Albertinia, Garden Route
Albertinia, a peaceful little town lying at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain range, is known as the home of the Aloe. The indigenous Aloe ferox, or Cape Aloe, grows prolifically in the area and the leaves are collected and drained for its bitter-tasting sap used in the health and skin care industries.
There are two Aloe factories in Albertinia - the only place in South Africa where the aloe juice and gel are extracted from the colourful aloe species that cover this area during the winter months of June and July. A skincare manufacturer is also based in the town and welcomes visitors to tour their facilities and learn more about the Aloe.
For such a little town Albertinia, which lies between the towns of Riversdale and Mossel Bay, has a couple of distinctive industries. The town, named after the Reverend JR Albertyn, is also the primary source of red and yellow ochre, used in the manufacturing of paints and the colouring of cement and linoleum in South Africa. In addition, the area produces the natural thatch reed, Thamnochortus insignis, for commercial thatching and has a large livestock farming community, including ostrich farming.
The Klein Karoo Wine Route, which stretches from Montagu, ends in Albertinia where, because the climate is so dry, vineyards tend to be organically cultivated and a variety of quality wines are produced against the mountain slopes. You can hike through the Reins Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond, bungee jump from the Gourits River Bridge, just outside Albertinia, or play a round of golf on one of the few remaining sand golf courses.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Albertinia is a charming village and a lovely start to a Garden Route trip. A highlight is a visit to the Garden Route Game Lodge. Not quite Kruger, it delivers a good game viewing experience and they've recently opened a spa. Well worth a visit if you are in Albertinia or the Garden Route.
Charles (Cape Town)
Verified review
My Mom has always used products with Aloe in them, swearing by their medicinal value so it was so very interesting for me to learn more about them and the place where they come from in South Africa.
Betty (Pretoria)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Albertinia Hotel
The charming and unique Albertinia country hotel was established in 1900 and has built on an outstanding reputation for country hospitality. Alb...
Garden Route Game Lodge
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to the Coast. Only 3½ hours dr...
The Palms Albertinia
The Palms is a stunning Cape Dutch house located in the charming town of Albertinia, in the Western Cape, conveniently situated halfway between R...
Voëlroepersfontein Gastehuis
Situated in Albertinia, Voelroepersfontein boasts national tree champion status with its breathtaking Whispering Tree. Guests are welcome to stro...
Gourits River Guest Farm
Situated in the Garden Route, our aim is to give our guests the best accommodation, scenic views overlooking the majestic Gourits River and our o...
Gourits River Campsite
Gourits River Eco-camping lies in the heart of the Garden Route, 15km outside Albertinia on the banks where the Vals River flows into the Gourits...
Things to do in the area
Game Drive in the Garden Route
The Garden Route Game Lodge offers day visitors a chance to experience some of Africa's wildlife as they journey down the Garden Route. Here you ...
House of Aloes
In the plant kingdom there is one superhero. A hero so legendary that its powers reach far back into African ancestry. A hero with so much magic ...
De Wingerdt Restaurant
De Wingerdt Restaurant can be found in the idyllic vineyard setting of the De Doornkraal Wine Estate, which stretches to the Vette River borderin...
Bird Watching Bird Walk
If you are a bird lover and thrive on nature then here is something for you to tweet about. Get yourself to the Garden Route Game Lodge for an ou...
Reptile Encounters
If slithering snakes and all things cold blooded are your passion then you will thoroughly enjoy the Reptile encounters at the Garden Route Game ...
Gouriqua Hiking Trail
Nestled beneath the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range, the charming town of Albertinia is renowned for its vibrant Aloe plants that thrive abunda...
Serengeti's Restaurant
Dine alfresco under the stars with only the magical sounds of the African night in the valleys surrounding this beautiful restaurant.Enjoy an int...
Albertinia Museum
A group of residents of Albertinia saw the historical and cultural value of their town and became invested in preserving this in a way that honou...
Roosterkoekhoek
There are few things as innately South African as braais and bread (to go with the braai, of course). So, when we get to braai bread, we take it ...
Noteworthy attractions
The Links at Fancourt
Gary Player, who has been a part of the design team since the original courses at Fancourt, came on board to add the Links in 2000 and has gone o...
Montagu Golf Course at Fancourt
The course is typical parklands and one of three Gary Player designed courses offered at Fancourt. Montagu is highly acclaimed and has in recent ...
Outeniqua Golf Course at Fancourt
Named after the Mountain that overlooks this magnificent Garden Route golfing gem, the Outeniqua Course at Fancourt is one that barely needs intr...
George Golf Club
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua mountains, George Golf Club is among the oldest courses in the country. George country club...
Goose Valley Golf Club
Originally a 9 hole course set at the heart of a real estate development, The Gary Player Design Company has created an 18 hole layout of note on...
Knysna Golf Club
The Knysna Golf course is probably the only golf course in South Africa which can boast holes that are below sea level. The Knysna Golf Club is s...
Mossel Bay Golf Club
The 18-hole links course has recently been remodeled and upgraded and is getting rave reviews. The golf club is situated above a peninsula that j...
Oubaai Golf Club
Situated only 8 kilometres from George, in the design of the Oubaai 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Driving Range, Ernie Els and his team ha...
Pezula Golf Course
Situated in the very heart of the Garden Route, on sweeping coastal cliffs, east of the charming town of Knysna, Pezula encompasses a world-class...
Find accommodation in Albertinia
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