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The history of Kimberley tells of success and vast wealth, but also of heartbreak and lost hopes.
Erasmus Jacobs picked up a shiny stone in 1866 which was later named the Eureka and was a 21-carat diamond.

This eventually led to the diamond boom culminating in the formation of “The big hole” which is a favourite visiting site in town. It is the biggest manually dug hole.

Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape. The Diamond Fields region is the smallest tourist region in the Northern Cape and is tucked into the upper eastern corner of the province. The region borders the Free State and North West provinces.
The past haunts the area and is an inseparable part of it. The recorded human history of the region dates back to the ancient people who made engravings on glacial pavements and rocks. San rock art sites form an invaluable part of the history of the Diamond Fields. Several sites where battles of the devastating Anglo-Boer War, lasting between 1899 and 1902, were waged are fought in this region. Today, the land still bears its battle scars, often attracting history buffs.
Despite its eventful past, there are still large undisturbed areas where the landscape offers ample opportunities for hunting and adventure tourism. Hunters, hikers and off road enthusiasts are welcome visitors to national, provincial and private conservation areas in the region.
Kimberley is also often called the Diamond Capital of the World.
With the subsequent diamond discoveries made in this region, such as the “Star of South Africa”, an amazing 83-carat stone, a diamond rush became a reality. From 1869 onwards it brought treasure hunters from all over the world to this region, hungry for the riches they thought were theirs for the taking.
While the fortunes of some improved to such an extent that they went on to finance the development of the Witwatersrand gold mines, many came to the diamond fields with stars in their eyes and found only tears. However, the tragedies did not stop new hopefuls from arriving every day, each new arrival contributing to the growth of a city.
Development started in 1871, when diamond deposits were found on the farm Vooruitzig, which belonged to the De Beers brothers. By 1872, a mining town, home to more than 50 000 people, had grown where once only the springbok roamed.
At first called “New Rush”, the name of the town was changed to Kimberley in 1873, in honour of the Earl of Kimberley, the British Secretary of State for the colonies at the time.
Kimberley is also a city of many firsts!

Air Transport
Kimberley Airport is 8 km out of town and there is no bus shuttle service into town. We provide a pick up and drop off service to the airport – enquire at our office. Cars are available for rent at the airport.
South African Airways and other smaller airlines combine to create an excellent air network. Charter companies operate widely within South Africa and visitors are able to rent and pilot light aircraft if they can produce a valid pilot's license. 
Rail transport
South Africa has a well-developed rail infrastructure. There are also luxury rail companies that offer the tourist high levels of comfort and safety, such as Rovos Rail and the Blue Train. The Blue Train travels from Pretoria to Cape Town via Johannesburg and Kimberley, where passengers can leave or board the train.
Kimberley also still operates a tram service with a vintage tram that dates from the beginning of the 20th century. Tickets for this interesting sightseeing trip can be bought on the tram. The tram departs daily from the City Hall to the Mine Museum.
Road transport
South Africa has an excellent road infrastructure and Northern Cape is no exception. Several off road routes are available for 4 x 4 enthusiasts.
Most rural roads are in good condition but road signs will warn drivers of danger, especially after heavy rain. Another danger on rural roads is the presence of people and of animals such as sheep and goats and, in some areas, wild animals. Drivers therefore need to be extremely careful, especially in areas where rural communities are established.
Bus and coach
Several long-distance coach companies provide transport between cities but visitors should book well in advance. In the Northern Cape, intercity bus services operate from Kimberley, Upington and Springbok. Information can generally be obtained from railway stations or from the companies' offices.
Some coach tour companies also operate in the Northern Cape.
Car rental
We offer you the best deals for car hire. Enquire at the office.
There are several national car rental companies in South Africa which have conveniently placed outlets, e.g. at airports. Cars can be collected from one outlet and dropped off at another on payment of a premium. Local firms offer a cheaper but more limited service. Several companies are represented at Kimberley, Upington and Springbok airports.