Culture and Heritage, Victoria West, Karoo, Northern Cape, South Africa, Travel Information Directory

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Written by Otto Saayman

Uploaded by Otto Saayman

TOURIST INFORMATION

Victoria West Municipality

Church Street, Victoria West, 7070

Tel 053 621 0026

Established in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England. Victoria West marks the beginning of the Diamond Way, lying on the main route from Cape Town to Kimberley. In 1866 diamond fever was sparked with the discovery of the gem at Hopetown and then at Kimberley.

The railway from Cape Town was also lured north but, perplexingly, missed Victoria West by 12km (See Hutchinson). Though Victoria West has suffered a devastating flood and dustbowl-drought, it has thrived.