I was riveted yesterday at this historical place. Spies, gun running, planning a revolution and a police raid that changed South Africa forever are some of the stories that are told here. I couldn’t help thinking of the potential for movies based on true events. There is a myriad of material for Netflix series writers and others of the same ilk. Documentaries, photographs and other real evidence form part of a fascinating and interesting exhibition that is displayed in the original Liliesleaf Farm buildings. I would recommend a visit to this monument of South Africa’s liberation struggle and also Cedric’s Café that served us delicious scones with strawberry jam and cream. Truly worth a visit.

This is a great museum - definitely worth a visit. A little bit expensive (R110 per adult) but we got a free guided tour and the guide was very knowledgeable. The museum is in great condition and has tons of information with interactive elements such as buttons that play videos or audio tracks. There is a movie at the beginning to set the context, and a walkway on the way in to give you an overview of the time period. This is a must-visit for any Jo'burg local or visitor that wants more information about the struggle against apartheid and is interested in seeing that history come to life.

I visited Liliesleaf this weekend with my family and it was truly amazing, in my opinions it is one of the best Museums in Johannesburg and definately a "Thing to do in Joburg''. The Technology that they use in the museum is just on a different level and will put history into a different perspective for you... So if you want to get out a bit on the weekend and do something meaningfull in johannesburg, then Liliesleaf museum is definately a thing to do in johannesburg then...

A very humbling and emotional experience - It highlights the people who will do the right thing no matter what - the leaders that were arrested on the 11th of July never thought they would see a free and democratic south africa in their life time but yet they fought for the future, for all of US. The museum is well run and very educational. Set aside about 2 to 3 hours to spend here as there is so much information. Prepare to be inspired to be and do better

This is a fantastic museum. It is highly interactive with buttons to push and, interviews to hear. The museum is a world class heritage site and the best museum I have been to any where in SA. Great for school trips for history learners. Learners are sent on a scavenger hunt through the museum which appeals to all grades. I highly recommend this museum as a stop for anyone interested in SA history from both a local and international perspective

A stunning testament to South Africa's history, and an incredibly preserved and superbly maintained historical site. Easily a world class museum with amazing interactive activities for kids and engaging displays for adults. You get a glimpse into the sacrifice and challenges faced by those that wished for freedom and equality for us, and to stand in the same place where our hero's slept is a truly humbling and awe inspiring experience.

Having been here before, a long time ago when there were no automated displays and audio prompts to how it is now is truly chalk and cheese. I found it a real eye opener as to how history had played out and how it can so easily be twisted or forgotten. The staff were fantastic, helpful and attentive. If you wish to visit Lilies leaf I would suggest going for the entire day. There is a restaurant there too, which looked lovely.

Sad to see a place that carries so much history to be left unkept. I would have liked to go on a tour to hear the stories of where it all began regarding our liberation. Covid-19 should not be an excuse as museums and art galleries are open under level 1. The least they could do is to hire people who can keep the garden clean at least. Very disappointing of the Arts and Culture in Gauteng and Johannesburg City Management.

In 2010, Liliesleaf Farm was awarded a Merrit Award Certificate that recognises the Liliesleaf Project as one of the best new tourism projects in the world. I simply loved the place. No expense was spared to properly narrate what happened on the "farm". I intend to take my family there. My kids must understand the history of Africa and this is a pretty good peace of South African history.

I've been 3 teams to Liliesleaf and each time I've been moved by the historical significance, the quality of the exhibits, the restaurant and of course the insightful stories by Nicholas Wolpe who runs the place. Whether you're a tourist or local, the liberation route starts here... Our democracy today stands on the shoulders of the liberation work by great men & women who resided here...

A wonderful place that played such a pivotal role in our painful journey to democracy. Beautiful & serene surroundings, its hard to imagine the events associated with it. I was truly moved and gained so much more of an appreciation of all that we can enjoy now in our beautiful country. Very informative and well laid out. I left there much richer in knowledge. Highly recommended!

