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Kimberley

Fleetwood Rawstorne's "Red Cap Party" of prospectors on Colesberg Kopje

The Big Hole.

A sign next to the Big Hole, reading "If all the diamonds recovered from the Kimberley Mine could be gathered together they would fill three cocopans such as these"

Soup ration ticket from the Siege of Kimberley

Du Toit's Pan Road Kimberley, 1899

Flamingos on an artificial island in Kamfers Dam. This feature was submerged for a time as water levels rose in 2012

The provincial legislature is situated in the Galeshewe township of Kimberlely

Sol Plaatjie University Central Campus part of which is still under construction.

Restored locomotive at the Kimberley Mine Museum

World War I memorial in Kimberley

Kimberley

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South Africa

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43 out of 57 Places to visit in South Africa

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Kimberley Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - October Read More

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"Diamond City and Historical Attractions"

Kimberley Tourism

Kimberley, located in South Africa's Northern Cape province, is a popular destination for history, culture, and nature enthusiasts. It's known as the 'Diamond City' due to its history of diamond mining. One of its main attractions is the Big Hole, a former diamond mine dating back to the late 1800s. The region is also home to national parks and game reserves where you can see animals like elephants and lions.

Beyond diamonds, Kimberley features historical sites like the McGregor Museum, the Battle of Kimberley Monument, and the Diamond Hall of Fame. Visitors can tour Victorian-style buildings and the Sol Plaatje House Museum honoring a local writer and enjoy arts, music, and galleries, with attractions like the Donkey Sanctuary and Kimberley Mine Museum. Kimberley's blend of history, culture, and allure creates an engaging destination.

Local Events and Culture: Visitors can plan their trips around events like the Wildeklawer Sports Festival (October) and the Boeremark Farmers' Market (Saturdays) to experience local culture.
Transportation: Visitors can use taxis, buses, or minibus taxis to navigate the city.
Explore Nearby: Kimberley is a relatively small city that is often combined with trips to nearby places like Bloemfontein, Upington, and natural reserves such as Mokala National Park and Benfontein Nature Reserve.
Water Safety: It is advised to drink only bottled water as tap water is not potable.
Pollution Considerations: Be mindful of the fact that Kimberley has significant pollution, especially in its water, and lacks sufficient parks and green areas for recreation.
Road Conditions: Watch out for large potholes and poorly maintained roads in Kimberley while driving.
Shopping Convenience: There are lots of malls in Kimberley, and things are generally quite close together, often just 7 minutes away or even next to each other.
Climate Preparedness: Kimberley can be very hot and humid, so make sure to stay hydrated and ready for the weather.

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Shopping in Kimberley

Market Square Shopping Centre offers a range of items, including fashion and electronics, while North Cape Mall features various stores. Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall specializes in jewellery and diamonds, reflecting the city's historical ties to the diamond industry, but also offers a selection of other stores and amenities. Local markets like Wilde Als Farm Stall showcase handmade crafts and fresh produce.

Nightlife in Kimberley

Among Kimberley’s nightlife spots, the Halfway House Hotel stands as one of the oldest pubs in Kimberley. The Star of the West Pub is also a favoured spot, known for its cosy atmosphere. The Occidental Bar and Kimberley Club are additional well-regarded venues for drinks and relaxation. A noteworthy attraction is the Belgravia Historic Walk, encompassing visits to historical pubs like the Star of the West and the Kimberley Club.

History of Kimberley

Kimberley's history began when diamonds were found in 1871, leading to a rush of people coming to find them. The "Big Hole," once a big diamond mine, shows this time. The city was important during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), with a famous battle called the Siege of Kimberley. In 1905, the Cullinan diamond was found, making Kimberley even more famous for diamonds. The city was also part of the fight against apartheid, and important people like Sol Plaatje and Robert Sobukwe were connected to Kimberley.

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How to Reach Kimberley

How to Reach Overview

When considering a trip to Kimberley, there are several convenient ways to reach this captivating city. For international travellers, Cape Town or Johannesburg can serve as entry points to South Africa, connecting domestically to Kimberley through its own Kimberley Airport (KIM). Another option is road travel via the well-connected N12 and N8 national highways, linking Kimberley to cities like Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. Public buses are another reliable way of reaching Kimberley.

How to reach Kimberley by flight

Kimberley has an airport, the Kimberley Airport (KIM), which serves domestic flights from major cities in South Africa. Cape Town or Johannesburg can be the entry point to the country if travelling internationally. Domestic airlines such as Airlink, CemAir, and South African Airways fly to Kimberley Airport.

From Cape Town International Airport, the flight journey can take around 1.5 – 2 hours and a round-trip can cost around $200 - $500 per person. Whereas from Johannesburg Airport, it takes around 1.5 hours and costs $100 - $200 for a round-trip.

How to reach Kimberley by road

Kimberley is accessible by road via the N12 and N8 national highways. It's well-connected to cities like Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. The travel time by car from Johannesburg is approximately 5-6 hours, and from Bloemfontein, it's about 2-3 hours.

How to reach Kimberley by train

While Kimberley doesn't have a railway station with direct connections to major cities, the nearby city of Bloemfontein has a railway station served by South African rail services. Travellers can take a train to Bloemfontein and then continue by road to Kimberley.

How to reach Kimberley by bus

Bus transportation providers like Greyhound, Translux, and Intercape operate within the city, connecting Kimberley to other major cities in South Africa.