Note: Liliesleaf is not open for bookings or public visits at present. Contact +27 60 996 6363 with queries. 

In the early 1960s the idyllic Liliesleaf farm in Rivonia (now part of the sprawling upmarket Sandton suburbs) functioned as the secret hideout and meeting place for some of South Africa's most prominent anti-apartheid leaders including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Bram Fischer, Joe Slovo and Govan Mbeki. It was here that the plans for an armed struggle, which eventually led to Mandela and many of his comrades facing life behind bars, were formulated.

Now a national heritage site, the farm's many rooms and outbuildings contain dozens of interactive exhibits where you can learn about the lives of these incredible characters, view their extensive plans to help end racist oppression, and hear, in unparalleled detail, the amazing story of the Rivonia raid and trial.

Not to be missed is the specially customised overland safari bus parked in the back, which was used in the 1980s to smuggle weapons into South Africa, with oblivious foreign backpackers acting as the perfect cover.

Make sure to give yourself a few hours to get around this outstanding museum – although the farm itself is small, there is a wealth of information.