Excursion Robben island: a day in the life of nelson mandela tour at Cape Town

Head to the V&A Waterfront by foot and embark on the ferry to the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. This half-day is a tour on the track of history.

Ferry Ride to Robben Island

Check-in for your ferry to Robben Island at Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.

Robben Island is an outcrop of rock formed by geological processes extending millions of years ago.   Except for the administrative buildings and prison infrastructure, the island is primarily sand covered with somewhat limited vegetation. It is home to penguins, seals, chameleons, lizards, snakes, seabirds and a variety of buck. Robben Island hosts about 23 mammals and 132 bird species including the African penguin. Robben Island hosts the third largest colony of African Penguins.

Robben Island: History & World Heritage Site

Upon disembarkation  at Murray’s Bay Harbour situated on the east coast of the Island and after a short walk takes you to your coach. Board your coach and get carried away by history, as you drive past and explore the historical buildings, accompanied by your local Island guide.

For over four centuries, Robben Island has been a place of punishment for exiles and prisoners as well as a place of confinement for lepers, lunatics and the sick. Since 1960, it has become synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Political prisoners of the past have included Nelson Mandela and poet Dennis Brutus. The last political prisoners were released in 1991 and on 01 January 1997, the Robben Island Museum opened its doors to the public, with quite a number of the former political prisoners becoming island guides. In 1999, Robben Island was declared a Word Heritage Site.

Upon return from Robben Island, take a leisurely walk to Nobel Square to view life-sized sculptures of our four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates: Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu and Albert Luthuli.

Return to the pier.

Points of interests

points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Robben Island, Nelson Mandela, Ferry Ride

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking and it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be able to embark/disembark the coach via steps with little to no assistance. We recommend guests wear flat, comfortable shoes and bring a sweater or light jacket if cool. The ferry is subject to weather allowance. Due to strict reservation rules, this tour requires booking three months in advance. Guests names, passport number and DOB are required. This tour is NOT REFUNDABLE.