Botswana is the birthplace of the majority of diamonds of the world. And the House of Botswana opened the doors to this birthplace for the first time to the public in collaboration with The Diamond Talk. Having visited and experienced these mines in 2019, this was a special tour for me as I had the privilege of taking a group of 15 people along! We visited the beautiful country from the 25th to the 30th of January, 2026.
Our group comprised jewellers, creators, learners and diamond enthusiasts from all over the world. So let me take you through the adventurous journey!
We started our tour by first visiting the Okavango Diamond Company, a leading producer of diamonds. They are known for their transparent practices and ethical and responsible sourcing.
From here, the diamonds and we moved to the DTC Botswana where the mined rough diamonds are sorted, cleaned and sent to the global markets.
We also visited the KGK Group’s facility where we first hand witnessed a diamond’s journey from roughness to radiance. Every diamond here is cut, polished and crafted to perfection and is ready to be set in masterpieces.
Our group was hosted by Mr. Ashit Mehta, the Director of Aurostar Diamonds in Botswana. We had insightful conversations with a thoughtfully curated table. We discussed the heritage and the evolving future of the diamond trade.
On day 2, we then went to the Jwaneng Diamond Mine, known as the “King of Mines”, a vast industrial landscape. Its open pit stretches about 2.5 kilometres long, 1.8 kilometres wide and 528 metres deep. Producing 12–13 million carats annually, it is among the world’s most valuable diamond mines.
Discovered in 1972 and officially opened in 1982 in the Naledi River Valley, Jwaneng has played a central role in shaping Botswana’s economy. Today, more than 2,000 employees, with women and men in equal measure, successfully sustain its operations.
These are the mean machines of the mines that move mountains. Komatsu haul trucks engineered to carry nearly 300 tonnes of diamond-bearing ore per load, move relentlessly across the vast pit. Their scale is staggering, 63-inch tyres weighing almost three tonnes each, costing $50,000 apiece, with six on each truck.
Access to the mine’s Red Zone is strictly controlled with no cameras, phones, or recording, heightening awareness in a space meant to be observed. Inside the processing plant, ore moves through precisely calibrated stages that separate waste from value with advanced technology and exacting care. Day 2 was indeed full of adventure and thrill and a once-in-a-lifetime journey we will always remember!
A prominent part of the trip was meeting Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, often noted as one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers. A self proclaimed “Diamond Baby,” she spoke of diamonds not as adornment, but as drivers of national transformation, with a focus on responsible sourcing, sustainability, and long-term value. The enduring takeaway was her clear, forward-looking leadership and its power to shape the industry’s future.
Witnessing the local support that the government gives to the people of Africa, our group gained insight into the pivotal role natural diamonds have played in the country’s evolution by supporting investments in education, strengthening healthcare systems, building critical infrastructure, and reinforcing long-term economic stability.
Amidst the bounty of nature, the sound of the wild and smell of the woods, we welcomed a warm sunset at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve. We spotted giraffes, zebras, rhinos and elephants. It was a grounding moment for us all.
For the sixteen of us, the journey ended in deep gratitude – for the rare access, the generous hospitality, and the openness with which Botswana welcomed us. We left with more than memories and connections. Some places simply host visitors, but Botswana left an imprint.
It was truly an honor to curate and host an inspiring group of entrepreneurs from across the world for the very first Diamond & Delta Tour with The Diamond Talk.
This journey was more than just a tour—it was about building meaningful connections, sharing knowledge, celebrating craftsmanship, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is just the beginning of many more powerful stories, collaborations, and global journeys to come.