Robben Island Tour: Historical Exploration

50 Ratings

Cape Town

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Discover Cape Town’s premier attractions on a full-day tour to Robben Island and Table Mountain. Explore the highlights, learn about Africa’s history, and see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell. Book now!

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Waterfront Clock Tower - Experience a guided tour of the prison, delving into South Africa’s history, the fight against oppression, and the stories of the many freedom fighters, including former president Nelson Mandela, who were imprisoned on Robben Island. Return by ferry to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some leisure time to shop or dine at one…

Waterfront Clock Tower - Experience a guided tour of the prison, delving into South Africa’s history, the fight against oppression, and the stories of the many freedom fighters, including former president Nelson Mandela, who were imprisoned on Robben Island. Return by ferry to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some leisure time to shop or dine at one of the numerous restaurants (expenses not included). Discover the ocean’s wonders up close by visiting the penguin exhibit, shark exhibit, ocean exhibit, and more. Learn about South Africa’s history, the struggle against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters—among them former president Nelson Mandela—who were detained on Robben Island by taking a guided tour of the prison. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront and use your free time to shop or eat at one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Robben Island Museum - Travel to and from the island via ferry departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Robben Island Museum - Upon arrival at Robben Island, visitors are greeted by an informed guide who provides an overview of the island’s history. A guided bus tour highlights key landmarks such as the lime quarry and Robert Sobukwe’s house. The prison complex, including the maximum-security section where Nelson Mandela was held, is explored, with visits to Mandela’s former cell and insights into the harsh conditions. A guided walk led by a former political prisoner offers firsthand insights into inmates’ daily lives and resilience. Interactive exhibits within the prison provide additional context and personal accounts of the island’s history. The Lime Quarry where prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, worked. The Leper Cemetery and other historical landmarks. The Maximum Security Prison, including the cell where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years of his 27-year sentence. Prison Tour: a walking tour of the prison led by a former political prisoner. Educational insights.
Murray’s Bay Harbour - Free Time: Enjoy some free time to reflect on your experience, take in the scenic views, and capture photos of the island’s natural beauty. Return Ferry: Board the return ferry to Cape Town, where you can continue to contemplate the profound impact of your visit to Robben Island. Conclusion: As you disembark from the ferry back at the V&A Waterfront, take a moment to reflect on the powerful history and enduring legacy of Robben Island.

What's Included

Round trip ferry transfer
Guided island tour
Guided tour by former political prisoner
Prison tour
All fees and taxes included
Educational insights

What's Not Included

Lunch
Gratuities and services or items of personal nature.
No pickup and drop off from the hotel

Additional Information

Explore one of the most visited sites in Cape Town, Robben Island, a South African symbol of resilience by determined people. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and take advantage of the ease of hotel pickup. Along the way, learn about Africa’s history, the island’s role as a former prison, and hear stories about Nelson Mandela and how he spent 18…

Location

The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island

Guests are required to be at this place 45 minutes before boarding time

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

3.9

(50 Ratings)

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Navigate25788337943

Feb 21, 2025

Best way to book Robben Island - I highly recommend booking your Robben Island ticket through this tour company! Doing so ensures you peace of mind to visit this “must see” historic South African site on the day and time that best fits your schedule. I had a flight delay and called them in a panic because I would miss my tour time. Tafa answered right away and said it was no problem to move me to a later time. Then, when that tour was canceled due to weather, I contacted him again and he easily rescheduled me for another date. The flexibility afforded through this tour company is really valuable and saved me from losing my money when my flight was delayed. Thank you, Tafa! Plus, this is an emotionally moving, insightful, and powerful place to visit. Learning the history straight from a former political prisoner was incredible! I left with an experience that changed me for the better. Book it and see for yourself!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Veronica

Feb 10, 2025

Best way to understand the fight for freedom of these brave and resourceful iconic characters. The helpless frustration they tur - Very moving and illuminating experience hearing firsthand about the struggle for freedom from our excellent guides.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Profcritic1

Jan 28, 2025

Sobering - A sobering and very interesting experience. The description by a former inmate was very interesting, and he was willing to entertain questions. Absolutely worthwhile.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Fifitrix921

Jan 26, 2025

Monde superb guide in Robben island . - The admin for the trip was confusing . Ferry leaves at 0900 but needed to be there 45 minutes before and told if late no refund or reschedule the tickets Which panicked us , We arrrived and still had to join a queue communicated the evening before Why can’t this be sooner so we can plan. We also needed ID which wasn’t clear on instruction The trip was awesome but felt rushed on bus so much to include in such a small time Monde our guide was superb very informative so passionate really made the trip worth Personal touch otherwise it’s just buildings

Review provided by Tripadvisor

N2944zncolind

Jan 12, 2025

Informative and amusing - Great trip well organised, very informative and amusing, the guide made it interactive with all nationalities. All groups were guided round on a bus and walking round the cell blocks.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ann_s

Jan 5, 2025

Excellent tour/truly recommended. Guides should be given rewards and recognition for how they were treated. All should - Unbelievable tour, everyone should visit Robben Island. Guides are former prisoners and were excellent

Review provided by Viator

Daniel

Feb 10, 2025

Worthwhile trip. - All in all a worthwhile experience but a little industrial in delivery with much of the first half spent sitting in a bus being talked to. The prison visit itself was good and I totally like the idea that ex-political prisoners take the tours making the narrative authentic. They could possibly improve the availability and range of food and drink and the amount of time spent off the bus. How about selling food and drink on the boat which is a 40 minute trip?

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rjmartintx

Jan 21, 2025

A worthwhile visit - We very much appreciated the purposes and motivations behind this tour. It is eye opening to international visitors that didn’t live here and experience the traumas of the past. Some tips: the ticket says boat gate opens 45 minutes prior to tour time. What that means is that you start a queue inside the museum beginning at 45 minutes prior and stand there until departure time. Also, if it’s a hot day, grab a seat near one of the open doors if possible. The ferry can get quite warm. Finally, and true with all tours, try to get a seat on the bus up front. The drivers are hard to hear from the back, especially if you sit in front of a two-year old. Once off the bus and inside the prison, the commentary was excellent and moving. It’s well worth doing this trip

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Marcelo

Jan 12, 2025

Guide - Guide exceeds in speeches and explanations, not leaving freedom to see and walk around the environment to take photos. Because we are with children and teenagers we think of a visit with more autonomy and freedom so that they also enjoy

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Kais590

Feb 11, 2025

Goes off on your own!!!! - The place of course thrives on its history and is very interesting. But how it all goes and how the tours are handled is terrible!!! Next time I would try to explore everything by myself!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how far this is allowed but the tours were just annoying!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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up to 15 guests

1 Adult