Accomodation in Kimberley: Dankie Pa, Agros, Belgravia B&B

Kimberley is a pretty nice town. I can definitely think of worse places to be stuck for an extended amount of time (such as Kuruman). I always hear of students going to Kimberley for comm. service and some actually end up staying – so it can’t be that bad. I reckon any place can be boring, it’s about having your friends and family nearby.

I spent a lot of my time at the malls in Kimberley. The Diamond Pavillion Shopping Mall has a Mugg n Bean and thus lots of hot chocolates were had there (it’s freezing in winter!). The North Cape Mall has a Ster Kinekor and the staff don’t judge too harshly when you always seeing movies by yourself.

So, your malls may be sorted but what about your accommodation? I stayed in several places in Kimberley such as the Kimberley Manor Guesthouse, Protea Hotel, the Victorian Guest Lodge and my favourite, Carter’s Rest. I also stayed at Dankie Pa, Agros, Formula 1 and the rather unpleasant Belgravia BnB.  At the time I was in Kimberely, there was very little information available about accommodation on the interwebs. I hope this adds to the little that’s out there (note that all of the places below are not very close to the Big Hole) –

Dankie Pa Guesthouse

When you drive into Kimberley, you will see Dankie Pa Guesthouse signs everywhere. Due to the weird name (translated: Thank you Father),  I was quite hesitant to stay there. My colleague assured me that he knows people who love the place so I was willing to give it a try.

The owner was very accommodating and even explained the name of Dankie Pa – basically, that their father had left them money to open the guesthouse. To my surprise, I found the rooms to be clean, modern and spacious. The room had a fridge, heated blankets and all the things that you need to make you feel at home.

They’d accommodated me at the last minute and thus kept moving me around to accommodate their other guests. I was thankful and understood why they kept moving me about but it was annoying nonetheless. Once I was moved into a room on the inside of the main house – it was bad! If you have a choice, DO NOT take this room. It is close to the main entrance and thus you can constantly hear people coming and going.

Another annoyance was that there seemed to be an issue with parking. I was always worried that someone was going to park me in. Thankfully, it never happened.

One of the places they moved me to on two occasions was Argos Guesthouse.

Agros Guesthouse

The owners of Agros guesthouse were so sweet and helpful – and I loved their little sausage dog. Despite this, I wouldn’t recommend this guesthouse for long term accommodation. The rooms are a bit small and the toilet is separated by a curtain – making going to the bathroom embarrassing if you are more than one person in the room.

Formula 1

Some family members came to visit me and I looked for some cheap accommodation. A lot of the places were pricey and some were just not suitable (for example, you have to share a bathroom with someone you don’t know). Finally, we settled on the Formula 1. I guess you know exactly what you’re paying for there!

The Formula 1 was just like I remembered it from 20 years back. And by that, I mean it looks exactly the same. The same bedding. The same double bunk. The same everything. The same space-age toilet/shower.

Really not recommended unless you have to!

Belgravia B & B

After living out of a suitcase for about a  month, you start to yearn for the simple things in life – like a toaster and a stove. I needed self-catering accommodation and the Belgravia B&B claimed to have it.

This place was a real let down. Again, there was an issue with the parking. It was freezing cold and the room had a tiny fin heater. The door could not lock. I could clearly hear the person in the room next to me use the bathroom! And to top it off, the place was not self-catering. The owner said I could use the kitchen in their house (when they were not using it) but I had to make sure that I cleaned everything afterward.

I was very disappointed and asked to be moved – mostly because they claimed to be self-catering when they clearly were not (there was not even a microwave in the room). She also would not hand over my full per diem. I dealt with the owner very nicely and afterward, she apparently accused me of being racist! Very strange but luckily I was able to move out of there quickly.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is – if you’re going to Kimberley, book early to avoid being stuck in a place you don’t want to be stuck in!

– Rif

Need to know:

Dankie Pa Guesthouse

Harveystraat 1, Rhodesdene, Kimberley

Tel: 053 861 1313
076 101 4570
083 507 5080

email: dankiepa@telkomsa.net
Gps: S28°44’45” E24°44’34”

 

Argos Guesthouse

3 Oakridge Avenue, Hadison Park, Kimberley

Tel: +27 (0)53 861 4061

http://www.agros.co.za/services%20contact%20us.html

 

Formula 1

Cnr Memorial & Welgevonden Ave.

Tel: +27 053 831-2552

Fax: +27 053 831-5501

 

Belgravia B &B

10 Elsmere Rd, Belgravia, Kimberley

Tel: + 27 053 832 8368

Cell: + 27 82 224 3605

Email: belgraviabb@absamail.co.zahttp://www.belgraviabb.co.za/index.htm