Kimberley, Diamond Fields
Say the name Kimberley, and nine times out of ten the phrase evoked by the name will be ‘big hole’. And indeed, Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape that is a perfect detour on the N12, just off the N1, that functions as an alternative route between Cape Town and Johannesburg, is ‘the’ place for diamond mining. It not only has a history immersed in diamonds but the Big Hole - a huge circular pit right in the middle of town - is a huge crater dug almost entirely with picks and shovels in an effort to reach the stones.
Kimberley’s Big Hole, measuring over a kilometre deep with a surface area of 17 hectares (although it isn’t the biggest hand-dug hole; the Jagersfontein Mine takes the credit for that) formed part of the diamond rush of the 1870s where men, with little more than man-made tools, managed to remove three tons of diamonds and 22,5 million tons of earth in the process. Today the hole is not as deep. Not only was it used as a receptacle in which to throw debris after it was abandoned, but ground water seeps into the hole leaving only 175 metres of the 215 metre depth visible.
The Big Hole today continues to draw attention and has been converted into an open air museum with a rather daring lookout point directly over the hole. But Kimberley isn’t just about its hole, although the guided underground tours of De Beers diamond mine are always exciting. Take a walk through the historical city centre and visit the museums, monuments and art galleries that grace some of the old Victorian homes. And there’s a Kimberley ghost trail that reveals all the haunted corners of the city.
History of Kimberley
By the turn of the century, Kimberley had become the diamond capital of the world, and South Africa was well on the way to establishing herself as the most highly industrialised country on the continent. Kimberley's diamond millionaires were largely responsible for financing the Witwatersrand goldfields. Today, Kimberley is a modern city with broad, tree-lined streets, attractive parks and gardens, comfortable hotels and busy shopping centres. But the extraordinary saga of its past, an aura of adventure and drama, seems ever-present. It's easy to conjure up a picture of the diggers, loafers, gamblers and "ladies" of ill repute who once inhabited the dusty shanty town.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Kimberley
Diggers' Memorial
The Diggers Memorial, a fountain and statue in the form of a diamond sieve held aloft by 5 life-size diggers, was erected in honour of diggers past and present. It is located in the Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens, which are in turn a memorial to the late Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, a mining magnate and the first mayor of Kimberley.
Kimberley Golf Course
With its famous 'Big Hole' where adventurous prospectors dug for diamonds, the town of Kimberley is steeped in history - and so too is the Kimberley Golf Club, which was established way back in 1890. Many famous names have played at the club. 1890 was the year that Cecil John Rhodes began his six-year term ... more information
Mokala National Park
Mokala is South Africa’s newest National Park, situated approximately 80km south-southwest of Kimberley, and west of the N12 freeway to Cape Town. Nestled in the hills, Mokala's landscape boasts a variety of koppieveld (hills) and large open plains. The isolated dolerite hills give the place a calming feeling of ... more information
Vaalbos National Park
The Vaalbos National Park is an extraordinary area along the Vaal River where wildlife such as black and white rhino, buffalo, eland, red hartebeest and tsessebe can be seen in the former heart of the the alluvial diamond diggings near Kimberley. A tourist route, built with material from the diamond diggings ... more information
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Things To Do in Kimberley
Visit the McGregor Museum
Where: Kimberley
How much (per person): R1 to R100
The McGregor Museum was officially founded on the 24th September 1907 when the title deeds were handed over to the Management Committee. Pri ... more information
Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum
Where: Kimberley
How much (per person): R1 to R100
One of Kimberley’s major attractions, the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum, was once a flat-topped hill and is now an awesome hole - the l ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Kimberley
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On Holiday in Kimberley
• Kimberley Hotels
• Kimberley Accommodation
• Diamond Fields Hotels
• Diamond Fields Accommodation
• Map of Kimberley
Visiting Kimberley?
Also see Things To Do in Diamond Fields or check out Things To Do in Northern Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
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- Destination Guide
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