A PLACE OF REFLECTION

SANCTUARY MANDELA

Set within Nelson Mandela's former home in Houghton, Johannesburg, Sanctuary Mandela is a one-of-a-kind heritage boutique hotel, dining destination and event venue inspired by his enduring legacy.

BOOK YOUR STAY

MORE THAN A PLACE TO STAY

Sanctuary Mandela is more than a boutique hotel—it is a place of reflection, connection and quiet inspiration.

Set within Nelson Mandela's former home in Houghton, Johannesburg, the property invites guests to experience a slower pace, where thoughtful hospitality, curated heritage and peaceful surroundings create space to pause and reconnect.

Inspired by Madiba's values of humility, generosity and Ubuntu, every stay offers a rare opportunity to engage with a living legacy while enjoying the comfort and warmth of a truly distinctive destination.

THE HEART OF MADIBA'S LEGACY


Following his release from Robben Island, Nelson Mandela made Houghton his home. It was here that he welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, family and friends, and where many defining moments of South Africa's democratic journey unfolded.

Today, Sanctuary Mandela preserves this remarkable heritage while offering guests a unique boutique hotel experience. From luxury accommodation and inspired dining to heritage tours, conferences and private events, every aspect of the property reflects the values and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

STAY LIKE MADIBA

Rest where history resides.

Experience the comfort, tranquillity and warm hospitality of Madiba's former home, thoughtfully reimagined as a boutique heritage retreat.

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATION

DINE AT SANCTUARY MANDELA

Gather around the table.

From contemporary South African cuisine and soulful Jazz Sundays to our signature Dine Like Madiba experience, every meal celebrates connection, culture and hospitality.

INSIGHTS RESTAURANT

Contemporary South African dining inspired by Madiba's favourite flavours and the warmth of shared hospitality.

DINE WITH US

JAZZ SUNDAYS

Soulful live jazz, exceptional cuisine and relaxed Sunday afternoons in the heart of Sanctuary Mandela.

VIEW UPCOMING SUNDAYS
New Guests sitting around a table enjoying the Dine Like Madiba meal experience

DINE LIKE MADIBA

An immersive heritage dining experience of storytelling, connection and fine dining in Madiba's former home.

DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCE

DISCOVER MADIBA'S LEGACY

Walk through the story.

Discover the home, stories and enduring values that continue to inspire generations around the world.

DISCOVER THE LEGACY

GATHER LIKE MADIBA

Bring people together.

Inspired by Madiba's belief in the power of connection and conversation, Sanctuary Mandela offers a distinctive setting for meaningful gatherings, from executive meetings and leadership retreats to private celebrations and memorable dining occasions.

MEETINGS & CONFERENCING

Intimate, technology-enabled spaces designed for focused leadership conversations, strategic thinking and productive collaboration in a setting of historic significance.

EVENTS & PRIVATE DINING

An iconic backdrop for refined corporate events, private dinners and milestone celebrations, blending heritage, warmth and understated elegance.

PLAN YOUR EVENT

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Michael profile picture
12 September 2026
Excellent ☺Beautiful hotel staff were brilliant
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Peter Pentz profile picture
10 September 2026
I’ve travelled far and wide, but I must say there are few hotel stays quite as unique and special as Sanctuary Mandela. Set in the leafy suburb of Houghton, this boutique hotel occupies the former residence of President Nelson Mandela and truly lives up to its name, it is a sanctuary. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels different. You are greeted with “Welcome home”, as though you are a long-time guest returning. Check-in takes place in a comfortable lounge setting while you enjoy a welcome drink, immediately setting the tone for a stay that feels intimate, personal and wonderfully relaxed. I stayed in Room 2, which was formerly Mr Mandela’s study. The property has been beautifully restored and renovated, striking an exceptional balance between its important heritage and contemporary luxury. You never lose the sense of history, yet it feels every bit like a refined modern boutique hotel. The staff are exceptional. Service is incredibly personal and tailored to your preferences; everyone seems to know your name, and nothing is ever too much trouble. You are genuinely made to feel like a president! One detail I particularly loved was the 24/7 tea and coffee butler service. There are no ordinary tea and coffee facilities tucked away in the room,instead, you simply order what you would like. A cortado in bed? No problem. It arrives. That little touch was absolute luxury and one of the highlights of my stay. The Cape Island bathroom amenities are another lovely detail and add to the sense of understated South African luxury throughout the property. Perhaps what impressed me most is how completely Sanctuary Mandela allows you to forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city. It is peaceful, calm and deeply relaxing, while also giving you the extraordinary opportunity to stay somewhere with genuine historical significance. Without a doubt, one of the most memorable hotel stays I have ever had. An exceptional property, made even more special by exceptional people.
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Lauri profile picture
24 July 2026
Great place, Forth it, value for money, ☺Hospitality was excellent, great place of character, staff with charm! ☹Sound proofing was pretty awful, need earplugs!

