Jagersfontein (original) (raw)
Jagersfontein, Xhariep Region
Jagersfontein lies 115 km south west of Bloemfontein, nearest stop: Koffiefontein. It is one of very few places in the world with a big hole open diamond mine.
In 2005 the media considered Jagersfontein 'forgotten in history'. Today the little town has remarketed itself as a former mining village of note; the town that South Africa forgot, yes.
But Google Earth certainly didn't. From above the visibility of Jagersfontein's open diamond mine ensures its position as the world's oldest and largest hand excavated pit � and they're proud of it. Despite having a surface area of 19.65 hectares the diamond mine remained in Kimberley's shadow until 2005 when experts finally agreed it was indeed the biggest hand-excavated hole in the world. Kimberley's big hole is slightly deeper, but not as wide.
Not only is the mine famous, even if no longer mined (it operated between 1871 and 1971), but it is also the site of the discovery of two of the world's most famous gems - the Excelsior diamond and the Reitz diamond (renamed the Jubilee) - amongst the top ten largest diamonds ever unearthed.
The Excelsior, discovered in 1893, is its most exciting find. A blue-white colour it measures two and a half inches in length, two inches across, and one inch in thickness. It was the world's largest known uncut diamond until Cullinan unearthed the 3 106 ct in 1905.
Officially closed in February 1969, the Jagersfontein mine produced an estimated 9 526 million carats, worth R260 million in terms of 1970 values.
Head to the historical village to see: the character homes (you can pick up an historical cottage for next to nothing), three Herbert Baker buildings, the oldest Free State Masonic lodge, the Open Mine Museum, and a Roman Catholic Church dating back to 1881.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Self Catering
Prior Grange Guest Farm
When you are next travelling on the N1 in the Southern Free State, why not stop over and discover old fashioned hospitality on the historical wor...
Self Catering
Kapokbos
Kapokbos Holiday Home in Philippolis can accommodate up to ten guests in four bedrooms. The house has a fully equipped kitchen with everything ne...
Self Catering
Angela's Lodge
At Angela's Guest Lodge you can unwind in a modern and well furnished accommodation unit. The Lodge is divided into three very unique units; each...
Guest House
Bethulie Guest Farm
Situated on a working farm near a pecan nut plantation, Bethulie Guest Farm offers luxury accommodation in Bethulie. The house has lovely wooden ...
Hotel
Royal Hotel Bethulie
The Royal Hotel aims to offer guests the complete Bethulie experience. Highlights include musical recitals, visits to artists, stargazing and a g...
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Bluegum Cottage
Set in a large private property with lots of secure off street parking, Bluegum Cottage lies in the quiet and peaceful area of Smithfield. There ...
Self Catering
The Dusty Vine Nagmaal Huis
The Dusty Vine Nagmaal Huis is located in Philippolis in the Bo-Karoo. The house is a national monument which provides Free State self catering a...
Hotel / Self Catering
Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Otterskloof Private Game Reserve offers high standards in accommodation, close wildlife encounters, beautiful vistas, and personal service. The a...
Self Catering
Rondefontein Guest Farm
Rondefontein Guest Farm is a retreat on a working sheep farm just 2.5 km from the N1 and 3 km from the town of Springfontein in the southern Free...
Things to do in the area
Museums
Jagersfontein Big Hole Open Mine
Few places on this earth can show off their lack of land; even fewer places in this world accept the label 'hole' without a fist fight in the loc...
Noteworthy attractions
Game Reserves
Karoo Gariep Conservancy
Karoo is a �quenna� word meaning �dry and hard�. Gariep is also a �quenna� word meaning �big water�or river. The Karoo Gariep Concervancy is foun...
National Parks
Tankwa Karoo National Park
The 80 000 hectare Tankwa Karoo National Park, proclaimed in 1986 and still in a development stage, is at present in a veld recovery phase and it...
Nature Reserves
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
The Free State's largest nature reserve is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam on the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its n...
Lakes / Dams
Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
Lying just south east of Koffiefontein in the south western Free State, Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve on the Riet River is not usually visited e...
Game Reserves
Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve
Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve is one of the most accessible game reserves in the Free State. Situated in Bethuli, you can get there from Bloemf...
Nature Reserves
Oviston Nature Reserve
The Oviston Nature reserve lies close to the little Karoo towns of Venterstad and Oviston roughly two hours� drive from Bloemfontein. That it is ...
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