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Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens and Diggers Fountain

3.5
·407 reviews·Kimberley, South Africa

A tranquil oasis in Kimberly, offering lush gardens, the iconic Diggers Fountain, and a vibrant local 'shisanyama' experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
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Diggers’ Memorial without the diamond sieve

Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens and Diggers Fountain

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil oasis in Kimberly, offering lush gardens, the iconic Diggers Fountain, and a vibrant local 'shisanyama' experience.

3.5
(407 reviews)

"A great place to chill and enjoy yourself, with delicious and affordable meat platters."

Vertical photo
TIP

Relaxing Escape

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Great for chilling with friends. :park_park:

Local BBQ Delights

Don't miss the 'shisanyama' for delicious, affordable meat platters. :meatonbone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lush Gardens

The Lush Gardens

Throughout the park

Wander through serene, garden-esque landscapes bordered by bushy trees. A perfect spot for relaxation.

Diggers Fountain

Diggers Fountain

Central area

A focal point of the gardens, offering a refreshing ambiance and a picturesque spot.

Shisanyama Experience

Shisanyama Experience

Designated BBQ areas

Enjoy affordable, hearty meat platters – a popular local culinary experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Discover a peaceful escape in Kimberly. While generally not too busy, check for local events that might increase visitor numbers. A little maintenance is ongoing, but the natural beauty shines through.

A Taste of Local Flavor

Beyond the gardens, this spot is known for its 'shisanyama' (barbecue) culture. Expect generous meat platters at affordable prices, though be prepared for potential waits during peak times.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful ambiance
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Vibrant local scene
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Relaxing Escape

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Great for chilling with friends. :park_park: Reddit

Local BBQ Delights

Don't miss the 'shisanyama' for delicious, affordable meat platters. :meatonbone: Reddit

Central Location

Conveniently located, making it easy to access for a quick getaway. :round_pushpin: Reddit

Ongoing Improvements

The gardens are looking better thanks to university care. Appreciate the ongoing efforts. :seedling: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Relaxing Escape

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Great for chilling with friends. :park_park: Reddit

Local BBQ Delights

Don't miss the 'shisanyama' for delicious, affordable meat platters. :meatonbone: Reddit

Central Location

Conveniently located, making it easy to access for a quick getaway. :round_pushpin: Reddit

Ongoing Improvements

The gardens are looking better thanks to university care. Appreciate the ongoing efforts. :seedling: Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.5
(407 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, noting it's a great place to relax and socialize. The 'shisanyama' is a highlight for its affordable and generous meat platters. Some minor maintenance is ongoing, and waits for food orders can occur during busy times.

"I loved the park. Peace and quiet not too busy as well. It just needs a little bit of maintenance."

Desiree Khuba

"This is a very nice shisanyama in Kimberly and I highly recommend this place they have good platters with lot of meat on cheap prices the only thing I'm not happy with is waiting on the line for my order to be taken"

Phelelani busani Nyawose

"Since the university took the place the garden took a great shift and looks much more better now"

PHETOGO HOSEA MODISANE

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Great 'shisanyama' platters
Central and accessible location

What People Dislike

Needs a little maintenance
Waiting for food orders

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The gardens are centrally located in Kimberly, making them easily accessible by car or local transport. Parking is generally available. Reddit

Information on specific public transport routes can be limited, but local taxis or ride-sharing services are reliable options to reach the gardens. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the gardens is typically free, offering a great value for visitors looking for a relaxing experience. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the gardens are generally open during daylight hours, allowing ample time for exploration and relaxation. Reddit

Information on booking the park for private events is not widely available, but it's a popular spot for informal gatherings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy leisurely walks through the gardens, relax by the Diggers Fountain, and experience the local 'shisanyama' barbecue culture. Reddit+1

Basic facilities are usually available, but it's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date information on amenities. Reddit

Yes, the lush greenery and the Diggers Fountain provide beautiful backdrops for photography, especially during golden hour. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a wonderful spot for a picnic, offering a peaceful environment to enjoy your meal outdoors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park is renowned for its 'shisanyama' (barbecue) where you can get generous meat platters at affordable prices. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which is a popular activity here. Reddit

While the 'shisanyama' is onsite, there are other dining options in Kimberly if you prefer a sit-down restaurant experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens is a fantastic spot for families looking for a relaxed outing. The open green spaces are perfect for children to run around and play. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a family meal amidst nature. The Diggers Fountain can be a point of interest for younger visitors. Reddit

While the park offers a peaceful environment, it's advisable to keep a close eye on children, especially near the fountain. The 'shisanyama' can also be a hit with older kids who enjoy barbecue flavors, though be mindful of potential wait times. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This destination is a gem for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the gardens is typically free, making it an accessible attraction. You can save significantly by packing your own picnic or taking advantage of the affordable 'shisanyama' platters that offer great value for money. Reddit+1

It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon without spending much, offering beautiful scenery and a taste of local culture. The central location also means transportation costs can be minimized if you're already in the vicinity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of the Gardens

The Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens offer a refreshing green space in Kimberly, characterized by its garden-esque ambience and surrounding bushy trees. Since the university took over management, the gardens have seen significant improvements, making them a more pleasant and well-maintained destination for visitors. It's a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy a moment of peace. Reddit+1

Visitors often describe the park as a great place to chill with friends and enjoy the natural surroundings. The Diggers Fountain serves as a central, picturesque feature, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll, the gardens provide a serene escape. Reddit

While the gardens themselves are a draw, the area is also known for its vibrant local 'shisanyama' culture. This means you can often find opportunities to enjoy delicious, affordable barbecued meats, making it a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and local culinary exploration. Reddit

Experiencing the 'Shisanyama' Culture

One of the most talked-about aspects of visiting Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens is the 'shisanyama' experience. This is a popular South African barbecue tradition where you can purchase raw meat and have it grilled on the spot. The gardens are noted for having excellent 'shisanyama' spots with good platters and lot of meat on cheap prices. Reddit

Travelers highlight that this is a highly recommended place for those looking to sample local flavors. However, it's worth noting that while the food is great and affordable, some visitors have mentioned waiting on the line for their order to be taken, especially during busy periods. Planning your visit outside of peak hours can help mitigate this. Reddit

This culinary aspect adds a unique dimension to the park visit, blending the enjoyment of a natural setting with the lively atmosphere of a local gathering spot. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the community and enjoy hearty, flavorful food. Reddit

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