Big Hole Kimberley
Witness the world's deepest hand-dug diamond mine pit, a monumental feat of 19th-century labor, with an engaging museum and historical town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Big Hole Kimberley
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the world's deepest hand-dug diamond mine pit, a monumental feat of 19th-century labor, with an engaging museum and historical town.
"Definitely something you have to see at least once in your life. It's amazing to think that this hole was made with the simplest of tools."
Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for a richer understanding of the mine's history and the diamond rush.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the museum and historical town. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Hole
Kimberley, Northern Cape
Marvel at the world's deepest hand-dug mine pit, a testament to human endeavor and the diamond rush.
Kimberley Mine Museum
Adjacent to The Big Hole
Explore fascinating exhibits detailing the history of diamond mining and Kimberley's past.
Historical Town
Kimberley Mine Museum precinct
Step back in time in this recreated historical town with artifacts and old transport machines.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to The Big Hole
Understanding Admission & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for a richer understanding of the mine's history and the diamond rush.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the museum and historical town. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Verify current operating times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock:
Capture the Scale
The aerial views are stunning; consider drone footage if permitted.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for a richer understanding of the mine's history and the diamond rush.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the museum and historical town. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Verify current operating times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock:
Capture the Scale
The aerial views are stunning; consider drone footage if permitted.
Family-Friendly Fun
An educational and engaging experience for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Big Hole as a must-see historical site, highlighting the impressive scale of the hand-dug pit and the informative museum. Many recommend taking a guided tour for a richer understanding of the diamond rush era. While the entry fee is noted, most feel the experience is well worth the cost for its historical significance and educational value.
"Definitely something you have to see at least once in your life. It's amazing to think that this hole was made with the simplest of tools by diamond miners. It cost R80 per person just to walk out onto the viewing platform and look at the Big Hole. If you want to do the tour it costs a little more."
Lizette Greeff
"We had a very informative tour from our tour guide David. Very interesting museum with lots of exhibits. Great history lesson. I especially enjoyed the experiences on the tour. The precinct with all the shops stocking historical goods were delightful, not to buy but for exhibits. There is also safe car parking."
Janet Blishen
"It was amazing to see the big hole of Kimberley, I would advise going on the tour, it was really worth every cent."
Ronald Luff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Hole is located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa. It's accessible by car, and there is safe car parking available on-site.
While specific public transport routes directly to The Big Hole might be limited, local taxis or ride-sharing services within Kimberley can be used to reach the attraction.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Kimberley and its surroundings, including The Big Hole and other historical sites.
Yes, Kimberley offers various accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses, and even a caravan park near The Big Hole.
Yes, Kimberley Airport (KIM) serves domestic flights, making it accessible for travelers coming from other major South African cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the viewing platform has a fee, typically around R80 per person. Guided tours and access to the museum may incur additional costs. It's advisable to check the official website or contact them for the most current pricing.
The guided tours offer a more in-depth experience, providing historical context and insights into the diamond mining process. They are considered well worth the extra cost by many visitors.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to confirm them directly with the attraction before your visit. Generally, they are open during daylight hours.
While online booking might be available, tickets are also typically sold at the entrance. Checking their official channels for online purchase options is recommended.
Often, the museum and historical town are part of the overall visitor experience, with a combined ticket or an additional fee. Confirm this when purchasing your entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can view the immense hand-dug pit from a viewing platform, explore the informative Kimberley Mine Museum, and wander through a historical town with artifacts and old machinery.
Absolutely! It's a fun and educational experience for all ages, offering a glimpse into a significant historical period.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the Big Hole, the museum, and the historical town. A guided tour will add to this time.
Yes, safe car parking is available, and restroom facilities are typically provided for visitors.
No, swimming in The Big Hole is not permitted. It's a historical site and a deep mine pit.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platform offers panoramic views of the pit. Aerial shots, if possible, are spectacular.
Photography rules can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most museum areas, but it's best to check for specific signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer shadows and more dramatic lighting for your photos of the Big Hole.
Drone usage is subject to regulations and may require special permits. It's crucial to check with the site management beforehand.
Focus on the sheer scale of the pit, the historical context of the miners' tools, and the recreated historical village.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The historical town within the museum precinct provides a fun, interactive element where kids can imagine life in the past. Ensure they have comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds. Consider booking a guided tour, as the guides often make history come alive with stories that can captivate younger audiences. It’s a great opportunity to spark curiosity about geology, history, and human endeavor.
💎 Diamond Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Engage with the detailed exhibits on De Beers and the Kimberley Mine's role in shaping the global diamond industry. The historical town offers a tangible connection to the era, allowing you to visualize the lives of the prospectors and the development of the city.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Capture the textures of the mine walls, the historical buildings, and the scale of the operation. Experiment with different times of day to play with light and shadow. The historical town also offers charming vignettes and opportunities for street-style photography. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial footage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of The Big Hole
The Kimberley Mine, also known as the 'Groot Gat' (Great Hole) in Afrikaans, represents a pivotal moment in South African history, drawing prospectors from across the globe. The sheer scale of the excavation, driven by the allure of diamond wealth, is almost incomprehensible today. The site offers a profound connection to the past, allowing visitors to visualize the arduous conditions under which this incredible mine was created.
Beyond the pit itself, the surrounding museum and historical town provide crucial context. These areas showcase artifacts, tools, and reconstructed scenes that bring the era of diamond mining to life. Understanding the human stories behind the excavation adds a layer of depth to the visual spectacle of The Big Hole, making it a truly immersive historical experience.
Exploring the Kimberley Mine Museum
The museum effectively narrates the story of the diamond rush, the lives of the miners, and the impact of the industry on the region.Adjacent to the museum, the historical town recreates a glimpse of Kimberley as it was during its boom years. This open-air exhibit features original buildings and structures, transport machines like steam trains, and even the first automobiles that graced the town. Walking through this precinct feels like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the past and the people who shaped this unique city.
It's a fantastic opportunity to see how people lived and worked during the height of the diamond era.Many visitors highlight the informative nature of the museum and the historical town as a significant part of their visit. The detailed exhibits and the well-preserved artifacts provide valuable context to the immense scale of The Big Hole itself, making the entire experience both educational and engaging.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit