Kimberley Accommodation for the historically minded tourist
Kimberley's Victorian Guest Lodge is close enough to the Big Hole to offer a view of it, and the neighbouring house is an original miner's house (built entirely of corrigated iron); it's also not too far from the legendary Halfway House Pub on Du Toitspan Road (the first road in the world to be lit up by electricity after Philadelphia's roads). a pub steeped in history.
- The Half, as the Halfway House pub is affectionately known, is the only pub in the world where you can legally order and enjoy a drink without leaving your vehicle—or even your horse! This "park and drink" tradition reportedly started with Cecil John Rhodes, who preferred to take his drink while still astride his mount. In 1880, the pub was officially licensed to serve passing trade in their vehicles, making it a truly unique watering hole.
- Established in 1872, the pub was strategically positioned halfway between the Du Toitspan and New Rush (later Kimberley) diamond mines, catering to thirsty miners during the 1870s diamond rush. It became a hub for fortune hunters, including notable figures like Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato, in a shanty town that swelled to 50,000 people within a year of the diamond discovery at Colesberg Kopje.
- he Half was relocated to its current site on Du Toitspan Road, because Cecsil John Rhodes wanted to build a sanatorium on its original spot; the Kimberley Sanatorium was built in 1897
- The pub has hosted an array of illustrious patrons over its 150+ years, from early diamond rush pioneers to modern visitors. Its walls could tell tales of deals struck and fortunes dreamed up by some of South Africa’s most influential figures during the diamond boom.
- The Halfway House captures the raw energy of Kimberley’s Victorian heyday, when the city had more pubs than pharmacies or churches due to a lack of natural water and a digger’s love for a pint. It stands as a living relic of a time when Kimberley was the wild heart of the diamond trade.
The Victorian Guest Lodge looks Victorian but was built only about 30 years; and they had to build it in a Victorian style as it is in the Big Hole area - the same applied to the building of the Jewel Box and Protea Hotel. The nearby McGregor Museum, just a short walk away from the Victorian Lodge, focuses on the Siege of Kimberley, where the city was besieged for 124 days during the Anglo-Boer War.
Vooruitzigt to the electric future
- Before the discovery of diamonds the area then called "Vooruitzigt" (translates to "forward view") was sparsely populated and the open veld used for grazing livestock by trekboers and for the seasonal migrations of indigenous groups; with there also being a missionary presence.
- In 1869, a Griqua shepherd found an 83.5-carat diamond near Kimberley, later named the Star of South Africa. Sold initially for £11,200 and resold in London for £25,000, this discovery on the banks of the Orange River ear the Vaal River triggered the famous "New Rush" in 1871.
- The Star of South Africa diamond was found near the Vaal River, approximately 30–40 km from Kimberley. Jonkershoek Guest Farm, 35 km from the Big Hole, may be the closest option. This guest farm offers a true rural escape with air-conditioned rooms and a pool. Guests praise the peaceful setting, garden access, and authentic farm atmosphere. This farm offers access to rural landscapes suitable for hiking; and to get a feel for what this area was like in the Vooruitzigt days.
- In 1882, fueled by its new wealth, Kimberley became the 2nd town in the world after Philadelphia to install electric street lighting, (in "Du Toitspan Road").
- The Victorian Guest Lodge is located near Du Toitspan Road, this lodge is lauded for its historical charm and proximity to key attractions like the Big Hole. The Victorian Guest Lodge is the closest not just to the Big Hole but also to the legendary Halfway House Pub on Du Toitspan Road. Located directly across from the Big Hole, this lodge is praised for its prime location. Guests note the restored Victorian charm, air-conditioned rooms, and friendly service, though some mention traffic noise as a minor drawback. Its proximity makes it ideal for exploring the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum. The Halfway House Pub on Du Toitspan Road is a popular nightlife venue.
- Today Kimberley is home to a massive hand-dug excavations - The Big Hole (die "groot gat"; which sounds worse in Afrikaans!)- dug during the diamond rush from 1871 to 1914, when 50,000 miners using only picks and shovels dug out 23 million tons of earth, yielding 2,722 kg of diamonds. The hole is 463m wide and was dug to a depth of 240m
Best for Golfers + Quietest + Best Swimming Pool
Dronfield Reserve's located 5.4 km from Kimberley Golf Club, this reserve is the closest accommodation with strong reviews. Guests praise the serene environment, clean chalets, and well-equipped facilities. Guests describe the serene, nature-filled environment as exceptionally quiet, ideal for relaxation. The clean chalets and pool add to the peaceful retreat experience. Guests rave about the outdoor pool and serene surroundings of Dronfield Reserve, describing it as a relaxing retreat. The clean, well-equipped chalets and tranquil environment make the pool a highlight.
Closest to Rovos Rail Train Station in Kimberley + Best Food + Best for Service & Hospitality
Both The Blue Train and the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria journeys have a key stop in Kimberley where they offer an off-train excursion to the Big Hole. Guests praise the Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel for its proximity to key transport hubs, including the Rovos Rail Station, making it ideal for train travellers. Guests highlight the top-notch food with gourmet dining options and fresh, local ingredients. Guests consistently praise the exceptional hospitality of the Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel, with staff going above and beyond. The clean rooms, gourmet food, and complimentary shuttle service enhance the experience.
Most Quirky
Guests describe the Bread & Barrel Eureka Kimberley guesthouse as charming and unique, with a historical setting and renovated stables as rooms. The quirky, rustic decor and attentive hostess create a memorable stay.
