| Did you know? |
| In arid areas, the Acacia Karoo is an indicator of water, both underground and surface and was a very welcome sight to early travellers and nomads.
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| Travel Routes in South Africa |
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Founded in 1884 by the legendary James Douglas Logan, the majestic village of
Matjiesfontein is a step back in time. Take a trip around the village on the Old London Bus or stop in at the
historical Hotel Lord Milner where, legend has it, from time to time laughing voices of ghosts and the clicking of billiard balls can be heard.
With a history
immersed in diamonds
the city that sparkles, Kimberley, is famous for the Big Hole, which is a huge circular pit right in the middle of town.
This
large crater, which you can look down into from a platform viewing spot, was hand-dug almost entirely with picks and shovels in an effort to reach
the diamonds that were first discovered here in 1867. Today the hole and its surrounds have been converted into a museum.
Lying within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as bushveld, you will find
the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. This malaria free zone is, amongst other game, home to the African Big Five, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants and Buffalo and has over 350 species of birds. |
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| From the Editor |
This leisurely route takes you through the quaint Karoo village of Matjiesfontein with its history immersed in a bygone era to the bustling city of Kimberley where the South African diamond rush and all companies associated with this, started. Further north-east, you will encounter the Pilansberg National Park filled with a variety of wildlife, diverse scenery and interesting landscapes guaranteed to delight your senses. Accommodation ranges from charming little Bed & Breakfasts to 5 star game lodges with everything you can possibly want at your fingertips. Experience rustic South Africa at its best.
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| Yours in Travel |
| Melissa Mann |
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Travel Route Highlight 1 |
Travel Route Highlight 2 |
Travel Route Highlight 3 |
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| Fondly known as the Grand Duchess of the Karoo,
Matjiesfontein (Fountain of Little Mats)
is known for its splendid historical buildings and
was declared a national monument in 1970 after the restoration of all its buildings. |
Synonymous with the Big Hole, Kimberley is a modern city, which serves as the capital of the Northern Cape. First known as 'New Rush', the city was re-named after the British Secretary of State in the 1860's, Lord Kimberley. |
Adjacent to Sun City, an entertainment resort in the
Bojanala Region of the North West Province,
lies the
Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the park covers
an area of 55 000 ha.
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Wildlife of Africa |
Plants of Africa |
Birds of Africa |
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A plump, barrel chested antelope with a short neck and a long face, the Sable has
ringed horns that rise vertically and sweep back in a pronounced curve.
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One of South Africa's most beautiful trees, the Acacia Karoo (Sweet Thorn) has long white thorns and
fluffy yellow flowers, attracting a variety of insects. |
Kamfers Dam near Kimberley is the only nesting site for lesser flamingos in the country. This wetland hosts 50% of the South African lesser flamingo population. |
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Drinks of Africa |
Foods of Africa |
Culture & Art of Africa |
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Maas is a typical sour milk drink of the indigenous people of Southern Africa. It was
originally made in clay pots, but nowadays it is factory made and readily available in supermarkets.
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A traditional South African pastry, Vetkoek is a yeast dough, which is deep-fried in cooking oil and
eaten with anything from apricot jam to cooked, curried ground beef. Try it and you will love it. |
Situated next to the Big Hole, the open-air Kimberley Mine Museum
houses the first recorded diamond discovered in South Africa and original buildings such as a bank, doctor's room and pub. |
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