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Day 1
Start the tour with taking pictures with the Nelson Mandela statue at Nelson Mandela Square – Joburg’s finest dining destination, situated in the heart of Sandton. Paying homage to one of the world’s greatest men, our symbol of freedom and African pride, Nelson Mandela Square is home to an iconic statue of Nelson Mandela, a bronzed statue which is six meters tall and weighing 2,5 tons.
Explore Liliesleaf Farm, one of South Africa’s most significant heritage sites in the struggle against apartheid. This once-secret refuge served as a sanctuary and strategic meeting place for the movement’s most influential leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Bram Fischer, Ruth First, Joe Slovo, Denis Goldberg and others. Here, they held critical debates on political and military strategy in pursuit of a democratic future. In 1963, the farm became the focus of a pivotal police raid, leading to the arrest of several activists and the infamous Rivonia Trial – marking a watershed moment in South African history.
Visit the humble dwelling that Nelson Mandela once called home upon his arrival in Johannesburg during the early 1940s. Located at the intersection of Hofmeyer Street and 7th Avenue in Alexandra, this modest yard and the single room he rented and set to become the Mandela Yard Interpretation Centre. The site stands as a poignant reminder of Mandela’s early life in the city and offers a powerful glimpse into the origins of a legacy that would transform a nation.
Enjoy a memorable lunch at Insight Restaurant, located within Sanctuary Mandela, a boutique venue that celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This fine-dining experience pays tribute to Madiba’s love of food, offering a curated menu inspired by his favourite dishes – faithfully recreated by his longtime personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya. Having served Mandela and his family for more than two decades – from his presidency to retirement and beyond – Chef Xoliswa brings heart, heritage and authenticity to every plate.
Following lunch, guests will visit the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, a foundation established in 1999 after Nelson Mandela stepped down as President of South Africa. As the nation’s first democratically elected leader, Mandela was unanimously chosen by members of parliament on 9 May 1994, following the country’s historic election. The centre preserves and promotes his extraordinary legacy through archives, exhibitions and programmes that reflect his commitment to dialogue, justice and human rights.
Conclude the day with a powerful visit to Constitution Hill, a site that brings to life the complex and often painful narrative of South Africa’s past. Once home to the notorious Old Fort Prison Complex – infamously known as Number Four during apartheid – it held iconic freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Today, Constitution Hill stands as a profound symbol of transformation, preserving the memory of deep social, cultural and political injustices while celebrating the triumph of human rights and democratic ideals.
Day 2
Begin the journey with a visit to Chancellor House, a historically significant three-storey building situated directly opposite Johannesburg’s imposing magistrates’ courts. During the 1950s, this humble structure housed the law offices of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo -marking the site of South Africa’s first and only black-owned law firm at the time. A beacon of legal activism and resilience, Chancellor House remains a powerful symbol of justice and the enduring fight for equality.
Continue the tour with a powerful visit to the Apartheid Museum, a globally acclaimed institution that compellingly illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. Through poignant exhibits and immersive storytelling, the museum chronicles the nation’s journey from oppression to liberation – beginning in 1948 and culminating in the historic election of Nelson Mandela as president in 1994. A symbol of hope and resilience, the museum stands as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and South Africa’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and building a future of equality for all its people.
Take a lunch break at Sakhumzi Restaurant, located on the iconic and culturally rich Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto. Renowned for its authentic African township cuisine, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the heritage tourism experience. With its vibrant energy and deep connection to local traditions, Sakhumzi provides both a satisfying meal and a meaningful taste of Soweto’s spirit.
Following lunch, guests will visit the iconic Mandela House, located at 8115 Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto – the residence where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. Situated just up the road from the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, this modest dwelling has become a symbol of South Africa’s journey to freedom. Mandela donated the house to the Soweto Heritage Trust on 1 September 1997, with the intention of preserving it as a museum. It was officially declared a National Heritage Site in 1999 and offers visitors a powerful glimpse into the personal life of a global icon.
The tour continues with a short drive to Kliptown, where guests will walk to the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication – an historic site that hosted the landmark Congress of the People (COP) on 26 June 1955. It was here that delegates from across South Africa gathered to adopt the Freedom Charter, a visionary document that laid the foundation for the country’s post-apartheid constitution. The square stands as a proud tribute to the ideals of democracy, equality and unity.
Contact Details
Nelson Mandela Square
Telephone: +27 11 217 6000
Website: www.nelsonmandelasqaure.co.za
Liliesleaf Farm
Telephone: 27 60 996 6363
Website: www.liliesleaf.co.za
Sanctuary Mandela Restaurant
Telephone: +27 0 035 0368
Website: www.sanctuarymandela.com
Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Telephone: +27 11 547 5600
Website: www.nelsonmandela.org.za
Constitution Hill
Telephone: +27 11 381 3100
Website: www.constitutionhill.org.za
Chancellors House
Website: www.joburgheritage.org.za
Apartheid Museum
Telephone: +27 11 309 4700
Website: www.apartheidmuseum.org.za
Sakhumzi Restaurant
Telephone: +27 11 536 1379
Website: www.sakhumzi.co.za
Nelson Mandela House
Telephone: +27 11 936 7754
Website: www.mandelahouse.com
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