Coordinates: 33°13′31″S 22°01′48″E / 33.22528°S 22.03°E / -33.22528; 22.03Coordinates: 33°13′31″S 22°01′48″E / 33.22528°S 22.03°E / -33.22528; 22.03
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
District municipality	Central Karoo
Local municipality	Prince Albert
Population (2001)
– Total	5,217
Time zone	SAST (UTC+2)
Postal code	6930
Area code	023

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

History

Prince Albert was founded in 1762^[1] on the loan farm De Queek Vallei with Zacharias De Beer as its first incumbent.^[2] 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.^[2]

Climate

Prince Albert enjoys a beautiful healthy climate with high temperatures in summer and comfortable sunny but crisp conditions during winter with cold nights, reaching midwinter minimums of 2 °C, with frost in places. Summer and winter blend into one another, leaving only a a matter of weeks for spring and autumn. Prince Albert's dry heat is ideal for anyone suffering from chest conditions and many people feel the health benefits of living here. This dry heat may spike up to 40 °C on a few days in the summer with an average of 33–35 °C, and 17 °C in the winter months.

Points of interest

The village has many well-preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, 13 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.

References

1. ^ Fitzpatrick, Mary et al. South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, Lonely Planet, 2006, ISBN 9781740599702, p. 228
2. ^ ^{a b} Olivier, Willie. Touring in South Africa, Struik, 2005, ISBN 9781770071421, p. 55