Get to know the history of Kimberley's Big Hole

Get to know the history of Kimberley's Big Hole

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Take a tour of the famous Big Hole, nestled in the heart of Kimberley, and learn its fascinating history. This massive 215-metre-deep crater is a reminder of the diamond rush of the 1870s when diamond prospectors tirelessly carved out the world's largest hand-dug excavation in search of precious gemstones. 

Nowadays, the Big Hole and its surroundings have been transformed into a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore a recreated mine shaft, discover historical memorabilia, and learn about Kimberley's diamond mining history.

Uncover the past

In 1871, diamonds were found for the first time at Colesberg Kopje on the De Beers brothers' Vooruitzigt Farm. Many people wanted to claim land, so the area was called the New Rush. In 1873, it was renamed Alyrick land.

Between mid-July 1871 and 1914, as many as 50,000 miners employed picks and shovels to excavate the hole, resulting in an astounding yield of 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds; 13,600,000 carats) of diamonds. The Big Hole covers 17 hectares, measures 463 metres wide, and was originally 240 metres deep. It was partially filled with debris, leaving approximately 215 metres visible. Over time, the remaining 40 metres were filled with water.

Excavation in the big hole

The Kimberley Big Hole's story is one of perseverance, challenges, and eventual success. In 1872, a group of determined miners established a camp in this remote area to search for diamonds. As they sought these precious gems, their numbers grew to 50,000, but the journey was difficult.

Mining accidents, harsh living conditions, scarcity of clean water and food, and sweltering summers took a toll on the workers, earning the Kimberley Big Hole a reputation as a "cursed mine".

However, on March 13, 1888, visionaries like Cecil John Rhodes, Alfred Beit, and Barney Barnato formed De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, which marked a turning point for the Kimberley Big Hole. Despite the challenges, excavation continued, reaching an impressive depth of 215 metres, covering 17 hectares, with a diameter of 1.6 kilometres.

When work concluded on August 14, 1914, more than 22 million tonnes of rock had been manually excavated, revealing 3,000 kilograms (equivalent to 14,504,566 carats) of diamonds. It earned recognition as the largest hand-dug excavation in history. Since the early 2000s, efforts have been made to secure World Heritage Site status for the Big Hole, acknowledging its historical significance and the incredible human achievement it represents.

Take a tour 

Learn about the history and see some interesting sites on a tour. On Mondays through Fridays, tours are available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekend tours begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, followed by tours every two hours, concluding at 3:00 p.m., allowing visitors plenty of time to explore this exciting site.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - R100, Children (4 to 12 years) - R60, Family (2 Adults and 3 children aged 4 to 12) - R320, Pensioners (available only on Mondays) - R80, Students (with a valid student card) - R80. 

You can find additional information and book the Big Hole (the big hole.co.za) website for group rates (for 20 or more people).

Make Kimberley your home

Kimberley boasts diverse attractions, including historical sites, lush gardens, and captivating museums, catering to all interests. With Seeff, find your ideal home in this charming city. Our extensive property listings feature a variety of options, including apartments, townhouses, and houses. Browse our property listings in Kimberley or contact our property practitioners today.

Image credit: Open-pit diamond mine by Irene2005 | Wikipedia | https://bit.ly/3AcHFb8 | CC BY 2.0

Author: Seeff