There’s no better place to stay than here, for those looking to understand the legacy and life of the former President of South Africa more deeply. This boutique hotel located in the old-money suburb of Houghton, a short distance from the modern Melrose Arch centre and Rosebank district, was once the man’s own home. It’s now owned and operated by The Nelson Mandela Foundation. There are just nine rooms, each themed around aspects of his life and furnished in a blend of nationalistic ‘Springbok’ green, brown and deep yellow hues.
Among the many historical touches is a modest wooden green bench where he enjoyed his newspapers and a framed piece of original music gifted to Mandela by American music legend Quincey Jones. The restaurant offers a tight menu of Mandela’s favourites, curated and prepared by his former private chef.
