Following the death of
Nelson Mandela on the 05 Dec 2013, the
Nelson Mandela Museum in
Qunu is expected to see an increase in the number of visitors, both local and international. The museum already opened its doors back in 2000 and offers a memorable cultural experience that gives insight into the life of
Nelson Mandela. Guided tours are available as well as a heritage trail that follows
Mandela's footsteps.
Madiba never wanted the museum to be a tribute dedicated to him; instead he wanted the museum in
Qunu to serve as a catalyst for the upliftment and development of the local community.
Qunu will also be the final resting place of
Nelson Mandela. He will be buried here on 15 December 2013.
The
Nelson Mandela Museum is open daily from 09:00 – 16:00 except for
Good Friday and
Workers Day on 01 May. The museum does not charge any entrance fees, however donations are encouraged. As
Qunu is a rather small town with limited accommodation options, travellers might consider rather to stay in
Mthatha (32 km along the N2) or in
Butterworth (92km along the N2).
View The Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu in a larger mapThree historical sites actually form part of the
Nelson Mandela Museum projekt. The sites are at
Mvezo, near
Coffee Bay, where Mandela was born, the village of
Qunu about 32 km outside
Mthatha and the
Bunga Building on
Nelson Mandela Drive in central
Mthatha, where the story of the life and times of one of
South Africa's greatest leaders is depicted.
