Explore
Explore the active working areas of the Cullinan Diamond Mine on a guided surface tour.
Since underground tours are indefinitely suspended, the surface tour is the only way to see the active mine. The guided walk covers the historic crater and modern processing facilities.
Surface tours operate daily at 10:00 and 12:00, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect strict safety protocols, including a mandatory breathalyzer test before entry.
15 minutesSafety briefing
Your tour begins here with a 12-minute DVD presentation covering the mine's geology and history. This briefing explains how the 1,000-meter deep underground workings operate. Pay close attention to the safety briefing. It covers the mandatory rules for walking through the active industrial site.
20 minutesActive machinery zone
This facility acts as the mechanical heart of the surface operations. Giant hoists pull skips filled with kimberlite ore up from deep underground. The heavy machinery makes this area incredibly loud. Prepare for a noisy environment as you watch the engineering display.
30 minutesPhoto opportunity
This massive open-cast pit spans 32 hectares across the surface. Volcanic activity created the original crater, which early 20th-century mining rapidly expanded. It is four times larger than the famous Big Hole in Kimberley. Bring a camera and sunglasses to protect against the glare.
