Sanctuary Mandela
1 night
Rooms and Guests
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All properties in Johannesburg
Sanctuary Mandela
4 13th avenue, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2198, South Africa
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Highlights
Excellent service
Ideal location
Free parking
Delicious breakfast
Top local pickShow more
Amenities
Golf Course
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage Room
Fitness Room
ParkingFree
Airport pick-up
24-Hour Front Desk
All amenities
Property Description
Sanctuary Mandela: A Heritage Hotel, Retreat, and Historical Experience
Sanctuary Mandela is a unique boutique hotel, heritage site, and retreat space, located within Nelson Mandela's former residence in Houghton, Johannesburg. Offering nine carefully curated rooms, including the luxurious Mr. President Suite, this hotel masterfully blends historical significance with world-class hospitality.
Each room is inspired by key moments and figures in Mandela’s life, with thoughtful elements from the original residence carefully preserved and woven into the design. Guests can experience the rich legacy of Madiba by exploring art from the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s archives, including works by renowned artists like John Meyer.
For a deeper connection with Mandela’s life, guests can enjoy guided heritage tours that delve into the personal and political milestones that shaped his journey. Dining at Insights Restaurant offers a culinary tribute to Madiba’s favorite meals, creating a truly immersive experience.
The hotel also features intimate conferencing facilities, ideal for leadership retreats, executive gatherings, and other corporate events, making it a versatile destination for both reflection and productivity.
A Tribute to Madiba’s Legacy
The vision behind transforming Nelson Mandela’s primary residence into a place of reflection is to provide visitors with profound insights into his life and heritage. This unique experience allows guests to connect with the icon’s story, from the period he resided and worked at the property, to his broader impact on the world.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Centre of Memory are key stakeholders in this development, with the property being owned by the Foundation. Established in 1999 after Mr. Mandela stepped down as the President of South Africa, the NMF’s core mission is to serve as an integrated and dynamic resource for understanding Nelson Mandela’s life and times. The Foundation also works towards finding sustainable solutions to critical social challenges through memory-based dialogue and interventions.
Experience the Legacy
By staying at Sanctuary Mandela, you’re not just enjoying a luxury hotel stay—you’re connecting with the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, in a space that shaped history. Whether you’re here for a retreat, a tour, or a culinary experience, you’ll find yourself immersed in a place where history, heritage, and hospitality meet.
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9.4/10
AmazingCleanliness9.4
Amenities9.4
Location9.4
Service9.4
All 21 reviews
Surroundings
Metro: Rosebank
(2.8 km)
Metro: Sandton
(8.4 km)
Airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport
(22.4 km)
Airport: Grand Central Airport
(23.1 km)
Train: Ellis Park Train Railway Station
(6.3 km)
Train: Johannesburg Park Station
(8.0 km)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
2
Superior Suite
1 King bed
Non-smoking
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6
Deluxe Studio
1 King bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
TV
Towels
Check Availability
2
Luxury Suite
1 King bed or 1 Single bed
Non-smoking
Check Availability
2
Deluxe Double Or Twin Room With Garden View
1 Double bed or 2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Check Availability
7
Presidential Room
1 King bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Bathtub
Towels
Garden view
Check Availability
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Guest Reviews
9.4/10
Amazing
21 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness9.4
- Amenities9.4
- Location9.4
- Service9.4
Average for similar properties in Johannesburg
AI Summary
The hotel's convenient location near Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Hop On, Hop Off bus tour is praised. Guests appreciate the exceptional breakfast, friendly staff, and spacious, comfortable rooms.
Guest User
June 18, 2025
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.
Guest User
May 29, 2025
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!
Guest User
March 13, 2025
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!
Guest User
January 11, 2025
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!
Guest User
December 27, 2024
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.
Guest User
June 21, 2024
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.
Discover49543631412
June 15, 2024
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.