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Moeketsi profile picture
9 July 2026
Would definitely stay there again. ☺The service and friendly staff. ☹All was excellent.
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Bruno profile picture
30 June 2026
A historic stay in a historic setting. ☺It's a gem of a boutique hotel. Perfect for couples. In an exclusive location with top-notch service. The cuisine is high-quality, and the included breakfast is delicious. The beds are comfortable, and small touches like the welcome drink, the sweets, and the guided tour of the house greatly enhance the experience. We would have loved to visit the foundation. ☹This comment is very unfair because it's not related to the service, but we found the room design odd, as there wasn't a clear separation to provide privacy for the bathroom. There's a glass partition, but you can hear everything, and there's no real privacy. Perhaps adding a wall would help. However, this wouldn't affect our decision to return.

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Huw W profile picture
24 June 2026
A little haven in Joburg This boutique hotel that was once Nelson Mandela’s home has been renovated to the highest standard, all the staff are amazing, big shout to Sebo (hope I spelt that right) you were the perfect host. We were looked after so well. We ate at the hotel restaurant and did not regret it, exceptional food and service, thank you all for making our time with you memorable and very special.
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Lynn profile picture
24 May 2026
Staying at Sanctuary Mandela is an experience to remember! ☺Staying at Sanctuary Mandela was an exceptional experience on all counts. The staff was so friendly , helpful, and knowledgeable. The restaurant was a culinary delight. Nelson Mandela’s life stories are reflected throughout. We highly recommend staying here!
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Martin profile picture
21 May 2026
Wonderful stay in this sublime, chic, and classy hotel ☺ Everything! A magnificent building, attentive staff (special mention to Sibuca, the passionate bartender), the tour of the property with the story of Nelson Mandela. This hotel is absolutely extraordinary! ☹ Nothing, everything is just perfect

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Moeka profile picture
11 May 2026
Exceptional ☺ Everything exceeded my expectations. The hospitality was warm and the atmosphere was very comfortable. The breakfast was so delicious that I came back for dinner as well. They even offer guided tours of the hotel upon request. It's absolutely flawless.

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Alexandra profile picture
10 May 2026
Exceptional ☺ A dream house. ☹ Unfortunately, the pool was dirty and neglected.

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Gisele A profile picture
8 March 2026
Sanctuary Mandela Johannesburg from his release in 1990 until 1998, the property is now owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The former residence is now a boutique hotel that features the Insights Restaurant. This restaurant serves traditional South African cuisine utilising native spices and recipes from the cookbook by his personal chef for 22 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya. The welcoming atmosphere was evident from the initial greeting of "welcome home". Dining in the former residence of Nelson Mandela is a unique experience. Tasting the meals his chef would cook for him at Insights Restaurant in his home is unforgettable. We enjoyed a delicious and beautifully presented dinner. The attentive service throughout the evening was exceptional; a thoughtful touch was the inclusion of sealed white envelopes containing the menu on our tables. After our meal, we were asked if we were ready to start the tour. It was a fantastic journey through Nelson Mandela's life, inviting us to walk in his footsteps. The hotel guide gave us an exceptionally informative commentary. The sanctuary rooms had historic photos, paintings, patriotic decor, and framed handwritten letters. The fireplace and the renowned balcony of the house are preserved to capture the essence of the Mandela residence and to remind us that President Bill Clinton, former US First Lady Michelle Obama, and world leaders were hosted in the house. He kindly showed us one of the hotel rooms that we could stay in. We will book a stay there on our next visit to Johannesburg. We took a taxi from our hotel in Sandton, which took approximately 30 minutes. I would thoroughly recommend visiting this restaurant when staying in Johannesburg.
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kriskiel75 profile picture
28 January 2026
An unbelievable experience Sanctuary Mandela Hotel is an exceptional place to stay. We only stayed for one night on our way into Kruger for a six-night safari, but we honestly wished we could have stayed longer. From the moment we arrived, the staff were genuinely lovely and couldn’t do enough for you. The bar staff deserve a special mention — very professional, friendly, and great at what they do. The meals were unbelievable, made even better by the open kitchen where you can see everything being freshly prepared. The quality of the food was outstanding. The rooms are of a very high standard — spotless, beautifully finished, and extremely comfortable. You really feel relaxed the moment you walk in. The hotel is steeped in history, which makes the whole experience even more special. The history tour was absolutely brilliant and brought everything to life in a very moving and informative way. A perfect stop before heading into Kruger, and somewhere we would highly recommend to anyone looking for comfort, great service, amazing food, and a powerful connection to history.
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Nathalie profile picture
1 January 2026
Everything was perfect ☺ Super friendly, clean, great food.

