kimberly attractions accommodation hotel guesthouse

Kimberley is known as the “Diamond Capitol of the world” and is home to the world’s largest hand-dug excavation, the Kimberly Mine/Big Hole. The Kimberly Mine closed in 1914, but the Du Toitspan, Wesselton and Bultfontein are still mined today. Surface and underground Tours are memorable. Diamond deposits were first discovered in 1871 on a small hill, Colesberg Kopje, on the farm Vooruitzicht owned by the De Beer brothers. This discovery attracted many prospectors to the area. In 1873 the town was renamed Kimberley after the British Secretary of the State for the Colonies, the Earl of Kimberely. This flourishing metropolis boasts South Africa’s first flying school, first stock exchange and first city in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric street lighting.

Attractions and Things and to do Kimberly

Africana Library
Located on Du Toitspan Road. The Library is home to Mr Robert Moffat’s personal copy of his SeTswana translation of the Bible, the library has a large selection of books, manuscripts and photographs depicting life in the Northern Cape. Open from 08:00-12:45 and 13:30-16:30, for more information Tel: 053 830 6247.

Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum
Located on Chapel Street. The original Museum was built in 1907 in remembrance of Alexander McGregor who was a former mayor. Today, still part of the McGregor Museum, it houses displays on Kimberley’s new suburban and township development. Tel: 053 839 2700.

Art Gallery
A set of De Beers custom made watercolors depicting Victorian life in Kimberley can be viewed at the Kimberley Mine Museum

Battlefields Route
There is a well marked route on the N12 where one where one can see the many battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).

Belgravia
Is the oldest residential suburb, it originated in the 1870’s. Self guided walks start at the McGregor Museum.

Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum
One can view ‘the Eureka’ here, it is the first recorded diamond discovery. Also on display is ‘the 616’, which is a whopping 616 carats, making it the world’s largest uncut octahedron diamond. The Museum is located on Tucker Street. For more information Tel: 053 833 1557.

Bultfontein Mine
Tours of the surface workings are available on weekday mornings and include a video on the history of Kimberley, modern diamond mining and the recovery processes. Bultfontein is the only mine in the world that offers underground tours of an actual working diamond mine. Located on Molyneaux Road, booking is required. Tel: 053 842 1321.

The Burgher Monument
The gravesite of Boers killed during the Anglo-Boer War’s western campaign (1899-1902). Tel: 053 839 2700.
Cathedral Church of St Cyprian
Consecrated in 1908, this church has the longest nave in the country. This elegant church is located on Du Toitspan Road.

The City Hall
Built in 1899 and completed just before the Anglo-Boer War. The City Hall was designed by F. Carstairs Rogers with a Roman Corinthian style. Located on the Corner of Old Main Street & Transvaal Rd. For more information Tel: 053 832 7242.

Clyde N Terry Militaria Museum
A display of international military badges, medals and other relics can be viewed.

Concentration Camp Memorial
Located on Long Street.

Driekops Eiland
Over 3 000 rock engravings, mainly abstract designs, relating to religious San experiences, are pecked into glacial pavements in the bed of the Riet River near Plooysburg.

Duggan Cronin Gallery
There are about 8000 invaluable photographs taken by Irishmen AM Duggan Depicting indigenous cultures and lifestyles between 1919 and 1939. Located on Egerton Road, for more information Tel: 053 839 2700.

Dunluce
Located on 10 Lodge Road, is an old stylish home built in 1897 for Gustav Bonas. It was the home of John Orr’s family from 1902 to 1975, and was declared a national monument in 1990. Appointments to view the house must be mad through the McGregor Museum. Tel 053 839 2700.

Dutch Reformed Church
Dating all the way back to 1871, it is the mother church of Kimberly’s congregation. The present church was built in 1885. A Memorial honoring all those who died in the Newton Concentration Camp during the Anglo-Boer War, stands in front of the church. The Dutch reformed church is in Hertzog Square.

Flamingo Casino
The casino with its Victorian-inspired décor is situated next door to the Kimberly Golf Course. The casino is unique as it is a cash free casino and guest use new state of the art smart-card technology.