Best Place for a Rovos Rail Passenger to Stay + Oldest
Rovos Rail passengers appreciate the historic charm and luxurious ambiance of this Kimberley Club Guesthouse, which complements the train’s old-world elegance. Reviews highlight the beautifully restored rooms, friendly service, and proximity to historical sites, making it a perfect match for the luxury train experience. Staying at the Kimberley Club Guesthouse offers a historical connection to the diamond era,
Best for Groups + Best for Bachelor Parties + Best Amenities
With an outdoor pool, shared lounge, and spacious accommodations, this Mondior Manor Guest House is best for groups in Kimberley . Guests praise the staff’s willingness to accommodate and the well-equipped facilities. With its outdoor pool, shared lounge, braai facilities and spacious setup, this Mondior Manor Guest House is great for bachelor parties. Be sure not to damage anything.
Most Pet-Friendly
Located 15 minutes from Kimberley, this Mein Heim guest farm welcomes pets by prior arrangement. Guests love the tranquil rural setting, fully equipped units, and pet-friendly policies.
Newest
Recently renovated, Midway Overnight Rooms' apartment-style accommodation is praised for its modern facilities, including an outdoor fireplace and sports amenities.
Best View
Guests rave about the stunning garden views from The Honeycomb 2 guesthouse, describing it as a peaceful and charming setting.
Best for Vegans
No specific vegan-friendly accommodation identified. Let us know if you find one!
Best for Couples
Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris's highly rated by couples, this guesthouse offers a romantic, tranquil setting with the private ambiance ideal for a getaway.
Best for Families
Families enjoy the spacious rooms, garden, and braai facilities of 75 on Milner Lodge. Reviews highlight the private entrance and hosts going the extra mile for comfort.
Best for Solo Travellers + Best Guest House
Solo travellers appreciate the warm, family-run atmosphere of the Oleander Guest House. Reviews highlight the cozy rooms, friendly hosts, and safe, quiet location. The quiet location and attentive hosts make it a standout for a welcoming stay.
Best for Business Travellers + Best Hotel + Closest to Main Taxi Rank + Most Premium
Business travellers praise the Protea Hotel Kimberley’s proximity to the business centre, free Wi-Fi, and professional amenities. The Protea Hotel Kimberley is close to the Big Hole. Guests highlight the comfortable rooms and professional atmosphere. Located near transport hubs, this hotel is convenient for the main taxi rank. This hotel is praised for its premium amenities, including a gym.
Best for Bachelorette Parties
This Nare Boutique Hotel is praised for its stylish decor and welcoming vibe, ideal for bachelorette parties. Be sure not to damage anything.
Cheapest
Praised for affordability, the Caledon Overnight Rooms offer comfortable, clean accommodations. Guests appreciate the no-frills setup and convenient location for budget travellers. [Check out our Caledon Hotel review if you're interested in visiting the town, Caledon in the Western Cape province)
Closest to Intercape Bus Stops + Most Luxurious + Free shuttle service
Its proximity to transport hubs, including bus stops, is noted in reviews. Guests praise the clean rooms, friendly staff, and convenient location for those arriving by Intercape buses. Described as a luxurious boutique hotel, guests love the beautiful decor, top-notch food, and exceptional hospitality of the Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel. The complimentary shuttle service and proximity to the airport add to its luxury appeal. So; use their free shuttle to get to the bus stop to catch your Intercape bus from Kimberley back home.
Best Self-Catering Accommodation
Guests love the fully equipped kitchen, fitness room, and free parking of Nikita’s Self-Catering Haven 2. The clean, comfortable setup is ideal for self-catering travellers seeking independence.
Best Lodge + Safest + Most Value for Money
Praised for its garden, braai facilities, and spacious accommodations, this 75 on Milner Lodge is a favourite. Guests note the friendly hosts and safe, quiet environment. Reviews highlight the secure parking and quiet neighbourhood, making it a safe choice. Guests appreciate the attentive hosts and well-maintained property. Guests describe this lodge as offering great value, with clean, spacious rooms, a garden, and barbecue facilities.
No Haunted accommodation identified
No hauntings even reported at The Victorian Guest Lodge, near historical sites. Let us know if you find one.
Worst Accommodation
One review describes a guesthouse with stuffy rooms, dirty carpets, smelly toilets, and noisy guests, making it the worst reported option. Specific details on the name are unavailable, but guests strongly advise against staying here. Be sure to read reviews before booking
Kimberley before the diamonds
Before the discovery of diamonds the area then called "Vooruitzigt" that would become Kimberley, was a sparsely populated, semi-arid region primarily inhabited by indigenous groups, including the Tswana and Khoisan peoples. The limited water sources, made it suitable for nomadic pastoralism rather than intensive settlement.
The region was used by Boer farmers and indigenous communities for grazing livestock, such as cattle and sheep, due to its open veld. The Griqua people, under leaders like Adam Kok III, also claimed parts of the area, which fell within the broader Griqualand West territory. The minimal European presence consisted of trekboers (migratory farmers) and missionaries, such as those from the London Missionary Society, who established outposts like Kuruman nearby.
Life was simple and rural, with no significant urban development. The area lacked infrastructure, and economic activity revolved around subsistence farming, hunting, and trade in goods like ostrich feathers and ivory. Social structures were tribal or communal, with indigenous groups maintaining their cultural practices and seasonal migrations. The region was largely overlooked by colonial authorities until 1867.
Other than the Groot Gat
Kimberley is not just about seeing the Big Hole, there's also the Honoured Dead Memorial, the Sol Plaatjie Museum, the Kamfers Dam, the Ghost Trail and the Mokala National Park.
Intercity buses to Kimberley
Intercape and Big Sky Intercity buses from:
- Beaufort West to Kimberley
- Cape Town to Kimberley
- Also see Kimberley to Cape Town for the way home
- Durban to Kimberley
- Eastern Cape to Kimberley
- Gauteng to Kimberley
- Welkom to Kimberley
- Winburg to Kimberley
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