The interior of the Northern Cape is known as the Great Karoo with vast majestic vistas in every direction. Here you will find diamond town of Kimberley. Once the second largest settlement in South Africa and home to the first stock exchange in the country, Kimberley was also the first town in the southern hemisphere to install electric street lights.

For visitors, Kimberley is best known for the Big Hole, all that was left by the early Diamond Rush. It is amazing to think that it was dug by hand. The Big Hole as well as the restored diamond village, forms the Kimberley Mine Museum. There’s a reconstruction of a typical Kimberley Street during the diamond boom. There is also a remarkable display of vintage cars.

The other fascinating aspect of Kimberley for history enthusiasts is that it is surrounded by some well-known battle sites of the Anglo-Boer War such as Magersfontein Battlefield and Modder River Battlefield. The Magersfontein site can be easily visited under your own steam, but we recommend a private tour with a local guide.