Robben Island
Cape Town, Western Cape
Robben Island—where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years—was a place of isolation for nearly three centuries, housing many political prisoners and serving as both an asylum and leprosy colony. Today, the island, now recognized as a World Heritage Site, remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy.
The basics
Most tours depart from Cape Town and include transportation from city hotels, the boat trip to the island, and time at the former maximum security prison. Upon arrival on Robben Island, general tours start aboard a bus. Oftentimes, island tour guides are former political prisoners who can share information about South Africa’s history, as well as their own firsthand experiences. Custom and private tours are also available, while others combine a trip to the island with Cape Town city tours or a visit to Table Mountain National Park.
Things to know before you go
The 30-minute ferry ride to the island can be choppy; plan accordingly if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before your ferry departs to secure a spot and make your way to the boat.
A guided Robben Island bus tour, including ferry rides, takes up to 4 hours.
Food and drink are available for purchase on the island.
Robben Island is wheelchair accessible, but some of the ramps are quite steep.
How to get there
Robben Island is in Table Bay, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa in the country’s Western Cape province. Ferries for general island tours depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, and there are typically four departures each day. The Sea Princess is one of the few wheelchair-accessible ferry options.
When to get there
Robben Island is open and accessible year-round, with ferries departing four times a day in good weather. To experience the island at its least crowded, and with the coolest temperatures in summer, depart on the first tour of the day.
If you have plans to visit Table Mountain National Park in the morning (you’ll want to visit the top of the mountain before the clouds roll in), opt for a later tour of the island. Just make sure not to miss the last ferry back to Cape Town. Robben Island does not have any hotels or accommodations.
Places of note on Robben Island
On the island, you can visit Robert Sobukwe’s house, where the human rights activist and former prisoner once lived. You’ll see the 17th century limestone quarry where Mandela and others labored, the leper colony cemetery, and the Robben Island Museum, which preserves the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters once imprisoned there.
Some tours also include access to Mandela’s cell. Finally, don’t miss the massive Howitzer gun at the entrance of the prison building. It was meant to be used during World War II if the Germans or Japanese decided to invade Cape Town.
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