Fleamarket
Is held on the last Saturday of every month opposite the Oppenheimer Gardens, on Jan Smuts Blvd.

Flyfishing
For Yellowfish along 200km of the unspoilt Vaal River. Tel: 053 832 7298.

Fort
A fort can be found on top of Carnarvon Koppie (1899-1902), the only fort in the region.

Freddie Tait Golf Museum
There is a Golf Club on Kamfer’s Dam. Tel: 053 841 0179. (Open Mon-Sun 07:30-20:00)

Halfway House
On Du Toitspan Road was once known as the Halfway Hotel. According to legend, Rhodes when passing through town on his way to the Sanatorium, was served his drink while mounted. The drive-in license granted to the present owners is due much to this tale. Tel: 053 831 6324. (Open Mon-Sat 10:30-02:00 next morning)

Historical Walks
The Belgravia Historical Walk takes the visitor to 33 of the city’s most historic sites.
The Great Kimberley North Walk 42 more sites can be seen. Contact the Diamantveld Visitor Centre for maps and more information.

Hunting
For hunting venues and more information, contact the local Tourist Information.

Kamfersdam
Many flamingos and many species of waterfowl in the water pan and reed beds, located just of the Transvaal Road.

Kimberley Club
The Kimberley Club was established in August 1881 and declared a National Monument in 1984. It’s members in the past include CJ Rhodes, Leander Starr Jameson, Charles Dunnell Rudd, Barney Barnato, Sir Ernest and Harry Oppenheimer. Located on Du Toitspan Road. Tel: 053 832 4224.

Kimberley Ghost Trail
Visit the supposedly haunted corners of a city once plagued by war and mine disasters. Tel: 053 832 7298.

Magersfontein Battlefield
Located off the new Bloemfontein road 31,5km from Kimberley. Tel: 053 833 7115. (Open Mon-Sun 08:00-15:00)

Market Square
Kimberley developed around market square, it used to be the main trading area for the dry diggings. Located next to the City Hall.

McGregor Museum
Home to an Ancestors Gallery depicting 3 million years of human history in the Northern Cape. Tel: 053 842 0099. In the Sanatorium on Atlas Street.

Nooitgedacht Glacial Pavements
Ventersdorp lava some 2 500 million years old was scoured by slow-moving glaciers about 250 million years ago during an Ice Age. Today there are new displays and a boardwalk is being developed.

Oppenheimer Memorial Gardens and Diggers Fountain
On Jan Smuts Blvd. there is a memorial to Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. There is also a Miners Memorial/Diggers Fountain, which was erected to honor both past and present diamond diggers.

Pioneers of Aviation Memorial
The site of South Africa’s first flying school, started in 1913. Located on General van der Spuy Drive. Tel: 053 839 2700.

Rhodes’s Statue
Located on Du Toitspan Road

Riverton
This municipal pleasure resort on the Vaal River offers boating, fishing and a large swimming pool. Tel: 053 832 1703.

Robert Sobukwe’s House
The house of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, the founder and first president of the Pan Africanist Congress, spent his last years practising law in Kimberley. He broke away from the ANC’s passive stance and formed the PAC in 1958, Sobukwe rallied support for the huge 1960 anti-pass protests. After police killed 69 people at Sharpeville, Sobukwe was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island. After 9 years he was released and lived under house arrest in Naledi Street, Galeshewe. Sobukwe passed away in 1978.

Rudd House
Formerly the home of a mining tycoon, HP. Rudd. Today it is part of the McGregor Museum which restored the home to its full magnificence. It was declared a national monument in 1990. Appointments to view the house can be made through McGregor Museuml. Tel: 053 839 2700.

Seventh Day Adventist Church
Built in 1890 by Pieter Wessels, the small church is the mother church of Seventh Day Adventists in South Africa and Australia. Located on the corner of Blacking Street & Dyer Place.

