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South Africa's 'Statue of Liberty' impresses all
Robben Island, Western Cape
Table Mountain from the Robben Island lighthouse
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Robben Island was once connected to the mainland by a strip of land.
Perhaps the most impressionable aspect of a visit to Cape Town is a boat trip out to the former prison at Robben Island, a South African World Heritage Site that represents a critical chapter in the country's path towards democracy.
Here the leaders of the struggle against racial oppression, imprisoned for many long years, developed their concepts for a post-apartheid South Africa. Isolated from family and friends, the Mandelas, Sisulus, Mbekis, Kathradas and Sobukwes of the time proved heroic men of steel, never wavering in their hope of a new day. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has chosen to mark this location for its 'triumph of the human spirit'.
The sombre Robben Island prison buildings are now the home of the Robben Island Museum. A standard tour of the site commences at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. The ferry ride takes a half hour each way, leaving the tourist 2.5 hours to absorb the emotive atmosphere of the island. Tours of the former maximum-security jail are generally led by former political prisoners, who draw a vivid picture of life in incarceration. The history of Robben Island is also sketched in a 45-minute bus tour. The island also has interesting bird and marine life.
As one of the world's great cultural world heritage destinations, Robben Island is memorable for both its tragedy and exultation, and its testimony to faith and spirit in the most humiliating of conditions. It is an excursion that stirs the soul.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Robben Island Museum
Telephone: +27 (0)21 409 5169
Fax: +27 (0)21 4111 059
Postal address:
Robben Island Museum
Private Bag
Robben Island
Cape Town 7400
Nelson Mandela Gateway
Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 413 4219
Fax: +27 (0)21 419 1057
Postal address:
Nelson Mandela Gateway
PO Box 51806
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town 8002
How to get here
By ferry, from the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Boarding gates close 10 minutes ahead.
Around the area
Take a day trip around the Cape Peninsula - see the listed Cape Point Route website for details.
Tours to do
The Robben Island tour includes a return boat trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison led by an ex-political prisoner, a 45-minute bus ride with commentary, and the opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour attractions, such as the Muslim shrine and Museum Shop.
Get around
On the conducted tour you will be moved around the island by coach.
What will it cost
A tour to the Robben Island Museum costs R230 per adult and R120 per child under the age of 18.
Length of stay
The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the 2 half-hour ferry rides.
What to pack
Take walking shoes, a camera, a hat and don't forget that sunblock.
Where to stay
The V&A Waterfront has lots of great accommodation - check the listed Cape Town Travel website for options.
What to eat
Seafood delights at the various V&A Waterfront restuarants.