Prince Alfred Hamlet

This picture was taken by: Panoramio – paulbrehem

Prince Alfred Hamlet is 10km north of Ceres on the R303, en-route to Citrusdal. The village was founded in 1861 and was named after Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria, who had visited South Africa the previous year.

The surrounding farms produce substantial quantities of deciduous fruit, onions and potatoes. The village handles the packing and distribution of these crops in season.

If one travels another 10km north of Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, on the R303, you reach the Gydo Pass which takes you through the Gydoberg mountains. This pass links the Warm Bokkeveld Ceres Valley with the Cold Bokkeveld (‘Kouebokkeveld’).

If you would like to visit a pristine wilderness area that offers extraordinary rock formations, a multitude of hiking trails and the chance to camp outdoors wherever you fancy, then Groot Winterhoek is the place for you.

The Christie Prins Hiking Trail wanders through fynbos and has spectacular views and a beautiful rock pool for cooling off …

For a 4×4 enthusiast, try the Kagga Kamma Trail where on a clear day you’ll have magnificent views over the vast Karoo and the mountains and valleys of the Cederberg. From mid-August to mid-November there are lots of flowers to see, perfect for nature-lovers. Also stay on the lookout for game such as eland, bontebok and, if you’re lucky, caracal and mountain leopard.