4-Day Tour: Explore Tanzania’s Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Tanzanite & Gem Markets

Kick off your gemstone adventure with a visit to the Landanai Mine, renowned for its stunning tourmaline and ruby gems. Located in Lorbene and Naberera, this site is about a four-hour drive from your starting point, so we’ll rise early to ensure a timely departure.

Rubies, the striking red variety of corundum, have been cherished for centuries as one of the most sought-after gemstones. With a hardness of nine on the Mohs Scale, they are highly resistant to scratches from dust and other materials. In contrast, tourmaline serves as the alternate birthstone for October, sharing the spotlight with opal. This beautiful stone was first discovered by Dutch traders along the West Coast of Italy in the late 1600s or early 1700s.

During your visit, you’ll gain valuable insights about these two remarkable gems from the miners themselves. As the day comes to a close, enjoy dinner on your way back before returning to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Enjoy on this unforgettable day and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of gemstones

On the second day of your adventure, start your morning with an early breakfast while basking in the beauty of a stunning sunrise. Afterward, embark on a scenic two to three-hour drive to the Lemshuku mine, where you’ll delve into the fascinating world of tsavorite.

During your visit, you'll learn about the history and formation of tsavorite, including its discovery, mining processes, and the equipment used. Discover how this remarkable gemstone has transformed the lives of local communities. Explore various mining sites known for their significant production, and get the chance to tour an active mine. For the adventurous, there’s an opportunity to descend several meters underground, with safety gear and expert guidance provided for your protection.

Following your exciting tour, enjoy a delicious lunch. If time permits, relax with a refreshing sundowner before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Join us for this unforgettable day and immerse yourself in the wonders of tsavorite mining!

On the third day of your adventure, you’ll visit the Tanzanite Mine located in the Mererani district. After enjoying breakfast, a short drive will take you to the Mererani area to begin your Tanzanite tour.

This insightful tour will immerse you in the rich history of this stunning gemstone and provide a firsthand look at how each precious gem is graded and cut. The Mererani Tanzanite mines, where the captivating blue Zoisite Tanzanite was first discovered in 1968, continue to be a hub for both local and large-scale miners.

During your visit, you’ll descend into the mine to witness the mining process up close, exploring the machinery used and spending time with the dedicated miners on site. After a fulfilling day, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before returning to your accommodation.

Experience the allure of Tanzanite and deepen your understanding of this remarkable gem on this unforgettable day!