Sister Henrietta Stockdale Statue
Located at St. Cyprian’s Cathedral, Du Toitspan Rd. The statue is the world’s only portrait statue of a nun. The Anglican nun was a nurse, Sister Henrietta was the first matron of Kimberley’s new hospital. She persued legal recognition for the nursing profession, she is responsible for bringing about the first state registration of nurses in the world, in 1891. To visit the chapel built at Sister Henrietta's request, contact the nurses home.

Sol Plaatje’s House
Located in Kimberley’s Civic Centre is the former home of Sol Plaatje’, a famous founding member of the African National Congress (ANC) and its first Secretary General.

Spoornet Museum
Where one can view the development of the railway and transport systems of the region. Located at the Kimberley railway station. Tel:053 838 2376. (Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30)

Square Hill Memorial
Built in remembrance of those in the Cape Corps who lost their lives in the Battle of Square Hill in Palestine during the First World War. Located on Du Toitspan Road.

Star of the West
It used to be a hotel and today is South Africa’s oldest continuously operating bar, dating all the way back to the 1870s. The pub was restored and made into a national monument in 1990. The pub is located on North Circular & Barkly Roads. Tel: 053 832 6463.

Steam Locomotives
By appointment only. Contact Theuns Klopper, tel: 053 838 3131. Located on Austin Road, Beaconsfield.

Synagogue
Opened in 1901, on Memorial Rd.

Vintage Tram
the tram was introduced to Kimberley in 1887, it was refurbished to assist visitors, and today it runs several times a day between the City Hall and the Mine Museum. On route one will see the many historical buildings and places of interest. It is South Africas only running tram service. Tel: 053 832 7298.

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre
This spot is one of South Africa’s premier rock art sites with over 400 rock engravings. The center offers an audio visual introduction and an audio tour on site. Authentic San art and crafts on sale at shop. Located off the R31 between Kimberley and Barkly West. Tel: 053 833 7069.

William Humphreys Art Gallery
Located at the Civic Centre, Jan Smuts Blvd. This is one of the most significant galleries in the country, and the cultural haven of the area. It is home to a representative collection of South African works, 16th and 17th century Flemish and Dutch Old Masters, and British and European Masters. Open Mon-Fri 08:00-16:45; Sat 10:00-16:45; Sun 14:00-16:45. Tel: 053 831 1724/5 for more information.

