Kimberley is a down-to-earth city built around the South African diamond boom. It flourished in the 19th century when prospectors flocked to extract gemstones from local mines. Beyond diamonds, the city is a gateway to the Northern Cape, where you’ll find a handful of wildlife-rich safari parks.
Things to do in Kimberley
Visit the cavernous Big Hole and learn about Kimberley’s diamond mining heyday. At more than 200 metres deep and almost half a kilometre wide, it’s one of the largest hand-dug mines in the world. Some of the most valuable diamonds in the world were discovered here. An open-air platform wraps around the mine and offers a bird’s eye view of the turquoise water that now fills the hole.
Spot lions, hyenas and other iconic South African animals at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The park is an easy day trip from Kimberley and offers a quintessential safari experience. Buckle into a 4X4 and explore the sun-baked grasslands and rolling dunes, where you can see springbok, cheetahs and meerkats. Kalahari black-maned lions roam the park and can be spotted basking on rocks and roaming the grasslands. To the south is Mokala National Park, where you can tick off animals like zebras, giraffes and white rhinos.
Admire works by South African luminaries like Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef at the William Humphreys Art Gallery. In addition to paintings by South African artists, the museum showcases a fantastic collection of beaded jewellery, ceramics and other traditional artforms. The permanent collection is impressive and features work by international masters like Elliott Seabrooke and Henry Moore.
Getting around Kimberley
Parts of Kimberley are easy to get around on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Rent a car or hire a private driver to explore surrounding sights and attractions. Kimberley Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre.