- The Kalahari
The wild desert area is home to scorpions, hot sun and rugged beauty.
- Augrabies
Hot desert conditions and spectacular scenery.
- Upington
Set on the banks of the Orange River, Upington is one of the larger towns in the Northern Cape and the centre of the local lucerne, sultanas, raisins, dried fruits, cotton, peas, sheep, goat and cattle industries.
- Colesberg
This is a perfect half way stop if you're travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Although it's a dorp, it's well supplied with restaurants, pubs and friendly locals.
Kimberley
Some cities grow up on the banks of mighty rivers. Others in fertile valleys. Some sprawl around natural harbours. Kimberley is a city that has flourished thanks to an immense wealth of diamonds hidden in the ground. There is a great backapckers in town.
The Big Hole
Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape and the diamond capital of the world. The world famous “Big Hole” is a remarkable 240m deep open cast mine which was hand-dug in the frenetic early mining days.
By the time it closed in 1914, 14,5 million carats of diamonds had been mined. Today one can visit the working mine, venturing underground to see how diamonds are extracted...
Famous for its Diamonds
Diamond capital of the world, Kimberley became famous in the days of Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato. The Big Hole is the biggest ever excavated by pick and shovel and the museums and art gallery recall a time when the local population exceeded that of Cape Town and Johannesburg did not yet exist.
South Africa’s last remaining tram runs from the City Hall to the Big Hole every hour. Jump on and head under ground to watch miners at work. Then, at the end of a long day, relax at the Star of the West, South Africa’s oldest pub.
Diamond capital of the world, Kimberley became famous in the days of Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato. The Big Hole is the biggest ever excavated by pick and shovel and the museums and art gallery recall a time when the local population exceeded that of Cape Town and Johannesburg did not yet exist.
South Africa’s last remaining tram runs from the City Hall to the Big Hole every hour. Jump on and head under ground to watch miners at work. Then, at the end of a long day, relax at the Star of the West, South Africa’s oldest pub.
Places to Stay
- Gum Tree Lodge
This Kimbeley backpackers lodge offers budget accommodation in extensive well wooded grounds.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
This Cape Town tour company is your one stop shop for Cape Town tours.
(Muizenberg and Kalk Bay,Cape Town)
This Oudtshoorn lodge has onwers who have an in-depth knowledge of the Little Karoo and offer excellent accommodation.
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
A smaller lodge with a friendly owner - all rooms ensuite
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
These self-catering apartments are situated just 100m from the world famous Supertubes and the beach.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
They also do horse trails.
(Vredenburg,West Coast)
An awesome way to spend your day. Lose yourself in the oceans and meet the denizens of the deep.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Set in a century old Victorian house with loads of character, Knysna Backpackers is an easy going place.
(Knysna,Garden Route)
Tours, safaris and transfers.
(Pretoria City,Pretoria)
This is the Rolls Royce of all bungy jumps. And at 216m it’s the highest too. Ask any backpackers hostel in the area for more info and bookings.
(Bloukrans,Garden Route)
This Lesotho backpackers is set in the grounds of the original trading post and is a good base for exploring the beautiful Lesotho surroundings.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
