EXPERIENCE OUR CULTURE

WILDEBEEST KUIL ROCK ART CENTRE AND DJAO CRAFT SHOP

VISIT THIS COMMUNITY BASED PUBLIC ROCK ART PROJECT

 

The Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre is a community-based public rock; art project on the outskirts of Kimberley. Here visitors can experience more than 200 examples of San rock art, with experienced guides providing excellent commentary and information.

 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Tel: 053 833 7069/ 082 222 4777

Open: Monday to Friday 09:00–16:00​

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GALESHEWE ACTIVITY ROUTE

EXPERIENCE AN EXCITING TOUR OF THE TOWNSHIP AND GALESHEWE CULTURAL VILLAGE.

Galeshewe, named after the legend, hero and stalwart Kgosi Galeshewe, is one of the oldest townships in South Africa with a very rich history. Taxi to Galeshewe offers an exciting tour of the township, including all historic locations such as the first post office in Galeshewe, the beer house, Robert Sobukwe’s house and offices where he practiced and many more significant  landmarks. A visit the Galeshewe Cultural Village will allow you to be enriched by a unique mix of all the Galeshewe cultures in action.
The Galeshewe Mural Arts project integrates fine art with tourism, giving previously disadvantaged communities a platform for displaying fine art in Kimberley, while also upgrading the township aesthetics through mural art.
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MAYIBUYE MEMORIAL

The Mayibuye Memorial dominates Galeshewe Square. It honours the 12 innocent victims, most of whom were coming home from work, who were massacred on 8 November 1952.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

KAMFERS DAM

KAMFERS DAM IS FAMOUS AMOUNG BIRDWATCHERS FOR ITS HUGE POPULATION OF LESSER FLAMINGOS

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Kamfers Dam, just minutes by road from Kimberley, is famous among birdwatchers for its huge population of Lesser Flamingos. The wetland may be home to over 200 species of birds and a national heritage site, but there’s no doubt that the main attraction is the biggest population of flamingos in southern Africa The flamingos flock to the dam to feed on the naturally occurring algae  and  to  breed  on  the artificial S-shaped island in the  middle  of the dam, which was built by a generous mining company. As the only breeding area for the species in the country Kamfers Dam has become a massively important ecological area and tourist attraction.

November to March are the breeding months, although the flamingos are there all year round. September and October can be spectacularly good, with up to 50 000 lesser flamingos visible.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Contact Birdlife South Africa  |  Tel: 011 789 1122


 

MOKALA NATIONAL PARK

GUESTS CAN CHOOSE FROM LODGES OR CAMPSITES AND THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES TO SATISFY THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

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Set against the backdrop of imposing hills and featuring sprawling plains, Mokala National Park, 80 kilometres south west of Kimberley, offers a peaceful, secluded and tranquil retreat.

A great variety of wildlife has been relocated and settled here, including Black and  White Rhino, Buffalo, Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Black Hartebeest, Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok, all of which roam freely among the camelthorn trees after which the reserve is named.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Tel: 053 204 0158 | Web:  www.sanparks.co.za/parks/mokala


DRONFIELD NATURE RESERVE

DORNFIELD NATURE RESERVE WAS PROCLAIMED 2004 AND HERDS OF GAME WERE TRANSLOCATED FROM THE NEARBY ROOIPOORT NATURE RESERVE.

The Kalahari sandveld of the reserve supports eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, zebra, giraffe, white rhino and kudu. It’s also a superb birding spot, with  over 140 species of birds identified here. This includes the popular African fish   eagle and the lilac-breasted roller. An added drawcard is the vulture hide for visitors to see the white backed vulture up close. Six luxurious self-catering chalets set in amongst camelthorn trees serve as good overnight accommodation in Dronfield Nature Reserve.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:
Tel:  053 839 4455   |   Email: reservations@debeersgroup.com

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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

HALFWAY HOUSE

HALFWAY HOUSE IS THE ONLY 'DRIVE IN BAR' IN THE WORLD

The Half’ as it is popularly known, remains a Kimberley institution and is the only ‘drivein bar’ in the world. This iconic pub dates back to January 1872 when it was known as the Young America was  sensibly  positioned  halfway  on  the  main road between Dutoitspan and the Kimberley mine. Legend has it that the original ‘driver’ was Cecil John Rhodes, who would remain on his horse outside the bar as he enjoyed a pint of the amber liquid. 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

229 DuToitspan Road   | 

Tel: 053 831 6324   |  Web:  www.halfwayhousehotel.co.za

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STAR OF THE WEST

Star of the West has been the favourite rendezvous of the diamond prospectors from the early 1870s and is now a Provincial Heritage Site. Built on 5.4 metres of solid rock foundation, the interior has been restored to look as it did in the early days of the diamond rush and the original bar counter and shelving behind the bar is still in use today. Its proudest memento is a stool said to have been made specially for Cecil John Rhodes.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

North Circular Road   |  Tel 053 832 6463

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FLAMINGO CASINO

ENJOY A NIGHT OUT AND TRY YOUR LUCK AT THE FLAMINGO CASINO

The Sun International- perated Flamingo Casino, adjacent to the Kimberley Golf Club, has nine gaming tables and  235  slot machines and is flanked by a family restaurant and a 200 seat conference centre. Keep an eye out for live entertainment and the lively bars.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

N12 Phakamile Mabije Road   | 

Tel: 053 830  2600

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RIVERTON & LANGLEG RESORT 

THESE TWO RESORTS ARE LOCATED NEXT TO EACH OTHER ON THE BANKS OF THE VAAL RIVER, SOME 27 KILOMETRES NORTH OF KIMBERLEY.

