South Africa Western Cape

Robben Island

Historic island prison near Cape Town known for detaining anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tips from the community

Although I am sure he would not have consider this prison island outside of Cape Town home, he spent 18 years here from 1964 to 1982, studying, thinking and forgiving.  During this time of hard labour he was only allowed one 30 minute visit a year, and sending and receiving one letter every 6 months. But he emerged a changed man, ready to lead a nation. Referring to his final release from the Victor Verster Prison where he was kept for a few months after his lengthy stay at Robben Island, Mandela said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” The trip to the island takes between 30 and 6 minutes by boat or ferry and the tour itself around 4 hours.  Tours run from Mondays to Sundays at 09:00, 11:00, and 15:00 and cost R360 for an adult.

BelindaFourie 5 years ago

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a must-add on the itinerary of every Cape Town tourist. The country’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, spent 18 years of his life in the Robben Island prison. However, he was by no means the only political prisoner. To learn more, grab a formal guide, or stop by on your self-led Nelson Mandela South Africa tour.

leyre_paniagua 4 years ago

Robben Island is a World Heritage Site in South Africa and is known for its historical significance. It was a prison for political activists, including Nelson Mandela, during the apartheid era. Visitors can take a ferry from Cape Town to the island and explore the prison and island, learning about the struggles of apartheid and the resilience of those who fought against it. The tour offers a powerful lesson in history and human rights activism.

seeker 1 year ago

Robben Island is deeply rich in political and human history, this world heritage site traces back to some of the oldest civilizations. The Island is most famously known for housing the prison that held Nelson Mandela along with other anti-apartheid captives.

steve 3 years ago

Robben Island Guides

Robben Island Articles

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