Kimberley Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kimberley with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodation options, and more.


Introduction to Kimberley

Kimberley is a historic city in the heart of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It’s known as the “Diamond City” due to its mining history and the famous Big Hole, which is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. But Kimberley is not only rich in diamonds, it also has a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, accommodation options, and more in Kimberley, South Africa.

List of Places to Visit in Kimberley

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kimberley has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums and historical places worth visiting.

Kimberley Mine Museum

The Kimberley Mine Museum takes visitors on an underground tour into the world of diamond mining. It features exhibits on the lives of the miners and the machines used in mining.

McGregor Museum

The McGregor Museum showcases the cultural and natural history of the Northern Cape region. Exhibits include fossils, archaeological finds, and art objects.

Sol Plaatje Museum

The Sol Plaatje Museum is the former home of Sol Plaatje, one of South Africa’s most important political figures. Visitors can learn about his life and work as a journalist, novelist, and political activist.

Natural Attractions of Kimberley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kimberley has stunning natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Mokala National Park

Mokala National Park is a beautiful reserve where visitors can see rare antelope species and birdlife. The park is known for its red sandstone formations and the Riet River that winds through it.

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre is a must-visit for those who love history and archaeology. Visitors can see rock paintings and engravings that are thousands of years old.

Kamfers Dam

Kamfers Dam is a large pan that’s home to thousands of Lesser Flamingos. Visitors can see the beautiful pink hue of the flamingos against the blue water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kimberley

Kimberley has some of the best hiking and biking routes in South Africa.

Magersfontein Battlefield Route

The Magersfontein Battlefield Route is a 26-kilometer route that takes visitors through the history of the Boer War. The route passes through beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Kamfers Dam Nature Reserve

The Kamfers Dam Nature Reserve offers hiking and biking trails along the dam wall and through the beautiful pan.

Best Things to Do in Kimberley: Activities and Tours

Kimberley offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy.

Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum Guided Tour

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum to learn about the fascinating history of diamond mining in Kimberley.

Ghost Tour

The Ghost Tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through Kimberley’s haunted places. Visitors can learn about the city’s dark history and paranormal encounters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kimberley

If you have a week to explore Kimberley, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum
Day 2 Explore the nearby Mokala National Park
Day 3 Visit the McGregor Museum
Day 4 Hike or bike the Magersfontein Battlefield Route
Day 5 Take a ghost tour
Day 6 See the rock paintings at Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre
Day 7 Relax at Kamfers Dam and see the flamingos

Food and Drink Scene of Kimberley

Kimberley has a vibrant food and drink scene that’s worth exploring.

Must-Try Dishes

The local cuisine in Kimberley is influenced by traditional South African dishes. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Biltong: dried meat strips that serve as a delicious snack.
  • Potjiekos: a slow-cooked stew that’s cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open flame.
  • Vetkoek: a fried dough that’s served with savory or sweet toppings.

Local Beverages

South Africa is known for its wine, but Kimberley has a few local drinks worth trying:

  • Amarula: a cream liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree.
  • Rooibos tea: a caffeine-free tea made from the rooibos plant.
  • Castle Lager: a popular South African lager beer.

Where to Stay in Kimberley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kimberley offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

The Kimberley Club

The Kimberley Club is a historic hotel that’s housed in a beautifully restored building from the 1800s. It offers luxury rooms and suites with modern amenities.

5th Avenue Guest House

5th Avenue Guest House is a charming guesthouse that’s located in the heart of Kimberley. It offers spacious rooms with air conditioning and a swimming pool for guests’ use.

Kimberley Backpackers

Kimberley Backpackers is a budget-friendly hostel that offers clean and comfortable dorms and private rooms. It has a communal kitchen and lounge area for guests to use.

What to Buy in Kimberley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kimberley offers plenty of souvenirs and local products that make great gifts and mementos.

Diamonds and Jewelry

Kimberley is known for its diamonds, and visitors can buy diamond jewelry at several stores and shops in the city.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a popular drink in South Africa, and visitors can buy the tea leaves and tea bags to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Kimberley

The local culture and customs of Kimberley are shaped by its diverse population and history. The city has a rich cultural heritage that’s celebrated in museums, festivals, and events throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Kimberley

The best time to visit Kimberley is in the cooler months from May to August when the temperatures are milder. However, visitors can enjoy Kimberley’s attractions and activities year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kimberley

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take appropriate safety precautions when exploring natural areas.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended in public places.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Take rocks or other natural materials from historical or natural sites.

Safety and Health

Kimberley is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take standard safety precautions in public places.

Safety in Kimberley

  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight in public places.
  • Take care when driving, especially on rural roads.

Health in Kimberley

  • Visitors should make sure they are up to date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Kimberley.
  • Visitors should also take precautions against malaria if they plan to visit rural areas.

Getting to Kimberley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kimberley is easily accessible by air, bus, or car.

Airports Near Kimberley

Kimberley has its own airport, Kimberley Airport, which is served by various airlines with regular flights to several destinations in South Africa.

Bus Stations Near Kimberley

Kimberley has a bus station that’s serviced by several bus companies with routes to major cities in South Africa.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Kimberley via the N12 or N8 highway.

How to Get Around in Kimberley

Kimberley is a small city that’s easy to navigate on foot, but visitors can also use taxis or rental cars to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Kimberley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kimberley is a great starting point for exploring the Northern Cape region of South Africa. Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Augrabies Falls National Park
  • Namaqualand flower route
  • Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Conclusion

Kimberley is a fascinating and beautiful city that’s full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the city’s museums and historical sites, hike or bike through its stunning landscapes, enjoy its food and drink scene, and soak up its unique culture and customs. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to Kimberley, South Africa.

The Big Hole. The Big Hole. Old time pub exhibit in the Open Mine Museum. Old time pub exhibit in the Open Mine Museum. Get to know the Karoo around Kimberley. Get to know the Karoo around Kimberley.