Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour

ZAR 2460pp (2-4)

ZAR 1960pp (5-13)

Highlights:

Guided surface tour,

Optional Guided underground tour,

Diamond cutting and Polishing workshop,

Jewellery shop.

Description:

The Premier Mine was established in 1902 and was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan who owned the diamond mine at the time.

This mine renowned of producing many of the most spectacular Diamonds in the world

In 1905 one of the greatest event in diamond history took place here when the biggest ever found diamond was discovered weighing 3106 carats.

The stone bought by the Transvaal Government was presented to King Edward VII from England and was cut into large parts. The most famous of all was the Great Star of Africa, also known as Cullinan 1. The second largest stone is known as Lesser Star of Africa and forms part of the British Crown Jewels in display in the Tower of London.

The big hole at the Cullinan Diamond mine is four times bigger and twice deeper than the big hole at Kimberley. The Cullinan mine tour includes an introduction DVD of Cullinan and the Cullinan mine, a guided tour of the mine grounds and recreation of a mine shaft. The tour takes you to the lookout over the big hole which is the highlight of the tour. The Cullinan Diamond Tour is done on an operational diamond mine. Specialized tour guides will take you on a guided tour through the workings of the mine. Safety hats for the tour will be provided by Cullinan Mine.

The surface tour in the mine takes almost 2 hours. You will visit the lookout point overlooking the big hole, the diamond cutting and polishing workshop as well as the diamond shop.

On the underground tour you will be transported to the mine entrance via tram. You will then go about 763m underground and view the following:

Admin offices, workshop, resting area, refuge bay, loading and tipping of ore, crushing of ore and the conveyor belt transporting ore.

The underground tour is recommended for the physically fit and no children under the age of 16 are allowed.

Underground tours can be arranged only on week days

Purchasing a Diamond:

You can complete your diamond mine tour experience with a diamond of your own. Buying yourself a fine gem diamond direct from Cullinan, where 10 of the world’s most famous diamonds have been discovered.

While browsing the vast range of diamonds, loose, polished diamonds and diamond jewellery, all created to the highest standards, there are two diamond shops in Cullinan, giving you the best advice, if required, we will certainly assist to view prices from both shops to ensure you get the best overall purchase and price.

Buy your Diamonds and get it set in distinctive designs of gold or platinum. Indeed, 15% vat on your diamond purchase can be returned to you on your departure from South Africa.

Itinerary:

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 am. We then take the 1,5 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 tour 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

Included:

Bottled Water

Entrance fees

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking guide

Excluded

Lunch

Personal Purchases

Pickup

From your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria

Drop off

Our guide will drop you at your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria at the end of the tour