Newlands Country Lodge

Kimberley 10 minutes' drive away is packed with stuff to see and do, such as the famed Big Hole diamond mine, where Cecil Rhodes and his De Beers company (among others) gouged out their loot; the William Humphreys Art Gallery; the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre, and the Kimberley Africana Library. Among the several museums in town is the Kimberley Mine Museum, telling the subterranean story of the local mining trade: the Big Hole is one of the biggest mines in the world, so it's quite a tale. Kimberley is also a gateway for the Mokala National Park, over 26,400 hectares of wildlife haven to the south-east of the city. Look out for antelope, cape buffalo and black rhino on the ground, and pick up a bird guide at the park office to see what species can be spied in the skies. For assured South African wildlife sightings, drive 40 minutes to the Felidae Centre, a reserve focussing on the continent's big cats and other predators. Walking tours are available among the lions, cheetahs, jackals and more; you'll def need to bring your camera...