Culture and Heritage
Albertinia Museum
In 2004, a group of community members wanted to preserve the heritage of Albertinia and its community and the Albertinia Museum was born. Showcasing antiques and memorabilia dating back to early 1900s, including an ox wagon, old medical instruments and the old post and telephone system the town once relied on, the museum is treat for history buffs. The museum is free to the public, but donations are welcomed.
Architectural Buildings
There are a number of houses lining the town streets that date back 100 years, but.one building certainly stands out amongst them all - the old Dutch Reformed Church (better known as the NG Kerk in South Africa). The craftsmanship and detail on the exterior of the building is a show-stopper, while the beautifully maintained lawns only further add to its character. The intimate Lutheran Church, still in operation today, is one of the town’s oldest buildings, with the bell that once hung on the bell tower dating back to 1832.
Tuinplaas
Located just off the N2, the relatively new Tuinplaas opened its doors in December 2016, and with its colourful flags and comic ostriches leading up to the entrance, it cannot be missed. You will be occupied for hours exploring this incredible wonderland. The Royal Ostrich Ancestral Republic – ROAR – has now been formed and visitors will find the cabinet in session at all times. A number of moulded ostriches have special positions, such as the pilot of Air Force ½, the professor, the doctor and even the jailbird who is behind bars. Pose with the members of ROAR for an unforgettable experience.
Lightweight cement pots and mouldings– moulded on the premises - can be bought at affordable prices, while The Labyrinth walk will offer you plenty of relaxation and the coffee shop will entice you with delicious homemade cakes and dishes. Make sure you go see the ‘World’s Largest Jersey’, knitted by 22 women of Albertinia, and capture the moment by ‘wearing’ this wonder. Many of the hand knitted products can also be bought on the premises.
For more information: www.tuinplaas.co.za or www.web.facebook.com/Tuinplaas
Roosterkoekhoek
Tradition can be tasted at Roosterkoekhoek in Albertinia, you cannot simply drive pass and not stop for a taste of Roosterkoek situated in the corner of the stripmall at the Engen filling station – Aloe Motors, just as you enter Albertinia. Roosterkeok is best enjoyed with homemade apricot jam. The indigenous Khoi people who lived in the Western Cape made bread like this centuries ago, by using open coals and fire heated rocks to bake their dough.
For more information email: aloemotors@telkomsa.net
Food and Drink
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
Jakkalsvlei is a family-owned winery started in 1972. Founded by the Jonkers Family, it is currently in the hands of the third generation. The new tasting room overlooking the Langeberg Mountains is modern, but the floor to ceiling windows bring a natural, grounded feel. The wines are all named after well-known characters who once resided in Herbertsdale a small town nearby, while the new craft beer range is also available for tasting. For the more adventurous explore their MTB Route, which is also open for trail running.
For more information: www.jakkalsvlei.co.za
Pink Stoep Coffee Shop
This inviting little coffee shop is true to its name – from the pink ribbons draping pink pillars to the carefully placed pink décor. This coffee shop is known for good food, great coffee and warm hospitality. The owners who are a lovely married couple, welcome you, seat you, take your order and cook your delicious meals.
For more information contact +27 28 735 2885
What to see and do
Albertinia Golf Course
Dating back to 1929, the Albertinia Golf Course is one of the few remaining sand courses in South Africa. Since 1935, the club competed for the Michalowsky Cup and the Daneel Cup later on, which the club won for three consecutive years in the late 1950s. It was around this time that local player Tyn Sauerman rose to prominence after winning the St Dunstan competition in Mossel Bay. This unique golf course only has browns and attracts many golfers due to this unique factor. This is the course where Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open winner, learnt his golf from an early age.
For more information contact +27 79 903 4126
Aloe Ferox
Aloe Ferox is a family owned business, situated two kilometres east of Albertinia on the N2. Here you will find a variety of natural medication, from creams, cosmetics and capsules to juices. The experienced staff will provide you with information on the Aloe Ferox products and a video shows how the leaves are harvested and the products created Aloe Ferox specialises in the Aloe plant and its medicinal healing properties. They are proudly South African, a label that speaks to the high quality products that are locally produced by a company subscribing to environmentally friendly and fair labour practices.
For more information: www.af.co.za
Indalu Game Reserve
For an unforgettable experience, close-up to the elephants, a visit to Indalu is a must. Game drives and overnight facilities are also available.
For more information: www.indalu.co.za
Here are a few suggestions of where to stay over in Albertinia:
Albertinia Hotel is legendary and charming hotel that was established in the 1900s and has ever since built on an outstanding reputation for country hospitality. This charming hotel is centrally located in Albertinia and has 10 comfortable en suite bedrooms available. The restaurant serves delicious foods in an intimate dining room. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome instantly and will plant the desire for a return visit.
Centrally located within the town, you can expect warm hospitality and a ‘home away from home’ feeling when staying over Dorpshuijs B&B. The owners will inform you about the rich history of the building. Delicious meals can be arranged on request. Enjoy a country side experience when staying over at Dorpshuijs. Be sure to visit @EAZE RC Hobbies & Gifts shop on the same premises for beautiful aircrafts that will leave adults and kids alike amazed.
7 Mill is affordable accommodation which is a three-bedroom house that is comfortably furnished. Two of the bedrooms have queen-size beds and the third room has two single beds. Fully equipped kitchen with all the necessary utensils for guests to prepare cooked meals. The lounge is open-plan and features a TV with local channels and there is also a patio outside with a built-in braai and table and chairs.
Located 5 km from Albertinia at the foot of the Langeberg mountain range is Skilpadgat Guest Farm. The 160 year old farmhouse was renovated to capture a bygone era, combined with the luxuries of modern day accommodation. Wanting to escape the busy city life with no television or telephone Skilpadgat Guest Farm is the ideal place to relax. You will experience farm life and enjoy the freedom of nature. Bring your mountain bike and cycle a few of the numerous gravel roads that surround the farm. The farmhouse sleeps 6 people in either single beds or king size.
For more information contact +27 28 735 2001
Gourits River Guest Farm near the town of Albertinia overlooks the majestic Gourits River, the valley and Langeberg Mountains. They strive in making every guest feel at home while experiencing the tranquillity and peacefulness of the Farm. This will be your home away from home the unit consist of 1 en suite bedroom and 2 bedrooms with shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, outside BBQ/Braai, dining area, lapa area, deck and patio overlooking the river. For those who like to rough it they have great camping spots overlooking the Gourits River. There are many activities to enjoy on the farm such as an outdoor pool, hiking, and fishing, mountain biking and swimming.
Located along the national highway near Albertinia lies the Garden Route Lodge, which is a great getaway for families and couples. With daily game drives for guests and day visitors, a reptile centre ideal for kids and luxury accommodation. Guests can choose from Sunset Ridge Luxury Suites,16 Lodge Rooms and 18 Private Chalet’s.These luxury facilities overlook the reserve.
Voëlroepersfontein loosely translated means the place with fountains where bird calls abound, this gem will leave you feeling rejuvenated and assist in helping you reconnect with nature and your inner self. This guesthouse and Writers Retreat offers great accommodation for couples and groups. All rooms are designed with careful detail and floor to ceiling windows facing the garden. The living rooms on the ground floor and the library and balcony upstairs. Two enormous wild fig trees can be discovered in the garden. Both have been nominated as South African Champion Trees. The larger of the two, The Whispering Tree, is being accorded Champion Tree status by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the name is fitting as the tree is known to whisper if you listen closely. At night the two gigantic trees are lit up which adds to its magic.
