Day Tours

The Deep Impact Tour Series is a combination of one-day tours specially chosen to highlight areas around Gauteng which have had a deep impact on our planet’s history. We explore geological structures which find their origin in outer space, the processes deep in the interior of our planet which gave rise to South Africa’s incredible diamond and gold wealth, the findings which have revolutionised our theories about the evolution of humankind.

Each tour is one day long, allowing the visitors of Johannesburg or Pretoria to make a selection based on individual interest. The tour series is designed to satisfy the interested traveller as well as the specialist.

Tel/fax +27 (0)12 344 5435, mobile +27  (0)83 358 9196

e-mail  [email protected]

Please inquire about our discounts for schools, pensioners and larger groups

Prices are subject to change. Please confirm before placing a booking.

Tswaing Meteorite Crater

Throughout earth history, the earth’s surface has permanently been bombarded with meteorites from outer space. Large and small rock or iron projectiles frequently hit the earth’s surface, sometimes resulting in the formation of impact craters such as the Tswaing meteorite impact crater. 

The Tswaing meteorite crater is situated 40 km north-northwest of Pretoria and is one of the best-preserved craters of the 150 known impact structures on earth. Only recently was Tswaing recognised unequivocally to be the result of a meteorite impact which occurred approximately 220,000 years ago. The Tswaing crater is strikingly similar in size and structure to the meteorite crater in Arizona which was formed approximately 20 000 years ago. The Tswaing crater has a diameter of approximately 1 kilometre and has salt deposits and a highly saline pond in its centre, which gave rise to the name Tswaing (“place of salt”). The excellently preserved crater rim is elevated 60 metres above the surrounding plains and has a maximum elevation of 119 metres above the rather flat crater floor. 

We walk a cross-section through the crater, inspecting the various rock types and the evidence which led researchers to conclude that Tswaing was formed as the result of a meteorite impact. We also learn about the local fauna and flora and their use starting from Stone Age and ending with the European settlers.

Sights/ Stops: Tswaing Meteorite Crater, Crater Museum, Old Salt Factory.

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide (geologist), entrance fees, 3-hour guided walk, basic physical fitness is required. The hike can be reduced to a short walk to a viewpoint on the crater rim.

Exclusions: Meals, items of personal nature

Cost: R830.00 for 1 participant; R520.00 per person for 2 participants; R400.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Local participants (excluding transport) R 95.00 per adult, R 65.00 per scholar. Minimum of 6 adult participants.

Discount rates available for schools or larger groups.

Pilanesberg Ancient Volcano and Game Reserve

Departs 7h00 and returns approximately 18h00

Set in an area where the arid western Kalahari and the Bushveld meet, the Pilanesberg National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. The geology and topography of the area have resulted in vegetation ranging from open grassland to densely wooded valleys. The Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. The rare rock types and the structure of the Pilanesberg make it a unique geological feature. We take you back 1.3 billion years when the violent birth of the Pilanesberg volcano occurred. The volcanic crater rings are a natural boundary around the Pilanesberg National Park. A qualified geologist will explain how this happened while you drive through the nature reserve, looking for the “Big Five” of the animal kingdom as well as for more than 50 species of larger mammals and over 300 species of birds. A bush picnic will provide time to relax and enjoy the typical feel and atmosphere of the African bush.

Sights/ Stops: Magaliesberg Mountains, Hartebeespoort Dam, Bushveld Igneous Complex – the world largest platinum, chromium and vanadium deposit, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, various stops of geological interest.

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide (geologist) and cultural history guide, entrance fees, game drive.

Exclusions: Meals, but light lunch will be available, items of personal nature

Cost: R1550.00 for 1 participant; R980.00 per person for 2 participants; R690.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Optional: A visit to Sun City may be included at extra cost. This tour can also be done with an over-night stay.

