Situated next to the Information Centre, is traditional healer, Dr Jan van der Westerhuizen. From a distance one can smell the pleasant sent of herbs long lost to or only recently discovered by the Western World.

Dr Jan is very friendly and always willing to share his wisdom with all who are interested or have a medical problem. Consultation takes place without appointments and all remedies are completely natural, mixed according to ancient San wisdom passed down from one generation to the next.

Dr Jan claims he has a cure for everything, from a common cold to cancer. A visit to his practise is a must and an experience that will never be forgotten.

]]> 20.66461944580078125,-26.93395042419433594 During the pioneer years, stagecoaches transported post as well as passengers. Many guesthouses were built along the stage route, where visitors could look forward to a nourishing meal and a good night’s rest. The old post office of Askham has been restored into a comfortable guesthouse where contemporary travellers can rest and reflect on their journey.

Accommodation options are three en-suite rooms or a family cottage sleeping six people. Both options have a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, roof-fans and private braai (barbeque) facilities.

Traditional food is provided on request — try nabbas and game meat (springbok is a winter speciality). Walking and birding are favourite pastimes in this area. Not to be missed are the suricate (meerkat) burrows and rituals (to be viewed from a distance so as not to chase them all underground). Ask Johanna if she and her husband are rearing any zebra foals at present. When Open Africa visited, ‘Zebie’ the foal was wandering through the house!

]]> 20.78050041198730469,-26.98147964477539062 Accommodation provides a bush camp with two rooms and five beds each. Each room has its own bathroom. A fully equipped lapa on premises, for ten people. The bush camp includes bedding and towels.

The guesthouse offers three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Homemade traditional food from the region is served.

The dry Kuruman River flows through the farm, lined with old Camel Thorn trees. This feature brings prolific birdlife to your front door, making the bush camp and guesthouse a birder’s paradise!

]]> 20.37051010131835938,-26.59238052368164062 X-K Radio is a first in Southern Africa, a station that caters exclusively for two San communities, in their own languages. X-K FM is more than just a radio station; it serves as a medium of basic communication in Platfontein. This fact is prevalent when one hears the announcer address individuals who are late for doctors appointments or Community Property Association meetings.

X-K Fm broadcast from 06:00 to 18:00 with a switch to RSG around midday, so that the Platfontein community can listen to 'Sê Wie', an Afrikaans program presented by one of their favourite presenters, namely Nicky van den Berg.
For the presenters of X-K FM, all locals from Platfontein, sitting behind the microphone is a dream come true.

]]> 24.65550994873046875,-28.70745086669921875 Dreghorn’s location places it within a natural setting, surrounded by the Red Dunes of the Kalahari. The lodge is situated on an old farm and is being transformed into a lodge that blends in with the natural setting, but does not neglect luxury.

Dreghorn provides accommodation for 29 people, in the form of eight comfortably decorated Cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Each room comes with an air-conditioner and a beautiful Kalahari view. Visitors can take part in other activities, like 4x4 trails and hunting, birding or game-watching.

They can also enjoy the large water cooled outdoor boma (Vulture’s Nest) with a large fire place, catering area and outdoor bar. Traditional foods can be prepared or served here on request. Dreghorn also has a restaurant and a fully-licensed bar on its premises.

Your host, SJ, will ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

]]> 20.78527069091796875,-26.85850906372070312 Highly recommended by Lonely Planet, Kalahari Trails is a 3 500ha private reserve situated 35km south of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The setting is a nature-lover’s paradise. Given over exclusively to game, it offers a wide range of habitats to explore. Various accommodation options are available. All are self-catering, though typical Kalahari meals can be provided by arrangement.

The guesthouse has five rooms with two to four beds in each. Two of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms; the others share a bathroom.

Other facilities include a large lounge, communal kitchen and spacious veranda with braai (barbeque) facilities. The guesthouse is ideal for groups and has covered parking. A small shop in the guesthouse sells a variety of meats, drinks, snacks, firewood and basic foodstuffs. For those seeking privacy, a four bed chalet with fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom is situated away from the guesthouse near a waterhole.

A dune side bush camp is also available with four permanent two bed tents, ablution facilities and kitchen. A sheltered campsite with ablutions block, kitchen, lapa and braai (barbeque) is located close to the guesthouse.

Guests are welcome to explore the farm on foot or in a vehicle (four wheel-drive is needed for certain areas). A variety of guided activities are also offered, such as morning walks, dune game-drives interspersed with tracking walks, spot-lit night drives, night walks (in summer) and sundowners (a game drive to a remote dune for drinks, followed by a night drive). A Bushman tracker can be arranged to take guests for a walk. Alternatively Prof Anne Rasa, owner of the reserve and a desert ecologist, will share her extensive knowledge of the dune plants and animals.

