Jan Kempdorp, Diamond Fields
Despite being the largest province in South Africa, the Northern Cape remains the most sparsely populated. Rather than urban landscapes, it is characterised by the spectacularly vast African landscapes, which rise in impressive scope to meet the blue of the sky. Jan Kempdorp is a formal town, although initially established as a settlement, that is situated on the border between this province and the North West Province.
This settlement was originally established as the base for the officials working on the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme in the 1930’s. It was proclaimed a town and renamed to Jan Kempdorp in 1953.
The town is situated less than 100 kilometres north of Kimberley and is on the national road (N18), which links it to Vryburg and Mahikeng.
The history of Jan Kempdorp continues to be a fascinating draw card for visitors, providing excellent insights into the heritage of an aspect of South Africa. Some of this history and heritage is immortalised in a number of local museums, which are fantastic for young and old alike. In addition, the natural landscapes around the town are beautiful to explore, and continue to lure avid birdwatchers for their abundance of bird species.
A visit to the irrigation scheme is a must, since it is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is an essential resource to several towns in the area.
Indeed, Jan Kempdorp is one of the treasures of the Northern Cape.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Sonskyn Hof Guest House
Sonskyn Hof Guest House offers four rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room has a smart TV with DStv and Showmax, tea / coffee station, fridge, ...
Skemerkelk Guesthouse
The combination of warm hospitality and well-equipped, luxury accommodation in en-suite rooms, we ensure great value for money. Consider this you...
Bostons Lodge
Bostons Lodge in the Northern Cape province of South Africa and offers top quality accommodation in Jan Kempdorp, fine South African cuisine and ...
Eden Guest House
Located in Jan Kempdorp in the Diamond Fields region of the Northern Cape, Eden Guest House offers accommodation in a homely environment, with th...
Border Hotel
The Border Hotel in Jan Kempdorp is situated on an operational Pecan Nut Farm on the border of the North West and Northern Cape Provinces, just 4...
Noteworthy attractions
Kimberley Golf Club
With its famous 'Big Hole' where adventurous prospectors dug for diamonds, the town of Kimberley is steeped in history - and so too is the Kimber...
The Big Hole
Kimberley developed around this huge hole in the ground, formerly a small hill known as Colesberg Koppie, where diamonds were discovered early in...
Mokala National Park
Mokala is one of South Africa’s newest National Parks, situated approximately 80km south-southwest of Kimberley, and west of the N12 freeway to C...
Diggers' Memorial
The Diggers’ Memorial depicts five life-sized miners holding up a diamond sieve, high above their heads. Their strength and power is seen as they...
Kimberley Mine Museum
Situated next to The Big Hole, this open-air museum (one of the finest in the world) depicts Kimberley in its Victorian heyday during the diamond...
Benfontein Nature Reserve
Benfontein Nature Reserve, which lies near Kimberley in the Northern Cape, roughly 430km from Johannesburg, is the one place in the country where...
Dronfield Nature Reserve
Lying just off the N12, a mere 10km north of Kimberley, Dronfield Nature Reserve is on the De Beers Diamond Route. The game farm is a favourite w...
Kamfers Dam
Kamfers Dam is particularly significant for its being one of the very few breeding sites for the Lesser Flamingo, which is smaller and paler than...
St Cyprian's Anglican Cathedral
This understated old parish dates back to 1871 when the congregation met in diggers' camps in the nearby New Rush on the Diamond Fields, later ca...
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