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Ghaghoo Diamond Mine

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Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)

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The Ghaghoo Diamond Mine, formerly known as the Gope project, marks a unique chapter in Botswana's mining history as the country's first fully underground diamond mine. Located in the remote and ecologically sensitive Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), the mine was developed by Gem Diamonds and officially commissioned in 2014. Ghaghoo broke the traditional mold of massive open-pit mining in Botswana by utilizing a vertical shaft and decline system to access the GO25 kimberlite pipe, a strategy specifically chosen to minimize the surface environmental footprint within the protected reserve. The mine's development was a major logistical and engineering feat, requiring the stabilization of deep, unconsolidated Kalahari sands to reach the high-value diamond deposits located hundreds of meters below the surface. Throughout its construction and operation, the mine adhered to some of the world's most stringent environmental standards and social protocols, particularly regarding the indigenous San communities in the region. Although the mine is currently on 'care and maintenance' status due to depressed global diamond prices and operational challenges, it remains a significant technological asset. The project proved the viability of sophisticated underground diamond extraction in Botswana and established critical infrastructure, such as water boreholes and renewable energy installations, in one of the most inaccessible parts of the Kalahari Desert.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282726232016161924282828
Rain mm10694683135013164486

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This underground diamond mine operates within the pristine Central Kalahari Game Reserve, extracting gemstones from deep kimberlite pipes. It is one of the most remote mines in the world, with a fly-in fly-out workforce.
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Visiting
Public access is extremely restricted due to security and environmental protection of the reserve. The mine is not open to tourists; the surrounding game reserve is accessible for safari only with permits.
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Where to view it
There is no public viewpoint; the mine is deep in the reserve, and even the approach roads are controlled. The best one can do is fly over the area on a charter flight, catching a glimpse of the processing plant.
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Local products
The mine produces rough diamonds, which are shipped to cutting centers abroad. Travellers will not find diamonds for sale locally; the nearest commercial centers are in Gaborone or Maun.
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Active season
Mining operations run 24/7 year-round, but the mine was placed on care and maintenance in the past; current status should be verified. The region experiences extreme heat in summer (Nov-Feb), which affects travel conditions.
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Nearby
Combine a safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with a visit to the Deception Valley or the Okavango Delta. The mine itself is not a tourist destination, but the reserve has incredible wildlife viewing.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.25000, 23.10000

Facts

  • Botswanas first fully underground diamond mine
  • Located within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • Developed and owned by Gem Diamonds
  • Targets the high-quality GO25 kimberlite pipe
  • Commissioned in 2014 after extensive exploration
  • Currently held under care and maintenance status

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Central Kalahari Game ReserveCentral Kalahari Game Reserve61 km · NWExplore →
Kwebe HillsKwebe Hills66 km · EExplore →
Maun Education CenterMaun Education Center134 km · EExplore →
Nhabe MuseumNhabe Museum134 km · EExplore →
Kalahari Savanna AgricultureKalahari Savanna Agriculture144 km · SWExplore →
Kalahari DesertKalahari Desert145 km · SWExplore →
Boteti River RegionBoteti River Region145 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Ghaghoo Mine located?
It is located in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
Is the mine currently active?
It has been temporarily shut down due to market conditions.
Were there ecological concerns?
Yes, as it is located in a nature reserve, there are very strict regulations.
How is the mine powered?
Mostly via on-site diesel generators, as it is very remote.
What is the main product?
High-quality rough diamonds.
Ghaghoo Diamond Mine: where is it located?
Ghaghoo Diamond Mine is located in Botswana.
Ghaghoo Diamond Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Ghaghoo Diamond Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Ghaghoo Diamond Mine, formerly known as the Gope project, marks a unique chapter in Botswana's mining history as the country's first fully underground diamond mine.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Serowe Royal Cemetery — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
Overlooking the village from a hill, the Royal Cemetery is a sacred landmark where generations of Bangwato royalty are laid to rest.
London Missionary Society Ruins — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
London Missionary Society Ruins
The red-brick ruins of the London Missionary Society church are the most iconic landmark of the abandoned Old Palapye settlement.
Moeng College Building — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.

More places

Boteti River Region — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Boteti River Region
An important water reservoir for local wildlife.
Boteti River Birdwatching — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Boteti River Birdwatching
A peaceful place for children to observe birds.
Boteti River — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Boteti River
A seasonal river that carries water into the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Makgadikgadi Pans — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Makgadikgadi Pans
One of the world's largest salt pans, important for migratory flamingos.
Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration
A spectacular natural phenomenon when zebras migrate across the pans.
Makgadikgadi Pans — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Makgadikgadi Pans
A massive system of salt pans in the middle of the Kalahari.
Nxai Pan National Park — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Nxai Pan National Park
A flat, grassy area that turns green after rain.
Orapa Diamond Mine — Ghaghoo Diamond Mine (Botswana)
Orapa Diamond Mine
Orapa is a massive open-pit diamond mine located in the Central District of Botswana.