Good Old Kimberley

Posted by AmandaTom on June 29th, 2013

Kimberley’s history starts long before the first settlers moved in. Originally, it is the San people that lived in the area.  Sites such as the Wildebeest Kuil testify to a Khoi–San history dating up into the 19thcentury. Ultimately after thediscovery of diamonds in the areathere was a rush that brought people from all over, seeking the wealth.It was the English who ultimately lay claim to the area and renamed it after Lord Kimberley. Kimberley remains important in the country as it is seen as the first step in the transformation of South Africa.

Kimberley has many activities visitors can enjoy, such as game-viewing trips, bird-watching, fly fishing (on a catch-and-release basis only) and canoeing, shopping, dining and golfing. Visit the

Mokala National Park and view the endangered white and black rhino and The Belgravia two kilometre walk takes you through the town of Kimberley.

The DaRiva Houseboat, a relaxed accommodation adjacent to the Vaal River, you may spot the otherbig five such as the Otter, African Fish Eagle, Giant Kingfisher, Goliath Heron and the Iguana. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports.

The dry and warm state of Kimberly makes it a perfect setting for athletics. The city plays host to a number of annual marathons and other musical events. The main races are the Louise Jooste Memorial and the Phokwane Marathons.

Kimberley is a historical city with lots of attractions on offer. The Diamond Rush brought with it different cultures and infrastructure that is still visible today. The European influences are bluntly visible and unblemished. The most famous of all Kimberley’s attractions is probably the ‘Big Hole’, but it is closely followed by the Digger’s Memorial, Museums and local wine estates.In the Kimberley area, there are two museums that is a must see. These are the McGregor and the Kimberley Mine Museum. The Big Hole is a part of the Kimberley Mine Museum. Guests are also offered tours of the mine.

Kimberly and the Northern Cape are not only known for its mining but has a big farming community as well. The farming in the province is a catalyst to the Northern Cape wine industry. Well known estates include River's Tale, Wozani and Oranjerivier amongst others. Visitors are welcome to visit the farms and sample some of these wines.

Kimberly has a variety of stylish and comfortable accommodation options to choose from. Visitors will be pleased to know that they can always relax at a Kimberley guesthouse and Kimberley self-catering units. For more on Kimberley self-catering accommodation, visit ubuntustay.com.

It is true when they say you can kill the shine but you can’t kill the spark, as Kimberly is still a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. If diamonds are forever, then the City of Diamonds is everlasting.

A popular tourist destination due to its numerous attractions, Kimberley city is a place with lots of things to do and see. Check out Kimberley Guest House and Kimberley Self-Catering.