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Lungile profile picture
8 December 2025
Perfect staycation ☺ I loved everything from the “welcome home” to the food and the scenery.
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Ilan profile picture
4 December 2025
Excellent service with welcoming staff who are extremely accommodating ☺ Quiet area good location, secure and peaceful ☹ Noise from the dining area travels upstairs to the rooms
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JS_in_Bangkok profile picture
9 November 2025
Such rich history and a great dining experience. A wonderful dining experience in such a prestigious home of Nelson Mandela. The food, fine and service is first class. The “love letter” menu is quite a poignant message and very well explained by the staff. There are many photographs and mementos of such an icon in South African history, which are explained during a tour by the staff. I will return and recommend to all.
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Jennifer profile picture
2 November 2025
Exceptional ☺ Whilst everything was excellent, the staff were exceptional. Each and every one of them were delightful, engaging, polite…. Very comfortable too and we will be back
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Sue W profile picture
19 October 2025
Very Interesting The building has mainly been renovated after it went into ruin. They have made a nice job of it and captured the history of nelson Mandella. Very comfortable hotel and good food.
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Mashudu profile picture
15 October 2025
Wonderful ☺ Cleanliness
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Scott profile picture
13 October 2025
Truly amazing ☺ Wow - what a place. SM exceeded all of our expectations, Food, Service and staff were all amazing. Marked down on Location as you need to Uber everywhere but the actual location is great it is just it is a little out of town ☹ Nothing
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Jean profile picture
13 October 2025
All the staff were very attentive throughout the stay ☺Intimate hotel ☹Nothing

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Resort43563161533 profile picture
12 October 2025
Heartfelt hospitality at the Mandela Sanctuary We had the most wonderful stay at the Mandela Sanctuary while celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely cared for. The beautiful and caring spirit of Mandela is felt throughout this space and staff. From Ora at the front desk, Thabang in the dining area, and Subusiso at the bar, everyone demonstrates excellence, above and beyond to make guests feel extra special. Their kindness, attentiveness, and warmth captured the true spirit of South African hospitality. The grounds are beautiful, the energy is peaceful, and the service is exceptional — we left feeling both celebrated and restored. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Johannesburg!
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Jean profile picture
6 October 2025
☺Delicious restaurant Comfortable rooms ☹Nothing

