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Northern Cape Diamond
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NORTHERN
CAPE DIAMOND FIELDS - Barkley West
Barkly West
Diamonds were first discovered and unearthed
in South Africa, here in this small town of Barkley
West on the Vaal River in 1869, bringing thousands
of prospectors to the area formely known as Pniel
- 'Face of God.' Barkley West was originally a
small mission village founded in 1849.
On 30 July 1870, the diggers proclaimed the Republic
of Klipdrift and in 1873 the area was named Barkly
West. The district's current economy is dependent
on stock- and irrigation farming, although lone
diggers still pan a 150 km stretch of the Vaal
River close to the town.
Barkley West is only 35km from the Northern Cape's
capital city, Kimberley offering the traveller
the opportunity to see the diverse nature of city
and towns in the Northern Cape.
There are many old buildings in Barkley West which
are easily missed as they are mostly used for
modern office complexes.
Activities
Hunting: Contact the Diamond Fields Tourist Office
or the Northern Cape Hunters' Association for
more information.
Rekaofela Resort: The Rekaofela resort lies 5
km from town on the banks of the Vaal River. It
can provide accommodation to more than 100 people
and has facilities for activities such as canoeing,
archery, rock climbing, hiking and orienteering.
The resort also houses an Adventure Centre that
presents courses in personal and group development.
Heritage
Canteen Kopje: As with any 'unearthing' processes,
the prospector diamond diggers not only dug up
diamonds, but also archaelogical treasures of
the Northern Cape. The Canteen Kopje (Hillock)
is one of many special archaeological sites along
the Vaal River where stone tools as old as 1 million
years were discovered. This site has an open-
air archaeological museum with geological exhibits
and fossils.
FAUNA AND FLORA
The Oribi Game Reserve allows us to see different
species of game in their natural habitat.
Vaalbos National Park: The park is named after
the camphor bush (also known as the vaalbos).
Tucked along the Vaal River, this 23 000 hectare
park conserves part of the transitional vegetation
zone where typical Karoo, Kalahari thornveld and
grassveld meet. In an area that was once the heart
of the alluvial diamond diggings, large raptors
and the rare yellow-breasted form of the crimson-
breasted shrike now contend with cold winters
and scorching summers.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Barkly Bridge: This bridge, dating from 1885 was
the first bridge built across the Vaal River.
Barkly West Museum: The exhibits in the museum
include archaeological and geological findings
from Canteen Kopje, as well as many historical
artefacts from early life in the Diamond Fields.
Cultural History Museum. The museum is in a wing
of the library and has a magnificent collection
of cultural, historical and archaeological paraphernalia.
Old Toll House: This relic stands on the northern
bank of the Orange River.
St.Mary's Anglican Church: This, the first church
on the diamond fields, was built in 1871.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alluvial Diamond Diggings: Quite a large number
of prospectors are still hard at work on the riverbanks,
searching for diamonds. Watch them while they
work, but do not get too close. |
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Accommodation in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg |
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| Bed & Breakfast
> Bed & Breakfast - Homestay |
| KwaZulu-Natal |
Pietermaritzburg |
| Tel:
+27 (0)33 - 342 5405 |
Fax:
+27 (0)33 - 342 5405 |
Located in KwaZulu - Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
Situated just above the Royal Showgrounds off Howick Road, convenient to CBD, freeway, shopping malls, restaurants and schools. Ideally situated for ... |
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| Price Range:Budget - Middle - R50.00 - R1000.00 |
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MORE
INFORMATION  |
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Northern Cape Map |
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[
click for map ] |
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Travel Agent |
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Hambanathi Travel
Travel with us! Let us take care of all your travel arrangements, worldwide!
From filghts to cruises, safaris & business trips, we have over 20 years of experience in travel arrangements for people in South Africa to travel locally or internationally.
Telephone: +27 (0)33 394 7870
Mobile: 082 897 5937
Email: barky@lantic.net
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