Cullinan Diamond Mine

Cullinan Diamond Mine is in the village of Cullinan, on Oak Avenue, about 95 km east-northeast of Johannesburg in Gauteng province, South Africa. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Sandton via the N1 and R513, and options include a rental car, an Uber or Bolt one way at roughly R900 to R1,300, or a guided tour from Sandton. The mine is the source of the Cullinan diamond, discovered in 1905 and at about 3,106 carats the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, which was later cut into stones that form part of the British Crown Jewels. The mine has operated for over a century, and its open pit, known as the Big Hole, is visible from the surface. Tours are guided and require advance booking. Surface tours typically explain the history of the mine and how diamonds are recovered and processed, while underground tours take visitors into the workings with safety briefings and protective gear. Availability and conditions of each tour type depend on operations, so it is essential to confirm what is running before travelling. The village of Cullinan itself is a small, historic mining town with Victorian-era buildings, antique shops, craft stores and cafes, and it can fill part of the day. A sensible one-day plan starts with an early drive to reach the morning tour, follows with lunch at one of the town's cafes or restaurants, and spends the afternoon wandering the streets and shops before returning to Johannesburg. The trip suits the drier months, April to October, but the surface and underground tours run year-round. Visitors should wear closed shoes, carry identification if requested by the operator, and expect security procedures. Photography restrictions may apply underground, so confirm rules when booking.