The Joyride Blog
Town of the week - Kimberley─── 16:10 Thu, 24 Feb 2022
This week, Aaron makes a stop in the diamond capital of South Africa. Kimberley is the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. It’s known for its 19th-century diamond mines, like the deep, hand-dug Big Hole.
If you’re a history buff, then you’ll know that South Africa has its past rooted in the ground and this historic little town, the capital of the Northern Cape province is lovingly known as the Diamond City. Immerse yourself as you take a guided tour of a once-operational diamond mine and descend a staggering 840m underground. When you return to the surface and the need blue skies above you, visit the city's choice of jewelry stores. Start your exploration of the city at its main attraction: the Big Hole. Imagine a hand-dug hole the size of eight football fields and you have some idea of the labour that went into creating the Big Hole. In fact, the Big Hole is one of the world’s largest holes excavated by hand.
Right next to the Big Hole is the Kimberley Mine Museum, which brings to life the way the city was during the bustling days of the diamond rush. Many of the buildings here are originals that have been moved over the years to this spot. Read more on the Diamond City and maybe stop by on your next trip to the Northern Cape.
Town of the week - Kimberley:
