In short
- Underground tours are indefinitely suspended for safety reasons.
- Guided surface tours run daily at 10:00 and 12:00.
- The surface tour includes the 32-hectare open pit and hoist rooms.
In this article
Many visitors ask if they can go down into the mine shafts. Current safety laws prevent public access to the deep underground levels. The guided surface tour is the only way to view the active mining operations.
Why are Cullinan underground tours suspended?
Underground access for the public is indefinitely suspended due to strict modern safety regulations.
The working underground mine extends to a depth of nearly 1,000 meters. Safety laws restrict non-miners from entering these active shafts. All visitors must take the surface tour instead.
What happens on the surface tour?
The guided surface tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and covers the historical and modern above-ground operations.
The tour starts in the Introductory Auditorium with a 12-minute DVD detailing the mine's history. You will walk through working areas like the Hoist Room and Shaft No. 1. Here, giant hoists pull skips filled with kimberlite ore from deep underground.
Will I see the Big Hole?
Yes, the surface tour includes a viewing of the massive 32-hectare open-cast crater.
This original crater was created by volcanic activity and expanded by early mining in 1903. The sheer scale of this pit is four times larger than the Big Hole in Kimberley.
Does the surface tour include diamond processing?
Yes, visitors get to see the Diamond Cutting and Polishing Workshop.
After touring the heavy machinery, you can watch artisans cut rough diamonds into faceted gems. The tour concludes at the Cullinan Diamond Market. Here, you can view replicas of famous stones and browse certified loose diamonds.
When do surface tours run and what do they cost?
Surface tours operate daily at 10:00 and 12:00.
Official entry costs approximately R180 per adult and R150 for children aged 12 to 15. You must book with registered operators. Guided packages from Johannesburg or Pretoria cost from R1,500 and include round-trip transport.
Are there safety rules for the surface tour?
Yes, strict rules apply to all visitors, including a mandatory breathalyzer test.
You must blow a 0% on the alcohol breathalyzer before entry. Closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers are mandatory. Children under 10 years of age are strictly prohibited from entering the mine premises.
Questions travellers ask
Can I book an underground tour through a private guide?
No. All underground tours are suspended indefinitely for the general public, regardless of the tour operator you use.
Is the surface tour safe?
Yes. The surface tour is highly regulated. Visitors must pass a breathalyzer test, sign a completed indemnity form, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Can children do the surface tour?
Children aged 10 and older can join the surface tour. Children under 10 are strictly prohibited from entering the mine premises.
