Robben Island is a small island located off the coast of Cape Town in the country of South Africa. It has a long history, but it’s most famous for its political prison during apartheid where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were held captive for many years.
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Robben Island Tours
To get to the island you need to take a ferry from Cape Town. Boats depart at various times from the Nelson Mandela Gateway terminal at the V&A Waterfront. Entrance fees apply.
The cruise can take up to 1 hour and has fantastic views back to the mountains surrounding the city. The ride is on rough seas sometimes, so take care if you are prone to seasickness!
Prison
On a typical tour, your ticket includes a guided walk around the jail and other historical sites on the island. You’ll see inside the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, as well as the limestone quarry where he and other prisoners were forced to do hard labour.
The tour guides are former political prisoners who provide firsthand accounts of what life was like on the island during apartheid. They offer a unique perspective on the history of South Africa and the struggle for freedom and equality.
Tour options
Several tours go to the island and last at least a half day. Some trips are combined with activities around Cape Town. Here are a couple of popular and well-rated tours at different price points from GetYourGuide. Learn more about them or make a booking by clicking the links:
Most popular – Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup
Combination tour – Township and Robben Island Tour
Or see the island from a different perspective on a Robben Island by Air Scenic Helicopter Flight!
There is limited food available to buy on the island. You may find it best to pack your own lunch. Don’t forget your water bottle!
Robben Island Attractions
In addition to the prison tour, there are other attractions on the island, such as a museum, a 19th century lighthouse and walking paths.
The Kramat
The Kramat is a 1960’s Muslim shrine built to honour the Prince of Madura who died on the island 1754. The prince was imprisoned for leading military resistance against the Dutch in the East Indies.
Wildlife
The island has over 20 species of mammals and more than 100 bird species. On the ferry crossing, you may even see southern right whales, dolphins, African penguins or Cape fur seals. In fact, the origin of Robben Island’s name is from Dutch and means seal island!
History
Although the island is most famous for imprisoning Nelson Mandela, its recorded history dates back over 500 years.
The first documented visitors were Portuguese sailors who sheltered in a cave in the late 1400s. The island has since been used for many activities, such as a leper colony, a convict station and military defence.
Accommodation
There are no guest houses on Robben Island, but many hotel options in and around the V&A Waterfront where the island ferries depart from. Browse the nearby hotels from Booking.com:
If you have an elevated room looking out to sea, you may be able to see the island on a clear day.
Interesting Facts
Here are a few fun or interesting notes about Robben Island:
Robben Island Swim
The island is the subject of a long distance ocean swim from the mainland shore. Popular starting points are Bloubergstrand beach, 7.4km away to the east, or 11km away in a southerly direction at Green Point.
Even swimmers used to such lengths find the swim challenging, due to the cold water temperature.
Airport
Robben Island has its very own airstrip. It was used to transport prisoners to the island. Nelson Mandela was brought to the island by plane.
The airfield is now only used for special occasions, such as visiting dignitaries.
Robben Island Bible
Reading material in the jail was extremely limited. The “bible” is a copy of Shakespeare’s complete works, smuggled in by a prisoner. Inmates signed their names next to their favourite passages, including Nelson Mandela.
Weather
Robben Island has a temperate climate with cooler wet winters and dry hot summers. Conditions are similar to Cape Town, but being an island, it can be even windier than the city.
Robben Island in the Movies
Robben Island is a feature in several movies and documentaries, notably Goodbye Bafana, which tells the story of the relationship between a prison guard and Nelson Mandela.
Size
The island is 3.3km long by 1.9km wide, making it about 5 square km in size.
Vegetation
The native vegetation is salt tolerant bushes. The trees are all exotic, introduced as the island was settled.
Visiting Robben Island
It’s worth noting that Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as such, the island is carefully preserved and maintained.
Robben Island is a powerful and educational experience that gives a glimpse into South Africa’s history and the resilience of the human spirit.
It’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Cape Town. Be prepared for an emotional excursion and don’t forget to take a packet of tissues.