Onse Rus Guesthouse
Leave the Route 62 at Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn or De Rust to follow the Swartberg Loop off Route 62. This will bring you through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in South Africa to the Southern edge of the Great Karoo. Prince Albert is The gateway to the Swartberg. This massive range forms the Southern edge of the African continental plate. Its tortured rock formations thrusting high above the plains bears timeless testimony to the ancient tectonic collisions of a world in the making. Here, the Creator had fun. The great symphonic swirls of multi-hued sandstone strata cut through by deep ravines separate the narrow terraces of the Little Karoo from the great interior plateau named “The Dry Country” or Karoo by the ancient San people.
At Onse Rus there is Time – time to appreciate the changing colours of the mountains, the mystery and the magic of veld plants and flowers and the rustle of creatures who dwell there while eagles wheel against the peaks. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Swartberg is the quiet and serene village of Prince Albert. Here time is suspended in the dry crisp Karoo air.
Onse Rus has been at the heart of Prince Albert since 1852 capturing its warm and friendly ambience under its thatched roof. It’s now evolved into a comfortable 3 star accredited guesthouse. You’ll immediately feel at home as you slow down to the relaxed pace of country life and take time to experience the simple beauty. Each of the 5 en suite guest rooms offers their own special character with private entrances and patios away from the main house. After breathing the fresh country air, you’ll sleep soundly on the comfy beds with crisp cotton linen and mohair blankets
On arrival you are welcomed with tea and homemade chocolate cake in the garden - included in your stay, you will be treated to the generous Onse Rus farmhouse breakfast of homemade muesli, fresh farm dairy products, fruit juice, bacon and eggs with mouth watering local preserves.
For the less energetic, fuel the soul with an early morning stroll through the town or simply put your feet up and relax under a pepper tree or next to the pool in summer or sit by the fire with a good book and a glass of local wine in the winter months.
For the adventurous, we can arrange tailor made trips up the breathtaking Swartberg and down into Gamkaskloof known as “Die Hel”. Night drives amongst the foothills or biking down the Swartberg pass before breakfast provide unforgettable memories.
There are a handful of restaurants, each offering their own blend of simple country fare and delicious cuisine. The sunsets are magnificent and the Karoo night sky will show you more stars than you’ve ever seen.
