I decided to take the longer route from Sutherland to Kimberley via Beaufort West. I do have a 2 x 4 Honda SUV but 600 km on sand roads via Fraserburg, Loxton and Victoria West did not appeal to me. Also, I would spend so much tome concentrating on the road I would not have time to enjoy the scenery.
When I was young used to ask non-stop “are we nearly there”. Today I’ve learnt to love the Karoo and always on the lookout for small reptiles, animals and of course our beautiful birds. Once saw two mongooses attacking a Rinkals on side of the road. Stopped and watched the battle with total amazement saw the Rinkals lose the war.
Kimberley has its own entertainment at breakfast, meet Tweetie at 75 on Milner B&B.
I was trying to imagine that when diamonds were discovered in Kimberley, I was one of the diggers, arriving to strike it rich with only a pick, shovel and enthusiasm.
Digging started in 1871 and ended on 14 August 1914 and only a few came out rich.
I joined a bunch of tourists with a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide leading the way. We walked past the steam engine looking in remarkably good condition It was the work horse between Cape Town all the way up to the reef via Kimberley and some travelled in the lap of luxury.
I like the idea of being on wheels so it can come to you rather than other way round.
I was intrigued with the toilet that was transported underground each day for the miners. One size fits all!
I enjoyed a 20-minute ride on the vintage, but fully operational, tram around the Big Hole for around R 30. I waved to all the people in the street and they waved back. Awesome experience!!
Kimberley Mine Museum was so well presented and made it very interesting for me as a local tourist.One of oldest houses in Kimberley. The house seem to be disabled and elderly friendly – thought about accommodating them in those days.
Took some pictures to show how they lived in those days and I really was impressed. Made me remember “all best parties were held in the kitchen”.
I was taken with the well laid out Bathroom. Shower over bath … in those days …bathroom well decorated too!!
Unique traveller needs would find it satisfactory but too cramped for Wheelchair visitor.
The entertainment could not have got much better and enjoyable than at the Irish Pub. Sore head guaranteed next day as a digger.
A really cool car for you. Just the sort of shuttle service Choosy Travellers would enjoy
Somewhat undignified trip home but at least you got home.
Certainly there for the Sunday Afternoon to turn heads!!!
2 Comments
What a tour of the Big Hole…. Thank you for sharing
It is worth visiting as a tourist from SA