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- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
- Kimberley
Kimberley
Capital of the Northern Cape Province, Kimberley is best known
for its Big Hole, a legacy from the diamond rush in the area in
1871. Kimberley began as a town named New Rush, which formed around
the hill where a 83.50 carat (16.7g) diamond was found; as miners
arrived in their thousands the hill gradually disappeared and
became known as the Kimberley Mine or 'Big Hole', the largest
hand-dug excavation in the world. The Big Hole reached a depth of
787ft (240m) and yielded three tons (2,722kg) of diamonds until its
closure in 1914.
The growing metropolis became the first city in the southern
hemisphere to install electric street lighting and was home to the
country's first stock exchange and flying school. Kimberley's
prosperity has continued into the 21st century and the thriving
city is rich in history. Most of the city's opulent lifestyle and
characteristic Victorian architecture can be seen in the historical
suburb of Belgravia, and it also offers visitors many museums as
well as one of South Africa's most important art galleries.
Kimberley's biggest attraction is still the Big Hole, however, and
visitors can visit the informative museum, which recounts the tale
of the diamond rush and offers an insight into the lives of those
who lived and worked in the area.
Information & Facts
Climate
Kimberley's climate is typical of desert and semi-desert areas.
Summers are hot and winters mild, but with cold nights. January is
the hottest month with temperatures averaging 91-97°F (33-36°C),
while winter temperatures average 64ºF (18ºC). Annual rainfall is
unreliable and occurs mainly during the hot summer months in the
form of thunderstorms.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages, including
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely
spoken.
Money
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into
100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily
limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards
are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is
required. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs,
as con artists are known to operate there. Travellers cheques and
some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops,
but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will
exchange them.
Time