Exploring the Big Hole in Kimberley: Deepest Hand-Dug Pit

Kimberley’s central feature is a massive crater measuring 463 meters in width and reaching a visible depth of 175 meters — though its floor actually sits 214 meters below the surface. This excavation began on July 16, 1871, when the first diamond was discovered on what was then a flat-topped hill called Colesberg Kopje. Today, visitors pay approximately R160 for an adult ticket to access the viewing platform and the surrounding museum complex, which stays open from 08:00 to 17:00 daily except for Christmas Day.

The Engineering Legacy of the Kimberley Mine

Dimensions and the 1871 Diamond Rush

The scale of the excavation remains staggering even by modern industrial standards because much of it was achieved using only picks and shovels. Between 1871 and 1914, approximately 50,000 miners removed 22.5 million tons of earth to extract 2,722 kilograms of diamonds. This frantic activity eventually transformed a 17-hectare surface area into the gaping chasm visible today. While the mine ceased operations in August 1914, the sheer volume of material moved (roughly 14.5 million carats worth of gemstones) established Kimberley as the global center of the diamond industry.

Evolution from Open Pit to Underground

By the late 1880s, the open pit became too dangerous to work due to frequent collapses of the reef walls and the risk of flooding. This forced the newly formed De Beers Consolidated Mines — led by figures like Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato — to shift operations underground. The underground shafts eventually reached a depth of 1,097 meters, far exceeding the depth of the hand-dug portion. You can still see the distinct line where the manual digging ended and the more structured industrial walls begin, provided the lighting is right during the midday sun.

Navigating the Open Mine Museum and Visitor Center

The Vault and the World’s Largest Uncut Diamonds

The facility’s high-security vault houses some of the most significant geological finds in South African history. This includes the 616-carat diamond — famously named for its carat weight — which remains the largest uncut octahedral diamond crystal in existence. There is also a replica of the Eureka diamond, the stone that effectively launched the South African diamond rush in the late 1860s. Security is understandably tight (photography is strictly forbidden inside the vault area) so you will have to rely on memory for the sight of these raw, unpolished stones.

Reliving History in the Restored Old Town

The museum extends beyond the pit itself into a recreated streetscape composed of original buildings relocated from their historical sites. You can walk through Barney Barnato’s boxing academy or peak into the cramped sleeping quarters that once housed thousands of hopeful prospectors. One specific detail that most casual visitors miss is the authentic skittle alley — an early form of bowling — which still stands as a reminder of the few leisure activities available to miners. The town even features a vintage tram (the only operational system of its kind left in South Africa) which provides a short but rattling loop around the historical precinct.

Practical Travel Advice and Visitor Tips

Costs and Local Navigation

Plan for a minimum of three hours to cover the site properly since the guided tours run hourly starting at 09:00. The R160 adult entry fee (which is slightly lower for students at R130 and children at R120) covers the introductory film and the underground mine experience. This underground portion is actually a clever recreation of a 19th-century shaft rather than a descent into the Big Hole itself — a distinction that catches some tourists by surprise. If you are driving from Johannesburg, the 470-kilometer trip takes about five hours along the R59, while the drive from Cape Town is significantly longer at nearly 1,000 kilometers.

Avoid the temptation to go searching through the surrounding diamond dumps (the large piles of discarded rock scattered around Kimberley). While they may technically contain small stones, these areas are often restricted and scouring them for gems is a legal offense in South Africa. Instead, stick to the onsite jewelry shops where you can purchase certified stones with the proper export documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Big Hole the largest man-made hole in the world?

While often claimed as the largest, it is technically the largest hand-dug excavation. The Jagersfontein Mine nearby actually disputes this title, but Kimberley remains the more famous of the two sites due to its historical impact and higher diamond yield.

Can you still find diamonds at the Big Hole today?

Commercial mining at the Big Hole ended in 1914, and the site is now strictly a museum. While diamonds likely remain deep within the kimberlite pipe far below the water level, there is no active extraction occurring for tourists or staff.

What is the best time of day to visit for photography?

Midday is generally best if you want to see the turquoise water at the bottom of the pit without it being obscured by the shadows of the high walls. The viewing platform extends over the edge, providing a clear vertical view that is otherwise impossible to get from the perimeter fences.

How much time should I set aside for a full tour?

A standard visit takes between two and three hours to complete. This allows enough time for the 15-minute introductory film, the hourly guided tour, a walk through the old town buildings, and a visit to the high-security diamond vault.

Is the Big Hole wheelchair accessible?

The main visitor center and the viewing platform are fully wheelchair accessible. However, some of the old town’s cobbled streets and the interior of certain historical buildings can be difficult to navigate due to their authentic, uneven 19th-century construction.