|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suggested reading list: Books:
Guides:
Staff News
Thomas Mere has received his Mine Guide F.G.A.S.A Level 1 certificate. We are all so proud of him!!! |
The Kromdraai Gold Mine was one of the first gold mines on the Witwatersrand (the Johannesburg area today) and is situated in the serene Kromdraai valley in an unspoilt rural setting on a farm called Ibis Ridge about 60 minutes drive from Johannesburg International airport and 40 minutes from Johannesburg city. Gold was discovered here in Kromdraai in 1881 (5 years before the main reef was discovered in Johannesburg) by Johannes Stephanus Minnaar. The first government mining concession on the Witwatersrand was granted to Kromdraai Goldmine by the President, Paul Kruger.
A visit to this old mine at the centre of the "Cradle of Humankind" will give you an unparalleled view of old mining methods. You’ll enter the old workings through a large opening in the side of the hill and a short walk down the coco pan tracks through roughly worked tunnels and into the heart of the mountain where you will marvel at the conditions that people had to endure while extracting the gold ore. The mine was closed in 1914 but was made safe by a large mining company and is regularly inspected.
The owner and guide, Gavin is a great enthusiast and has researched the history thoroughly and is so interested in his mine that you can't help being caught up in his enthusiasm making this a wonderful outing, both for adults and children. The trip includes an exciting and informative tour of 1 hour comprising of a lecture on history, geology, ecology and culture of the mine and an underground trip - a level and easy walk for all ages, inside the mine tunnel. We have had visitors from 93 different countries.
Programme for School Children: The trip includes an exciting and informative tour, suitable for small groups. (max 60 scholars) The trip comprises: An underground mine trip, level and easy walk, of approx. 30 mins. Lecture on History and Geology of the mine, level depending on age of the scholars, approx. 30 mins. Please allow 1.5 hours per 60 scholars. Cost R20-00 per scholar.
Guided tours on the hour. Last tour 16.00. Tuesday - Friday by appointment only. Special rates for large groups and schools. Open: Weekends & public holidays 9.00 - 16.00 The cost is: R50-00 per adult. R30-00 per child Bookings: Essential No credit card facility.
|
Contact Us: Ibis Ridge P.O.Box 955, Muldersdrift, 1747 South Africa Portion 43 Kromdraai, Gauteng, 1739 011 957 0211 (Business) 011 957 0205 (Home) 073 147 8417 or 082 259 2162 (cell)
Other places to visit in the area: Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng, Sterkfontein Caves, Wonder Caves, Crocodile Ramble Lesedi Cultural Village, Hartbeesport Dam, Lion Park, Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, Balloon Safaris, De Wildt Cheetah Centre. |
|