	Kimberly
	Kimberley is known as the “Diamond Capitol of the world” and is home to the world’s largest hand-dug excavation, the Kimberly Mine/Big Hole. The Kimberly Mine closed in 1914, but the Du Toitspan, Wesselton and Bultfontein are still mined today. Surface and underground Tours are memorable. Diamond deposits were first discovered in 1871 on a small hill, Colesberg Kopje, on the farm Vooruitzicht owned by the De Beer brothers. This discovery attracted many prospectors to the area. In 1873 the town was renamed Kimberley after the British Secretary of the State for the Colonies, the Earl of Kimberely. This flourishing metropolis boasts South Africa’s first flying school, first stock exchange and first city in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric street lighting. Attractions and Things and to do Kimberly Africana Library Located on Du Toitspan Road. The Library is home to Mr Robert Moffat’s personal copy of his SeTswana translation of the Bible, the library has a large selection of books, manuscripts and photographs depicting life in the Northern Cape. Open from 08:00-12:45 and 13:30-16:30, for more information Tel: 053 830 6247. Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum Located on Chapel Street. The original Museum was built in 1907 in remembrance of Alexander McGregor who was a former mayor. Today, still part of the McGregor Museum, it houses displays on Kimberley’s new suburban and township development. Tel: 053 839 2700. Art Gallery A set of De Beers custom made watercolors depicting Victorian life in Kimberley can be viewed at the Kimberley Mine Museum Battlefields Route There is a well marked route on the N12 where one where one can see the many battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Belgravia Is the oldest residential suburb, it originated in the 1870’s. Self guided walks start at the McGregor Museum. Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum One can view ‘the Eureka’ here, it is the first recorded diamond discovery. Also on display is ‘the 616’, which is a whopping 616 carats, making it the world’s largest uncut octahedron diamond. The Museum is located on Tucker Street. For more information Tel: 053 833 1557. Bultfontein Mine Tours of the surface workings are available on weekday mornings and include a video on the history of Kimberley, modern diamond mining and the recovery processes. Bultfontein is the only mine in the world that offers underground tours of an actual working diamond mine. Located on Molyneaux Road, booking is required. Tel: 053 842 1321. The Burgher Monument The gravesite of Boers killed during the Anglo-Boer War’s western campaign (1899-1902). Tel: 053 839 2700. Cathedral Church of St Cyprian Consecrated in 1908, this church has the longest nave in the country. This elegant church is located on Du Toitspan Road. The City Hall Built in 1899 and completed just before the Anglo-Boer War. The City Hall was designed by F. Carstairs Rogers with a Roman Corinthian style. Located on the Corner of Old Main Street & Transvaal Rd. For more information Tel: 053 832 7242. Clyde N Terry Militaria Museum A display of international military badges, medals and other relics can be viewed. Concentration Camp Memorial Located on Long Street. Driekops Eiland Over 3 000 rock engravings, mainly abstract designs, relating to religious San experiences, are pecked into glacial pavements in the bed of the Riet River near Plooysburg. Duggan Cronin Gallery There are about 8000 invaluable photographs taken by Irishmen AM Duggan Depicting indigenous cultures and lifestyles between 1919 and 1939. Located on Egerton Road, for more information Tel: 053 839 2700. Dunluce Located on 10 Lodge Road, is an old stylish home built in 1897 for Gustav Bonas. It was the home of John Orr’s family from 1902 to 1975, and was declared a national monument in 1990. Appointments to view the house must be mad through the McGregor Museum. Tel 053 839 2700. Dutch Reformed Church Dating all the way back to 1871, it is the mother church of Kimberly’s congregation. The present church was built in 1885. A Memorial honoring all those who died in the Newton Concentration Camp during the Anglo-Boer War, stands in front of the church. The Dutch reformed church is in Hertzog Square. Flamingo Casino The casino with its Victorian-inspired décor is situated next door to the Kimberly Golf Course. The casino is unique as it is a cash free casino and guest use new state of the art smart-card technology. Fleamarket Is held on the last Saturday of every month opposite the Oppenheimer Gardens, on Jan Smuts Blvd. Flyfishing For Yellowfish along 200km of the unspoilt Vaal River. Tel: 053 832 7298. Fort A fort can be found on top of Carnarvon Koppie (1899-1902), the only fort in the region. Freddie Tait Golf Museum There is a Golf Club on Kamfer’s Dam. Tel: 053 841 0179. (Open Mon-Sun 07:30-20:00) Halfway House On Du Toitspan Road was once known as the Halfway Hotel. According to legend, Rhodes when passing through town on his way to the Sanatorium, was served his drink while mounted. The drive-in license granted to the present owners is due much to this tale. Tel: 053 831 6324. (Open Mon-Sat 10:30-02:00 next morning) Historical Walks The Belgravia Historical Walk takes the visitor to 33 of the city’s most historic sites. The Great Kimberley North Walk 42 more sites can be seen. Contact the Diamantveld Visitor Centre for maps and more information. Hunting For hunting venues and more information, contact the local Tourist Information. Kamfersdam Many