Welcome to Kimberley, a glittering jewel in South Africa’s crown where modern charm and heritage coexist together. Kimberley, also referred to as the diamond metropolis, is a historical wonder whose roots may be found in the diamond rush of the 19th century. As the dynamic capital of the Northern Cape Province, it now has a wide range of attractions to suit all types of tourists. Look through our list of Kimberley attractions.
This city offers a trip through time, from the magnificent Big Hole to the painstakingly restored Kimberley Mine Museum. More than simply a mining relic, Kimberley is a treasure mine of experiences just waiting to be explored, with its verdant gardens decorated with historical plaques and a variety of outdoor activities. Come along as we reveal the best sights to see and activities to partake in in this enthralling city, where each corner reveals a tale of tenacity, beauty, and the unquenchable spirit of exploration.
The Big Hole
This city offers a trip through time, from the magnificent Big Hole to the painstakingly restored Kimberley Mine Museum. More than simply a mining relic, Kimberley is a treasure mine of experiences just waiting to be explored, with its verdant gardens decorated with historical plaques and a variety of outdoor activities. Come along as we reveal the best sights to see and activities to partake in in this enthralling city, where each corner reveals a tale of tenacity, beauty, and the unquenchable spirit of exploration.
Giftly Surprize Gift And Decor Shop
The Kimberley Exclusive Gift and Coffee Shop is a shining example of style and diversity, drawing customers in with its distinctive products. Each gift in this instance sparks a conversation and is presented in a unique way that enhances the art of giving. The store sells a variety of artificial flowers, glasses made of crystal, and elegant home décor. Both contemporary and traditional frames line the walls, and there is an amazing array of both indoor and outdoor lighting, including chandeliers that make a statement.
William Humphreys Art Gallery
Explore Kimberley’s creative core at the William Humphreys Art Gallery, a cultural treasure that proudly bears the name of its principal sponsor and opened in 1952. The scale of this expansive art gallery and the friendliness of its workers are astounding. It’s a must-see for both locals and tourists, with admission for youngsters being free and a little cost of R5. Admire the extensive collection that captures a wide range of artistic expression, from paintings from the 17th century to contemporary displays.
The same enthusiastic and kind personnel greeted us when we recently returned to this remarkable museum, but regrettably, the beautiful tea room has been lost to COVID. Nonetheless, the gallery’s vast selection of carefully curated artwork is nonetheless enjoyable to peruse. It is imperative that this important cultural organization receive support as it fights to uphold the tradition of excellent art in these trying times. The gallery’s outside features excellent artwork, attracting artists and art fans for a must-visit experience in a city where such a jewel is a pleasant surprise, even though photography is prohibited inside.
Duggan-Cronin Gallery
Through the work of renowned photographers, the Duggan-Cronin Gallery in Kimberley, a division of the prestigious McGregor Museum, provides a singular window into the rich cultural past of southern Africa. Located in the historic structure known as “The Lodge,” this gallery features the striking creations of Alice Mertens, Jean Morris, Aubrey Elliot, and Alfred Martin Duggan-Cronin. Their images, taken between 1919 and 1980, document the traditional ways of life and dress of indigenous peoples, many of which have since been lost to time.
Built for John Blades Currey of the London and South African Exploration Company in 1889, “The Lodge” eventually joined the De Beers estate. It was used as a guest home and a residence for De Beers officials before the business handed it to the Kimberley City Council in 1938. Alfred Duggan-Cronin, the original curator of the Duggan-Cronin Collection, made this bequest expressly to help preserve it.
Maria Wilman encouraged Duggan-Cronin to go on trips into tribal areas once she arrived in Kimberley in 1897 and worked in the De Beers compounds. His goal was to take pictures of the native tribes before their traditional way of life was changed by Western influences. The McGregor Museum works hard to preserve this priceless collection today so that guests can travel back in time and take in the cultural diversity of southern Africa’s past.
