Nelson Mandela was born in the village of Qunu just south of the main town in the area, Mthatha, and has come back here to spend his retirement. In 2000 he opened the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, the backbone of which is his collection of gifts he has received from across the world, from individual gifts through to those bestowed by nations and international institutions. There are also a number of pictures and artifacts used to tell the story of his life, and the overall aim is to encapsulate and pass on his vision for a peaceful, united South Africa. The museum is very conveniently located just off the main N2 highway, and it is worth building some time into your plans to drop in.