flamingos and many species of waterfowl in the water pan and reed beds, located just of the Transvaal Road. Kimberley Club The Kimberley Club was established in August 1881 and declared a National Monument in 1984. It’s members in the past include CJ Rhodes, Leander Starr Jameson, Charles Dunnell Rudd, Barney Barnato, Sir Ernest and Harry Oppenheimer. Located on Du Toitspan Road. Tel: 053 832 4224. Kimberley Ghost Trail Visit the supposedly haunted corners of a city once plagued by war and mine disasters. Tel: 053 832 7298. Magersfontein Battlefield Located off the new Bloemfontein road 31,5km from Kimberley. Tel: 053 833 7115. (Open Mon-Sun 08:00-15:00) Market Square Kimberley developed around market square, it used to be the main trading area for the dry diggings. Located next to the City Hall. McGregor Museum Home to an Ancestors Gallery depicting 3 million years of human history in the Northern Cape. Tel: 053 842 0099. In the Sanatorium on Atlas Street. Nooitgedacht Glacial Pavements Ventersdorp lava some 2 500 million years old was scoured by slow-moving glaciers about 250 million years ago during an Ice Age. Today there are new displays and a boardwalk is being developed. Oppenheimer Memorial Gardens and Diggers Fountain On Jan Smuts Blvd. there is a memorial to Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. There is also a Miners Memorial/Diggers Fountain, which was erected to honor both past and present diamond diggers. Pioneers of Aviation Memorial The site of South Africa’s first flying school, started in 1913. Located on General van der Spuy Drive. Tel: 053 839 2700. Rhodes’s Statue Located on Du Toitspan Road Riverton This municipal pleasure resort on the Vaal River offers boating, fishing and a large swimming pool. Tel: 053 832 1703. Robert Sobukwe’s House The house of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, the founder and first president of the Pan Africanist Congress, spent his last years practising law in Kimberley. He broke away from the ANC’s passive stance and formed the PAC in 1958, Sobukwe rallied support for the huge 1960 anti-pass protests. After police killed 69 people at Sharpeville, Sobukwe was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island. After 9 years he was released and lived under house arrest in Naledi Street, Galeshewe. Sobukwe passed away in 1978. Rudd House Formerly the home of a mining tycoon, HP. Rudd. Today it is part of the McGregor Museum which restored the home to its full magnificence. It was declared a national monument in 1990. Appointments to view the house can be made through McGregor Museuml. Tel: 053 839 2700. Seventh Day Adventist Church Built in 1890 by Pieter Wessels, the small church is the mother church of Seventh Day Adventists in South Africa and Australia. Located on the corner of Blacking Street & Dyer Place. Sister Henrietta Stockdale Statue Located at St. Cyprian’s Cathedral, Du Toitspan Rd. The statue is the world’s only portrait statue of a nun. The Anglican nun was a nurse, Sister Henrietta was the first matron of Kimberley’s new hospital. She persued legal recognition for the nursing profession, she is responsible for bringing about the first state registration of nurses in the world, in 1891. To visit the chapel built at Sister Henrietta's request, contact the nurses home. Sol Plaatje’s House Located in Kimberley’s Civic Centre is the former home of Sol Plaatje’, a famous founding member of the African National Congress (ANC) and its first Secretary General. Spoornet Museum Where one can view the development of the railway and transport systems of the region. Located at the Kimberley railway station. Tel:053 838 2376. (Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30) Square Hill Memorial Built in remembrance of those in the Cape Corps who lost their lives in the Battle of Square Hill in Palestine during the First World War. Located on Du Toitspan Road. Star of the West It used to be a hotel and today is South Africa’s oldest continuously operating bar, dating all the way back to the 1870s. The pub was restored and made into a national monument in 1990. The pub is located on North Circular & Barkly Roads. Tel: 053 832 6463. Steam Locomotives By appointment only. Contact Theuns Klopper, tel: 053 838 3131. Located on Austin Road, Beaconsfield. Synagogue Opened in 1901, on Memorial Rd. Vintage Tram the tram was introduced to Kimberley in 1887, it was refurbished to assist visitors, and today it runs several times a day between the City Hall and the Mine Museum. On route one will see the many historical buildings and places of interest. It is South Africas only running tram service. Tel: 053 832 7298. Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre This spot is one of South Africa’s premier rock art sites with over 400 rock engravings. The center offers an audio visual introduction and an audio tour on site. Authentic San art and crafts on sale at shop. Located off the R31 between Kimberley and Barkly West. Tel: 053 833 7069. William Humphreys Art Gallery Located at the Civic Centre, Jan Smuts Blvd. This is one of the most significant galleries in the country, and the cultural haven of the area. It is home to a representative collection of South African works, 16th and 17th century Flemish and Dutch Old Masters, and British and European Masters. Open Mon-Fri 08:00-16:45; Sat 10:00-16:45; Sun 14:00-16:45. Tel: 053 831 1724/5 for more information.
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Kimberly

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