Some 40 mammal and 170 bird species have been recorded on the reserve. A small botanical garden on the property allows visitors to identify species they have seen in the wild. A large insect collection is also available for easy reference.

The Kalahari portion of the Biota-Africa project – a chain of 1km2 plots stretching from the Western Cape in South Africa to the Okavango Delta in Namibia – is located on the farm. As a result, Anne regularly hosts a variety of visiting researchers such as geologists, socio-economists, botanists and geographers. A number of researchers involved with PhD projects reside on the farm.

]]> 20.37904930114746094,-26.46435928344726562 Koppieskraal is situated 45km from the Namibian border post at Rietfontein and approximately 110km from the Kgalagadi Tranfrontier Park.

Koppieskraal offers three campsites:

• Between the stone hills: This campsite has running water with a cold shower. This water is safe to drink;
• On a 10 000ha pan: There are no facilities at this campsite. The hosts will arrange for a toilet. This site offers a braai (barbeque) facility; or
• On a hill overlooking the pan: There are no facilities at this campsite.

* Only one family/group per campsite is allowed.

Things to do:

• 30 minutes camel rides and overnight safaris;
• Big, open spaces for walking and hills for climbing;
• Enjoy the peace and quiet that this area offers;
• Mountain biking trails;
• Bird-watching – bird lists are available for both farms;
• Koppieskraal offers moonlight dinners on the pan – please note that pre-booking is essential;
• They also hosts small weddings; and
• Sunset snack baskets are available on request.

Self-catering accommodation:

Inkbospan:

Inkbospan is located approximately 70km from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

It offers two basic units without electricity. There are batteries for the lights and a ‘donkey’ for hot water. Each unit has two bedrooms with a lounge and kitchen. The kitchen is fully equipped and has an indoor braai (barbeque), gas stove and fridge. These units can accommodate four guests each.

Inkbospan farmhouse is a comfortable old house and can accommodate up to fourteen guests. This house is fully equipped with electricity, two bathrooms and a lovely braai (barbeque) area.

At Inkbospan all facilities are self-catering. Meals may be booked on request and is served at Koppieskraal, which is located approximately 35km away.

Askham:

Die Kerkhuis:

This is a small, but comfortable place to spend the night. It offers self-catering accommodation with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and lounge. Meals may be served on request. Kerkhuis can accommodate four guests.

Afrikaans translation:

Koppieskraal is 45km vanaf die Namibiese grenspos by Rietfontein en 110km vanaf die Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Koppieskraal het drie kampeerplekke:

Tussen die klipstapels: Hierdie kampeerplek het lopende water met ‘n koue stort. Die water is veilig om te drink. Daar is ook ‘n ‘longdrop’;
Op ‘n 10 000ha pan: Hierdie kampeerplek het geen fasiliteite nie. Daar word ‘n toilet opgeslaan en daar is ‘n braaidrom; en
Op ‘n kop wat uitkyk oor die pan: Daar is geen geriewe op die kop nie.

Slegs een familie/groep per kampeerplek word toegelaat.

Dinge om te doen:

• 30 minute kameelperd-ritte en oornag safaris;
• Kameeluitdagings;
• Groot, oop ruimtes vir stap en koppies om te klim;
• Geniet die stilte wat hierdie area bied;
• Daai is baie paadjies vir bergfiets ry;
• Voëllyste van albei plase is beskikbaar;
• Koppieskraal kan maanlig-etes op die pan bedien – let asseblief dat hierdie aktiwiteit vooraf bespreek moet word;
• Hulle kan klein troues akkommodeer; en
• Skemerkelk mandjies kan vooraf bespreek word.

Selfsorg Akkommodasie:

Inkbospan:

Inkbospan is 70km vanaf die Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Daar is twee basiese eenhede sonder elektrisiteit. Hulle het batterye vir ligte en ‘n donkie vir warm water. Elke eenheid het twee slaapkamers met ‘n leefarea en kombuis. Die kombuis is vol toegerus met ‘n binnebraai, gasstoof en yskas. Vier persone per eenheid kan geakkommodeer word.

Inkbospan plaashuis is ‘n groot, gemaklike ou plaashuis en kan tot 14 gaste akkommodeer. Die huis is vol toegerus met elektrisiteit asook twee badkamers. Daar is ‘n lifelike buite braai area.

Op Inkbospan is alle akkommodasie selfsorg. Etes kan bespreek word en word op Koppieskraal bedien. Dit twee plase is 35km vanaf mekaar.

Askham:

Die Kerkhuis:

Die Kerkhuis is klein, maar ‘n gerieflike plekkie om te oornag. Dit bied selfsorg akkommodasie met twee slaapkamers, een badkamer, ‘n kombuis en sitkamer. Etes kan bespreek word. Kerkhuis bied slaapplek vir vier gaste.

