Robben Island Tour: Historical Exploration

34 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

4.1

(34 Ratings)

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Dorianec2013

Nov 1, 2024

Eye Opener - The tour was an eye opener on the cruelty the men endured because of the color of their skin. It was upsetting for me as an African American woman. This behavior should never happen again.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jenniferwo563ji

Oct 5, 2024

Thanks for being my tour guide! - Awesome tour guide! Super patient and friendly. He made sure that I got to see sooo much of his beautiful country. Always on time!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Pavelin2015

Sep 25, 2024

Amazing - This was really a great moment, it worth the price and time. In the coming sommer season I will definitely go again…………..

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Dan_m

Sep 24, 2024

Very impactful experience - Excellent service right up to boarding the ferry. Helpful precheck lists and suggestions. Convenient and clear website.

Review provided by Viator

K1564gfmaureeno

Sep 23, 2024

No regrets :) - Tafa is great to work with and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend him to my clients after taking this trip.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rajesh_g

Sep 22, 2024

A great experience with a great travel-guide - The tour-guife and driver, Mr. Kelvin was a great company and tour guide. He has excellent knowledge, great narrative skills, polite and caring. It was a great pleasure spending the day with him. Capetown ofcourse is beautiful

Review provided by Viator

Lyn

Nov 12, 2024

Good for history but too rushed - Booked tickets in the UK. Very easy via Trip Advisor. Boarding the ferry was also easy. Once we reached the island, we entered a bus that took us on a tour of the island. The bus was full and quite cramped. There were both English and French speaking on the same bus, so 2 guides were commentating. Not an issue, but had it been just one language, we may have got round a bit quicker as we had to wait at the various stops for both to finish. There was a 10 minute break at a very limited cafe but it did sell drinks and a cake. Depending on what side the bus you were on, depended which landmark you were able to see. Once the bus tour finished, we were met by an ex political inmate who gave us a tour of the prison itself and a little speech at the end about his experience. This also felt rushed as we didn't have time to look at the exhibition. We then quickly had to leave for the ferry back. Good tour, the guides were very knowledgeable and would recommend just because of the history. However, it was rushed, crowded, saw only half the landmarks and no time to browse the gift shop.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Travelchica14

Oct 3, 2024

Ticket procurement only, not a special tour - The tickets were procured in a timely manner and sent via Whatsapp but there isn't any other special service offered other than the standard Robben Island visit which can be booked directly at the museum/ferry terminal at a much lower cost. This tour option is very convenient if the museum tickets are sold out online though, as they were for the day we took the trip. Robben Island is well worth the visit, glad we used their service.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Josephedwardwilson

Dec 7, 2024

Tour Operator cannot perform the only role they are required to perform- communication. - The actual tour and visit was very moving and worthwhile. 150% recommend going. The tour guides were great, but that is run by the island - NOT the specific Operator. Do not choose this Company as the directions are not clear and the person I spoke with very imprecise on what to do. And given that their ONLY role in this process is to buy your tickets, that’s really embarrassing. We literally only got our tickets after multiple calls and incorrect info just 2 min before the boat was to take took off.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Sarinas707

Dec 4, 2024

Eye-Opening Visit to Robben Island, but Disappointing Tour Operator Experience - I had an enriching and thought-provoking visit to Robben Island yesterday. The island's history and significance were deeply moving, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone looking to connect with this important chapter of humanity's story. However, my interactions with the tour operator, Giraffe Horizons, were far from pleasant. When I called to clarify details about the tour, I was met with rudeness and hostility, culminating in being called “a little bitch” by the operator. He dismissively remarked that “for one bad review, there would be another 100 good reviews,” which was profoundly unprofessional and left a sour note on what should have been a memorable day. Additionally, the tour description mentioned entry to the Waterfront Clock Tower, but this was not included. I raised this concern with Aviator, but their response felt generic and dismissive. While I sought further clarification, Aviator’s follow-up did not fully address the discrepancies or the operator’s unacceptable behaviour. This experience has been disappointing, but it has taught me to be more vigilant when booking tours in the future. Robben Island is incredible, but I caution others about booking through this operator to avoid similar frustrations.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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up to 15 guests

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