The City of Diamonds

Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape in South Africa, is a city forged by the world’s greatest diamond rush. Born from a frantic mining camp in the 1870s, its immense and sudden wealth was so great that in 1882, it became the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric streetlights. Today, Kimberley is a place of rich history, grand Victorian architecture, and a spirit that still sparkles with the legacy of its diamond past.

Home of the Big Hole

The city's most famous landmark is the spectacular Big Hole. This massive crater, the largest hand-dug excavation in the world, is a powerful monument to the sheer determination of the early diamond prospectors. The site is now an excellent museum complex that vividly recreates the atmosphere of the original mining town, with preserved buildings, historical exhibits, and an underground diamond mine experience. It offers a fascinating journey into the heart of the diamond fever that gripped the world.

A Legacy of Firsts and Frontiers

Beyond the Big Hole, Kimberley’s heritage is evident throughout the city. It played a key role in the Anglo-Boer War, and its history from that era can be explored at the McGregor Museum and nearby battlefield sites. For art lovers, the William Humphreys Art Gallery holds an impressive collection of South African and European masterpieces. With its beautiful historic buildings and welcoming community, Kimberley offers a captivating look into a unique chapter of history. Proudly featured on the Bounce Business Directory.