From: R2,600.00
Meet “Jack Swart” – Nelson Mandela’s Warder and Chef
Experience a unique, limited-time opportunity to delve deep into the life of Nelson Mandela through the eyes of his warder and chef, Jack Swart. This exclusive experience offers a rare glimpse into the man the world came to know and love, as told by someone who shared a close bond with him.
Jack Swart is an extraordinary individual, embodying qualities similar to those of Mandela himself. His incredible story, coupled with the personal album he shares, provides an intimate and genuine connection to the remarkable man Mandela was.
Exclusive Private Tour with Jack Swart – Nelson Mandela’s Warden and Cook
Experience a unique, limited-time opportunity to delve deep into Nelson Mandela’s life through the eyes of his warder and chef, Jack Swart. This exclusive encounter offers insights and personal stories about the man who changed the world.
Itinerary:
Private Coffee/Lunch/ Guided walk with Jack Swart: Start your day with a private sit-down coffee, breakfast, or lunch with Jack Swart, or we often do a guide walk through Nelson Mandelas Museum depending on your ferry departure time. During this, Jack shares his incredible story and insights into life at the prison, providing a unique perspective as a white warder under apartheid.
Mandela’s Life: Jack recounts his experience cooking for Mandela and his special house prison guests. Over your meet together, he’ll reveal Mandela’s dietary preferences and share “the album” – a treasured collection of memories, pictures, and personal notes from Mandela.
Mandela’s Final 14 Months: Jack will take you through the memories the house where Mandela stayed during his last 14 months in jail. He’ll narrate stories of daily routines, significant visitors, wiretaps by the government, and even the funny first time Mandela saw a microwave. Hear about the first time Mandela swam in a pool, the notes Mandela left, and how he prepared for his release.
Optional Island Tour with Jack: Choose to have Jack accompany you to Robben Island for a deeper dive into Mandela’s time in prison. He will guide you through Mandela’s cell, the lime quarry, and the warders’ quarters, sharing personal anecdotes and history, Jack came to the island 1 year after Mandela got here, so he was there from the beginning.
This one-of-a-kind experience is not available anywhere else. Being in Jack’s presence offers a profound connection to Mandela’s legacy, leaving you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for both these incredible men.
There are a few option we offer:
Option 1
Robben Island standard tour only (ferry tickets only, no Jack) – R1,000 per person
Option 2
Guided walk of the Nelson Mandela Museum with Jack (±1h45 before your Robben Island tour) – R1,600 per person
Option 3
Full experience: Guided walk with Jack + Robben Island ferry tickets – R2,600 per person
(This option secures and includes everything in one package, which we secure and send to you)
Option 4
Premium experience: Guided walk with Jack + Robben Island ferry tickets + Jack accompanying you onto the island – R3,200 per person