The Wall Street Journal has hailed Prince Albert in the Karoo as one of South Africa’s coolest destinations, celebrated for its artisanal crafts, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Global (30 March 2024) – In a glowing feature penned by Mary Holland for The Wall Street Journal, Prince Albert in the Karoo has been hailed as one of South Africa’s most enchanting destinations.
Despite its remote location deep within the arid landscapes of the Karoo desert, this farming town has defied the odds to become a vibrant hub of creativity, artisanal crafts, and culinary delights.
Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Karoo,” Prince Albert is a historic gem nestled at the southern edge of the Great Karoo in South Africa’s Western Cape. With its stunning backdrop of the Swartberg mountains and wide-open spaces, the town offers visitors an opportunity to reconnect with nature and find solace in its tranquil surroundings.
Describing the town’s unique allure, Holland writes, “Against the odds, a farming town deep in South Africa’s Karoo desert has emerged as a hot spot of homemade crafts and heirloom treats.”
Indeed, Prince Albert has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship, from hand-loomed textiles to artisanal dairy products and locally produced olive oil.
In recent years, the town has earned the moniker the “Franschhoek of the Karoo,” highlighting its growing appeal to the art community and affluent South Africans who have chosen to make Prince Albert their home. The town’s rich history, dating back to its founding in 1762 as Albertsburg, adds to its charm, with beautifully preserved Victorian, Karoo, and Cape Dutch architecture lining its streets.
One of the town’s standout features is the awe-inspiring Swartberg Pass, which lies at its foot and offers outdoor enthusiasts a plethora of hiking and biking trails to explore. The clear, crisp air and star-filled skies of Prince Albert provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing and soul-restoring retreats. With its friendly locals, purveyors of fresh produce, and an array of cultural events like the Leesfees literary fair and the Journey to Jazz festival, Prince Albert offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to a diverse range of interests.
Holland’s article, which has the potential of reaching approximately 3.5 million readers (as per their most recent readership stats), could very well ignite the interest of travellers from around the globe.
So, why not add Prince Albert to your travel bucket list?
Discover for yourself why this charming town has captured the hearts of so many and earned its well-deserved title as one of South Africa’s coolest destinations!
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