THE DIAMOND ROUTE

The Diamond Route links eight sites across northern South Africa in a tourism route. It stretches from Namaqualand on the west coast, to Kimberley (Benfontein, Rooipoort and Dronfield), then north to Tswalu in the Kalahari, through Brenthurst Gardens in Johannesburg eastwards to Ezemvelo Nature Reserve and northwards to the Venetia Limpopo reserve in far Limpopo. The route is geared for both ecotourism and general tourism, incorporating new and largely undiscovered natural wonders, as well as historical and cultural elements, including diamond-mining.  The route caters mainly for independent travellers or small groups. It offers a broad array of activities with expert trained guides, but also allows self-guided tourism at some destinations. Begun as a birding route, the route has a strong element of birding. There is a range of accommodation from self-catered camping at Benfontein and Ezemvelo to the five-star luxury of Tswalu. Travel to destinations is usually by road although some sites provide air access. Each destination handles its own marketing and contacts for booking are listed in the website www.diamondroute.co.za