THE DIAMOND ROUTE
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"Experience the positive environmental
legacy of diamond mining" |
THE DIAMOND ROUTEThe Diamond Route is a tourism route that links together nine destinations and the sites with accommodation facilities, across northern South Africa, thus combining all the conservation initiatives of De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. It stretches from Namaqualand on the west coast, to Kimberley (Benfontein, Rooipoort and Dronfield Nature Reserves), then north to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Kalahari, through Brenthurst Gardens in Johannesburg eastwards to Ezemvelo Nature Reserve and northwards to the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in the northern part of Limpopo. From mopani woodland to riverine forest, bush, savannah, grassland and the evocative sandscapes of the Kalahari, all these diverse habitats can be enjoyed along the Diamond Route. Add colourful Namaqualand and the historic and world-renowned gardens of Brenthurst and the Diamond Route offers the full spectrum for nature, culture and heritage lovers - anyone who embraces the essence of South Africa. Combined, the habitats of the Diamond Route are home to more than half of southern Africa's bird species - over 500 species in total - including 40 endemics and 69 species on the Red Data list. Two Diamond Route properties are also listed in the definitive Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa directory. Adding to the lengthy bird list are over 50 mammal species, including white rhino, wild dog, sable and roan antelope. Wild dog and lion tracking are major attractions at Venetia. For more about the Diamond Route visit the official website click here THE DIAMOND ROUTE DESTINATIONSFor a map of the Diamond Route destinations click here For more about the destinations & sites of the Diamond Route click here Accommodation ranges from self-catered camping at Benfontein Nature Reserve and Ezemvelo Nature Reserve to the five-star luxury of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Travel to the destinations is usually by road although some sites provide air access. Note! All the sites near Kimberley are situated near the Big Hole diamond-mining museum and world-famous Kamfer's Dam flamingo breeding colony. The Diamond Route destinations: |
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Brenthurst Gardens Brenthurst Gardens, in the heart of Johannesburg is one of the world's famous gardens. Situated in the suburb Parktown, a day visit to Brenthurst Gardens is ideal for those that want to experience this fine garden and its birdlife. |
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Benfontein Nature Reserve Located near Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Benfontein Nature Reserve is famous for its rare mammal species that can best be viewed on a night drive, the birdlife and most importantly its herd of pure Black Wildebeest. It has camping accommodation on historical sites. |  |
Dronfield Nature Reserve Dronfield Nature Reserve is located near Kimberley in the Northern Cape and is situated in the Kalahari thornveld. It has a range of antelope species, amongst others Cape Buffalo, as well as interesting birdlife, including a breeding colony of Cape Vultures. Dronfield has fully serviced self catering accommodation. |  |
Ezemvelo Nature Reserve Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, is situated close to Johannesburg and east of Pretoria in Gauteng, near Bronkhorstspruit and offers a wide range of accommodation facilities. It is an ideal weekend or holiday breakaway, with an abundance of wildlife and birdlife, as well as activities like horse riding, hiking trails, game viewing and viewing of San rock art. |  |
Kimberley Big Hole The Big Hole is situated in the diamond town of old, Kimberley. It is a special place full of history and historical and cultural sites. Visit the diamond-mining museum as well as the world-famous Kamfer's Dam flamingo breeding colony nearby. There are a range of accommodation facilities to choose from. |  |
Namaqualand Diamond Coast This scenic destination, along the wild and pristine Coast of Diamonds in Namaqualand, has amongst other activities, 4 x 4 trails, hiking trails, coastal trails as well as flower viewing in spring. It boasts a massive mainland Cape Fur seal colony, tour of diamond-mining and a variety of accommodation facilities at places like Kleinzee, Koingnaas and Noup. |  |
Rooipoort Nature Reserve Rooipoort Nature Reserve has Vaal River frontage and is near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Amongst its many wildlife species, Cape Buffalo can be viewed as well as interesting birdlife, including a breeding colony of Cape Vultures. Rooipoort has fully serviced self catering accommodation. Petroglyphs can be viewed. |  |
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, the flagship of the Diamond Route, is a magical wilderness experience and is situated near the town of Upington, in the Northern Cape. Tswalu has exclusive five-star luxury accommodation and boasts an array of wildlife species including the desert black rhino, Kalahari lions and herds of springbok and spectacular scenery like the rolling red dunes of the Kalahari. |  |
Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve Situated on the great Limpopo River and adjoining Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, Venetia offers the best chance for viewing free-ranging African Wild dogs in South Africa as well as elephant, lion, amongst other wildlife species. The birdlife is prolific and the area is a favourite destination for birders. Venetia offers excellent accommodation. |  |
ABOUT THE DIAMOND ROUTEBackground The Diamond Route is the epitome of passion in action. De Beers and the Oppenheimer family have a long respected legacy of walking the talk when it comes to environmental and conservation concern. The Diamond Route is the culmination of years of dedication and commitment to this field. The Diamond Route links together all the conservation initiatives of De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. The route is a partnership project between the renowned mining house and the Oppenheimer family in a bid to maximize the potential of their properties for conservation purposes - and in so doing give back to the people of South Africa. The route is geared for both ecotourism and general tourism, incorporating new and largely undiscovered natural wonders, as well as historical and cultural elements, including diamond-mining. The route caters mainly for independent travellers or small groups. It offers a broad array of activities with expert trained guides, but also allows self-guided tourism at some destinations. Begun as a birding route, the route has a strong element of birding, however the destinations also offer a vast array of mammals and other wildlife species. Across the Diamond Route, visitors and researchers alike can gain access to some of South Africa's most precious ecologies, to learn about their wildlife and to understand how conservation works. Each property also raises awareness among local communities of the role of the environment in creating livelihoods and opportunities. Promoting conservation and research, environmental awareness and contributing to tangible social upliftment are all priorities of the Diamond Route properties - as is encouraging nature lovers to experience the diverse and unique offerings at each enticing destination. DIAMONDS & CONSERVATIONThe Positive Legacy of Diamonds Diamonds have been vitally important to the development of South Africa, and remain so to this day. Synonymous with diamonds are De Beers and the Oppenheimer family, at the forefront of diamond-mining industry for more than 100 years. The mining operations of De Beers in South Africa often include large areas of natural habitats. These natural areas have been diligently managed over many decades and are now very important reservoirs of biodiversity. Excellent examples are the Black Wildebeest and Red Hartebeest. Had they not been conserved on Benfontein and Rooipoort near Kimberley, these species may have been lost forever, as extinct as the Dodo. In measuring the value of biodiversity and natural ecosystems conserved as a legacy of diamond-mining, one may add large tracts of natural lands owned by the Oppenheimer family. These areas have also been well-managed - the most spectacular area is the 100 000 ha Tswalu Kalahari Reserve which is the largest private nature reserve in Africa. Not only are these havens of biodiversity, they have been the focus of a considerable research output, supported and often funded by De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. This investment in research constitutes a further environmental contribution – knowledge invaluable for conservation. Global concerns about the planet’s sustainability are rapidly intensifying. Sustainable development in tandem with socio-economic upliftment is essential. Such action is taking place, ranging from global cooperation to individual actions. In response, many commercial companies have broadened their responsibilities to active participation in environmental actions. The reality is that De Beers and Oppenheimers were committed to conservation and social upliftment; and practised offset of diamond mining impact before the term of offset became current in the conservation world.
Experience the positive environmental legacy of diamond mining. Share the experience of these as a visitor to the Diamond Route.
CONTACT USFor general queries, please contact The
Diamond Route
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