Kimberley

Kimberley, situated approximately 110 km east of the Vaal and Orange Rivers confluence, serves as the capital and largest city of the Northern Cape province. The city earned its nickname, "Diamond City," owing to its remarkable diamond production.

The "Big Hole" stands as one of the world's largest hand-dug excavations, a testament to Kimberley's mining heritage. Moreover, the area boasts an abundance of other minerals, including iron, copper, asbestos, manganese, fluorspar, semi-precious stones, and marble.

Many people choose to live in Kimberley because of its rich history, natural beauty, and the affordability of properties. With its cultural diversity, relaxed environment, and easy access to schools and hospitals, the city has a lot to offer.

A brief history of the area

Historically, Kimberley has been known for its diamond mines. Kimberley's rapid growth was triggered by the discovery of diamonds on Colesberg Kopje in 1871. In this region, the De Beers brothers played a crucial role in diamond mining, establishing the world-famous Kimberley Mine. As a result of its growth, the town became a diamond trading hub.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Residents of Kimberley can easily access the town from Barkly West and Warrenton, which makes it easy to travel. You can reach Barkly West in 31 minutes (34.6 km) via the R31 and Warrenton in 54 minutes (77.4 km) via the N12. The nearest airport is Kimberley Airport, approximately 5 km from the city centre, primarily serving domestic flights.

Climate

The weather in Kimberley is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. In January and December, when the average high is 32.3°C, Kimberley has its warmest weather. June is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 17.6°C and an average low temperature of 7.3°C. April is the wettest month in Kimberley regarding rainfall, with rain falling on about 8.3 days and totalling about 32 mm.

Schools in the area

Families with children in Kimberley have a diverse range of educational options. The city offers numerous primary schools, such as Venus Primary, Herlear Primary, Diamantveld Primary, Kimberley Junior, Olympic Primary, Beacon Primary, and West End Primary.

For high school education, there's Northern Cape High School, Kimberley Girls' High School, Hoërskool Diamantveld, St Boniface High School and Kimberley Technical High School. Moreover, Kimberley residents have access to tertiary education through the Sol Plaatje University Central Campus.

Healthcare in the area

Several hospitals serve diverse healthcare needs in Kimberley. Hospitals such as Kimberley Hospital, Lenmed Royal Hospital and Heart Centre, Mediclinic Kimberley Hospital, and Kimmed Private Hospital are among them. Pharmacies such as Alpha Pharm Crystal and Libra Pharmacy are also nearby, ensuring convenient access to medication.

Shopping centres

Shopping is available in various malls in Kimberley. You'll find multiple stores, dining options, and entertainment options at the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Centre and North Cape Mall. Furthermore, New Park Centre, Hadison Park Centre, and Monument Heights Spar Complex offer convenient shopping options.

Restaurants

Finding a great dining spot in Kimberley is easy. You can choose from options like Star of the West Bar and Restaurant, Hussar Grill, and Fat Greek, each offering unique dishes. Consider trying Oopsy Daisy and Lemon Tree if you prefer a nice atmosphere. China Restaurant is also a popular choice for Chinese cuisine.

Special attractions

Kimberley has a lot of things to do that show off not only its rich past but also its natural beauty. Here are some places to see in Kimberley that are worth visiting:

1. Big Hole: Kimberley's most famous attraction is the Big Hole. During the diamond rush in the late 19th century, a massive open-pit diamond mine was dug by hand. The area has a rich history of diamond mining, and the crater is an impressive sight.

2. Kimberley Mine Museum: Located next to the Big Hole, this museum provides insight into the mining history of Kimberley. It features a recreated old mining town with historic buildings and equipment, offering a glimpse into life during the diamond rush for those interested in the city's history.

3. William Humphreys Art Gallery: With a diverse South African and international art collection, this art gallery is a cultural treasure in Kimberley. The expansive exhibition at the William Humphreys Art Gallery includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, creating a captivating experience.

Make Kimberley your home. Let it be your story.

Kimberley is known for its unique and historic charm, especially with the city boasting delightful Victorian architecture and a rich cultural heritage, giving it a unique character. With attractions like the Big Hole and museums, residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Discover Kimberley's available properties through Seeff's listings, and contact our property practitioners today for more information.

Image credit 3: Open-pit diamond mine by Irene2005 | Wikipedia | https://bit.ly/3AcHFb8 | CC BY 2.0
Image credit 4: Sol Plaatjie University Central Campus by Bobby shabangu | Wikipedia | https://bit.ly/3lZZuWm | CC BY-SA 4.0
Image credit  5: Victorian property in Kimberley by flowcomm | Flickr | https://bit.ly/3AcHFb8 | CC BY 2.0