Cullinan Diamond Mine Day Tour
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Language
- Engilsh
- Tour type
- Cultural Tours
Description
Day tour to one of South Africa’s most iconic diamond mines
Cullinan is the birthplace of some of the most glamorous and famous diamonds in history. In fact, the largest diamond in history was found here back in 1905. Known as the Cullinan diamond, this 3.1-carat gem known as the Great Star of Africa is now embedded in the head of the Sovereigns Scepter with Cross. If you have a few hours spare and are looking for a different kind of day your, then immerse yourself in a tour inspired by myths and romances.
Discover the gems that have been possessed by royalty, stars and adventurers the world over. Join us on a guided tour of a fully operational diamond mine. You will be taken down 200m into the mine and experience what a fully operational diamond mine is all about.
About the Cullinan Diamond Mine
Mining of diamonds started in 1902 with the discovery of the famous Cullinan Diamond in 1905. This iconic gem was found 5.5m below the surface in the Premier mine by Frederick Wells. The diamond was approximately 10.1cm long, 6.3cm wide, 5.9cm deep and weighed 3.1 carats.
The diamond was presented to King Edward VII later as a token of attachment to the throne by the people of Transvaal. Nearly 120 years later and the mine is still producing diamonds.
About Cullinan diamond tour
The definite highlight of this tour is a 4 hour underground mining experience. You be will provided with a helmet, light and mining overalls for the underground section of the tour. You will then be taken down about 200m into the mine where you will get to experience a fully operational Cullinan diamond mine tour.
So you will be dressed up and looking the part of a modern-day diamond miner. The only flaw is that you don’t get to keep the diamonds.
When do the Cullinan diamond mine tours operate?
The tours operate daily. Pick up time is 7:30 am returning back to your hotel by about 3:30 pm. The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we have rain jackets available for your use.
Highlights
- 15 minute Introductory DVD on the current mining operations
- 4 hour underground tour of the Cullinan mine
- Take a tour of the Diamond Display Room where you will get to see the replicas of all the famous diamonds.
- Take a tour through an artificial tunnel’ where the guide will illustrate how the mining tunnels are created and maintained
- We will show you the mining shafts where some of the diamonds are hosted up from 500m below the surface of the earth.
- You will get to visit the Winding Engine Room. This is basically where it all happens. Without the winding room, the mine would not be operational.
- Spend some time at what is known as the Big Hole. This is the point where 1.2 billion years ago, a volcanic eruption took place resulting in one of the most famous diamond mines in history.
- And of course….there is the opportunity to purchase diamonds. Maybe ask your wife to step outside when you visit the shop.
What's included
Included
- Pick up from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb within the Johannesburg, Pretoria or OR Tambo airport area.
- Drop off back at your hotel
- Guide for the duration of your day tour
- Lunch
- All entrance fees
- 4 hour underground guided tour of the diamond mine
- Bottled Water
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)
- Drinks at lunch
- Diamonds
Travel Itinerary
-
Day 1
- Our guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am.
- We then take the 1 hour drive through to the Cullinan Mine. Times may vary depending on your location and traffic conditions
- Upon arrival, we have some time set aside for a cup of coffee and a walkabout before the underground tour starts
- At 9:30 am the underground starts.
- The tour finishes at 1:30 pm
- We will then spend the next 1.5 hours having lunch and spend some time shopping for diamonds if you are keen.
- We aim to leave Cullinan by about 3 pm.
- Back in your hotel by about 4 pm
Maps
Johannesburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, 2001, South Africa
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