Location
Observatory House is located in Prince Albert, a delightful South African village. Situated only 44 km off
the main N1 highway and just 2 km from the foot of the spectacular Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert is known to many as the gateway to the breathtaking Swartberg Mountains, the sundrenched Karoo Plains and the temperate regions of the Garden Route.
With beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, a sun-drenched climate and spectacular night skies, Prince Albert makes the ideal base for exploring the marvels of this most unique and interesting region in South Africa.
Activities for visitors include a guided historical walk through the town, a ramble along the "Gordon's koppie", a ghost walk in the evening, star tours, trips into the Swartberg Pass, a visit to the Prince Albert Gallery, where numerous South African artists display their work, local shops, the weavery, traditional Karoo meals, and a visit to the delightful Fransie Pienaar Museum where a local farmer distills "Witblits" (see local attractions for more information).
Prince Albert is well situated for overnight stops from Gauteng, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route resorts and beaches are a two hour drive to the south. Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and the Karoo National Park are just an hour's drive away.