I've realised how our history should be rewritten. This is the place where Nelson Mandela and co had their meetings before he was convicted of treason etc. People (white) like Dennis Goldberg and others were also involved in the struggle. It wasn't just black people that were involved in the struggle. What put me off is the entrance fee of R120 per adult. Not much to see though.

Liliesleaf is currently undergoing renovation. It was not officially open when I visited on September 14, 2023 but an employee offered to guide me through many of the displays. It was well worth it but I was very fortunate to be given this opportunity. Definitely call before visiting to see if it's open.
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

A most enjoyable morning. Highly impressed with layout (totally disabled friendly), the information, the interactive buttons and much more. More advertising of the museum should be done to attract more visitors, particularly locals. International tour operators should put this on their list of visits for incoming tours before heading off to kruger park.

I'm not impressed. I made a 1.5 hour drive to go see Liliesleaf on Monday the 26th of April but they were closed. It was the day before the public holiday so I don't see why it was closed. Nowhere on social media did they mention that they were going to be closed for the day and they don't answer their phones either. Don't bother.

We were looking for a different experience. It was appalling. The petit breakfast was terrible. They did not have Rye bread although it was an option. The food was totally substandard. The waitress was surly and did not even say thank you for the tip. We left feeling cheated and unfulfilled. Do NOT waste your money on this place

The visit was incredible! Really gives new insight into the fight for freedom and different perspective. It's inspiring and left me feeling that standing for justice in today's society is the only way forward!! It's a happy and beautiful and informative museum! The café's food is delicious by the way!!

The historical building is well maintained with an additional modern building on the premises. There's ample parking for all types of cars including buses. The staff is friendly and welcoming, ready to offer whatever information that is needed. I'm ready to take the guided tour with my group in July.

This museum gives a good introduction to how African National Congress worked to get rid of apartheid. There is also information about many of the leaders of ANC. Things that would make this museum a better experience would be better trained enthusiastic guides and a map of all the buildingd

This is a place I never really knew existed, it is incredible and a must visit for a local or tourist. It is excellently maintained, has a great coffee shop and will show you a side of the apartheid struggle like you've never seen before. A definite stop when you're in jozi.

Well-designed and often interactive displays, information rich and quirky so entertaining and uplifting. Well worth a visit. I knew much given my parents 'lives of courage' but learnt more. Beautiful
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very historic site. A hidden gem in the heart of Rivonia. Spent two hours but you can easily spend 3 to 4 hours. Tour guide was very well trained on the history of the fight against apartheid. A must visit for all South Africans and tourists. Lovely coffee shop

Such a gem of history and relevance. You will plan a morning and spend a whole day. To stand in the actual house and experience the relevant films and interactive museum is really a great experience. Lovely restaurant with fabulous staff and great service

There is so much South African history I do not know about, this was one Really a worthwhile visit, and the whole area is so well laid out and documented. Please allow yourself plenty of time though, as we ran out and had already been there over 2 hours.

Visiting this place is a moving and significant -- if somewhat sobering -- experience. Events here mark a major turning point in the struggle for South African democracy. A good complement to the more complete information found at the Apartheid Museum.

It was so informative and educational. I loved the experience. SA patriots would enjoy it. The on-site cafe was okay, we did not get to spend time there but it's quiet and relaxing to hang around after the tour, just arrive before closing time ;-).

Very insightful. Very much worth the visit. Understanding what Mandela was fighting for, which is.what they show u, how how.different races.worked.together to try and make the world a better place, it defines changes how a person looks at things.

Its an important part of our liberation struggle in the early 1960s and is well illustrated with interesting documented facts on the ruse and disbaning of the apartheid regime.knowledgable guides and nice coffee shop .overall a good experience.

The very place where Mandela was captured..good practical museum of how everything led to the icon's capture. Guided and unguided tours..nice, well priced restaurant with excellent food. Good spot for morning or afternoon visit. Secure parking

This historic site pulls together threads of Apartheid resistance with stories of the ANC's union with the SA Communist Party in the form of this covert meeting space. The room dedicated to the ANC's armed movement was particularly well done.