Kamfers Dam
For nature lovers, Kamfers Dam, which is situated just north of Kimberley, South Africa, offers a remarkable sight. Once an ephemeral pan dependent on rainfall, this 400-hectare permanent wetland has evolved into an essential habitat for a remarkable variety of birds. Being one of just four breeding grounds for the lesser flamingo in Africa, it draws both nature lovers and birdwatchers to see its pink-hued inhabitants.
Due to the abundance of algae that grows in Kamfers Dam’s waters, which serves as their main food source, thousands of lesser flamingos gather there every year. The amount of algae is estimated to be an astounding 750,000 kg, which is a true feast for the flamingos. With 60,000–80,000 Lesser flamingos, or more than half of the region’s population, the dam, which is only six kilometers from Kimberley, is home to the largest breeding colony in Southern Africa.
With almost 2,000 bird species—not including flamingos—this avian sanctuary is more than simply a birder’s paradise; it is an essential ecosystem. However, unmanaged sewage and house development pose a threat to Kamfers Dam’s sacredness, jeopardizing its delicate ecosystem and the lesser flamingos who rely on it. Interested parties are invited to contact groups such as Save the Flamingo or BirdLife South Africa to find out more about conservation initiatives and how they can help preserve Kamfers Dam and its flamingo population.
Mokala National Park
Located in the Plooysburg region southwest of Kimberley in the Northern Cape, South Africa, Mokala National Park was created on June 19, 2007, and offers a special haven where endangered species flourish. Mokala, which spans 26,485 hectares and is called after the Setswana word for the famous Cameeldoring (camelthorn) tree, Acacia erioloba, is a tribute to South Africa’s vast and varied flora. From tiny, prickly shrubs to massive trees up to 16 meters tall with broad, sprawling crowns, the park is home to a variety of Camelthorn trees with their twisted and gnarled shapes.
Scattered across 27,500 hectares, the park’s terrain is a mix of open plains and koppieveld (hills), with solitary dolerite hills lending a feeling of peaceful isolation. The vast sandy plains to the north and west stand in sharp contrast to this. These plains are fed by tiny rivers that emerge from the hills and eventually flow into the Riet River along the park’s northern edge. Because of its diverse topography, Mokala is an essential area for the preservation and regrowth of many important species.
The Rudd House
Known as one of South Africa’s most haunted homes, the Rudd House is a 19th-century architectural wonder. Built in the 1880s, this historic building was originally intended to be a simple four-room home. It did, however, undergo a number of improvements over time, becoming the opulent house it is now, complete with a sophisticated veranda. Commonly referred to as “The Bungalow,” the house is located on the same plot of land that had housed Charles Dunnel Rudd, Cecil John Rhodes’s renowned business partner and co-founder of Gold Fields of South Africa Ltd. The Rudd House is an intriguing and enigmatic part of Kimberley’s historical fabric because of its lengthy history and rumours of paranormal activity.
Star of the West
Stop for a drink at the Star of the West, South Africa’s second-oldest tavern, which is rich in character and history. With its vintage wooden swinging doors and a yellowwood bar top that was reportedly saved from a shipwreck by sailors, this pub, which was founded in 1870, oozes old-world charm. Originally a refuge for shipwreck survivors, the Star of the West later became a well-liked meeting place for thirsty miners during the diamond rush, demonstrating tenacity and friendship.
The Star of the West, which has been in business for more than 146 years, offers more than simply drinks—it gives a fascinating look into the past. The creak of the hardwood floors and the reverberation of previous discussions transport visitors back in time as soon as they enter. Stories from the past and present come together at one of Kimberley’s most historic sites. In addition to enjoying a nice beer and interacting with locals, patrons may take in the pub’s latest renovations, which have exquisitely preserved its rich history.
The Star of the West is a must-see for anybody traveling to Kimberley since it provides a unique window into the city’s illustrious past.