Tour the Cullinan Diamond Mine
Step inside one of the world's most storied diamond mines and trace the journey of a gem from deep underground to the Crown Jewels.
The Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour offers a rare, guided look inside the working mine that produced the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever recorded, now set within the British Crown Jewels. Located roughly 47 kilometers east of Pretoria and 110 kilometers from Johannesburg, this seven-hour excursion combines industrial history with geological wonder. Knowledgeable guides lead the experience from pickup to drop-off, keeping context rich and commentary grounded in fact.
Established more than a century ago in the small town of Cullinan, this mine continues to yield exceptional stones from the same kimberlite pipe that once released the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, discovered just 4 to 9 meters below the surface. The mine is currently operated by Petra Diamonds, having previously been owned by De Beers, and it remains one of the most significant active diamond-producing operations in the world.
The surface tour takes visitors through each stage of the diamond extraction process, from kimberlite blasting and processing to final sorting. The on-site museum houses precise replicas of the most celebrated stones cut from the original Cullinan Diamond, including the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa, giving visitors a tangible sense of scale and history.
At the conclusion of the tour, a licensed retail outlet on the premises allows guests to browse and purchase certified Cullinan diamonds, loose gemstones, and finished jewelry, providing a direct connection between the mine and its final product.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the site that yielded the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond.
Join a guided surface tour of the active mine wearing a hard hat and observe live diamond extraction operations.
View museum replicas of the Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa, both now set in the British Crown Jewels.
Enjoy comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg or Pretoria, with informative commentary en route.
Browse a certified on-site diamond boutique to purchase genuine Cullinan diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.
Take a break for lunch at the mine before your return transfer, giving you time to reflect on the experience.
Itinerary
Your guide collects you from your designated hotel and begins sharing background information about the Cullinan Diamond Mine during the drive east. The journey to the mine takes approximately 45 minutes from Pretoria and around 90 minutes from Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at the mine, your group receives a safety briefing and is issued hard hats for the surface tour. Expert guides introduce the history of the mine, its ownership timeline, and the geology of the kimberlite pipe that makes this site exceptional.
Walk through the active surface operations and observe diamond extraction at each stage, from blasting and hauling kimberlite rock to processing and sorting. Guides explain the technology and scale of the operation throughout the walking tour.
Explore the museum and examine high-quality replicas of the most famous stones produced at this mine, including the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa. Informative displays trace the journey of these diamonds from the mine to the British Crown Jewels.
Enjoy a lunch break on the premises before visiting the certified diamond boutique, where you can purchase Cullinan diamonds, loose gemstones, and finished jewelry. All stones sold on-site are certified and directly sourced from the mine.
Your guide accompanies you on the return journey to your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria, rounding off a full day at one of South Africa's most historically significant sites.
What Is Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg or Pretoria
- Professional, licensed tour guide throughout
- Guided surface tour of the working mine
- Hard hat provided for the surface tour
- Entry to the on-site museum with diamond replicas
- Access to the certified diamond boutique
- Lunch break time on the premises
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Diamond or jewelry purchases
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal travel insurance
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Ready to Explore the Cullinan Diamond Mine?
Secure your place on this guided tour of one of South Africa's most iconic diamond mines and witness the full story of a gem from the earth to the Crown Jewels.
Book Now
