Top 5 Things Kimberley, South Africa Is Famous For

1. Diamonds

This is known as Africa’s diamond capital. Lots of businessmen banked on the city’s treasures, including Barney Barnato and Cecil Rhodes - rival British entrepreneurs. Some significant stones in history are found in South Africa, such as Eureka and the Star of South Africa - a.k.a. Dudley Diamond. In the 1900s, a multitude of diamond findings caused an influx of mining activities in Kimberley, and thousands of men were employed in this industry. These excavation adventures had turned a hillock in the city into the now-iconic Kimberley Mine.

2. Kamfers Dam

For tourists who like reconnecting with nature and admiring its beauty and the fascinating wildlife that lives in it, Kamfer Dam is an enchanting place that you must not miss in Kimberley. It is a 400ha (988-acre) privately-owned reservoir that is found on the western side of the city. What once was a dry pan had become a wetland due to the rise of water level in Kimberley over time. More than the dam itself and the picturesque nature, what attracts tourists to this paradise is the sight of the flamboyance of flamingos. The place has become a breeding ground for these fascinating pink-colored birds. More than 50,000 flamingos reside in Kamfers Dam, and they survive by feeding on the dam’s high concentrations of blue-green algae.

Kamfers Dam

Address: Kamfers Dam, Kimberley, Diamond Fields, Northern Cape, South Africa

Price: Free admission

3. The Big Hole

Also known as Tim Kuilmine, The Big Hole is one of the most iconic and most famous landmarks in Kimberley, South Africa. It is not only a picturesque attraction but it is a place that signifies the country’s rich mining heritage. The Big Hole is considered the deepest man-made hole, stretching 215m (705ft) deep. From a flat-topped hill, it is now the deepest hole in the world. The excavation of the hole began in 1866 when Erasmus Jacobs, the founder of Eureka Diamond, discovered the historic piece of diamond on the Orange River banks. Fast forward to the 21st century, this mining venue was turned into a fascinating tourist attraction.

The Big Hole

Address: S Circular Rd, Kimberley, 8300, South Africa

Website: The Big Hole

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm

4. Vintage Tram

The captivating city of Kimberley offers limitless activities and places to see. One experience you should not miss while in the city is riding the vintage tram. Travel back to the 1900s when the transport system started providing service to people in 1887, founded by Victoria Tramways Company. The tram system is relevant to the city’s interesting past as it was founded during the time that tourists from all over the world go to Kimberley for its then-booming mining industry. As some locals and tourists found their luck with diamonds, the tram rides served as their transport service. It took them to different points in the city to explore and fall in love with it even more, from restaurants to pubs, local shops to must-see landmarks. At the present time, the vintage tram takes tourists to a 20-minute scenic trip around the Big Hole. The trip starts at the Kimberley Mine Museum.

Vintage Tram

Address: 121 Bultfontein Road, Civic Centre, Kimberley, Northern Cape

Website: Vintage Tram

5. William Humphreys Art Gallery

Tourists who are into culture and art will have a field day at William Humphreys Art Gallery. Located in Diamond City’s Civic Centre, in Oppenheimer Gardens, The William Humphreys Art Gallery is famous for being one of the best art institutions in South Africa. Funded by the government, this art hub opened its doors to the public in 1952. It is home to a massive collection of South African Art. Not only that, but it also features European artwork, including 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters. All these stunning pieces under a modern and peaceful roof with a surrounding scenic environment. Besides being a museum, William Humphreys Art Gallery is also a center for education, as it holds classes, workshops, and film screening. More so, it has a library and a beautiful outdoor cafe.

William Humphreys Art Gallery

Address: 1 Cullinan Cres, Civic Centre, Kimberley, 8300, South Africa

Website: William Humphreys Art Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:45pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

Fall in love with Kimberley

Kimberley is a breathtaking city in South Africa that is the official capital of the Northern Cape Province. This enchanting municipality attracts tourists from all over the world with its picturesque natural wonders and iconic landmarks. Also, it has a rich cultural heritage that is worth discovering. If you are a fan of diamonds and other rare stones, you will love Kimberley as it is known as the “Diamond Capital” of South Africa. Make the most of your holiday in this city by learning the things that it is famous for. Hopefully, this article helps.