]]> 20.22430038452148438,-26.94689941406250000 Their accommodation includes a lodge that can sleep up to 36 persons; two chalets sleeping eight and two chalets sleeping four. All rooms have air-conditioners. There are also ten camping sites equipped with power points, braai (barbeque) facilities and ablution blocks.

Activities offered at Loch Broom include an echo quad route, a game watching route and 4x4 routes. At the lodge, visitors will also find entertainment in the form of a pool and relaxing activities like darts, pool, table tennis and volleyball. Visitors can also enjoy a good pillow fight or mini-volleybal.

A variety of animals roam the park and visitors can go sightseeing by foot or by using the game-viewing vehicle. Mammals that can be spotted include eland, buffalo, giraffe, springbuck, red buck, duiker, steenbuck, oryx, blesbok, rooihartbees and sabelgemsbok. The reserve is also a popular breeding place for vultures and massive collective bird nests are a common sight.

Loch Broom offers a unique experience in the Kalahari that is comfortable and luxurious, but not unaffordable!

]]> 21.06929969787597656,-27.03510093688964844 Belgravia B&B opened its doors in 1995 when hosts, Ben and Elise Liebenberg, moved to Kimberley from Bloemfontein.

This Victorian style home with an antique fireplace and wooden floors is situated in the heart of the historical area of Belgravia. They have four, tastefully decorated, en-suite bedrooms of which two have a lounge and can be used as a family suite. All the bedrooms have coffee/tea trays, fans, televisions and electric blankets.

There is also an outside cottage with a full Victorian bathroom and optional self-catering facilities that overlooks the pool and garden. There is an abundance of birdlife in the garden and they also have braai (barbeque) facilities for those who are interested.

Sightseeing and bird watching tours as well as game drives can be arranged with prior notice. Small pets are also welcome if arranged with the hosts. The bed and breakfast has a 3-star grading from the National Grading Council.

]]> 24.77650070190429688,-28.74710083007812500 Bishops Lodge is situated close to Kimberley city centre, restaurants, hospitals, airport and all of Kimberley's attractions.

The lodge comprises 12 en-suite, north facing, rooms and one bachelor flat. A full suite comprises a bedroom with double bed and full en-suite bathroom and a comfortable sitting room with fully fitted open-plan kitchenette, a second bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom with shower cubicle. In addition, the suite has three remote controlled split unit air-conditioners and two television sets with DSTV.

Guests thus have the choice of either:

a three-roomed full suite apartment;
a two-roomed half suite with double bed and sleeper couch; or
a twin bedded room with en-suite bathroom with shower.

The lodge is fully accessible to disabled guests and one suite has been specifically designed to cater for their special needs.
The lodge also has a pool, braai (barbeque) facilities and a garden where guests can relax. There is ample off street parking available where cars can be parked safely.

]]> 24.76539993286132812,-28.75169944763183594 Butler’s Restaurant is located on the premises of The Estate Private Hotel, the only 5-star accommodation establishment in Kimberley. The restaurant serves contemporary South African cuisine.

Butler’s is well known in the area and has had coverage in various cuisine publications. Limited seating requires that you book in advance, but walk-ins could be accepted, depending on availability. Private functions for up to 30 people can be catered for.

Services:

Open from Mon-Sat: 18:30-22:00;
Lunches, functions, special occasions, business breakfasts per booking only; and
Fully licensed; and
A-la-carte menu.

]]> 24.77939987182617188,-28.74640083312988281 De Beer’s Guesthouse offers five double rooms of which two of these have single beds and private bathrooms. The other three rooms are en-suite and have one single and one double bed each. All rooms are fully equipped with roof fans, clock radios, electric blankets, heaters, built-in cupboards and televisions with DSTV.

The lounge and dining rooms are air-conditioned – a great advantage during the hot summers. There are two guest kitchens with fridges, microwaves and coffee making facilities. They are also equipped with cutlery and crockery.

Safe parking – open and covered;
Laundry service;
Metered telephone;
Fax;
Baby cot;
Swimming pool and lapa with braai (barbeque) facilities;
Baby-sitting available on request; and
90% disabled friendly.

]]> 24.73349952697753906,-28.74979972839355469 Diamond Guesthouse is a privately owned establishment with the following facilities on offer:

Rooms with en-suite bathrooms;
Private entrance;
Television with M-Net and video channel;
Clock radios;
Bar fridge;
Telephone/fax facilities;
Tea/coffee trays;
Rooms serviced daily;
Swimming pool and lapa with braai (barbeque) facilities; and
Safe parking.

]]> 24.74640083312988281,-28.75790023803710938 Disabead is a group of disabled people that started doing craftwork in 2000. They make all sorts of jewellery out of beads, such as traditional necklaces and, bracelets, earrings and corporate gifts.

]]> 24.76390075683593750,-28.73800086975097656 This building, earlier known as 'The Lodge', was built in 1889. It was owned by JB Currey, manager of the London and South African Exploration Company. Later it became the property of De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd, who then donated it to the Kimberley City Council on the condition that it must house the Duggan-Cronin Collection.

