Gemstone Discovery Tour
South Tanzania
27 July to 10 August 2024
26 July - 9 August 2025
One week option available on request
Join Hubert Heldner and Kim Rix (Gemstone Detective) on an unforgettable 14-day exploration of South Tanzania's gemstone treasures. This immersive journey will take you on a 2,500-kilometer adventure, delving into the heart of Tanzania's gemstone mining regions.
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As you traverse the diverse landscapes of South Tanzania, you'll have the opportunity to witness firsthand the fascinating world of gemstone mining. Engage in hands-on experiences, including:
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Unearthing Gemstone Treasures: Participate in actual gemstone mining activities, learning the techniques and methods employed by local miners.
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Keeping Your Discoveries: Every gemstone you unearth during the tour is yours to keep, a unique souvenir of your Tanzanian adventure.
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Exploring Local Geology: Gain insights into the geological formations that give rise to Tanzania's rich gemstone deposits.
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Interacting with Local Miners: Meet the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to extracting these precious stones.
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This educational gemstone tour goes beyond mere exploration; it's a journey of learning and cultural immersion.
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Embrace the Adventure
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This gemstone tour is not just about discovering precious stones; it's about embracing the adventure and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of South Tanzania. You'll experience:
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Scenic Landscapes: Journey through breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush rainforests.
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Cultural Encounters: Engage with local communities, experiencing their traditions and way of life.
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Authentic Tanzania Experiences: Savour authentic Tanzanian cuisine, immerse yourself in local markets, and create unforgettable memories.
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Embark on this extraordinary gemstone tour and uncover the hidden treasures of South Tanzania. Unearth precious stones, gain valuable knowledge, and create lasting memories amidst Tanzania's stunning landscapes.
Terms & conditions apply.
Gemstone Tour
Sri Lanka
Nov/Dec 2024
This Sri Lanka gemstone tour is for novices and enthusiasts, who want to learn more about the gem trade in Sri Lanka. Whether you are new to the trade, or just someone who loves collecting gemstones, this trip is for you. On this exciting tour, you will visit many of the historical, religious and commercial sights. You will also get the opportunity to learn from gemmologist Kim Rix.
Sri Lanka is home to some of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Blue Sapphire is the National Gemstone of Sri Lanka. The gem industry on this lovely island has been in existence for over 2500 years, making it a part of the countries history.
Our gemstone tour will include visits to the gem markets, gem museum, 3 or 4 gem mining visits, witnessing cutting & polishing, a gem showroom and much more. You are promised a gemmological extravaganza!
Gemstone Detective has partnered with a reputable travel agent in Colombo. Together we have come up with this once in a lifetime Sri Lanka gemstone tour. Visit our photo gallery to find out what to expect.
The price of this tour includes: ground transportation by minibus, services of an English speaking guide and the opportunity to travel with Kim Rix, the Gemstone Detective.
Please note:
Not included are flights, visa, expenses of a personal nature, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages, entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary, tips and portage.
Register for our Gemstone Tour via the registration button below. You will hear from us within 48 hours to arrange a friendly video chat by WhatsApp. If we both agree, we will ask you to pay £250 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be payable six weeks before departure.
Seats are limited and bookings will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis. Terms & conditions apply.
Gemstone Tour
Mogok
Postponed until further notice
This gemstone tour is for hobbyists. You will have the opportunity to access Mogok’s legendary ruby, sapphire and spinel mines. You will be able to immerse yourself in the region’s history and local culture.
Situated in the beautiful Mandalay region of Myanmar also known as Burma. The slow pace city of Mogok is huddled in a green and temperate valley, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Although well known for its abundance of gemstone mines, Mogok has been closed off to the public for centuries. you have the opportunity to be among the first to experience the treasures of this formerly secretive place!
The most celebrated rubies in the world are mined here, giving rise to Mogok’s nickname ‘The Valley of the Rubies’. Also found in the city is the rare and beautiful, ‘pigeon blood’ rubies. These stunning rubies were named because of their red /purplish colour resembling the blood of a freshly killed pigeon.
