Johannesburg - It is the luxurious holiday home that Nelson Mandela used to escape to, a luxurious property with views of South Africa’s amazing wildlife. Now the property is open to the public, if you can afford R70 000 a night.
Two-and-a-half hours north of Joburg, the Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation is situated on the Shambala Private Game Reserve. It was built in 2001.
Used as a private home for Mandela and his family – and let exclusively to the likes of Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey – the six bedroom Mozambican-style villa is set to welcome a new generation of visitors. Although the centre closed in 2013 after Mandela’s death, it reopened on Freedom Day on April 27.
But a night’s stay doesn’t come cheap. Depending on the season, the villa, which sleeps up to 12 people, is set to let for R70 000 to R85 000 a night. The former political leader’s specially designed villa is the ultimate destination from which to explore game drives and bush walks.
The home’s simple aesthetic, which was a request from Mandela himself, was designed by Douw Steyn, who also owns the Shambala Reserve and the Saxon Hotel in Joburg.
Inside, amenities include a formal sitting room with fireplace, a boardroom, a presidential suite with two dressing rooms, and five additional bedrooms with en suite bathrooms.
Guests will also be able to spot elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards from the comfort of an enclosed, heated pool overlooking a private watering hole. Or take in the gorgeous sunsets from the outdoor deck and lounge area that stretches around the home.
Fortunately, the cost of rental also includes access to a private chef, butler service, a sunset cruise on the Douw Steyn Dam and there’s an experienced safari guide at your disposal.
Visit http://centreforreconciliation.co.za
Daily Mail