Gold and “Gold Rush”

Departs 9h00 and returns approximately 17h30

Johannesburg is South Africa’s main commercial centre, owing its existence to the vast gold deposits of the Witwatersrand, first discovered by George Harrison back in 1886. Gold Reef City, at the outskirts of Johannesburg, provides a unique opportunity to re-experience life during the gold rush in early Johannesburg. We learn how the gold found its way into the reefs almost 3 billion years ago, go underground in a gold mine, and discover how the source of South Africa’s wealth is mined. We see gold being poured, view authentic historical homes reflecting the turn of the century and watch African tribal and mine dancing. This tour also includes a visit to the Museum Africa, an ideal venue to introduce the visitor to the natural and cultural history of South Africa. 

Sights/ Stops: George Harrison Monument – First discovery site of the Main Reef Gold, Museum Africa (alternatively Apartheid Museum), underground visit of a gold mine and gold pour.

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide and local guide (Gold Reef City), entrance fees.

Exclusions: Lunch (but available), spending, items of personal nature

Cost: R1150.00 for 1 participant; R795.00 per person for 2 participants; R560.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Premier Diamonds

Departs 9h00 and returns approximately 14h00.

The tour takes us to the renowned Premier Diamond Mine in Cullinan, east of Pretoria. This mine is one of the richest mines in the world, yielding an average of 2 million carats a year and playing a vital part in making South Africa one of the largest diamond producers in the world. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds were found here, including the Centenary Diamond, the Premier Rose and, most importantly, the 3106 carat Cullinan diamond, the largest ever found. The Cullinan was cut into several smaller diamonds, amongst them the 530-carat “Star of Africa”, which is set in the British Crown Jewels. We discuss the recent history of the diamonds and learn how diamonds formed millions of years ago at a depth of more than 100 kilometres, and how they found their way to the earth’s surface. 

Sights/ Stops: Premier Diamond Mine in Cullinan. 

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide (geologist) and local guide, entrance fees.

Exclusions: Lunch (light lunch available), spending, items of personal nature

Cost: R950.00 for 1 participant; R570.00 per person for 2 participants; R450.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Local (excluding transport) R 135.00 per adult, R 85.00 per scholar. Minimum of 6 adults.

Discount rates available for school classes or larger groups

Optional: Sammy Marks Museum near Cullinan R140.00 extra, or Premier Game Reserve (for groups only, price on inquiry). 

Cradle of Mankind: Sterkfontein Fossil Tour and Lesedi Cultural Village and Traditional Supper in the Evening

Departs 9h00 and returns at approximately 21h00

South Africa is not only a land of incredible mineral wealth, it has also been the cradle of many new life forms. Three and a half million years ago, South Africa was home to a vulnerable new line of primate, the Australophithecines, which eventually gave rise to humans. We visit the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves and environs, Gauteng’s most important ecotourism destination. The area has been granted world heritage status, since forty per cent of the world’s hominid fossils are found here. Sterkfontein was once the home of “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”, a prehensile creature whose fossil remains were recently discovered and which is preserved in the form of a complete skeleton of the first adult Australopithecus. A guided underground tour of this national monument currently being excavated by scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand, provides fascinating glimpses of the origins of humankind. Fossils and artefacts can be viewed at the Robert Broom Museum. Afterwards, we drive to the Lesedi Cultural Village in the Magaliesberg, which offers visitors an authentic African cultural experience and an introduction to Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, and Basotho family life and traditions. Entertainment includes traditional dances, a traditional meal, story telling and songs, plus the chance to pick up a few African curious. 

Sights/ Stops: Transvaal Museum in Pretoria, fossil excavation sites in and around the Sterkfontein Caves, Lesedi Cultural Village.

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide (geologist or palaeoanthropologist). Entrance fees (Transvaal museum, Sterkfontein Caves, Lesedi Cultural Village and buffet supper).

Exclusions: Lunch (light lunch available), spending, items of personal nature

Cost: R1450.00 for 1 participant; R1050.00 per person for 2 participants; R850.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Prices include Lesedi Cultural Village and supper.

