Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island is a poignant symbol of South Africa's struggle against apartheid, offering a profound historical journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, good for tours.
Robben Island
Best Time
Pleasant weather, good for tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island is a poignant symbol of South Africa's struggle against apartheid, offering a profound historical journey.
"Hear firsthand accounts of life on the island from guides who were once political prisoners."
Book Directly Online
Secure your Robben Island tickets via the official museum website to avoid inflated prices and scams. :ticket:
Allow Ample Time
The entire experience, including ferry travel, can take up to 4-5 hours. Don't rush it! :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nelson Mandela's Cell
Robben Island Prison
Step into the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life. A poignant reminder of his struggle for freedom.
Former Prisoner Guides
Robben Island
Hear firsthand accounts of life on the island from guides who were once political prisoners. Their stories are powerful and moving.
Island Bus Tour
Robben Island
Explore the island's diverse landscape, including the lime quarries and the historic prison buildings, by bus.
Kramat of Sayed Abdurahman Motura
Robben Island
Discover the island's spiritual side at this sacred shrine, a symbol of resilience and faith.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Well in Advance
Prepare for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Directly Online
Secure your Robben Island tickets via the official museum website to avoid inflated prices and scams. :ticket:
Allow Ample Time
The entire experience, including ferry travel, can take up to 4-5 hours. Don't rush it! :stopwatch:
Dress for the Weather
Cape Town weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, a windbreaker, and comfortable shoes.
Bring Cash for Tips
While credit cards might not always work on the island, cash is appreciated for tipping your guide. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Directly Online
Secure your Robben Island tickets via the official museum website to avoid inflated prices and scams. :ticket:
Allow Ample Time
The entire experience, including ferry travel, can take up to 4-5 hours. Don't rush it! :stopwatch:
Dress for the Weather
Cape Town weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, a windbreaker, and comfortable shoes.
Bring Cash for Tips
While credit cards might not always work on the island, cash is appreciated for tipping your guide. :moneybag:
Consider the Walking Tour
A newer walking tour offers a different perspective, though it's more expensive. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Robben Island for its historical significance and the powerful narratives shared by former prisoner guides. The ferry ride and island bus tour offer scenic views and a good overview. However, some find the prison tour rushed or less engaging than expected, with occasional inconsistencies in information. The overall experience is considered worthwhile for its educational value, though it can be a significant time and financial commitment.
"We took a boat ride to the island and then toured by bus with a guide who shared some historical insights, which was great. However, the part we were most looking forward to - the prison visit - was disappointing. Instead of a proper tour, we sat through a one-hour political speech from a former inmate, which felt unnecessary and even put some people to sleep. When it finally ended, we only visited three rooms of the prison, and some of the "facts" we were told turned out to be inaccurate. We would have loved to explore more of the site"
Sofi Cappa
"What better way to understand living conditions on the infamous Robben Island than to hear it from an actual prisoner. Tours of the island are very thorough from the narrated Bus Tour of the island itself to the Prisoner guided section of the physical confines of the buildings. Bathroom breaks are before and after the tour. The ferry ride was smooth as pie. A break is provided for patrons during the bus tour. Picture opportunities are limited of the surrounding area on the bus tour but one location is setup for the Instagram tags. More pics can be taken of the prison premises during the guided tour. Guides are very knowledgeable and super friendly. As a part of the tour you will get a chance to see Mandela's cell. The Gift shop is located on the dock. Tickets can be purchased online or at the booth. Parking in available at paid garages on the V&A Waterfront."
Ashley Malone
"Worthwhile and historically significant tour at a UNESCO world heritage site!
All-in tour took over 4 hours from showing up at meeting point to get on ferry until returning to CapeTown waterfront.
Two phase on the tour: bus and walking tour. Really enjoyed the history provided by the wonderful tour guides.
Recommend highly as a learning experience for all ages. Unity for All."
Jerry Ratigan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The only way to visit Robben Island is by taking the official ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Book your tickets in advance online.
Ferries typically depart multiple times a day, but schedules can vary. It's essential to check the official Robben Island Museum website for the most up-to-date ferry times and book your tickets accordingly.
The ferry ride can be quite choppy, especially in windy conditions. If you're prone to seasickness, it's advisable to take medication beforehand. Newer ferries are generally more stable than older ones.