Here people can relax, enjoy the quiet and take part in water sports  such  as  boating and  fishing.  Facilities  include   fully equipped self-catering accommodation, a caravan park, a walk-in bird park, a powerboat jetty, a putt putt course, swimming pools and a river ferry. 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Tel: 053 832 1703 / 071 678 2224

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REKAOFELA RESORT

Located just 20 minutes drive from Kimberley, the Rekaofela Resort offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. with outdoor activities including putt putt and angling. With fully equipped chalets and excellent conference facilities, this is an ideal holiday or stopover spot. 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Tel: 053 5311 046

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DIAMOND PAVILLION MALL​

With nearly 100 shops, restaurants and public services, the Diamond Pavilion shopping mall in Kimberley offers convenient multilevel shopping. Diamond Pavilion offers a large variety of eateries, including coffee shops and restaurants. Movie Zone cinemas and Joyland situated on the Upper Level offer the best in family entertainment. Free undercover parking.


EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Tel: 053 830 8014
Open: Monday to Thursday: 09:00 -18:00,
Friday: 09:00 -19:00, Saturday: 09:00  -17:00,
Sunday and Public Holidays: 09:00 -14:00
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KIM PARK SHOPING CENTRE

Kim Park Shopping centre is situated in the CBD area of Kimberley and is a convenient shopping centre comprising mainly national traders including Pick n Pay, West End Meat Market, Fashion World and Nando's. Kim Park provides ample free, secure parking. The centre is also close to the railway station, taxi rank and bus terminus and library.

 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Tel: 051 430 2341
Corner Lennox & Chappel Streets
Open: Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 19h00,
Saturdays: 09h00 - 17h00

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NORTH CAPE MALL

 Located on Memorial Road, the North Cape Mall boasts a large number of national stores and resturants including Pick ‘n Pay, Game, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Mr Price.  

With plenty of entertainment for the kids, this family friendly mall is your one stop shopping experience. Located in Memorial Road. See page 56 for a full directory of Shopping Centres in the Kimberley area.
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SPORTING SENSATION

KIMBERLEY SKATEPARK

THE KIMBERLEY SKATE PARK HAS PUT KIMBERLEY ON THE INTERNATIONAL SKATEBOARDING MAP

This world class facility, designed by Joe Ciaglia of California Skate Parks and proskater Geoff Rowley, opened in 2011 and attracts skate enthusiasts from around the world.

The Maloof Money Cup features on the international pro skateboarding circuit in September each year, where professional skateboarders compete for millions of rands.

The skate park is alive with local kids, particularly on weekends and the skate park manager and two assistants offer free lessons on weekends and encourage everyone, particularly youngsters, to take up this sport.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Manager - Mike Koroczynsky  | 
Tel: 071 431 4560
Website:  kimberleydiamondcup.com   |   Email:  chinner@worldskateboarding.com   |
Entry: Free

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KIMBERLEY GOLF COURSE

THE 18-HOLE KIMBERLEY GOLF CLUB WAS ESTABLISHED WAY BACK IN 1890 AND HAS SEEN MANY FAMOUS PLAYERS

Cecil John Rhodes was a great benefactor of the club, which went from strength to strength with his assistance, while Ernie Els won his first professional tournament here the 1990 Spoornet SA Classic.

Now a thriving club with enthusiastic membership and a very social 19th hole 

Kimberley Golf Club, designed by the great Bob Grimsdell, is considered one of South Africa’s best-kept golfing secrets.

The   Magersfontein   Memorial Golf Estate, adjacent to the Modder River, is an upmarket golf estate located 20 minutes from Kimberley off the N12.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Tel: 053 841 0179
Web: www.kimberleygolfclub.co.za

FREDDIE TAIT MUSEUM

Situated at the Kimberley Golf Club, this is the first golfing museum in Africa. On display are the trophies and artefacts from over a century of golf in Kimberley, including the famous putter that once belonged to Freddie Tait. Tait, a two time British Amateur champion, was killed near Kimberley in the Anglo Boer War and the trophy presented to the leading amateur in the South African Open is named after him.
 
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GWK STADIUM ​

Formerly known as Hoffe Park Stadium, GWK Park, is a multi purpose stadium that is currently used for rugby union matches and is the home stadium of the Wildeklawer Griquas, who compete in the Currie Cup. It is also the part time home of the Cheetahs of Super Rugby and has a capacity of 18 000 spectators.

