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Northern Cape Diamond
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NORTHERN CAPE
DIAMOND FIELDS - Introduction
The Diamond Fields area began innocently enough
when a young man by the name of Erasmus Jacobs
just happened upon a shiny stone one day while
out on a walk keeping as a lucky charm of sorts.
The shiny stone he picked up has become the worlds
most recognised diamond - the Eureka.
One often wonders whether young Erasmus Jacobs
experienced even a tiny shiver of anticipation
on that momentous day in 1866 when he set off
on his walk. At some point during his walk, he
stooped to pick up a shiny pebble and put it in
his pocket, perhaps to keep as a good luck charm.
With that small action he set off a chain of events
that would change the history of South Africa
forever. The pebble he picked up was the Eureka,
a 21-carat diamond. With the subsequent diamond
discoveries made in this region, such as the “Star
of South Africa”, an amazing 83-carat stone,
a diamond rush became a reality. From 1869 onwards
it brought treasure hunters from all over the
world to this region, hungry for the riches they
thought were theirs for the taking.
The Diamond Fields region, the smallest tourist
region in the Northern Cape, is tucked into the
upper eastern corner of the province. The region
borders the Free State and North West provinces.
Incorporated in the Diamond Fields are Kimberley,
the capital of the Northern Cape, as well as the
towns of Barkly West, Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp,
Modder River, Warrenton and Windsorton.
Echoes of the past reverberate throughout this
region and are an inextricable part of its character.
The recorded human history of the region dates
back to the ancient people who made engravings
on glacial pavements and rocks. San rock art sites
form an invaluable part of the history of the
Diamond Fields.
Many important battles of the devastating Anglo-
Boer War that lasted from 1899 to 1902 were fought
in this region. Today, the land still bears its
battle scars, often attracting history buffs.
Despite its eventful past, there are still large
undisturbed areas where the landscape offers ample
opportunities for hunting and adventure tourism.
Hunters, hikers and 4x4 enthusiasts are welcome
visitors to national, provincial and private conservation
areas in the region. |
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Accommodation in KwaZulu-Natal, Kokstad |
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| Bed & Breakfast
> Bed & Breakfast / Guest House with Self-Catering |
| KwaZulu-Natal |
Kokstad |
| Tel:
+27 (0)39 - 727 4151 |
Fax:
+27 (0)39 - 0866285561 |
| Ripplemead Guesthouse is situted on the farm Riplemead. Its uniqueness lies in the tranquil, breathtaking surroundings. The guesthouse and adjoing self-catering and/or, B&B units can accommodate 11 gu... |
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| Price Range:Budget - R50.00 - R500.00 |
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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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