Weekend Long Read: A Road Trip to Nelson Mandela’s Hometown

One

Around 10 o’clock at night, our Mercedes-Benz SUV was gliding along South Africa’s No. 2 national road, a pathway that snakes through Eastern Cape province, leading to Durban. The entire journey was cloaked in a disquieting pitch black, without even a glimpse of houses or the faintest glimmer of light.

“More than 300 kilometers to go,” I said, stealing a glance at the mobile map before informing Bruce, who was at the wheel.