Liliesleaf

Nestled in the tree-lined suburbs of Johannesburg’s Rivonia, Liliesleaf was once a farm that played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle. During the 1960s, its secluded location provided a safe haven for clandestine meetings and discussions among key members of the African National Congress (ANC). Today, Liliesleaf operates as a museum, open to the public since 2008, with multiple farm buildings housing photographs, maps, films, and historical information. Visitors can start their journey at the Liberation Centre, where a 12-minute introductory film sets the context. The self-guided or docent-led tours reveal the farm’s various spaces, including the garage where Nelson Mandela lived under an alias. One of the highlights is the building dedicated to the 1963 police raid, which includes a four-part film detailing the subsequent prison break. Cedric’s Café, named after the farm’s codename, offers light meals and snacks.