Geological Tours

Tour G1: Gold, Diamonds, Meteorites, the Ndebele and the Pilanesberg National Park - Geological and Wildlife Circuit (6 days)

Gold being poured

Follow the exciting geological trail of the early discoveries of gold and the pioneer Johannesburg gold prospectors. Visit authentic old gold workings 220 m underground, and see real gold being poured. Experience the historical diamond town of Cullinan, do conducted tour of the diamond operations and see its diamonds. Visit the kilometre-wide Tswaiing meteorite crater, with its spectacular "impact" geology. Make contact with the indigenous Ndebele culture in their village close-by. Explore the caves at the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage site, famous for some of the oldest Hominid fossils on earth. Visit the fascinating and unusual geology of the ancient Pilanesberg volcano and learn about the rich deposits of platinum group metals on the way. Experience the vast crater the Pilanesberg National Park and see its large variety of African game - including the Big Five.

Day 1: Johannesburg and Gold Reef City

Arrive in Johannesburg in the morning and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you are introduced to Egoli, the City of Gold and you learn about the exciting discovery of gold. You see famous geological formations and important outcrops around Johannesburg and also view exhibits on geology and mining in the Museum Africa. This evening you enjoy dinner in a typical SA restaurant.

Optional alternative tour for companions: Discover Soweto, the expansive black city-within-a-city and experience black city life first hand. Visit important monuments of the Apartheid struggle period, a community art centre and enjoy local beers in the friendly and social atmosphere of a "shebeen".

Day 2: Johannesburg's Golden Past and Gold Reef City

Today we follow the exciting trail of the historic gold prospectors. You are taken from the early gold discoveries through the establishment of the gold mines to the historical development of Egoli and the Witwatersrand - far from any major water source. We visit Gold Reef City to explore the authentic 1890's mining village, go 220 metres underground in a real gold mine, and see a real gold pour.

Optional alternative tour for companions: You are introduced to South African arts and crafts at the African Craft Market in Rosebank, followed by a visit of the extensive art collection of the Johannesburg Art Museum. We then enjoy lunch at a traditional South African restaurant, "Gramadoelas" (which means "out in the sticks"). During the afternoon we visit Museum Africa close-by, portraying early African city life.

Day 3: Diamonds, a Meteorite Crater and the Ndebeles

We have an African diamond mining experience at the famous Premier Diamond Mine, home to the Cullinan Diamond - now in the English Crown Jewels. Explore the 1900's mining village, take a conducted surface tour of the mine operations, see real uncut diamonds and polishing of gems. We then depart for the Tswaiing Meteorite Crater - a deep kilometre wide crater made 200 000 years ago. Investigations done on the unique post-impact geology and culture revealed some interesting findings, which will be conveyed to you at the small museum next to the crater. On the way back we visit a Ndebele village and experience the day-to-day living of this colourful indigenous African people.

Day 4: Cradle of Humankind

Today we discovery the origin of our species when we explore the caves of this World Heritage Site, famous for the 4 million year old early hominid fossils found here. We descend into the Sterkfontein Caves where some of these fossils were found and walk in at the historic Kromdraai gold mine. Thereafter we depart for the Pilanesberg National Park. On the way near Rustenburg you will see the platinum mines of the "Bushveld Complex" and learn of the interesting geology, and the richness of its platinum group metals harvest. Tonight we stay in a luxury camp in the game reserve and enjoy a traditional South African bush "braai" (barbeque).

Day 5: The Pilanesberg Crater and National Park

After a scrumptious bushveld breakfast we go "hunting" for the Big Five, while simultaneously experiencing the unique geology of this ancient volcanic crater. The dissected ring of mountains form the roots of an ancient volcano that was perhaps more than 7000 metres (23 000 ft) high - but now worn down to a tenth of that height. You will be shown the fascinating and unusual geology of the crater as we view the full spectrum of African wildlife in their natural habitat. This evening we go out in open bush vehicles and discover the animal nightlife under the expert guidance of the Game Park Rangers, after which we enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Day 6: Pilanesberg and Sun City Complex

After a leisurely breakfast in the bush we enjoy a morning's game drive before leaving the reserve. Just south of the exit is one of the world's most amazing - and to a great extent bizarre - entertainment complexes in the world. Inspired by a concept of a "Lost City" in the African jungle, the complex boasts impressive architecture, jungle walks, a casino and a Gary Player designed golf course. We have lunch under the Cascades waterfalls before making our way back to Johannesburg for our flight home.

Included in the tour:
  • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of an accredited guide
  • All breakfasts
  • Accommodation in good Guest Houses, Guest Lodges and Country Hotels (The Guest Houses/Lodges are all quality establishments, offering private rooms with private bathrooms and full breakfasts)
  • All entrance fees
  • The following excursions:
    • Historical Johannesburg gold mining tour and trail of the gold prospectors
    • Museum Africa
    • Cullinan Diamond Mine tour
    • Tswaiing Meteorite Crater visit
    • Ndebele Cultural Village
    • Sterkfontein Caves tour, Cradle of Humankind
    • Kromdraai gold mine walk-in tour
    • The Pilanesberg Crater and National Park game viewing
    • The Sun City "Lost City" complex
Not included:
  • Meals not mentioned above
  • All alcoholic beverages
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Tips, e.g., the tips for your local guides and the customary 10% tip in restaurants
  • Porterage
  • Optional excursions
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