DIAMOND PARK CRICKET OVAL

The De Beers Diamond Oval cricket stadium has hosted many international matches and is the home of the Griquas and the Knights cricket teams.  It has a capacity of 11 000 and is set to host a test match against the Australians in 2014.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:
Tel:  053-8332601   |   Dickenson   Ave

FLAMINGO PARK RACE TRACK

The Flamingo Park Racecourse is situated on the outskirts of Kimberley and hosts 36 horse racing meetings each year, usually on a Monday. In August of each year the Kimberley festival provides three feature races, namely, the R200 000 Recall Security Mile, the Betting World Sprint and the Diamond Stayers.

 

See it for yourself: Tel: 053 843 0011/4 78 Boshoff Road

 

 


BELGRAVIA HISTORICAL WALK  

OPULENT LIFESTULES, FAMOUS PEOPL, UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE, ENTERTAINING ANECDOTES AND GOSSIP OF YEARS GONE BY.

Soak up the ambience of Kimberley’s first exclusive residential suburb are what visitors doing the Belgravia Historical Walk will be exposed to. After all, what more can be expected of a walk that  packs  30  of  Kimberley’s  most historical sites in under three kilometres?

The walk commences at the imposing McGregor  Museum  and  meanders  past  sites such as the birth place of diamond magnate Harry Oppenheimer; “The Half” the world’s only drive in pub; the magnificent Dunluce and the Duggin Cronin gallery which was erected in 1889. So savour Kimberley’s romantic and glamorous past by taking a walk through Belgravia. An informative guide book on the walk is available at the McGregor Museum.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tel: 053 831 1081 | Web: www.kimberleymeander.co.za

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GREAT KIMBERLEY NORTH WALK

AN INFORMATION AND ENCHANTING HISTORICAL WALK THROUGH THE CITY CENTRE AND AREA TO THE NORTH CITY.

This informative historical walk spans the City Centre and the Kimberley North suburb. Sites visited include the spot where the first traffic lights in Kimberley were erected, the Executioner’s Yard, the pretty   Victorian   Kimberley Station, Cecil Rhodes’ De Beers Mining Company Boardroom and another big hole in Kimberley, the De Beers Mine. Some 41 authentic sites are visited and the walk follows a four kilometre trail.
 

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and
Industry
Tel: 053 831 1081 | Web: www.kimberleymeander.co.za

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THE GHOST TRAIL​

Kimberley has many intriguing stories  of ghost sightings and this trail, which starts at the Honoured Dead Memorial, promises to reveal all the haunted corners in the city. Sites include the Kimberley Club, Daisy De Melker’s sister’s house, Cecil Rhodes’ De Beers Mining Company Boardroom, Kimberley Regiment’s Drill Hall, Rudd House, Girls’ High School and McGregor Museum. There are several alternative Ghost tours available, including a walking tour  of  the haunted city centre. Kimberley has 158 haunted houses and buildings with well over 200 still to be verified by paranormal experts, but you’ll visit ones known to have resident ghosts.

A visit to Magersfontein battlefield at night is also an option, where perhaps one may see the swinging lanterns of the stretcher bearers and hear the ghostly  bagpipes.

THE ELDORADO TRAIL

The Eldorado Trail (CBD Walk) is centred in and around the Central Business District, taking in well over 50 historic buildings and sites. A fine mixture of architecture, characters, with a bit of myth and legend… the Eldorado Trail is all about where Kimberley first sprang into sudden prominence in the world.
 

TO EXPERIENCE THESE TRAILS:  Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and  Industry
Tel: 053 831 1081   |   Web: www.kimberleymeander.co.za

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AMANDLA TRAIL

This Trail allows the visitor to view historic sites connected with the various Black cultures and their history in the Diamond City. Prior to 1994 little was known about the history of the black people of South Africa other than what was allowed to be published during the Apartheid era. This Trail allows the visitor to view historic sites connected with the various Black cultures and their history in the Diamond City. Orien Sites include the McGregor Museum, Duggan Cronin Gallery, Greenpoint Township and the Peace and Justice Memorial, The Malay Camp and Memorials.

Sol Plaatje Statue, Sol Plaatje House and Museum, Frances Baard Statue, Transvaal Road Police Station, Black Pioneer Cemetery, Sol Plaatje Grave,  Mayibuye Graves, Heroes Acre, Historic Galeshewe No 2, Mayibuye Uprisings 1952, Abantu-Batho Hall and Robert Sobukwe House and Business, House of NC Parliament, Colville and Floors Townships, Gum Tree Lodge and Africana Library. 

​KIMBERLEY PUB TOUR

While Kimberley during the mining heydays was dotted with pubs, today, only a few of these establishments from a bygone age exist. This tour revisits some of these old establishments still standing today, including the Phoenix Hotel, Cheers (Old Beaconsfield  Club), 
Halfway House, KHS Old Boys’ Club (Bishops Hostel), Ex Servicemen’s Club (Old Kimberley Golf Club), Kimberley Club, Savoy Hotel, The City Club, Star of the West and the Australian Arms.

              

TO EXPERIENCE THESE TRAILS:
Northern  Cape  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Industry

Tel: 053 831 1081   |   Web: www.kimberleymeander.co.za