Johannesburg is the only major city in the world whose origins spring from gold. Whilst water formed the bedrock of many major cities in the world, the rock which gave rise to Johannesburg is the richest, gold bearing reef in the world. An exploration of the golden heritage of this City of Gold is a must for any discerning visitor to Gauteng and the country. Gold Reef City, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, was developed around an authentic mine shaft. A 227 meter ride down a mine shaft leads to a tour of the mine and a thrilling experience of seeing real gold poured into gold bars. Also, underneath the surface of Gauteng, another of nature’s wonders can be explored.
Uniquely, here in what is today southern Africa, the conditions of immense pressure and heat, and then slow cooling occurred, giving rise to diamonds of the highest quality, size and quantity, as mined at Cullinan. The story of love, romance and beauty associated with the diamonds we wear, is linked to what began more than a billion years ago in the molten cauldron beneath the earth’s crust. The De Beers Cullinan Diamond Mine, just outside Pretoria, yielded the most famous and largest gem ever found in the world, the Cullinan Diamond.
The sounds, smells and expansiveness of this southern tip of Africa can best be experienced by heading off on safari, to spot Big Five game in the wild in the world renowned Kruger National Park.
Crossing the border into Swaziland, it seems that in some respects time has stood still. Swaziland is steeped in tradition, folklore and ritual and is probably closest to traditional African society than any other African country today. In this scenic kingdom, Mswati III, still participates in an annual, sacred, secret rite which ends in his eating the first fruits of the harvest. The Queen Mother is also honored, spectacularly, every year by maidens and women, who assemble at the royal kraal, perform traditional dancing and singing and gather reeds to refurbish the kraal.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg and check into four star hotel in Sandton. Travelers must arrive on morning flight (no later than 10.00 am landing time), guests are taken in the afternoon to a destination that has a dazzling array of over 2,000 loose, polished diamonds in every color, high quality gold jewelery, tanzanite and trained and experienced staff. Access is strictly controlled at this secure venue. Travelers will be taken on a private educational tour of cutting and polishing of diamonds and will watch the skilled craftsmen at work. Clients’ chosen, certified, diamonds, cut to precision to reflect light and fire, can be set in expertly crafted, gold jewelery while they wait.
Also on site is probably the biggest selection of quality African arts, crafts and curios in South Africa as well as semi-precious stones and silver jewelry, a true treasure trove, with exquisite things in every nook and cranny and display cases reaching to the high ceilings. From here we shall go to Montecasino, one of Johannesburg’s premier attractions, with theaters, restaurants, shops and a casino all inside a modern, secure complex where guests can walk around freely and choose a suitable place for the evening meal from the many available.
Day 2: Morning: Visit Lilliesleaf Farm place of refuge for the ANC high command during the apartheid era, and the site where the majority of Rivonia Trialists were arrested, before sentencing and removal to Robben island. The old farm has been restored and is a very informative place to visit and know more about the freedom struggle in South Africa, its prominent figures and the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first commander in chief of the military wing. There is an interactive, experiential museum and other permanent and temporary exhibits.
Afternoon: Visit Gold Reef City a short distance away a modern, secure, theme park, where various activities, exhibits and presentations provide the visitor with a golden experience of Johannesburg’s past and present as the “Gold Capital” of the world. Historically, it has produced the greatest output of gold in the world. There are many activities to choose from including watching the pouring of melted gold and going down a gold mine. There is also a casino and amusement park, a display of the traditional gumboot dance performed in the mines and many shops and restaurants.
Day 3: Morning leave for Cullinan Diamond Mine, just outside the city of Pretoria, about 100km away, where some of the biggest, best quality and most famous diamonds in the world were discovered. The Cullinan Diamond (all of 3106 metric carats!) was cut into 9 large stones, and the two biggest of these is in the British Crown Jewels. Activities available here include underground and overground tours of the mine which is still in operation, tours of the nearby mining village and its historic buildings and drives in the nearby nature reserve. Afternoon, after driving past the Union Buildings, the historic and beautifully situated administrative headquarters of the South African Government overlooking central
Pretoria Return to Hotel early evening.
Day 4: Morning. Depart by air for the world famous Kruger National Park. Check in to lodge on edge of park. Afternoon. After lunch depart for game drive with your driver guide to spot the “Big 5” and other game which abounds in the park.
Day 5: Spend the day exploring further in the park, stopping for lunch. Evening meal served around the fire in a traditional “Boma” style under the stars.
Day 6: Depart for Swaziland where we will visit the famous Swazi craft market near the capital Mbabane and the Mantenga cultural village against the background of a beautiful waterfall and the rather more sinister “execution rock” for a wonderful exhibition of Swazi culture, dance and song.
Day 7: Catch flight from Manzini airport to Johannesburg (50 min) for your connecting flight. If time allows we will make one more visit to Sandton and the shops there.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel/Lodge
- 1 night accommodation 3/4 Star Hotel, Swaziland
- 2x Lunches
- 3xDinners
- 6xBreakfasts
- 2xGame Drives
- Single flight Johannesburg to Nelspruit
- Single flight Manzini, Swaziland to Johannesburg
- Airport Transfers
- Transportation in Air Conditioned vehicle
- Entrance Liliesleaf Farm, Gold Reef City, Kruger National Park
- Diamond Viewing and Over ground Tour Cullinan Diamond Mine
- Entrance Swazi Cultural Village
- Porterage
- Value Added Tax 14%
Price Excludes:
- Flights to and from South Africa
- Airport Departure Taxes
- Passport and Visa Fees
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- All Beverages
- All other gratuities
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Swaziland
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
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