Have a diamond time in South Africa

South Africa attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to its spectacular scenery and wildlife-rich game reserves, but there are other gems to draw the traveller in – literally.

The old adage states that diamonds are a girl's best friend, and your girl will probably be delighted with a trip to Cullinan, the diamond capital of South Africa.

Both romantic and informative, a break in the tiny village of Cullinan, which is in Dinokeng Tsa Taemane, provides an insight into how the precious gems are found, mined and make their way onto the rings and earrings of the well-heeled and betrothed.

The prolific supply of diamonds in the area gives the region its name – Dinokeng Tsa Taemane means 'the place of the diamond rivers'.

Cullinan is where the action is, and is worth heading to for a tour around the still operational mine there. Visitors can see the diamonds being mined, cut, polished and most enticingly bought – meaning you have the chance of buying the diamond you see being mined from the ground.

The town is historically important when it comes to gem-stones – it is where the world's biggest ever rough diamond was found, in 1905. Unfortunately those wishing to see it have been pipped to the post by the Brits, as it was presented to the Royal House many years ago.

It is not all mine, mine, mine in Dinokeng, however, as there is also an impressive Ostrich reserve to relax and admire the wildlife in.

The Ostrich Oasis means you can observe the giant bird in its natural habitat, or go and visit one of South Africa's famous game reserves.

For more information visit www.cullinanmeander.co.za XXX