Guest User
January 6, 2024
On Christmas, my family and I had the chance to dine at Sanctuary Mandela, and it was a memorable experience during our visit to Johannesburg for the holiday. We were initially disappointed to find that the menu had changed, but we were pleasantly surprised by the excellent choices available to us. As it was a holiday, the restaurant was quite empty, which suited us just fine. The staff were incredibly attentive, and their pride in their roles was evident. I particularly enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak, which was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The drinks were also top-notch. It's worth noting that this restaurant is situated at a former home of Nelson Mandela, which has been transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
Services & Amenities
Most Popular Amenities
Golf Course
Off-site
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Additional charge
Massage Room
Fitness Room
Additional charge
Parking
Free
Airport pick-up
Additional charge
24-Hour Front Desk
Luggage Storage
Bar
Restaurant
Airport drop-off
Additional charge
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Multi-Function Room
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Bar
Restaurant
Meeting Room
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Outdoor swimming pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Parking
Parking
Free
Transportation
Shuttle Bus Service
Additional charge
Airport pick-up
Additional charge
Airport drop-off
Additional charge
Front Desk Services
24-Hour Front Desk
Concierge Service
Front Desk Safe
Luggage Storage
Languages Spoken
English
Food & Drink
Bar
Room Service
Health & Wellness
Spa
Additional charge
Massage Room
Golf Course
Off-site
Fitness Room
Additional charge
Public Areas
Garden
Smoking Area
Elevator
Cleaning Services
Dry Cleaning
Additional charge
Laundry Service (On-Site)
Additional charge
Ironing Service
Business Services
Multi-Function Room
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Fax/Copying Service
Additional charge
Safety & Security
First-Aid Kit
Security Alarm
Smoke Detector
Fire Extinguisher
CCTV In Public Areas
Security Personnel
First Aid Services
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 14:00–24:00
Check-out: 06:00–11:00
Front desk hours: 24/7
Child Policies
Children are not permitted to stay in this room type.
Cots and Extra Beds
Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
Breakfast
TypeFull English/Irish
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
Adult | Contact property |
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
Property Description
- Opened: 2021
- Number of Rooms: 9
Sanctuary Mandela: A Heritage Hotel, Retreat, and Historical Experience
Sanctuary Mandela is a unique boutique hotel, heritage site, and retreat space, located within Nelson Mandela's former residence in Houghton, Johannesburg. Offering nine carefully curated rooms, including the luxurious Mr. President Suite, this hotel masterfully blends historical significance with world-class hospitality.
Each room is inspired by key moments and figures in Mandela’s life, with thoughtful elements from the original residence carefully preserved and woven into the design. Guests can experience the rich legacy of Madiba by exploring art from the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s archives, including works by renowned artists like John Meyer.
For a deeper connection with Mandela’s life, guests can enjoy guided heritage tours that delve into the personal and political milestones that shaped his journey. Dining at Insights Restaurant offers a culinary tribute to Madiba’s favorite meals, creating a truly immersive experience.
The hotel also features intimate conferencing facilities, ideal for leadership retreats, executive gatherings, and other corporate events, making it a versatile destination for both reflection and productivity.
A Tribute to Madiba’s Legacy
The vision behind transforming Nelson Mandela’s primary residence into a place of reflection is to provide visitors with profound insights into his life and heritage. This unique experience allows guests to connect with the icon’s story, from the period he resided and worked at the property, to his broader impact on the world.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Centre of Memory are key stakeholders in this development, with the property being owned by the Foundation. Established in 1999 after Mr. Mandela stepped down as the President of South Africa, the NMF’s core mission is to serve as an integrated and dynamic resource for understanding Nelson Mandela’s life and times. The Foundation also works towards finding sustainable solutions to critical social challenges through memory-based dialogue and interventions.
Experience the Legacy
By staying at Sanctuary Mandela, you’re not just enjoying a luxury hotel stay—you’re connecting with the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, in a space that shaped history. Whether you’re here for a retreat, a tour, or a culinary experience, you’ll find yourself immersed in a place where history, heritage, and hospitality meet.