AM Duggan-Cronin came to Kimberley in 1897 and worked in the De Beers compounds. There he familiarized himself with the different African tribes working on the mines and also began to build up a photographic record of them. Later he undertook expeditions to the main tribal areas where he took photographs of the people before the Western influence could drastically change their own traditional lifestyles. These expeditions were made possible through research grants and donations from the Carnegie Trust.

Some of his most popular publications are The Bushman Tribes of Southern Africa and The Bantu Tribes of South Africa (depicting his photographic collection). The latter consists of about 8000 negatives and photographic prints as well as artifacts of the material culture of the tribes, including beadwork, costumes, pottery, iron tools and woodcarvings.
The McGregor Museum is responsible for the maintenance of the Duggan-Cronin collection, housed in the Duggan-Cronin Gallery, since 1938.

At first the building was known as the Duggan-Cronin Bantu Gallery, but the term 'bantu' was dropped from the name in 1986. While 'bantu' was a progressive term for Black people in South Africa at the time of Duggan-Cronin, it has derogatory connotations at the present time.

]]> 24.78170013427734375,-28.74810028076171875 To savour the elegance of the diamond magnates and businessmen of old Kimberley, a visit to one or both of the two historic homes – Dunluce and Rudd House - is a must. Both are part of the McGregor Museum Complex and are situated in Belgravia, one of Kimberley’s earliest residential suburbs.

Dunluce, or Lillianvale as it was first known, was designed by DW Greatbach for Gustav Bonas, a diamond buyer, in 1897. In 1903 John Orr, the founder of the firm of the same name, bought the house, complete with its furniture and fittings, for the sum of 6 400, and gave it its present name. He lived there until his death, after which his elder daughter and her family moved in until 1975. In that year Dunluce was purchased by Barlow Rand. The company restored the house and donated it to the McGregor Museum, but retained its use until 1985 as accommodation for Barlow Rand managers.

Recent restoration work has been undertaken with funds from the National Monuments Council. The gardens, maintained by Charlie Dzene for more than fifty years, have in recent times provided the venue for numerous wedding receptions and garden parties. Dunluce maintains its image as a family home.

History of Dunluce:

John Orr had established a drapery store in 1885 in Jones Street, Kimberley. In 1892 he married Mary Ellen Harper and subsequently had five children with her. He served as mayor of Kimberley from 1909 to 1910 and again from 1916 to 1918. In 1910 he issued Kimberley souvenir cups to celebrate the formation of the Union of South Africa. He was a member of the first Management Board of the Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum, and was founder of the Kimberley Horticultural Society. His business was so successful that he was able to open branches in Durban, Johannesburg, Benoni, Lourenco Marques and Springs. In 1918 he was awarded and MBE.

John Orr died in 1932 in Dublin whilst on holiday with Mrs. Orr and Mollie, his younger daughter. His other daughter, Eileen Orr, married Lionel Cooper, the pharmacist, and they and their family lived with her mother at Dunluce after her father died, and she remained there until her death in 1973.

The portraits in the drawing room are of Eileen’s daughters, Rosemary (b 1928, d 1990) and June (b 1934), and June’s sons, Craig and Glenn.

The appeal of Dunlcuce is greatly enhanced by the fact that it retains the fittings and furnishings left by the Orr family – some originating from the days when the Bonas family occupied the house, while others reflect the changing tastes of a leading Kimberley family over a period of seventy years.

The red dining room is of particular interest because it suffered a direct hit by a Long Tom shell during the siege of Kimberley, and was severely damaged. The original bathroom with its shower-cum-bath and brass towel rails fascinates visitors. In the garden, the swimming pool is reputed to have been the first private pool in Kimberley.

]]> 24.77930068969726562,-28.74720001220703125 They offer luxury en-suite bedrooms with televisions and M-Net, ceiling fans, heaters, fridges equipped with beverages and snacks, microwave ovens and coffee trays. They also have a swimming pool and braai (barbeque) facilities in the lapa.

]]> 24.74430084228515625,-28.75869941711425781 Ekhaya offers two executive en-suite cottages with spa-baths and separate showers. They also have four spacious en-suite rooms with a bath and shower and a two-roomed miner’s shanty with an open roof shower where visitors can have a real ghetto experience.

They will also arrange for visitors to go on a lesaka (pub/tavern/shebeen crawl) where you can have a true African experience, and get to mingle with the local people. The pub serves delicious lunches every weekday from 12:00-15:00.

Ekhaya also caters for weddings and conferences. The conference facility can accommodate up to 80 people. They can also arrange entertainment for all occasions.

"We will make your fantacy a reality."

]]> 24.74029922485351562,-28.72179985046386719 Five Acres Guesthouse is situated on a five acre farm, is totally secluded from other houses and surrounded by bushveld. Large trees surround the guesthouse and a tranquil garden attracts many bird species as well as ground squirrels and mongoose.

The rooms are separate from the house and all have doors opening to the garden. They offer double and single rooms as well as a large family suite. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and some are self-catering.

Their facilities include the following:

Air-conditioning;
Fans;
Television/radio;
Electric blankets;
Heaters;
Tea/coffee trays;
Braai (barbeque) facilities;
Swimming pool; and
Secure parking.

They welcome small pets and guests can choose to self-cater, have a full English breakfast or a continental breakfast. The owners welcome small pets.

The following activities can also be arranged with prior notice:

Golf;
Helicopter trips;
Game-viewing;
Ghost trails;
Bird-watching;
Fly-fishing; and
Tours to Kgalagadi/Kalahari, Namibia and Augrabies falls.

They have a 4-star grading from the National Grading Council and will also arrange airport and railway transfers on request.

]]> 24.74640083312988281,-28.76219940185546875 Hadison Park Guesthouse is located in a tranquil setting close to the Big Hole, Absa Park rugby stadium, historical sites and the CBD. They offer seven comfortable rooms each with en-suite bathroom and private entrance, fridge, tea/coffee tray, television with M-Net, heaters and fans. They also have a family room with special rates.

They have a swimming pool and braai (barbeque) facilities, secure parking and will serve dinner on request. They are also able to arrange tours of Kimberley, the diamond mine, game farms and battlefields on request.

]]> 24.74209976196289062,-28.74869918823242188 Kosmos Guesthouse offers an ideal stopover for businessmen or anyone on their way to the flowered landscapes of the West Coast or Game Parks in Namibia. Your hosts Siebert and Reg will introduce you to the Northern Cape’s friendly hospitality. Breakfast is served daily and dinner is available on request.

They are situated in the tranquil suburb of Hadison Park, close to the Big Hole and the Absa Park rugby stadium. The Kimberley airport is only 10km away and they are also close to the regional shopping centre.

They have five fully equipped luxury bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and own private entrance. The rooms are separate from the main house and all have sliding doors opening onto the garden, pool, lapa and dining area. Television with M-Net, bar fridge, microwave oven, coffee/tea trays and fresh towels are standard in all rooms. Secure parking is also offered on the premises.

Tours of Kimberley, the Anglo Boer War battlefields, museums and diamond mines as well as the infamous Ghost Tour can be arranged.

]]> 24.74740028381347656,-28.75819969177246094 This historic Cape Dutch homestead situated on a true Karoo game farm has been renovated and the original Clydesdale stables have been converted into rooms with en-suite bathrooms for guests. The homestead maintains an old farm feeling and the gleaming wood and Victorian baths add to the atmosphere. New self-catering family units have been built in the same style where the old kraal used to be.

Farm breakfasts and dinners are served in the dining room and drinks can be enjoyed in the old farm school that was converted into a bar with a cosy fireplace. They farm also has its own chapel where weddings can be held and also has conference and braai facilities.

Swimming, tennis, game drives and day trips to attractions in Kimberley can be arranged and the farm is close to the Magersfontein battlefields.

]]> 24.63369941711425781,-28.91130065917968750 At the battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899, General PA Cronjé and his Boer troops defeated the English. The English was meant to siege the railway to the north and to relieve the besieged Kimberley.

The Magersfontein Battlefield Museum has also been renovated and an excellent new audiovisual display has been installed. Experience the battle with the gunfire as background in a reconstructed trench and watch the battle taking place right in front of your own eyes. The museum exhibition was also modernised and revamped to give visitors an up to date display of what happened during this battle. Replicas of guns have also been placed on the original positions on the various sites in the veld.

Every effort has been made to accommodate people with disabilities. Wheelchair paths have been added at Magersfontein so that physically challenged people can now also experience the koppie and the wonderful view from the observation post.

From the observation post the whole battlefield lies before you - one can only imagine the oncoming British soldiers and the Boers in their trenches, which are, by the way, clearly visible from the observation post, as are various monuments on the battlefield.

]]> 24.69860076904296875,-28.96870040893554688 The McGregor Museum offers everything from archaeology to zoology. Add to this the wide scope of other research disciplines like botany, cultural history, documents and archives, education, ethnology, living history and rock art and they have covered the whole spectrum.

The mission of the McGregor Museum is to research and conserve the natural and cultural history and diversity of the Northern Cape, and promote awareness thereof through service excellence.

The McGregor has loads of information on Military History, focussing on the Anglo-Boer War, and there is a satellite museum situated on the famous Magersfontein Battlefield. They also have various displays such as the Kimberley Siege, the EnviroZone covering the natural environment of the Northern Cape and an excellent exhibition on the human history of the Northern Cape from three million years ago.

The Pioneers of Aviation have a dedicated satellite museum just for them, and the important Archaeological sites -, Wonderwerk Cave near Kuruman, the Mary Moffat Museum in Griquatown, the Victoria West Museum, Calvinia Museum and the Kalahari-Oranje Museum in Upington - all form components of the McGregor Museum. Furthermore, they have an interesting exhibition on all the Kimberley 'Firsts' and a Hall of Religion that covers all the major beliefs in the world.

]]> 24.78019905090332031,-28.74979972839355469 Guest facilities include a lounge, coffee shop, cocktail bar, breakfast lounge and undercover parking with 24-hour security. It is within easy reach of all museums and historical sites.

Accommodation comprises 34 rooms, 32 with two double beds each and two deluxe suites with queen sized beds and pull-out sleeper couches. Every room has an en-suite bathroom, remote controlled split-unit air conditioner, remote controlled television with M-Net, a sports channel and Movie Magic.

Sporting and leisure activities include tennis, squash, bowls (2km away) and a golf course (8km away).

]]> 24.77009963989257812,-28.74379920959472656 Rudd House was built on Plot 931, following a relatively simple design, during the late 1880’s. Known as ‘The Bungalow’, it originally had only four rooms. In 1888 the property was occupied by William Henry Solomon. It changed hands in 1896 when 'The Bungalow' was transferred to Charles Dunnel Rudd.

The restoration of ‘The Bungalow’, under direction of museum staff and the guidance of architect David Yuill, was initially funded by the then Cape Department of Environmental and Nature Conservation. The house was opened to the public in September 1988, when Bevil John Blyth Rudd unveiled the plaque at the door. Subsequent grants from the National Monuments Council have enabled restoration to continue.

Rudd House is situated in Loch Road, Belgravia. To visit the house, contact the McGregor Museum.

The history of Rudd House:

Charles Dunnel Rudd was born in Norlfolk in 1884. He married Frances Chiappini, and their son, Henry Percy Rudd was born on 5 December 1868. C.D. Rudd arrived on the Diamond Fields in 1870, where Cecil John Rhodes, aged 19, joined him in 1871. They became firm friends and business partners, and in 1871, ordered Kimberley’s first ice-making machine. In 1880 the De Beers Mining Company was formed with C.D Rudd as chairman and managing director, and C.J. Rhodes as the company’s first secretary. In 1888 Rhodes founded the amalgamated De Beers Consolidated Mining Company. During October of the same year Rochfort Maguire and Frank ‘Matabele’ Thompson accompanied C.D. Rudd to Bulawayo to obtain from Lobengula, on Rhodes’ behalf, the right to explore for minerals in Matabeleland (later part of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe). This became known as the Rudd Concession.

Henry Percy Rudd who became owner of ‘The Bungalow’ in 1898, and whose association with the house was the longest, had married Mabel Blythe in 1893. Their son, Bevil Gordon D’Urban Rudd, was born the following year. Bevil Rudd was a Rhodes Scholar from St. Andrew’s, Grahamstown, and in 1920, at the age of 26, won the 400m sprint for South Africa at the Antwerp Olympics. He married Ursula Knight and the two of them lived at ‘The Bungalow’ until 1930. Their son, Bevil John Blyth Rudd, the eldest of four children, was born in the night nursery in 1927. Bevil senior died in the same room in 1948. The house had grown with the Rudd’s, and from its original four-roomed format, it was variously extended, as family needs arose, to its present labyrinthian proportions. Henry Percy Rudd lived on in ‘The Bungalow’ until 1954, when he moved to St. James in Cape Town. In 1933 he had remarried, this time to Emilie ‘Mizi’ Stephanie Poole, of Evilly, France – the former companion to Mrs. Mabel Rudd.

On his death in 1961, HP Rudd left the house to his widow, Emilie, who returned there and stayed until her death in 1963. She in turn left ‘The Bungalow’ to her sister and brother in France, who auctioned off the furniture and other contents, but were unable to sell the house, which stood empty until 1968. It was then that Dr. Richard Liversidge, director of the McGregor Museum at the time, approached De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd with the proposal that they purchase the house and donate it to the museum.

De Beers agreed and the property was transferred to the McGregor Museum on condition that the museum restores the dwelling house and furnishes it appropriately. Surviving fittings, decorative paintwork and wallpapers of ‘The Bungalow’s’ heyday in the 1920’s made Art Deco the obvious choice.

]]> 24.77580070495605469,-28.74570083618164062 Skabutsi Guesthouse offers a separate unit with a private entrance and consists of four bedrooms – two en-suites with their own television, lounge/dining room and fully equipped kitchenette. A full English breakfast is served on request.

They have the following facilities:

Safe parking;
Central television;
Radios in rooms;
Ceiling fans and heaters;
Coffee, tea, milk, rusks and cereals included; and
Braai (barbeque) facilities.