Cradle of Mankind: Sterkfontein Fossil Tour

Departs 9h00 and returns at approximately 17h00

South Africa is not only a land of incredible mineral wealth, it has also been the cradle of many new life forms. Three and a half million years ago, South Africa was home to a vulnerable new line of primate, the Australophithecines, which eventually gave rise to humans. We visit the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves and environs, Gauteng’s most important ecotourism destination. The area has been granted world heritage status, since forty per cent of the world’s hominid fossils are found here. Sterkfontein was once the home of “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”, a prehensile creature whose fossil remains were recently discovered and which is preserved in the form of a complete skeleton of the first adult Australopithecus. A guided underground tour of this national monument currently being excavated by scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand, provides fascinating glimpses of the origins of humankind. Fossils and artefacts can be viewed at the Robert Broom Museum. 

Sights/ Stops: Transvaal Museum in Pretoria, fossil excavation sites in and around the Sterkfontein Caves.

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees for a specialist guide. Entrance fees.

Exclusions: Lunch (light lunch available), spending, items of personal nature

Cost: R1100.00 for one participant; R650.00 per person for more than 1 participant; R500.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Local (excluding transport) R 150.00 per adult, R 100.00 per scholar. Minimum of 6 adult participants.

A Specialist’s Tour to The Vredefort Dome – The Earth’s Largest and Oldest Meteorite Crater

Departs 9h00 and returns approximately 18h00.

South Africa offers the rare opportunity to view two meteorite impact craters, the Vredefort Dome, and the Tswaing meteorite crater, which are separated by less than two hours by car and at the same time by more than 2 billion years between their respective formations. 

The Vredefort meteorite crater is situated less than 100 kilometres south-southwest of Johannesburg. With a diameter of close to 350 kilometres, the crater is one of the largest and oldest impact craters on our planet. The meteorite which formed the crater was completely destroyed during its impact approximately 2 billion years ago and had a size of several kilometres. The impact led extreme folding and faulting of the earth’s crust, which affected hundred of thousands of square kilometres, and thereby contributed to the preservation of the world’s largest gold deposits, the Witwatersrand. This impact crater, which developed during the early days of our planet, has been widely eroded by atmospheric winds and waters, but evidence of its existence can still be seen. 

We tour the scenic area around the picturesque town of Parys at the banks of the Vaal River and look at the spectacular scenery and rock formations which reflect the enormous catastrophic forces of the ancient meteorite impact. At the same time we inspect sites of archaeological importance and visit an iron age village.

Sights/ Stops: Parys, various stops testifying to the meteorite impact event, iron age village, gold reef.

Inclusions: Transportation, Guide fees for a specialist guide (geologist); basic physical fitness required

Exclusions: Lunch (light lunch available), spending, items of personal nature

Cost: Price: R1550.00 for 1 participant; R1030.00 per person for 2 participants; R770 per person for 3 or more participants.

Pretoria City Tour

Departs 9h00 and returns approximately 13h30

The tour takes us through Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, via the Union Buildings, the inauguration site of Nelson Mandela, to the Voortrekker Monument. This monument was built to commemorate the Great Trek of the late 1830’s during which the Voortrekkers left the Cape to escape the increasing influence of the English. The dramatic events during the Trek and the way of life of the Trekkers are depicted in the frieze in the main hall of the monument. We also visit the Kruger House, Paul Kruger’s private residence from his election as State President of the South African Republic 1883 until 1900. Subsequently we walk to Kruger Square to view the historic centre of Pretoria.

Sights/ Stops: Voortrekker Monument, Kruger House, Kruger Square, Union Buildings

Inclusions: Transportation, guide fees, entrance fees

Exclusions: Meals, spending, items of personal nature

Cost: R800.00 for 1 participant; R510.00 per person for 2 participants; R390.00 per person for 3 or more participants.

Optional: Visit to the Mapungubwe Museum (weekdays only): R 130.00 extra