Orapa Diamond Mine

Orapa, located in Botswana’s Central District, offers a unique mix of industrial intrigue and natural beauty. The town’s main attraction is the Orapa Diamond Mine—the largest diamond mine in the world—which welcomes visitors on guided tours to showcase its impressive mining operations. Run by Debswana, the mine provides both educational and general tours for adults aged 18 and above, typically scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays. Visitors must apply at least 10 working days in advance and complete an on-site safety and security induction before the tour.

Orapa is a conventional open pit mine, situated 240 km west of Francistown. The Mine was discovered in 1967 by a team of De Beers Geologists led by Manfred Marx. It became fully operational in July 1971 following an official opening by the then President of Botswana, His Excellency Sir Seretse Khama. Currently Orapa is mining at a depth of 305 metres and is expected to reach 350 metres by 2026. The resource consists of one volcanic pipe that separates into two distinct pipes at depth, namely north and south pipes that erupted through Transvaal strata and the overlying Karoo sediments over 200 million years ago. Production normally varies according to mining plans at an average of 10 million carats per year.

While you won’t be spotting any sparkling loose diamonds, the tour provides a fascinating look at the geology, excavation techniques, and massive mining equipment involved in the process. It’s more about the science and scale of the industry than treasure hunting. Beyond the mine, Orapa also features the Orapa Game Park, ideal for wildlife viewing, and other local attractions such as the Orapa Golf Club, Itekeng Hall, and Lovers’ Park. Situated about 240 km west of Francistown, Orapa is a compelling stop for travelers interested in the powerful role mining plays in Botswana’s economy and development.

Physical Address:

Orapa Mine, Central District

Orapa, Botswana