Robben Island Tour

Robben Island Tour

Robben Island is best known as a former political prison for apartheid freedom fighters. Before that, it was a leper colony. However, now the historic landmark of Robben Island is a museum and national monument in Cape Town. This was where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years of his 27-year sentence.

The Tour:

The 3 to 3½ hour scheduled tour includes a return trip across Table Bay (with a 30-minute ferry ride each way). And, a visit to the historical Maximum Security Prison and a tour of the island. Note that only official Robben Island guides are permitted to offer tours. Your private guide will not be able to accompany you.

The 30-40 minute boat ride takes you out to the island where you experience the conditions of incarceration – you view Nelson Mandela’s prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labour was served. In the other, prisoners discussed strategy, freedom, and the future. Later, many prisoners would develop eye problems as a result of the sun’s reflection off the lime surfaces.

This well-preserved landmark is a monument to the triumph of freedom, dignity, and determination over humiliation and oppression. Time permitting, you can explore the attractions on the island, such as the museum shop, the Muslim shrine, or Kramat.

Note: This is a very popular excursion. Please pre-book your Robben Island tour online before your holiday starts to avoid disappointment when you arrive in Cape Town, especially if it is the festive season. It says located in V&A Waterfront, but actually that is just the departure point for the boat cruise to the island.

Alternatively, we can book the tour as part of a full-day tour of the City, Table Mountain, and District Six.

Please note that we don’t book this tour on a standalone basis.
But you can book it online on the supplier’s website if you follow this link: https://www.robben-island.org.za/tours