Kimberley
City Of Diamonds
General Information
Other Name: -, , State: Northern Cape, South Africa
Area: 0
Languages Spoken: -
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: Diamond found in this city.
Best Time to Visit: - to - and -
International Access: -Description
Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province and is situated almost at the centre of South Africa at an altitude of 1200m.The most notable thing about Kimberley is a huge hole in the ground, but it’s not just any hole – it’s what’s left over after the removal of about three tons of diamonds. Measuring over a kilometre deep, with a surface area of 17ha, it’s the world’s largest hand-dug hole – a monument to the lengths (and depths) humans will go in search of wealth.Location
Johannesburg - 490 kmClimate
Continental Climate
Kimberley's main tourist attraction is the Kimberley Mine Museum, an open-air museum centered on the "Big Hole".The Big Hole (the Kimberley Mine) is the world's largest man-made hole, with a depth of 800m/.5mi, a diameter of 470m/1,542ft and a circumference of 1.5km/.9mi. Between 1871 and 1914 22.6 million tons of earth and rock were excavated from the mine for a yield of 2,722kg/6,000lb of diamonds. Visitors can look down from a viewing platform into the mine, now filled with water to 150m/500ft below ground level.By 1889, when the workings had reached a depth of 400m/.25mi, opencast mining was no longer possible. Later the work was increasingly mechanized, the first winding tower being installed in 1892.
The Duggan Cronin Gallery contains a unique collection of photographs of the native peoples of South Africa, taken by A.M. Duggan Cronin between 1919 and 1939. Some of the traditional tribal rites depicted can never be photographed again. The gallery also displays African arts and crafts and a number of rock paintings (originals).
Dunluce is an outstanding example of Late Victorian architecture. Originally built in 1897, it was acquired by John Orr in 1903 and remained in the hands of the much respected Orr family until 1975. Like Rudd House, it is attached to the McGregor Museum and can be seen at weekends by appointment.
Beautiful Queen's Park, originally laid out in 1874, was given its present name in 1953 on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
This estate, earlier generally known as "The Bungalow", belonged to the mine magnate H P Rudd. In 1970 it was donated to the Museum, and since it has been renovated and used as a historical house museum. The house depicts the luxurious lifestyle of one of the most famous mine magnates in Kimberley's history, with typical furniture and decorations of that time.It boasts, amongst others, with a billiard room housing a full-scale billiard table, still in excellent condition. Outside the house one can see a gigantic fig tree with its characteristic thick roots showing above ground level.
The Kimberley Club has a tradition all its own with stories not confined to its buildings - stories of its members and of unique associations. It's seen the "comings and goings" of some of the foremost personalities in the world - has entertained sovereigns, princes & princesses, Governors and high commissioners and has housed legendary figures whose vision and energy have pioneered new territories.Founded in 1881 by Cecil John Rhodes and the top men in the diamond industry, a visitor once said "the place was stuffed with more millionaires to the square foot than any other place in the world". Many historic decisions have been made at the club, affecting not only Kimberley, but southern and central Africa and the international diamond industry. History has now been rewritten with the comprehensive renovation and refurbishment of the world-famous club - 120 years of history re-shaping the future… Become a member of the fraternity that has shaped the future of South Africa…live the dream.
This historic tram runs between the Kimberley City Hall and the Open Mine Museum at regular intervals. A "must" for visitors of all ages.The tram operates daily carrying visitors between the City Hall and the Big Hole Mine Museum. Treat yourself to a ride through some of the historic parts of Kimberley.