Robben Island

Famous for its impressive history and the role it played in the fight against apartheid, Robben Island is a special place to visit. The island, located about 7 kilometers from the coast, has both an impressive and emotional story to tell. Besides the rich history, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain.

Tip: The tours last approximately 3.5 hours, so make sure you have enough time for this trip. It can be quite windy and cold on the boat and on the island, so bring a jacket, even if it seems sunny in Cape Town.

Brief history

Robben Island has been used for many different purposes for centuries, but it is best known as the prison where political opponents of the apartheid regime were held. Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress (ANC), including Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, were imprisoned there. The island was a prison from 1961 to 1991, after which it was converted into a museum and cultural monument in 1997.

What to see?

During the tour you will have the chance to see:

Nelson Mandela Prison – This is where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. You can see his cell and hear stories from former political prisoners who were also there.
The former military forts – The island has a rich military history and contains several forts that were once used to defend the city.
The seal colony area – The island gets its name from the seals that were once abundant there. You can still see a number of them today.
The museum and former prison complex – You can explore the island with a guide who will tell you the story of the prison, the prisoners and the conditions there.

How to get there

The only way to get to Robben Island is by boat. Boats depart from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and the crossing takes approximately 30 minutes. There are several departure times throughout the day, but it is important to book in advance as the tours tend to fill up quickly.

You can book your Robben Island tickets via Get Your Guide, the official website of Robben Island, or buy a ticket directly at the ticket office at the V&A Waterfront.