
Liliesleaf Farm Rivonia
A pivotal heritage site where liberation leaders hid, Liliesleaf Farm offers a profound look into South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Liliesleaf Farm Rivonia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pivotal heritage site where liberation leaders hid, Liliesleaf Farm offers a profound look into South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle.
"Highly educational and interesting, with extremely knowledgeable and engaging guides."

🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They bring the history to life and offer deep insights.
💳 Student Discount Alert!
Bring your student ID for half-price admission. A great way to save!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mandela's Underground Room
The farmhouse
Step into the space where Nelson Mandela lived and worked in hiding. A poignant reminder of his fight for freedom.

The Farmhouse and Its Secrets
Main farmhouse buildings
Explore the original buildings that served as a crucial hiding place for liberation leaders. Discover the history of the raid.

Interactive Heritage Exhibits
Museum galleries
Engage with exhibits detailing the farm's role in the liberation struggle and South Africa's history.

The Swedish Room
Dedicated exhibition space
Learn about Sweden's significant role in the anti-apartheid movement at this special exhibition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Student Discounts Available
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They bring the history to life and offer deep insights.
💳 Student Discount Alert!
Bring your student ID for half-price admission. A great way to save!
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities to document this important heritage site.
🍽️ Enjoy the On-site Restaurant
Well-priced food with excellent quality, perfect for a post-tour meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They bring the history to life and offer deep insights.
💳 Student Discount Alert!
Bring your student ID for half-price admission. A great way to save!
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities to document this important heritage site.
🍽️ Enjoy the On-site Restaurant
Well-priced food with excellent quality, perfect for a post-tour meal.
🚗 Secure Parking Available
Worry-free parking is provided for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Liliesleaf Farm for its profound educational value and the exceptional quality of its guided tours. The knowledgeable and kind guides are frequently highlighted as making the experience deeply engaging and insightful. While some find it a bit pricey, the historical significance and the well-preserved nature of the site are considered well worth the admission.
"This was a very educational and well explained tour by the tour kind. He was so kind and accommodating. I recommend visiting here as it’s one of the most important places in history and has the same elements from the day of the raid in 1964."
Keisha D'souza
"Very educational and interesting. Q showed us around and was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. He was an excellent ambassador."
Louise Hillier
"A historically rich site, and a major turning point in South Africa's history. Great interactive tours. Subtle architecture with considerable preservation. Quite expensive - bring with student cards for half price!"
Liam Gabriel Ullrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Liliesleaf Farm is located in Rivonia, Johannesburg. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. It's a well-known heritage site, so most navigation apps will guide you directly there.
While direct public transport routes might be limited, you can take a taxi or ride-share from a nearby Gautrain station or bus stop. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most convenient options.
Yes, Liliesleaf Farm offers secure and ample parking for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
The site has made efforts to be accessible, but some older structures might present challenges. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
Depending on traffic, the journey from central Johannesburg to Liliesleaf Farm typically takes around 30-45 minutes by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Liliesleaf Farm is generally open daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential holiday closures.
Admission fees apply, with different rates for adults and children. Students can often get a discounted rate with a valid ID.
While walk-ins are often accepted, booking guided tours in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and ensure a comprehensive experience.
Yes, student discounts are available with a valid student card. It's worth checking their website for any other special offers or group rates.
Admission typically includes access to the museum exhibits and grounds. Guided tours are often an additional, but highly recommended, component of the visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are exceptionally well-explained and provide invaluable context. Many visitors find them essential for understanding the farm's historical significance.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Liliesleaf Farm to fully appreciate the exhibits and take a guided tour.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight of the Liliesleaf Farm experience, led by knowledgeable guides who share detailed historical accounts.
You can see Nelson Mandela's underground room, the original farm buildings, interactive exhibits on the liberation struggle, and the Swedish Room.
While the historical content is serious, older children and teenagers can find the exhibits engaging and educational. The interactive nature of some displays can help keep them interested.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Liliesleaf Farm has a well-regarded restaurant offering excellent food at good prices, making it a convenient spot for lunch or a snack.
The restaurant offers a menu with a variety of dishes, often including local South African cuisine. It's known for its quality and pleasant dining atmosphere.
Generally, it's best to consume your own food in designated picnic areas if available, or to patronize the on-site restaurant. Policies can vary, so it's wise to check.
Most restaurants in South Africa offer vegetarian options, and often vegan choices. It's recommended to check the menu or ask staff upon arrival.
The restaurant typically operates during the farm's opening hours, often serving lunch and sometimes light snacks. Confirming their specific hours is advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use within Liliesleaf Farm, allowing you to capture the historical significance of the site.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the historical context.
The exterior of the farmhouses, Mandela's room, and the various exhibition spaces offer compelling photographic opportunities. The grounds themselves are also picturesque.
Photography inside sensitive historical rooms like Mandela's may have specific guidelines. It's best to observe any posted signs or ask your guide.
Yes, guides often allow brief moments for photos during tours, especially at key points of interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the stories of bravery and the fight for justice. The on-site restaurant provides a convenient spot for a family meal, and the secure parking makes arrival stress-free. It's a place where younger visitors can learn about a critical period in South African history in a meaningful way.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the nuances of the farm's role as a hiding place and operational base. The preservation of Mandela's room and the historical context provided by the guides offer an unparalleled glimpse into this significant era. Don't miss the Swedish Room to explore international connections.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Don't hesitate to engage with the guides; they are a wealth of information. The on-site restaurant is also a comfortable place to dine alone. The farm's significance makes it a powerful solo journey into South Africa's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Liliesleaf Farm
The farm's transformation into a museum and heritage site ensures that this crucial chapter of South African history is preserved and shared. Visitors can explore the original buildings, including Nelson Mandela's modest living quarters, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the time. The exhibits meticulously detail the events leading up to the raid, the lives of the activists, and the broader context of the anti-apartheid movement.
Beyond its direct role in the liberation struggle, Liliesleaf Farm also highlights international solidarity. The presence of the 'Swedish Room' specifically acknowledges the significant support and activism from Sweden against apartheid, showcasing the global dimension of the fight for freedom. Visiting Liliesleaf Farm offers a profound educational experience, providing a tangible connection to the sacrifices made for democracy in South Africa.
Experiencing Liliesleaf Farm: Tours and Exhibits
The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully curated, offering a blend of historical artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations. These displays provide context for the farm's role within the larger anti-apartheid movement and South Africa's journey towards democracy. You can explore the various rooms and buildings, each with its own story to tell, from the operational areas to the living quarters.
Beyond the main farmhouse, the grounds themselves hold historical significance. Walking through the property allows visitors to visualize the farm as it was during the 1960s. The site also features a well-maintained restaurant, offering a pleasant place to reflect on the experience and enjoy a meal. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation and historical reverence, making it a moving and educational visit.



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