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phillipjL1234DQ profile picture
29 September 2025
Outstanding experience Daisy and I had the most remarkable experience staying in this luxurious boutique house (at home) with an outstanding customer experience. Fascinating history surrounds you, significant memories! Food was amazing with chef serving up michelin standard meals and staff were fantastic. We shall be coming back, thank you everyone x
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Ilan profile picture
16 September 2025
Very attentive staff who are willing to make your stay very enjoyable. Excellent restaurant. ☺ We’ll maintained and new wing with well fitted rooms ☹ Occasionally the smell from the kitchen reached the room
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Hamda profile picture
10 September 2025
Wonderful ☺ Friendly staff. Very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
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GlasgowSandy profile picture
7 September 2025
Fantastic stay at this iconic building tastefully converted into a classical boutique hotel Special overnight stay coupled with a great afternoon “jazz” session. Well worth a visit for a celebration. Super tasting lunch and nice breakfast - very comfortable room (Room #2 Rolihlahla) with a super super king sized bed ! Very friendly and attentive staff
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Nick Camacho W profile picture
26 August 2025
We’ve just had the most amazing stay at Sanctuary Mandela and it honestly felt like coming home. 💛 We stayed in Room 3 – Tata – one of only a couple with balconies, and it really did feel like such a privilege. From the moment we arrived the whole team were brilliant – from check-in, to the bar, restaurant, breakfast and housekeeping, everyone made us feel so welcome. The service was excellent across the board, not just from one or two people but the entire team. The hotel itself is full of history and heart. I loved the little touches like the evening turndown service with thoughtful notes and sweet treats – such a personal touch. The food was also beautifully done, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s own preferences, which gave it real meaning as well as flavour. Only a tiny gripe – the pool is advertised as heated but it didn’t feel like it was (or not very much). That aside, everything else was truly special.
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CAMCO79 profile picture
26 August 2025
Coming Home to the Sanctuary – A Stay Worthy of Mandela’s Legacy When a hotel calls itself Sanctuary Mandela, you arrive with high expectations – after all, it’s not every day you stay in a place so rich in history, so closely tied to one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. What we discovered during our stay in Room 3 – Tata, one of the few with its own balcony – was that this isn’t just a hotel. It’s a home, a history lesson, a retreat, and a warm embrace all rolled into one. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt an immense sense of privilege. Privilege not only because of the surroundings – though they are stunning – but because of the way the team made us feel instantly welcome, as if we belonged. Nelson Mandela himself famously said, “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” That phrase echoed in my mind throughout our stay, because Sanctuary Mandela really does feel like coming home, even if it’s a home you’re experiencing for the very first time. The Room – Tata with a Balcony Room 3, named Tata (a term of affection for Mandela, meaning “father”), is one of only a couple with a balcony, and that small addition makes it feel extra special. Sitting outside with a morning coffee or watching the sun dip down in the evening gave us moments of quiet reflection – a chance to breathe in the history and significance of where we were. The décor strikes the perfect balance: contemporary comfort infused with character, subtle nods to Mandela without feeling overly staged. The nightly turndown service was one of those small touches that elevated the experience. Returning to the room to find thoughtful notes alongside sweet treats was a delight. These weren’t generic hotel gestures; they felt personal, reflective of Mandela’s values and spirit. Those little surprises reminded us daily that hospitality here isn’t just about service – it’s about storytelling. Service – A Team that Lives the Legacy It would be impossible – and unfair – to single anyone out from the team. From check-in through to the bar staff, the restaurant team, breakfast servers, and housekeeping, every interaction was outstanding. Everyone carried themselves with a warmth that felt authentic, not rehearsed. It wasn’t just about efficiency or politeness, but about genuine pride in where they worked and what they were representing. Mandela believed in the power of people, of community, and in working together. That spirit shines through here. There were no weak links, no moments where we felt like “just another guest.” Instead, there was a consistent sense of being cared for, and that collective excellence is rare. In truth, this was service on a higher plane – not flashy or overbearing, but deeply human. The Food – Inspired by Madiba Dining at Sanctuary Mandela is about more than taste; it’s about connection. The menu has been designed to reflect Mandela’s own preferences, and this gives every dish a sense of occasion. Meals are thoughtfully put together, not just in terms of flavour but in terms of meaning. Breakfasts were a highlight – beautifully presented, with a variety of options that balanced indulgence with health. Dinner in the restaurant carried the same sense of care, with dishes that felt rooted in both South African culture and Mandela’s own story. Eating here wasn’t simply about filling up; it was about sharing in something symbolic. The Pool – A Small Gripe No stay is perfect, and if we had one minor criticism it would be the pool. Online it is advertised as heated, but during our stay it wasn’t, or at least not effectively. On warm Johannesburg days, this wasn’t a major issue, but it’s worth noting for anyone visiting in cooler months expecting a warm dip. That said, the pool area itself is stylish and serene – a lovely place to spend time even without going in. History Everywhere What sets Sanctuary Mandela apart from any other five-star property is the history woven into every corner. This was Mandela’s home, and while it has been reimagined into a boutique hotel, the respect for its past is palpable. From the curated artwork and photography to the stories shared by the staff, the hotel doesn’t just display history – it lives it. Walking the hallways, sitting in the lounge, or stepping out onto the grounds, there’s a quiet dignity that permeates everything. It feels less like staying in a hotel and more like being a guest in a space of remembrance and inspiration. Because Joy is Part of the Legacy To stay here is to understand why this place is called Sanctuary. It’s a refuge, a safe space, and a reminder that home is not always about bricks and mortar – sometimes it’s about spirit. You don’t just check into Sanctuary Mandela; you walk to freedom from the stresses of everyday life. We left with full hearts, and while we can’t mandel-ate every single detail of our joy into words, suffice it to say this stay was more than special. It was transformational. Staying here isn’t just about luxury or comfort (though there is plenty of that); it’s about connection – to history, to values, and to the idea that hospitality can mean something deeper. As Mandela himself said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” Sanctuary Mandela makes a difference – not only in preserving his story but in shaping the experiences of those lucky enough to visit. Final Reflections Checking out was bittersweet. We felt grateful, humbled, and yes, privileged to have been welcomed into such a special place. Our stay in Room 3 – Tata – will stay with us for years to come, not just because of the luxury and the food and the service, but because of the deeper sense of meaning attached to it. This isn’t simply a hotel; it’s a pilgrimage. It’s a reminder that legacies can live on not only in museums or books, but in the way people make you feel, the way stories are kept alive, and the way hospitality can be infused with history. Sanctuary Mandela is more than a five-star property. It’s a place of reflection, a place of joy, and above all, a place that feels like home. We may have checked in as travellers, but we left as part of the Mandela family. To anyone considering a stay: don’t hesitate. This isn’t just accommodation; it’s an experience, one that will stay with you long after you’ve left. To borrow Madiba’s words one last time: “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Sanctuary Mandela proves that there is no passion in settling for an ordinary hotel stay, when you can experience something extraordinary – something truly worthy of Mandela’s name.
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Mei-hua profile picture
23 August 2025
We like the hospitality and the Modern design of the rooms&building. This is a historical place where Nelson Mandela ☺ Historical buildings and architecture. Every room has a name for his past history.
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Anthony profile picture
18 August 2025
Wonderful ☺ The hotel was lovely and has such an interesting history. The staff are excellent and extremely helpful and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. ☹ Only a very minor issue; We stayed 3 nights, and the relatively restaurant's smallish dinner menu didn't change. On a longer stay, it might be difficult to have a variety of choices.
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Paul profile picture
19 June 2025
Place to be (and to eat) in Johannesburg ☺Beautiful location with a lot of history (old house Nelson Mandel). Renovated with an eye for detail and history. Very friendly reception: "welcome home" by everyone who greeted us. Beautiful spacious room with excellent service. In the evening enjoyed delicious wine-dine combinations, put together by Mandela's old cook! The next morning an extensive (choice) breakfast; after this we personally met Xoliswa, Mandela's former cook. What a sweet, modest and enthusiastic woman! In short, an absolute must that should not be missed if you visit Johannesburg! ☹Absolutely nothing!

