Things To Do
in Cullinan
Cullinan is a small historic mining town in Gauteng, about 40–50 km east of Pretoria, best known for the discovery of the famous Cullinan Diamond and the Premier Mine headframe that still dominates the landscape. The town retains a village atmosphere with well-preserved miners' cottages, a quaint main street, craft shops and small museums that tell the area's diamond- and railway-led history. Cullinan is also surrounded by rolling koppies, country roads and reservoirs that make it a pleasant base for short hikes, birdwatching and country drives.
Visitors come for the mine tours, relaxed rural charm and easy day-trip access from Pretoria and Johannesburg while relying on a car to explore the surrounding countryside fully.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the O.R. Tambo International Airport and embark on a scenic drive to Cullinan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind from your journey. Take a leisurely stroll around the quaint town to catch your first glimpse of its rich diamond mining history.
Visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine, where you can take an underground tour to learn about its fascinating history and see where some of the world's largest diamonds were discovered. Engage with knowledgeable guides who will share captivating stories about the mine's legacy. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local cafe that serves traditional South African cuisine.
As the day winds down, head to one of the local restaurants for a delightful dinner featuring hearty South African dishes. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals while you enjoy live traditional music. After dinner, take a small walk under the stars, immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this unique town.
Start your second day with a hearty breakfast at a charming local eatery. Afterward, visit the Cullinan Village, where you can explore its quaint shops and art galleries that showcase local artisans. Meet some of the residents and learn more about their vibrant culture and history.
Spend the afternoon at the Cullinan Heritage Site, exploring historical buildings and learning about the town's development. Stop by the local museum to view artifacts and photographs from the diamond rush era. Enjoy a light lunch at a cafe adorned with local artwork, soaking in the ambiance.
For dinner, choose a restaurant that offers a mix of traditional and contemporary South African dishes. End the evening with a visit to a nearby wine estate for a tasting session, where you can savor the flavors of regional wines. Socialize with fellow travelers in a cozy setting, sharing stories of your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi or local ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich diamond-mining history and unique heritage attractions (Premier Mine).
- Quaint small-town atmosphere with preserved miners' cottages and craft shops.
- Close to Pretoria and Johannesburg for easy day trips and airport access.
- Good opportunities for landscape photography, birdwatching and short hikes.
- Limited dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities.
- Public transport is sparse — a car is recommended to explore widely.
- Medical facilities are basic in town; serious care requires travel to Pretoria.
- Weather can be hot and stormy in summer afternoons—plan accordingly.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Goeie more" - Good morning
- "Dankie" - Thank you
- "Asseblief" - Please / You're welcome
- "Waar is die myn?" - Where is the mine?
Places to Visit in Cullinan
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic mine headframe and industrial structures are dramatic subjects—best photographed at golden hour to capture scale and texture; guided tours provide safe viewpoints.
A row of preserved miners' cottages and historic buildings with colourful facades and period details—ideal for street-style and architectural shots.
Rolling hills, rocky outcrops and country lanes provide landscapes, wildflower and sunrise/sunset opportunities—bring a zoom lens for distant patterns and birds.
Water reflections, birdlife and wide panoramas make the dam a good spot for nature photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
Historic churches, memorials and small museums offer characterful details and cultural context for heritage photos.
Food in Cullinan
Cullinan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Charcoal-grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), steak and chops—commonly served at local pubs and guesthouses or at weekend community gatherings. Ask hosts or restaurants about braai evenings.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked stew prepared in a cast-iron pot, often available at local country-style restaurants or special events—hearty and ideal for cooler evenings.
A popular casual snack: grilled boerewors served in a roll with onions and sauces—easy to find at cafés, market stalls and takeaways.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farm stalls on the outskirts sell preserves, biltong, home-baked breads and seasonal fruit; weekend craft markets (when scheduled) offer local snacks, sweets and artisanal foods—great for tasting regional products.
