We left home at 8:15, to a still disgruntled Kirsty and cat, and headed west, through the suburb of Northcliff, where I grew up, to Roodepoort, where we took took the N12 to Kimberley.
On our journey we passed through Soweto, Potchefstroom and through the mining areas of Orkney, Stilfontein and Klerksdorp.
When Ga was a kid, it was always ‘when will we get there’, this has been replaced by ‘when are we stopping to eat’. We stopped in Wolmaranstad, where our choices were Wimpy, KFC or Steers, we opted for Steers.
Having satisfied Gareth, we continued onto Bloemhof. I attended veld school there, not a fond memory, it was a type of schools indoctrination army camp. The area is however pretty; flat and covered with wheat yellow grass and green acacia trees.
Around Christiana we passed white dry pans and were disappointed not to see flamingos. However as we entered Kimberley, the dam was filled with flocks of the pink birds.
Kimberley has an extraordinary history and today is one of South Africa’s main tourist destinations due to the ‘Big Hole’ at its heart. Our first stop was to visit the big hole. I have been here a number of times but it never fails to impress. It is hard to conceive that this deep hole was made with picks and shovels. We toured the museum, went under ground and walked around the old village museum.
We then booked into Kimberley Club where we spent the night. The Hotel boasts a long and fascinating history, with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family having stayed here. Our suite is beautiful, including a lounge and study and beautiful bedroom and bathroom. Modern comforts while maintaining the old features made for a charming stay.
After G & T’s in the Kimberley Club Bar, we were treated to a wonderful dinner in the old dining room. A great start to the Cape leg of our trip.
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