No, independent exploration of Robben Island is not permitted due to conservation efforts for endangered birds and the need to manage visitor access to historical sites. All visits must be part of an official tour.
The Nelson Mandela Gateway is located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, specifically at Clocktower Square. This is the departure point for all Robben Island ferries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around R400 for South African citizens with ID, and potentially more for international visitors. Booking directly through the official Robben Island Museum website is recommended.
The most reliable place to buy Robben Island tickets is directly from the official Robben Island Museum website. Avoid third-party sellers who may overcharge or offer unofficial tours.
Robben Island tours are very popular and frequently sell out, sometimes weeks in advance. It's crucial to book your tickets as early as possible, especially if you have specific dates in mind.
Your ticket typically includes the return ferry trip from the V&A Waterfront, a guided bus tour of the island, and a guided tour of the prison, including Nelson Mandela's cell. +1
While it's highly unlikely, some visitors suggest showing up very early for the first ferry with cash might offer a slim chance of getting on if there are last-minute cancellations. However, this is not guaranteed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves a ferry ride, a bus tour of the island's exterior, and a guided walk through the prison, often led by former inmates who share their personal experiences.
The entire experience, from arrival at the V&A Waterfront to returning, typically lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours. It's a significant time commitment.
The quality of guides can vary. Many are former prisoners and offer incredibly insightful and moving accounts. However, some visitors have reported less engaging experiences.
You'll see the cells, including Nelson Mandela's, the communal areas, and learn about the daily life and political significance of the prison.
While historically significant, the content can be intense. It's generally recommended for older children and teenagers who can grasp the historical context.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the island, but there might be restrictions inside certain areas of the prison. Be respectful of the historical significance and other visitors.
The views of Table Mountain from the ferry and the island are spectacular. The prison exterior and the cell blocks offer poignant photographic opportunities.
Lighting can vary depending on the time of day and weather. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. Be prepared for potentially overcast conditions.
One location is set up for Instagram tags, offering a specific photo opportunity. The dramatic landscapes and historical buildings also make for compelling shots.
A standard digital camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a zoom lens if you want to capture details from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the historical significance and the stories of resilience. The bus tour provides a good overview, and the guided prison tour, while intense, can be a profound learning opportunity. Ensure your children are prepared for the emotional weight of the visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some Reddit users suggest that the experience might not be everyone's highlight and recommend splurging on other activities like a helicopter ride, many still find it a worthwhile historical visit. If budget is a major concern, weigh the cost against the historical value and consider if other historical sites in Cape Town might offer a similar educational experience at a lower price point.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Beyond the prison, explore the island's broader historical context, including its use as a leper colony and its natural heritage. Consider researching the history beforehand to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Robben Island
Beyond its prison history, Robben Island has a rich and varied past. It was used as a leper colony, a mental hospital, and a military base. The island's unique ecosystem also supports a variety of birdlife, including the endangered African Penguin, which is why much of the island is protected and not accessible to visitors. The presence of the Kramat, a sacred shrine, also highlights the island's spiritual and historical layers beyond its more recent, infamous role.
Understanding the historical context of Robben Island is crucial for a meaningful visit. The tours, often led by former inmates, provide a deeply personal and moving perspective on the harsh realities of apartheid and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a place that educates, commemorates, and inspires reflection on the past and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.
Navigating the Robben Island Tour Experience
The most impactful part of the tour is often the guided walk through the prison, led by former political prisoners. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the daily lives and struggles of the inmates, making the history come alive. You'll have the opportunity to see the cells, including Nelson Mandela's, and understand the conditions under which these individuals endured their sentences.
It's important to manage expectations. While the guides are often excellent, the quality can vary, and some visitors have found certain parts of the tour to be rushed or less engaging. The entire experience can take up to 4-5 hours, so allocate sufficient time and be prepared for a physically and emotionally demanding visit.
Conservation and Wildlife on Robben Island
Due to these conservation efforts, access to many parts of the island is restricted. The official tours are designed to minimize disturbance to the wildlife and their habitats. Visitors are asked to stay on designated paths and follow the instructions of their guides to ensure the protection of the island's natural heritage.
This dual role of Robben Island as a historical monument and a nature reserve underscores its unique importance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of human history and the natural world, and the ongoing need to preserve both.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit