The viewing platform
Jutting out over the hole.
Ymblanter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymblanter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymblanter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymblanter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymblanter — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Big Hole is an old diamond mine in Kimberley, South Africa, contending with one other mine for the title of deepest hole dug by hand. From the startling view at its edge to the open-air museum around it, the site tells how the diamond rush transformed this whole region. Diamonds were found here in 1871 on a small hill on the De Beers brothers' farm. A scramble followed, and by 1872 the camp held around 50,000 diggers. Workers dug with picks and shovels until 1914, taking out 2,720 kg of diamonds. When work on the surface became too dangerous, the De Beers company carried on underground to a depth of 1,097 m. The hole covers 17 hectares and is 463 m wide. It was dug to 240 m, partly filled back to 215 m, and now holds about 40 m of water. A metal viewing platform juts out over it. A visit starts with a 20-minute film, then passes mock mine tunnels, a diamond display and a rebuilt old town with shops, tram and machinery. Allow two or three hours. Buy tickets on site about 10 minutes before the tour, and the management says guided tours run Monday to Friday. You will need a car or taxi within the city. Kimberley summers are very hot, so bring a hat and water, and do not count on shade at the platform.
Jutting out over the hole.
Shops, tram and machinery.
A taste of mine life.
Kimberley Mine site, Kimberley, Northern Cape
About 215 m, including 40 m of water, leaving about 175 m visible.
Two or three hours, with the film, platform and museum.