Sanctuary Mandela

Our stay at Sanctuary Mandela was absolutely amazing. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcome. The staff were genuinely some of the friendliest people I have ever met and their service was truly exceptional. The hotel itself is stunning, beautifully maintained and always spotless. Breakfast was absolutely delicious every morning, with so much care put into the food. What really stood out was how comfortable and personal the experience felt…it truly felt like home. I would love to return again sometime soon and cannot recommend Sanctuary Mandela highly enough.

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!

It was a total delight staying at Sanctuary Mandela. The historic nature -including the heritage tour - of the hotel made this stay so special and a perfect introduction to our first stay in South Africa. The rooms and decor were lovely, and the food at dinner and breakfast were delicious and elegantly served. This was also a great value. Highly recommend!

Words can’t describe the experience! The Sanctuary is simply amazing. It’s the little personal touches that make a huge difference. You will become emotional as you walk on the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. The rooms and halls are well curated! We will return!

Want different? Plan your next date at Sanctuary Mandela in Houghton! Looking for somewhere exclusively private, enclosed in history, seating that gives you full access to groovy music and classy food? Sanctuary Mandela has it all and with their Sunday bookings, you're guaranteed to have a great time! Thank you to Kerwin, Smiley and the Mandela Sanctuary Team! It was an absolutely pleasure enjoying the place that Mandela once called home.

Wow, we just had an amazing dinner! What an experience to dine in the old house of Nelson Mandela. Not only is the location beautiful and of great historical value, but the the service, food and wine is incredible. You feel like entering a welcoming house, all friendly faces and personal attention. The food is fresh, creative and the chef even shared some local ingredients with us. We loved it! Would highly recommend to visit here.

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.

Gorgeous hotel. Was previously the residence of Nelson Mandela when he was in office, and it’s been refurbished as a boutique hotel. It’s beautiful inside and out, the room we stayed in was simply stunning, with a huge modern en-suite bathroom, a bed which I think was at least super-king sized and lots of storage space with wardrobes and drawers. Towels were fresh, clean and in excellent condition. Toiletries were supplied. We slept very well, the only night time noise was the local wildlife (birds, crickets etc). We watched Southern Masked weaver birds in their nests in the trees, we saw Grey Go-Away Birds (that’s a real name), Bird of Paradise plants in the gardens, lizards etc. Toiletries in the bedroom supplied were liquid soap, body lotion, shampoo, shower gel, a complimentary vanity kit, shower cap, there were two beautifully thick white towelling robes on hangers and a free standing bath with twin wash basins. There seems to have been no expense spared. We also received complimentary sundowners on arrival. The room was stunning as was the food. The staff were exemplary and couldn’t do enough for us. We were only sorry we only stayed for one night before we went on to our safari holiday. You had to really stay in the hotel grounds as it is unsafe to wander round Johannesburg yourself but that’s just due to the country’s crime/ political scene. But there is a swimming pool at the hotel too so you do have something to do if you want a big if exercise. I even received a lovely little note from the staff marking my birthday which was a nice touch. At night we found a little marshmallow dessert in a little domed glass left in our room too. These little touches made it nice and personal. Literally one of the best hotels we’ve stayed in, if not the best.