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Sandbar60 profile picture
17 June 2025
Welcome home What a fabulous boutique hotel - very comfortable rooms , friendly and informative staff , great food. In fact everything we could have hoped for. We loved the attention to detail regarding Nelson Mandela’s life - highly recommend the tour. Pity we couldn’t stay longer to appreciate more of the history. Thankyou.
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Kayleigh M profile picture
28 May 2025
Exceptional What a truly beautiful little boutique hotel! The staff are unbelievably friendly and can’t do enough for you, welcoming you home the moment you arrive. There are only 9 bedrooms but each one has a connection to Nelson Mandela which is explained on your tour. The tour is really interesting and I highly recommend it. Food was incredible and plenty of it! Rooms are beautiful and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. I’m sad we only got to enjoy for one night, I’d return in a heartbeat!
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Mellisha profile picture
23 March 2025
Superb ☺ Excellent stay. Staff were so helpful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The history of the place was just amazing, it was truly great experience ☹ Nothing. Everything was fabulous
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Lesley R profile picture
12 March 2025
Wonderful! I will never forget my visit to this wonderful hotel. The fact that it was once Nelson Mandela's home made it even more special to me. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable and the food is exceptional. I can't praise the lovely team of staff enough, such gracious and warm people. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Absolutely fabulous! Treat yourself!
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Rosie profile picture
3 March 2025
Wonderful birthday trip ☺ The staff were fabulous …nothing was too much trouble. The tour was very interesting and we loved learning more about the property and the art and history. . We had supper at the restaurant and it was delicious….thank you so much for making my birthday very special, this will be our go to place in Johannesburg. .We only stayed one night on a layover between flights and it was so worth it .. ☹ It was all wonderful
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Mellisha profile picture
12 January 2025
Exceptional ☺ The history that is offered is unique and inspiring. The staff are amazing and so helpful and accommodating. The food is second to none. Facilities were great and the service incredible ☹ Absolutely nothing
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Royster profile picture
10 January 2025
Hidden Gem This place is a hidden gem. We booked a one night stopover before heading to Kruger and this hotel was perfect (It’s about 25 mins from the airport). The hotel organised our transfers and everything ran so smoothly from initial communication through to check in. Communication over email was almost instant! Everyone in the hotel met you with an enthusiastic smile. They are passionate about their job and are proud about the heritage of the building they work in. We had lunch, dinner and breakfast and all meals were exceptional, including some local specialties. The knowledge of the bar staff and the service was again, superb. We had a tour of the property where we learned more about the links with Mandela including some unique artefacts and super artwork. The bed was huge and very comfortable and left us feeling refreshed for the next leg of our journey. In summary, I’d book again in an instant next time I pass this way. Thanks to all the staff for a superb stay and for widening our knowledge!
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Barbara profile picture
7 January 2025
Safe, friendly and very helpful! ☺Everything was great 👍 ☹Nothing

