Kimberley: Tourism, shopping and much more!
As the largest city and capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, Kimberley is located approximately 480 km from Johannesburg and 160 km from Bloemfontein. The city has great historical significance, particularly thanks to its diamond-mining past, but was also the first city in the Southern Hemisphere (and the second in the world after Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) to integrate electric street lights into its infrastructure. Interestingly, Kimberley also housed the first stock exchange in Africa back in 1881.
With such a rich history, Kimberley also flaunts impressive heritage sites across its city. Bygone architecture can, in fact, be appreciated in many spots across the city, including Belgravia, Kimberley’s oldest suburb where many houses were built during the late 19th century’s diamond rush.
But South Africa’s diamond-mining centre also provides numerous tourist attractions for young and old. Obviously no visit to Kimberley is complete without a trip to the Big Hole (more formally known as Kimberley Mine) which was excavated 240 m deep and 463 m wide by about 50,000 miners in search of diamonds.
One can also marvel at the Wonderwerk Cave. Located about 200 km northwest of Kimberley, this tunnel-shaped cave, which formed millions of years ago, is one of South Africa’s National Heritage Sites.
And in case you’re more attracted to a shopping mall than a cave, Kimberley presents its fair share of centres with shopping potential.
Kimberley: Map for shopping
No shopping excursion in Kimberley can be considered successful without a trip to Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall. Located a mere 5 minutes from the Kimberley CBD, this shoppers paradise is known for its nearly 100 stores scattered across a 38,052 m² fully air-conditioned space. Expect the likes of Food Lovers Market, Pyramid Jewellers, and The Hub to greet you with special discounts and product promotions.
Whether you’re on the hunt for fashion or food, appliances or apparel, Kim Park Shopping Centre can certainly be considered. Also located in the city’s CBD, Kim Park Shopping Centre offers locals and visitors well-known shopping brands such as Pick n Pay, MTN, Fashion World, and many others.
Over in Royldene we find the North Cape Mall, which also offers up various options for those in desperate need of some retail therapy. Drop in and see what specials are currently on offer at Dial n Bed, John Dorys, Mr Price Sport, and more.
Anchored by one of South Africa’s favourite grocery giants Checkers, Newpark Shopping Centre can also be trusted for other popular outlets. Like HiFi Corp, Rage, and Wimpy to name but a few. Developed in 1998, the mall, which is on the corner of Lennox and Bulfontein road, flaunts a welcoming 12,531 m² of floor space.
Kathu Village Mall might not be smack in the middle of Kimberley. In fact, its actually located about 270 km outside the city in the heart of the Kalahari, yet that doesnt subtract from its shopping potential. Or the fact that many locals from Kimberley and other Northern Cape towns and cities still consider Kathu Village Mall as a super enticing shopping experience. That’s because it is well-positioned to serve all shoppers of the Northern Cape’s Kalahari District. Expect to find Game, Pep Home, Woolworths, and more at Kathu Village Mall.