Wonderful display of an incredible part of South African history, leading up to the Rivonia Trial pre-1994. Also see Freedom Square, Apartheid Museum and June 16 Memorial Site in Soweto to broaden your perspective. Good Restaurant on site.

I enjoyed the design and informative videos. Facilities are in good condition, but could do with more friendly and engaging staff to lift it to 5 star. The restaurant should be a full service venue to attract more visitors.

This is a truly amazing monument and historical sight. I highly recommend visiting the museum to learn about the history of the place and what happened there. It is also a great conference venue and can be used for events.

Extremely interesting, set aside more than 2 hrs for reading all the literature and short films. Gives a lot more insight into the fight for freedom and what it cost many people. Beautifully laid out and well maintained.

Liliesleaf is the bomb! The menu is delicious and the bar is diverse. The staff are radical and this National heritage site is "off the radar". I rate it 11/10 Dress code: incognito Ps. "You did not read this review".

The whole family loved it. Unfortunately there was no tour guide but we had fun exploring. The restuarant served quality food but portions were dissatisfying. Overall experience could've been amazing but it was good

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!

Informative. Interactive. Well run. Entertaining. Need 2 hours to go through it at a minimum. Lots of real stories and snippets from those who were actually involved which made it real, authentic and interesting.

Brian, our guide, was very helpful and was well informed making the experience so much more interesting about such an significant event in the country's history. Definitely would recommend visiting.

Very Inspirational, must do for tourists and locals alike, and take the kids with as there's so much to see and learn here that our educational system doesn't teach in its Social Sciences textbooks

This place has closed down since covid. It is very sad that the government haven't intervened to keep it up and running! We could not go in. Still shows open on google.
Visited on
Weekend

Great place for a conference. Presented there and the atmosphere was really great. The auditorium is well built and there's aura about the place given the rich history. Definitely worth a visit.

Intriguing museum focusing on the heritage of the property and all those who have passed through it. Fascinating history of the suburbs and the integration between the community and the ANC.

Amazing place to visit. Loved every minute. It is a national treasure and should be supported by government and everyone alike. Staff friendly and passionate and restaurant great.

What an amazing afternoon getting to understand not just the history of Liliesleaf, but the principles that saturated the great leaders of our liberation... Absolutely inspiring!

On June the 16 this iconic and historically important place was closed. What we could see from the outside was interesting but could have been so much better had they been open.

Rich in South African political history, the tours offer an in depth look at what happened to some of the most iconic freedom fighters and leaders of the anti apartheid regime.

Fantastic and interesting visit. We planned to stay for under an hour, but will return for a second visit tomorrow. Modise, one of the custodians made it even more special.

Great for historical information on the struggle movement. Lovely coffee shop serving breakfast and light lunches. Service at coffee shop could be improved, lacked energy.

An amazing reminder of a very critical time in South Africa's history. They've done a good job with the various presentations and interactive nature of the exhibitions.

Liliesleaf is a very well organised and very well managed facility. The history of the struggle is well documented. Some scenes were very emotional. Top experience!!!

I thought I knew quite a fair amount of South African history, this place blew me away. The staff that dealt with us were fantastic. Well worth every cent spent.

This is part of the story of the liberation of South Africa, the infamous Rivonia trial. There is a lovely cafe and garden where you can sit and take it all in.

Excellent place for school excursions to learn abit about South African history during the struggling times, nice outing for family to soak up some history.

A must see,great for students and kids of all ages.one of the hidden gems of our Apartheid's history with lots of information on most of our unsung heroes

Very interesting! Very impressive place with excellent displays and audio-visuals. Immaculately maintained. Friendly staff. Excellent coffee at Cedrics!

Very interesting place and was good to get a look around the house and out buildings and the film also gives u a great insight into what really went on

A fantastic place. Although a little difficult to find is well worth the visit. A hidden gem. Well worth the visit. Lots of interesting information.

