ABOUT KIMBERLEY

Kimberley has a history of diamond mining and digging. Throughout the early years, this area was a central part of where diamonds were mined during the late 1800's. Today, the "big hole" as it's called, is evidence of the town's mining history. A museum in Kimberley provides the traveller with adequate information about the mining history of this town. 

A recreation of Kimberley Street  gives a visitor a glimpse of what it must have been like during the diamond boom. Ornate cast-iron lamp stands, the lutheran church of 1875 and Kimberley's oldest house proudly stands on display on Kimberley street. 

From a 19th century boxing academy owned by Barney Benato to a nearby ballroom with displays of ladies evening gowns provides an interesting look through. 

When visiting the town of Kimberley, one has to see the Mine Museum, the old buildings, Kimberley street and the old motor cars on display of years gone by! Reconstructed shops and the Alexander McGregor Museum which was used by Rhodes as his "headquarters" during the siege is all a must see. 

The highlight to the Kimberley experience would be the tram that runs through the city on tracks, just like it did in the old days. To top that, one has to have a look at the Big Hole, famous for being the biggest manual diamond digging site in South Africa. 

Kimberley is situated in the Northern Cape, between two to four hours away from Bloemfontein, the capital city of the Freestate, depending on how fast you travel. A visit to South Africa would not be complete without seeing this historical town of Kimberley.