A historically significant suite, the Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve was built for the former president and anti-apartheid activist by the reserve’s owner, Douw Steyn. Mandela spent many years at Shambala (which means ‘place of peace’ in Sanskrit) and wrote his memoirs at the villa; the desk he used is still there. The enormous five-bedroom villa has a dining room seating 14 guests, living room, two lounges, two studies, a business center, boardroom (Mandela held many important meetings here) and a striking indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The villa is also home to an exceptional collection of artworks, as well as carefully considered details — the intricate beadwork found on the lampshades and curtains was threaded and stitched by women from local communities.

From $5,700 per night. Contact reservations@saxon.co.za, +27 112 926 000, shambalaprivategamereserve.co.za