Cape Town Central Trip Overview
Robben Island Tours
In 1964, an anti-apartheid revolutionary named Nelson Mandela was arrested and brought to South Africa’s Robben Island, just west of Cape Town. He would spend the next 18 years imprisoned in an 8×7-foot cell, forced to do hard labor, and permitted only one visitor a year. Even so, Mandela went on to become his country’s first black president, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and known globally for his significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
Robben Island—where most of Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence was served—was a place of isolation for nearly 300 years, housing many political prisoners and serving as both a lunatic asylum and leper colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy. Read on to learn more about how to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 hours 10 minutes
Starts: Cape Town Central, South Africa
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Cape Town Central Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Cape Town Central, Western Cape, South Africa
Robben Island Tours
In 1964, an anti-apartheid revolutionary named Nelson Mandela was arrested and brought to South Africa’s Robben Island, just west of Cape Town. He would spend the next 18 years imprisoned in an 8×7-foot cell, forced to do hard labor, and permitted only one visitor a year. Even so, Mandela went on to become his country’s first black president, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and known globally for his significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
Robben Island—where most of Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence was served—was a place of isolation for nearly 300 years, housing many political prisoners and serving as both a lunatic asylum and leper colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy. Read on to learn more about how to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics.
Pass By: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town Central South Africa
Peninsula Tour Full Day Itinerary:
Clifton & Camps Bay
Twelve Apostles mountains
Hout Bay
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Noordhoek
Ostrich-viewing drive by
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Cape Point
False Bay
Penguin Colony (optional)
Simon’s Town
Muizenberg
Constantia
Cape Peninsula Full Day
Daily Tours –
HIGHLIGHTS
See the spectacular sight of Cape Point’s towering rock cliffs, the lighthouse which is situated 238m above sea level, unique fauna and flora, over 250 species of birdlife, baboons, bucks and the Cape Mountain Zebra. Explore the Cape of Good Hope, a world-renowned landmark, and monuments in honour of two of the world’s most famous explorers – Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias
Visit the Jackass penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, which has grown rapidly since only two Jackass penguins settled in Boulders Beach that arrived from Dyer Island, near Gansbaai. Observe their fascinating behaviours up close and dare to have a swim alongside them!
Visit the seventh most beautiful garden in the world – from just a neglected farm occupied by pigs to the fascinating Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Fully immerse yourself in all that the garden has to offer – over 7000 species of plants, shady trails, panoramic views, picnic spots, sculptures and many more
Experience the 114 curves and 9km drive of one of the world’s most scenic and majestic drives – Chapman’s Peak. Hop off at one of the many picnic spots where you can enjoy and take photographs of the breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, the beaches, the ocean, whales and
Pass By: Robben Island Museum, Cape Town Central 7400 South Africa
MANDELA GATE AWAY ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
In 1964, an anti-apartheid revolutionary named Nelson Mandela was arrested and brought to South Africa’s Robben Island, just west of Cape Town. He would spend the next 18 years imprisoned in an 8×7-foot cell, forced to do hard labor, and permitted only one visitor a year. Even so, Mandela went on to become his country’s first black president, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and known globally for his significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
Robben Island—where most of Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence was served—was a place of isolation for nearly 300 years, housing many political prisoners and serving as both a lunatic asylum and leper colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy. Read on to learn more about how to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
Most tours depart from Cape Town and include transport from city hotels, the boat trip to the island, and time at the former maximum security prison. Upon arrival on Robben Island, general tours start aboard a bus. Oftentimes, island tour guides are former political prisoners who can share information about South Africa’s history, as well as their own firsthand experiences. Custom and private tours are also available, while others combine a trip to the island with a Cape Town city tour or Table Mountain visit.
Best Things to Do When Visiting Robben Island
Once on the island, you’ll be able to see human rights activist and former prisoner Robert Sobukwe’s house; a 17th-century limestone quarry where Mandela and others were put to work; a leper colony cemetery; and the Robben Island Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters once held within its walls. Some tours also include access to Mandela’s cell.