]]> 24.74629974365234375,-28.75889968872070312 Thari Ya Mme Arts and Crafs is a registered initiative by a group of unemployed and disadvantaged women, men and youth. They started the initiative in 2003 and do leatherwork, pottery, beadwork, crocheting, knitting and sewing. They also make sandals and aim to start making traditional clothes in the near future.

Currently the project doesn’t have funding, but they are linked to the Galeshewe Urban Renewal Programme as a pilot project. They also have links with the William Humphreys Art Gallery, McGregor Museum, Xhu and Khwe San Project, Northern Cape Tourism and the Sol Plaatjie Municipality for further development of the project.

Part of the strategy of the initiative is to establish a cultural village where all the products can be produced, showcased and distributed to different curio shops in the province. The long-term objective of the project is to expand the business to other parts of South Africa and eventually internationally. Their objective now is to become sustainable, generate income and empower these people to run their own businesses. They would also like to start training other communities in arts and crafts.

The role of the cultural village would also be to showcase African culture, history and heritage to tourists and to promote the Rastafarian culture by performing dances, drumming, and poetry, and by serving traditional African cuisine.

]]> 24.76880073547363281,-28.74399948120117188 With the discovery of diamonds in 1887, Kimberley was created and with it the great wealth of the empires of this diamond era. In 1907, number 7 Lodge Road, Belgravia, designed by G.W. Greatbatch, as a wedding present for Mary Oppenheimer.

Today the house stands as a tribute to the great diamond days. Through the years it has witnessed many historic events, as well as the birth of Harry Oppenheimer on 28 October 1908, and his younger brother, Frank in 1910. In 1914 Sir Ernest Oppenheimer became mayor of Kimberley and he sold the property in 1915.

The Estate was opened to the public as a private hotel on 5 June 1997. It is located in the historic suburb of Belgravia and is close to other historical attractions like Dunluce, McGregor Museum, Duggan Cronin Gallery and Kimberley Girl’s High School.

]]> 24.77939987182617188,-28.74640083312988281 The William Humphreys Art Gallery, conscious of its social responsibility, initiated craft workshops for unemployed women from the disadvantaged areas in and around Kimberley. The workshops began in August 2001 in a flat adjacent to the gallery and have developed into a successful project, contributing towards job creation and poverty alleviation.

The WHAG Ubuntu Project, named by the women themselves, aims to teach skills to the women which they can use to produce quality, saleable items for the domestic and tourism market. They have mastered crocheting, embroidery, basic hand-machine sewing, basic garment making, fabric painting and beading skills. They are producing carry bags from recycled plastic bags, embroidered bags and basic garments such as waistcoats, which are decorated with fabric painting, embroidery and beading.

The group is small as a result of the limited infrastructure at the Gallery, but it is envisaged that in future, a larger group of women could be trained. Basic business and entrepreneurial skills would need to be introduced in order for them to learn to manage their own affairs. The money they earn from the sale of these items, which is their only source of income, has done much, not only to contribute to their domestic budget, but also to improve their self-esteem and dignity.

]]> 24.76880073547363281,-28.74399948120117188 The Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre and San Craft shop is located on the outskirts of Kimberley. KhoeSan people, researchers and other stakeholders joined together to conserve the engravings at this site. More than 400 engravings are spread over this small sacred hill. A visit here can be a deeply moving experience and also very informative. The site, surrounded by land owned by the !Xun and Khwe San people, is on a servitude set aside for rock art conservation and public access.

The San custodians/tour guides will help make your visit special. The experience begins at a visitor centre, where there are displays, and an auditorium with a twenty minute introductory film. The 800m walkway weaves up and over a hill via a number of information boards, while visitors can listen to an MP3 audio recording as they walk. Back at the centre there is a shop that sells !Xun and Khwe craftwork as well as other community-made souvenirs, and refreshments.

The guides at Wildebeest Kuil are Batista Salvador, Wejoenke Kambungu and Fernando Zolino – all members of the !Xun and Khwe community. Each one of them is active in community projects such as language development and heritage.

From Wildebeest Kuil: "Amawa" - Greetings to you!

]]> 24.65049934387207031,-28.66729927062988281

Kalahari Farm Kitchen and Guesthouse is situated on the sheep and goat farm Uitsig (meaning ‘view’) 50km north of Upington on the road to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Accommodation is provided in a guesthouse powered by solar energy and a generator. The Farm Kitchen is a small shop where you can purchase home-made ginger beer, Riana’s famous tipsy tart, game biltong and jams (prickly pear jam is particularly popular in season). You can also buy arts and crafts such as necklaces, bows and arrows — all of which are made by San who live in the area using traditional methods and natural veld products.