We guarantee that this five nights adventure will be an experience of a lifetime! You will even have the opportunity to try mining (washing and sifting the gem gravels). Visit our introduction page and gallery about Gemstones in Mogok to get a feel for what you can expect from this unique trip.
The price of this tour also includes the administration of permission papers to enter Mogok. Cost includes all of the touring in an air-conditioned minibus with a local driver, a separate vehicle for luggage, a native English speaking guide and the opportunity to travel with highly experienced gemmologist Kim Rix. Hotels will be pre-booked on your behalf (to be settled by yourself on arrival). Fresh and locally cooked lunches and dinners are included.
Register for our Gemstone Tour via the registration button below. You will hear from us within 48 hours to arrange a friendly video chat by WhatsApp. If we both agree, we will ask you to pay £250 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be payable six weeks before departure.
Seats are limited and bookings will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis. Terms & conditions apply.
Gemstone Tour
Vietnam
Postponed until further notice
This exciting Vietnam gemstone tour is for the individual hobbyist and adventurous traveller. This once in a lifetime tour takes us to the nation’s historical capital Hanoi and the beautiful and tranquil Luc Yen in Northern Vietnam.
Vietnam has many gem deposits, including ruby, sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, peridot, aquamarine, topaz, garnet and quartz. Also found in this tropical and enchanting country are various types of cultured pearls and even the rare melo pearls. With Vietnam being so rich in natural beauty and culture, you will experience more than the vast and bustling gem trade.
On our Vietnam gemstone tour, we go in search of beautiful rubies, blue sapphires and the very rare cobalt blue spinel. Our gemstone tour will include visits to the gem markets, gem museum, mines and much more. You are promised a gemmological extravaganza!
Visit our introduction page and gallery about Gemstones in Vietnam to get a feel for what you can expect from this unique trip.
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We will also offer you optional activities, including hiking to the difficult to reach gem deposits, gem-carving and make your own gem-painting.
The price of this gemstone tour includes:
All of the touring in an air-conditioned minibus with a local driver, a native English speaking guide and the opportunity to travel with highly experienced gemmologist Kim Rix. All hotels will be pre-booked on your behalf. Fresh and locally cooked lunches and dinners are included.
Register for our Gemstone Tour via the registration button below. You will hear from us within 48 hours to arrange a friendly video chat by WhatsApp. If we both agree, we will invite you to pay £250 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be payable eight weeks before departure.
Seats are limited and bookings will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis. Terms & conditions apply.
Gemstone Tour
Australia
Postponed until further notice
Join our Australia gemstone tour and discover the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival.
The Lightning Ridge Opal Festival founded back in 1971 and was designed to celebrate the culture and character of opal mining. The festival now attracts over 4,000 people from all around the world and is the largest opal event in Australia.
Our Australia gemstone tour has been organised for those who would like to learn more about gemstones in Australia and who would like to experience mining firsthand.
Planned over 5 days, you will be travelling in a small group of like-minded people and in the safe hands of an experienced tour guide.
Australia’s Lightning Ridge Opal Festival offers a fantastic experience for gemstone lovers and you will get to enjoy everything this great town has to offer plus some hidden gems.
The Australia gemstone tour will include all activities organised by Outback Opal Tours in Lightning Ridge. Our group will first meet together in Lightning Ridge and over the 5 days, we will cover the following although a full Gem Tour itinerary will be available nearer the time.
What you can expect on our gemstone tour:
• One-day at the opal festival with a guide
• Full day tour of Lightning Ridge
• Visit an opal mine
• Town tour including a visit to the Chambers of the Black Hand and the John Murray Art Gallery
• Hidden Gem Evening Tour ……and many more activities.
This will truly be a trip of a lifetime, offering adventure and experiences that you’ll never forget.
Visit our introduction page and gallery about Gemstones in Australia to get a feel for what you can expect from this unique trip.
Register for our Gemstone Tour via the registration button below. You will hear from us within 48 hours to arrange a friendly video chat by WhatsApp. If we both agree, we will ask you to pay £250 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be payable six weeks before departure.
Seats are limited and bookings will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis. Terms & conditions apply.
"To travel is to live”
– Hans Christian Anderson