Cullinan has limited formal street food; look for coffee kiosks, pie shops and occasional food trucks near tourist sites and on weekends serving quick bites like vetkoek, pies and boerewors rolls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake and eye contact are standard; greet shopkeepers and locals when entering small shops or markets. Polite Afrikaans or English greetings are appreciated.
Many buildings and sites are privately owned or heritage-listed—ask before entering private property and follow signage at historic sites and mines.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in residential or rural settings; respect local privacy and cultural norms.
Casual, neat clothing is fine around town; dress modestly when visiting churches or religious events. Be courteous and patient—service in a small town can be relaxed compared with big cities.
Safety
Tipping in Cullinan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars a tip of 10–15% is customary for good service. Tip tour guides, drivers and accommodation staff (porters/small tasks) a small amount; rounding up taxi fares is common for short trips.
South African rand (ZAR) is the currency; cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted at cafés, guesthouses and attractions, though small vendors and farm stalls may prefer cash. ATMs are available in Cullinan but limited—carry some cash, and use OR Tambo or Pretoria for large withdrawals if arriving from the airport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to March: Warm to hot days with afternoon thunderstorms possible; long daylight hours are great for outdoor activities but pack sun protection and a light rain jacket. Vegetation is green and bird activity is high after rains.
April to May: Mild days and cooler evenings, clearer skies and comfortable hiking conditions—autumn colours appear in some trees and insect activity decreases.
June to August: Cool to cold mornings and evenings with crisp days; frost is possible overnight on clear mornings but daytime can be pleasantly sunny—pack layers. Some locals keep fires burning; nights are ideal for stargazing.
September to October: Warming temperatures and wildflowers start to appear; good time for hikes and outdoor photography, though seasonal winds can pick up on some days.
Cullinan at Night
Hiking in Cullinan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Unmarked but popular short routes on the small koppies surrounding town provide sweeping views, sunrise/sunset opportunities and chances to spot small wildlife—suitable for 1–3 hour walks; use a map or guide and wear sturdy shoes.
Trails and informal paths around the dam and its shores offer birdwatching, gentle hikes and picnic spots; travel by car to access trailheads and shoreline viewpoints.
Quiet farm roads and tracks in the countryside surrounding Cullinan are ideal for longer walks, running or mountain biking—check with landowners for access and be respectful of private property.
Airports
How to reach Cullinan by plane.
The nearest major international airport (about 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic) with extensive domestic and international connections; car hire and long-distance taxis are available here.
A smaller domestic airport near Pretoria (closer than O.R. Tambo) offering limited regional flights—useful if arriving from a domestic connection, then drive to Cullinan (about 30–50 minutes).
An alternative smaller airport serving domestic and some regional flights; driving time to Cullinan is longer than from O.R. Tambo but can be a convenient option for specific routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the town's residents are Afrikaans-speaking, involved in farming, local businesses and town services, and they help maintain much of the town's cultural character.
Local black South African populations include speakers of various Bantu languages (e.g., Setswana, Sesotho, isiNdebele and isiZulu) who work in services, agriculture and nearby towns—contributing to the cultural and linguistic mix.
Visitors and second-home owners from Pretoria and Johannesburg form a seasonal group, including tourists visiting the mine and countryside on weekends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is very popular in the region with strong club and school traditions; matches and local club culture are part of community life.
Soccer is widely followed and played at community level across age groups, with local teams and youth leagues.
Cricket is played seasonally and remains a popular weekend and school sport in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cullinan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and delis (salads, baked goods, soups, veggie burgers), but choice is limited compared with cities—mention preferences when ordering and ask for vegetable side dishes or salads.
Options can be sparse outside specialty cafés; bring snacks or plan to visit Pretoria/Johannesburg for a wider selection. Most restaurants will accommodate simple requests (grilled veg, salads) if notified in advance.
Restaurants are generally accommodating but bring clear notes in English/Afrikaans about serious allergies. Pharmacies and supermarkets carry common allergy and dietary products in nearby larger towns.