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Dr profile picture
Dr
30 December 2024
Perfect stay in a historic setting ☺Perfect, short stay with warm, individual, great service from all the staff! We'll be happy to come back :)

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Nobantu profile picture
27 December 2024
The best staycation, had a great time connecting with my family! ☺ Its proximity to my home, cosy and beautifully decorated. Feels like home... ☹ Nothing
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georgiegirl7 profile picture
26 December 2024
Thoroughly recommend this hotel but try and stay 2 nights if you can Stayed at Sanctuary Mandala Hotel for one night before going onto our safari lodge as part of a tour. We were supposed to be staying at a different hotel outside of Johannesburg, but it was changed a few weeks before. So glad it was as the hotel was perfect. The hotel is in a quiet residential area about 27 kms from the airport. It should have taken around 30 minutes to get there but took around an hour because of all the traffic through the city. The hotel has 9 individual rooms built around what was Mandala’s home. The place is fascinating as its filled with memorabilia and is dedicated to his life. To add to the history, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food (lunch, dinner & breakfast) was excellent. Do take the guided tour of the hotel if offered as it’s a fascinating look into the history of apartheid and Mandala’s life. The only disappointment is we spent only one night at the hotel and would have loved to have stayed for at least another night so we could have spent more time looking around and maybe get to use the hotel pool. If you get chance do stay at this hotel.
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Wr profile picture
Wr
11 August 2024
Elegant house for a stopover in Josburg. ☺The welcome was simply perfect, with a kindness emanating from all the staff. The feeling of calm and serenity of the place is soothing. A beautiful general decoration. The dinner and breakfast, made to order, are perfect. Be careful, the bathroom is open to the room. ☹To look for the little beast, the water pressure of the shower ... But nothing dramatic.

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Pitsi profile picture
2 July 2024
Incredible ☺ The breakfast was awesome. The property location is easily accessible. ☹ Nothing at all. All went well.
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Kagiso profile picture
29 June 2024
Exceptional ☺ It feels like “home”
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Rafael profile picture
21 June 2024
Awesome Sanctuary to view Mandela's History ☺ A place of historical significance within South Africa. View beautiful images & painting of Mandela. The Sanctuary Mandela opened in late 2021 - so place / furnishing is new and well maintained. The onsite restaurant, Insight caters to a fixed local dinner menu enjoyed by Mandela himself. You have to try the oxtail! Staff arranged a lovely romantic turndown for the evening! ☹ The rooms are awesome - but we didn't fully understand how to open the blinds/curtains, which remained closed during our stay.
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Waimate01 profile picture
19 June 2024
Very special So obviously Nelson Mandela is held in high regard by many people around the world, so staying at his once-presidential house is pretty special, and we were made to feel special from the moment we arrived. We were the only guests staying overnight, but the restaurant was full because it's a very good restaurant and clearly a place people go for special occasions. Included in the dinner or stay is a tour of the house and various memorabiliae. The next morning they were preparing for some sort of corporate function in the main area, so they prepared a private table for two in an upstairs area. Very thoughtful.
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Kmacdona profile picture
14 June 2024
You must stay here! We were a family of 4 in two rooms at the hotel and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the night at Nelson Mandela's former home. Rooms 1, 2 and 3 are the original bedrooms and rooms 4-9 were added. All guests are offered a tour of the hotel which takes about 30 minutes. No need for a reservation. Just let them know when you arrive when it fits into your schedule. Rooms were amazing with very high ceilings (15 feet..ish) and very large. The entire place felt more like a spa, encouraging reflection. The staff members were phenomenal and very friendly. It is about a block from stop 3 (Nelson Mandela Foundation) on the Hop On, Hop Off bus tour, so that can provide easy access to other points of interest.
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Angus profile picture
27 May 2024
Sanctuary Mandela is Exceptional ☺ Our experience at Sanctuary Mandela was exceptional from when we arrived to when we departed. The food, ambience and service went beyond our expectations. Thank you for making our stay incredible.