Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

village by a local stock inspector who once described the journey to the village as going “tohell and back”. Needless to say, the name stuck.ADVENTURE AND SPORTHiking, mountain-biking: The region has much to offer for the outdoor enthusiast. Hiking andmountain-biking are but some of the ways in which the lovely countryside can be explored.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGYDinosaur Footprints: Fossilised dinosaur footprints are found near town.ART AND CRAFTSPrince Albert Gallery: Local artists exhibit their work at the gallery.Prince Albert Tannery (Looiery): The tannery produces and sells some exquisitely craftedleather articles, such as sheepskin slippers, fur hats and much more.Wolskuur Spinners: The talented crafters at this centre produce artistic hand-woven carpets,jerseys made of 100 per cent wool, as well as other products.CUISINEDelicacies: No visit to this area would be complete without having sampled some of thelocally freshly grown and produced culinary delights. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and cheeseare some of the local delicacies.Farm Visits: Various farms in the district offer tours and visitors can purchase some of thefresh farm products.Fruit: The area around Prince Albert is famous for its sun-ripened fresh fruit. This fruit is soldfresh or dried at several venues.Olive Festival: The Olive Festival is held here every April and visitors are entertained by astreet market, delicious food and music.Witblits: Similar to American “moonshine”, this potent drink made from fermented fruit is soldat several places in town. The method for producing it has followed the same principles formany years, although modern methods are considered to be more hygienic.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGTown Observatory: The observatory provides facilities for amateur astronomers.Walks and Stories: Various routes have been laid out to allow visitors to meet some of theresidents who made Prince Albert what it is today. The routes pass well-preserved homesand buildings built in a specific style of architecture. The Ghost Walk is particularly popularwith those who pride themselves on their strong nerves. This walk takes them to people andplaces that tell of those who refused to leave the town, although they have been dead forcenturies.FAUNA AND FLORASwartberg Pass: This pass was built by Andrew Geddes Bain with convict labour from1881 to 1888 and is considered to be one of the most scenic passes in the country. It offersspectacular views of the countryside and leaves visitors in awe of nature, as well as of man’sdetermination to overcome obstacles. The pass was declared a national monument in 1988on the centenary of its opening.104