The former home of South Africa’s first Black president has been turned into a luxury getaway.
After a massive renovation, the Johannesburg property Nelson Mandela reportedly lived in for six years with his family is now the location of a boutique hotel.
Hidden on a quiet street in a wealthy Sandton suburb of Houghton, Sanctuary Mandela recently opened to the public for bed and breakfast accommodations — boasting nine rooms and the 36-seater Insights restaurant with a menu inspired by the anti-apartheid revolutionary, who died in 2013 at 95.
Accentuated by artwork and artifacts in tribute to Mandela, the luxury hotel has four room types decorated in “modern yet simple style.”
Rooms range in pricing from $260 to nearly $1,000 per night for the Presidential Suite, which is said to be Mandela’s former bedroom.
Unique finishes also include window frames bearing his nickname “Madiba” and his Robben Island prison number “466/64.”
According to South Africa Tourism, the home was Mandala’s primary residence following his release from prison after 27 years.
The beloved political leader hosted the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson, Magic Johnson former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton at the estate, which was later used as the headquarters for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Sanctuary Mandela is managed by Motsamayi Tourism Group, considered the oldest Black-empowered South African tourism group with a significant portfolio in attractions, accommodation and experiences.
“Conceived by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is tasked with preserving Mandela’s legacy and with sharing that legacy across the globe, the Sanctuary is perfectly set up to achieve these goals,” Motsamayi CEO Jerry Mabena told The Independent.
“Most of our visitors are people who have heard about the place and want to have a look around and enjoy a cup of coffee. These people have been welcomed at all times. The venue is open to everyone, and we encourage anyone to visit the venue and see our work to preserve Mandela’s legacy for themselves.”
The hotel is located a short walk from The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
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