Mention Kimberley to anyone in South Africa, and they’ll immediately think “Groot Gat”. Yes, there is a HUGE hole in Kimberley that speaks of its immersion in diamond mining history, but there’s also much more to see, do and taste in Kimberley.
If you’re thinking of visiting ‘The City that Sparkles’, here’s what you need to know, see and do:
PLACES FOR YOUR EYEBALLS TO VISIT IN KIMBERLEY:
1. DIE GROOT GAT/THE BIG HOLE
Obviously. Kimberley is home to the world’s largest diamond mine dug by humans and it’s so large that it’s even visible from space! Mined to a depth of about 240m, with a surface area of 17ha and a perimetre of about 1.6km, this mine yielded 2 722kg of diamonds – that’s a lot of bling!
2. THE PIONEERS OF AVIATION MUSEUM
In 1913 South Africa’s first flying school opened in Kimberley to train the pilots of the South African Aviation Corps, which later became the South African Air Force. This memorial is a reconstruction of the hangar and there is a replica of the Crompton Paterson biplane used in flight training.
3. THE KIMBERLEY GHOST TRAIL
Paranormal thrillseekers will love this one! Kimberley has 158 haunted houses and buildings, and another 200 still to be verified by paranormal experts. From a phantom Scottish piper, to the spirit of a restless librarian – this mining town is teeming with spectral spirits. Go get your scare on!
4. THE SOL PLAATJE MUSEUM
One of South Africa’s most important, but oft-‐forgotten activists. His status as a leader, writer, journalist and visionary is documented in the Sol Plaatje Museum and Library – the very house where he lived for many years and where he is buried.
5. WILLIAM HUMPHREYS ART GALLERY
Considered one of the finest art museums in South Africa, it was opened in 1952 and named after its principal benefactor. In 1948 William Humphreys donated a large part of his personal collection of 16th and 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, British and French paintings, antique furniture and other fascinating objects d’art. Now, the Gallery concentrates on collecting South African works.
PLACES FOR YOUR TASTEBUDS TO VISIT IN KIMBERLEY:
6. THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Established in 1872 and situated on the Belgravia historic route, this historic hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal. It’s also the only drive-‐in bar in the world. Carnivores will savour their legendary beef cuts, and omnivores will appreciate the abundant selection of pizzas, pastas, fresh salads and chicken dishes to choose from. End the meal with a delightful dessert and quality coffee.
7. ANNABELL’S RESTAURANT
Annabell’s restaurant is a fine dining eatery -‐ expect comfort food with all the trimmings. They’ve also got an impressive wine list and an even more impressive dessert menu.
8. MARIO’S
For relaxed alfresco dining, enjoy your next meal at Mario’s. Gorgeously gastronomic antipasti, sumptuous salads, seafood, pasta, and melt-in-your mouth meat and chicken – this restaurant has it all.
9. THE LEMON TREE
Think old – world quaint country charm. This coffee shop is a superb place to escape for a chilled-‐out, lazy afternoon meal. Expect delicious, unpretentious food.
IF YOU’RE VISITING FOR BUSINESS IN KIMBERLEY:
10. ROAD LODGE, KIMBERLEY
Across from the Flamingo Casino and Entertainment Centre, you can make use of a 200-‐seater conference facility and escape to your peaceful room at the 90-‐room Road Lodge (a member of the City Lodge Hotel Group) once all your meetings have been wrapped up for the day. The Road Lodge is conveniently located mere minutes away from everything Kimberley has to offer. If you’re visiting for business, you’ll also appreciate the WiFi and working desk facilities.
So now that you know that there’s more to Kimberley than just a big hole, when will you be visiting?