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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrival in Cape Town
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be privately transferred to your central hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to relax in the hotel's serene gardens or begin exploring the nearby foodie haven of Kloof Street.
Overnight: Kensington Place
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Day 2 Footsteps to Freedom
Begin exploring the streets of Cape Town, where your private guide will paint a vibrant picture of the events leading up to Nelson Mandela's surprising release from prison and the lifting of the ban on his party, the African National Congress. Explore the Mandela Rhodes Building, Greenmarket Square and the City Hall, where Mandela gave his historic first speech as a free man. Learn about the secret meetings at Tuynhuis with South Africa's then-president P.W. Botha, where the terms of Mandela's release and the abolition of the apartheid system were negotiated. Walk down Queen Victoria Street with its historic 'apartheid benches', and perhaps add a visit to the District 6 Museum, which sheds further light on the apartheid practice of relocating black neighbourhoods.
Overnight: Kensington Place
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Day 3 A Day with Christo Brand
Spend the day with Christo Brand, former prison warden and subsequent friend of Nelson Mandela. Visit Robben Island, location of the former high-security prison where Mandela was held for 18 years, where Christo will provide you with an insight like no other. On return to the mainland, travel along Nelson Mandela Boulevard, passing the Groote Schuur Estate, home of the former Minister of Security Kobie Coetsee, where Christo would take Mandela in the lead-up to his release for clandestine talks with the apartheid government.
Continue to Tokai and the Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, where Mandela was transferred after almost two decades on Robben Island. Christo transferred his position to be with his friend, and will recount the daily life of Nelson Mandela as a political prisoner here. Subject to permissions granted on the day, enter Pollsmoor and visit the location of Mandela's secret talks with the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, before returning to the Waterfront.
This afternoon, join Christo Brand on an 18-minute helicopter flight over Robben Island to gain a different perspective on all that you have experienced today. Your flight will also provide an unforgettable showcase of Cape Town's stunning skyline and surroundings, from the Blouberg coastline to the iconic Table Mountain.
Overnight: Kensington Place
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Day 4 Travel to Johannesburg
Today, a private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Sanctuary Mandela is not just any hotel in the city. The grounds and many of the rooms originally formed part of Nelson Mandela's last home, where he lived for 25 years until his death in December 2013. The nine rooms are designed to encourage reflection and serenity, while the hotel itself is exhibits some of the former president's personal items and historical photographs.
Overnight: Sanctuary Mandela
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Day 5 Constitution Hill and Johannesburg’s history
Johannesburg's Constitution Hill is the location of three of the country's most infamous prisons. The most historic of these, Old Fort, is where Nelson Mandela spent time during several of his spells in prison. His wife Winnie was incarcerated at the Women's Jail, while Prison No 4 witnessed the cruelty meted out to those imprisoned for crimes as innocuous as not carrying their passbooks.
Your private tour will continue on to the Constitutional Court, established under the first post-apartheid government. The building represents the diverse people of South Africa both in its colourful emblem and the 200 pieces of contemporary art from local artists which adorn its walls. Many of the building's architectural features cleverly reflect the country's turbulent past, and some elements (such the very bricks the court was built from) originate from the demolished wing of a former apartheid prison.
Option: Enjoy lunch with Zelda la Grange. Former presidential aide to and subsequent private secretary of Nelson Mandela, Zelda worked alongside the former president for 19 years until his passing in 2013. Her insight into Mandela's life during and after his presidency is second to none, and will further balance your time spent with Christo Brand.
Please note that a lunch with Zelda is subject to her availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight: Sanctuary Mandela
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Day 6 Exploring Soweto
One of South Africa's best-known and most populated townships, Soweto played a significant role in Nelson Mandela's life and South Africa's struggle for freedom. At Regina Mundi Church Mandela spoke to the congregation to thank them for their support during the 1976 Soweto Uprising - the scars of gunfire are still visible on the church's altar and walls. Visit Vilakazi Street, Nelson Mandela's former home with wife Winnie, which has been turned into a museum displaying personal items. Make a stop at the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which honours the students and pupils who took part in the Soweto uprising, before your guide shifts the focus to present-day Soweto. Gain a remarkable glimpse of life in this fast-growing and ever-changing township, perhaps calling at the post-office, brewery or the lively local market.
Overnight: Sanctuary Mandela
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Day 7 Departure
You will be met by your driver and transferred to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
Option: Extend your South African adventure by flying to the Greater Kruger National Park for a few days on safari, or head to Kwa-Zulu Natal for more insight into Nelson Mandela's early life.
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Depart
