Places to Visit in Mwadui (Williamson diamond mine), Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Mwadui (Williamson diamond mine), Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

The Williamson diamond mine, also called the Mwadui mine, is a diamond mine in the eastern African country Tanzania, situated around 160 kilometers south of the city of Mwanza. Opened in 1940 by a Canadian geologist Dr. John Williamson, the Williamson diamond mine is especially noted as the first important gold mine to be established outside South Africa’s location and it also holds the dignity of the world’s one of the oldest incessantly functioning diamond mines. Since its establishment, WDM has produced more than 3,800 kg (nineteen million carats) of diamonds. The geographical coordinates of Williamson diamond mine are 03°31′ S 033°36′ E.

History of Williamson diamond mine:

Alhough Williamson diamond mine was the first significant diamond mine in Tanzania, diamond was first discovered in the country in the 1930s prior to the arrival of Williamson, who detected the Mwadui kimberlite pipe in 1940 and developed it substantially. After the death of Williamson, his heirs vended the mine in 1958 to the joint venture of De Beers and the colonial government of Tanganyika and after 10 years of Tanzania’s independence in 1971, the Williamson diamond mine became nationalized. Mwadui is the name of a local chief, which was named for the area by Williamson.

Traveling Williamson diamond mine:

There is an airport in Williamson but flights are not scheduled. So visitors are suggested to get off at Mwanza Airport first and afterwards, they can take taxi or bus to get Williamson diamond mine. The Mwanza Airport is situated around 150 km north of Williamson and operates flights from/to Dar es Salaam, Bukoba, Kigoma, Mpanda, Musoma, Rubondo, Manyara, Selous, Serengeti, Seronera, Tarangire, Zanzibar and Nairobi.

There is a direct road link from Mwanza to the area of Williamson diamond mine and buses are also regularly plying on this route.

Food and Shopping in Williamson diamond mine:

There are some nice restaurants and shops can be found near Williamson diamond mine, of which most are associated to the gold mine. Mwanza (around 150 km from Williamson) is a great shopping destination.

Things to do in Williamson diamond mine:

Gold mine tour
Walking
Shopping

What to see in Williamson diamond mine?

Tour of Williamson diamond mine:

The Williamson diamond mine is a perfect place for those who are keen to know how diamond is processed. The gold mining area can only be explored with a prior permission, with an aid of gold mining staffs or through a guided tour.

Northern Kahama Game Reserve:

Situated around 150 km west of Williamson diamond mine, the Northern Kahama Game Reserve is a compact forest area and a site for different outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and camping. Visitors can consider a guided tour to explore it without hindrance.

Mwanza:

Mwanza is a city located on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, around 150 km north of Williamson diamond mine. It is a multiethnic city with people from India, Arab and European countries. Apart from Lake Victoria, Mwanza is also famous for its religious sites, a sports venue CCM Kirumba Stadium and many entertainment centres. Buses are regular from Mwanza to its surrounding cities.

Other places of interest near Williamson diamond mine include:

Maswa Game Reserve
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Lake Manyara National Park
Arusha National Park
Tarangire National Park
Arusha Clock Tower
The National Natural History Museum
Mount Kilimanjaro
Bishop’s Cathedral of Arusha
Cultural Heritage Centre Arusha
Meserani Snake Park
Kilimanjaro Golf

Best time to visit Williamson diamond mine:

To explore the diamond processing history of Williamson, during the months between July and November are the best and convenient.

Where to stay in Williamson diamond mine?

There are few tourist favor hotels near Williamson diamond mine. Below is the list of hotels, in which the first two hotels are located near the diamond mine and the remaining hotels are in Mwanza (around 150 km from the Williamson diamond mine):