Activities on the farm include birding at a natural dam (one of the largest bodies of water in the area, even in the dry season). Approximately 150 different species of birds have been spotted on the farm. Paddle skis are available for those who want a closer view of some of the water species. Picnics beside the dam are a further option (baskets are provided on request). Horse riding and mountain biking can also be arranged, and guests are welcome to walk anywhere on the farm. Lambing season is during May and June. A perennial attraction is Blessie the working sheepdog. Packaging and freezing of meat is a special service provided by the Loots family. Simply place your order for genuine Kalahari lamb on your way to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and collect it on your way back. The Loots’ will also demonstrate how to make biltong.

Visitors may be lucky enough to meet Ertjie, the tame suricate (meerkat), or glimpse the semi-domesticated gemsbok that occasionally wanders by.

]]> 21.02569961547851562,-28.05970001220703125 On offer at this facility is a fully equipped self-catering chalet or two en-suite rooms with air-conditioning.

Meals are provided on request and served in the main house with a personal touch. Traditional food such as boerekos and koeksisters are specialities. Walking and birding are favourite pastimes in this quiet and safe area.

]]> 20.78230094909667969,-26.98010063171386719 Visitors stay in a large guesthouse, a two bed cottage or at a campsite with ablution facilities and braai (barbeque) — all set in an oasis of green trees. Power is supplied by a generator, which is switched off at 23:00, after which candles are used. The guesthouse itself was originally a farmhouse, but after a successful claim the land was given to the local people and is now owned by the municipality. The Botts – who are from the Mier area – lease the guesthouse and facilities from the municipality.

Popular activities for visitors are walking and birding. In the rainy season (Dec–Feb), the pan behind the house sometimes fills up and becomes a haven for a number of bird species. Package deals can be arranged to include activities such as sand boarding or parasailing on the pan (towed by a 4X4), donkey cart rides, demonstrations of traditional Nama dances and camel rides on the neighbouring farm, Koppieskraal. Guests are also welcome to swim in the farm dam.

Future plans include transforming the barn into a small conference venue, and involving the local Mier people in arts and crafts. A bus service from Upington is also planned.
The hunting season is from May to August, and expeditions led by Hendrik in search of springbok or gemsbok are available on request. Hunting licences and vehicles can be arranged locally; however, firearm licences are needed.

Tours of the Mier area and the town of Philandersbron can also be arranged. Many visitors treat themselves to coffee and roosterkoek while chatting with the locals.

Food is served at the guesthouse, and traditional dishes such as tripe or lamb spitbraai can be arranged. Guests often bring their own specialised drinks as only a limited variety is available at the guesthouse. However, there is a liquor store in Philandersbron.

]]> 20.09309959411621094,-26.87509918212890625 Rooipan Guesthouse is located on the sheep farm Rooipan, named after the striking red colour of the main pan on the farm near where the original farmhouse was built.

Guests are welcome to cater for themselves, but home-cooked local food is also served in the farmhouse. True Kalahari lamb, nabbas, roosterkoek and tsama melons are well worth trying, and milktart is a speciality. Be sure to ask the Knoetze family about the history of the farm and of farming in the Kalahari.

Guests may use of the swimming pool and braai (barbeque) area, and are welcome to wander around the farm. A two-hour walking trail is a recent addition. The trail passes a former Bushmen dwelling. Ostrich eggs used to store water and presumed to be some 100 years old, were found in the area and are now on display in the farmhouse.

Stargazing is a must in the Kalahari. Other nocturnal activities include mini-expeditions led by Lizette Knoetze in search of the amazing barking gecko.

Birding is a favourite pastime in the Kalahari, but at Rooipan you won’t even have to walk very far. ‘Paul’, the tame Kori Bustard, will be pleased if you offer him some tsamma melons. Kori Bustards are the largest flying birds in Southern Africa, weighing up to 19kg. Paul prefers walking sedately through the gardens at Rooipan though, so you are sure to see him.

]]> 20.77729988098144531,-27.49519920349121094 This hotel is situated in the centre of the very small, but legendry Vanzylsrus. Vanzylsrus, surrounded by the red sand dunes of the Kalahari, offers the perfect escape from the hustle an bustle of every day life.

The Vanzylsrus hotel, under its new management underwent a complete overhaul where no stone were left unturned. It now sport exceptional rooms, bar, restaurant and curio shop, selling local arts and crafts.

Vanzylsrus is one of the few, if not the last place in South Africa, with a distinct frontier feel to it.

]]> 22.06089973449707031,-26.88310050964355469 Loch Maree offers a fully equipped field camp with:

Two self-catering huts (sleeps seven guests each); and
A lapa (sleeps four guests) with communal kitchen, indoor- and open braai (barbeque), showers and toilets.

For those who want something more comfortable, they offer a family suite (sleeps six guests) with excellent homecooked meals or braai's.

Explore the 1000ha game reserve and be surprised by a huge salt pan amongst the Kalahari dunes!

]]> 20.29884910583496094,-27.06978988647460938