It was good visiting the farm. I learnt a lot about the struggle for South African Independence. Well preserved History that makes the country today

Passed there today... Now looks like a desserted GHOST TOWN. Can the powers that be just stick to maintaining heritage sites... This is a disgrace.

Tells both sides of the apartheid story in an interesting way, you dont have to read a lot of text; you press a button and it tells you stories.

Very well laid out. Highly recommended visit if you are interested in the anti apartheid struggle. Covers way more than just the Rivonia Trial.

A very worthwhile museum, no judgement passed, historical story told, and great effort has gone into putting a very interesting museum together

Went for Woman's month celebration. Learnt a lot and more about the heritage site. Quite, clean and secure place to host an intimate function.

A very historical place to visit. Besides learning about an important part of South Africa's history, there is a nice restaurant for relaxing.

Just so full of such sad history. I am reminded again of the miracle of our transformation and grateful for so many brave and forgiving people

What’s going here Since Nick was ousted and the ANC comrades took over , nothing happens No restaurant etc WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON HERE ???

Disability friendly, excellent service, great portrayal of the history. A great place to be if you want to learn more about the Rivonia Trial

Fantastic venue with so much heritage and warmth. Staff went out of their way to make the business breakfast we held at Liliesleaf a success.

Need to be better advertised. Not enough is made of the historical importance of this place and parts, like the roof garden, are unfinished.

Great piece of South African history, hidden in Sandton. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and patient when asked many many questions.

Extraordinary storytelling and display of a painful and heroic time in South African history, beautifully arranged in the original setting

This is an important part of South African history. It is a must visit destination. It is a serene and beautiful venue to spend a day.

Incredible installation struggling for funding. Not many people in Johannesburg know that this is where Nelson Mandela was arrested.

Informative, modern feel, rich culture Rivonia trialist safe house. Heartbreaking stories of brutality, capture, discrimination.

Very good place to visit because of our history.If you want to know about South African history is the right place to go to

Historical and highly personal accounts of some of the most important and unsung people in South Africa's struggle history.

One of the best secrets in Jozi! Millions were spent on this venue and it shows. Fascinating museum and great coffee shop

As a tour guide I've been to a lot of museums in SA, this is one of the BEST museums I've visited. Absolutely LOVED it.

Great audiovisual account of Rivonia Trial and other related historical masterpieces of South Africa and Nelson Mandela

You dont need big buildings for history. Amazing tour and information portraying our past. Nice cafe after youre done.

A tangible slice of South African History. Original Farm House made into a museum. Nice venue for corporate functions

Probably the best museum in Johannesburg because of its interactive exhibits and authentic and informative displays.

Incredible museum. Would have loved to stay entire day just watching all the stories but my 7 yr old... you know...

Great experience. I learnt so much history. Very interactive centre and awesome staff. I would highly recommend it

An absolute must for anyone interested in South African history. Truly one of the best museums I have ever visited

Fascinating historical site.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Really worth a visit to this heritage site. The museum and story it tells is both educating and fascinating.

This is a historical place. It's must visit who has interest in understanding what happened in this country.

A gem in our suburb - beautiful innovative displays that tell a difficult but necessary story. Go and visit!

A touching history depicting how ALL people worked together against apartheid...not just people of colour.

A very informative museum. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable and made the experience exceptional.

Very informative museum. A wonderful way to learn about a very important part of our countries history!

Beautifully curated and presented slice of South African history. Lovely restaurant and charming staff.

Historical. Presentations hosted by University of Pretoria on uMkhonto weSizwe were very informative

Absolutely brilliant experience. So incredibly well researched and put together. Well done all.

I'm coming back with my kids it will assist them to know part of our history. Good food though

Really worth a visit. Professional and knowledgeable guides. Fascinating part of our history.

Great experience, all the history is interestingly set out and such an experience on its own.

Very interesting and informative. Very well run and clean. Staff friendly and well informed.