The Big Hole, Kimberley, Northern Cape

This does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s literally a big hole in the ground. But the reason for it is an important part of what makes South Africa tick… diamonds! Some 150 years ago, thousands of prospectors armed with “shovels, picks and hope” descended on a remote hill – and turned it into a massive crater 234 yards deep with a mile-long perimeter.

Over 40 years it yielded 2,722kg (6,000lb) of diamonds – all dug out by hand. The open-air museum and visitor centre give a fascinating insight into the gruelling challenges the miners faced, and you can follow the journey of a diamond from a lump of rock to a polished gem. thebighole.co.za