Robben Island, South Africa
Robben Island
Robben Island Tours & Tickets
Experience the profound history and enduring legacy of Robben Island with our guided tours—your direct line to guaranteed ferry access, peace of mind, and a seamless journey.
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Welcome to Robben Island
Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pivotal role in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Our tours give you insider access to this historic island, the stories of resilience it safeguards, and the certainty that your seats are confirmed.
Robben Island—a Dutch name translating to “seal”—rests north of Cape Town on the west coast of Bloubergstrand. The island’s flat, low-lying landscape only meters above sea level once held a leper colony and served as an animal quarantine site. Most notably, from 1966 to 1996, it stood as the prison that detained political activists during the apartheid era. Few places in South Africa carry such tangible testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the country’s triumph over oppression.
Experience the island with expert guides who bring its layered history to life, from the ferry crossing to the prison yard where hope endured.
Ticket Pricing (2020/2021)
- Non-South African Adults: R600.00
- Non-South African Kids: R400.00
- South African Adults: R400.00
- South African Kids: R200.00
Tailor-Made Robben Island Tour Packages
- Robben Island and Table Mountain Cable Way Experience
- Robben Island and V&A Waterfront Experience
- Robben Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
- Robben Island and Wine Tasting in the Constantia Region
- Robben Island and Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Why It Captivates
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a shimmering wilderness of more than 15,000 sq km where life gathers in the dry season. Expect prism-clear lagoons, palm islands, and wildlife encounters that feel dreamlike.
When to Visit
The flood arrives as Southern Africa dries out, creating the paradox that defines the delta. We time your safari to coincide with peak wildlife movement—mokoro excursions in high water, walking safaris as floodplains recede.
How We Guide You
From private concessions in the Delta to seamlessly linking Chobe, Savute, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, we design tailor-made safaris that follow the water and the wildlife it summons.
Why Go Or Visit Robben Island?
Visiting Robben Island is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past, the global fight for human rights, and the triumph of resilience over oppression.
Walk Through Living History
Robben Island served as a political prison during apartheid, holding leaders like Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Standing inside these cells offers an unfiltered view into the sacrifices that shaped South Africa’s democracy.
Hear Voices of Resilience
Tours often feature personal accounts from former inmates and guides who lived through apartheid, giving you firsthand insight into the island’s stories of endurance, solidarity, and hope.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognized globally for its cultural importance, Robben Island encapsulates the struggle for human rights and the triumph of reconciliation. The experience is both educational and profoundly moving.
Easily Accessible, Truly Immersive
A short ferry from Cape Town transports you to panoramic coastal views, preserved heritage sites, and curated tours that reveal every layer of the island’s legacy. Your booking with us ensures guaranteed access and a seamless journey.
Where to Go on Robben Island
Even on a short tour, these core sites immerse you in the island’s layered history and the stories that shaped South Africa.
The Prison Complex
Walk the corridors that held Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, step inside Mandela’s cell, and hear accounts of daily life under apartheid rule.
Must Experience
Nelson Mandela’s cell, group cells, the exercise yard, and stories of resilience shared by former inmates.
Keep in Mind
Photography is permitted but be respectful—this is a sacred space that holds deep emotional significance.
Robben Island Museum
Dive into detailed exhibitions covering the island’s use as a prison, military base, and leper colony, with archival footage, photographs, and personal testimonies.
Must Experience
Interactive displays, recorded interviews, and artifacts that bring the island’s evolving role to life.
Expert Tip
Set aside time after the guided portion to explore the museum exhibits at your own pace before the return ferry.
Former Leper Cemetery
A quiet, reflective site honoring those once isolated on the island when it served as a leper colony in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Must Experience
Pause to acknowledge the memorial stones and interpretive signage that recount this lesser-known chapter.
Keep in Mind
Guides allow time for reflection; maintain a respectful silence in this solemn area.
Panoramic Island Views
From various vantage points, take in sweeping views of Cape Town’s skyline and Table Mountain rising above the Atlantic.
Must Experience
Sunlit views back toward the city, the 1960s lighthouse, and the wildlife that now roams the island.
Keep in Mind
Cape Town’s weather shifts quickly—pack a light layer and have your camera ready for clear-sky moments.
When to Go: Best Time for a Robben Island Tour
Choose your travel window based on weather, crowd levels, and special seasonal moments—Cape Town’s climate shapes the ferry ride and your experience on the island.
Spring
September – November
Mild temperatures, blooming flora, and calmer seas make spring one of the most comfortable times to tour the island.
Pros
- Ideal weather for walking tours
- Balanced crowd levels
- Great light for Cape Town skyline photos
Cons
- Tickets still sell out—reserve ahead
Summer
December – February
Warm, sunny days match holiday energy, but ferries and tour slots fill quickly during peak season.
Pros
- Long daylight hours
- Vibrant waterfront atmosphere
- Perfect for pairing with beach and city experiences
Cons
- Highest demand—book far in advance
- Heat can be intense on mid-day tours
Autumn
March – May
Cooler, settled weather equals smooth sailings and relaxed touring—ideal for travelers who want space to reflect.
Pros
- Consistently calm seas
- Comfortable walking temperatures
- Shoulder-season pricing in Cape Town
Cons
- Evenings can be cool—pack a layer
Winter
June – August
Crisp mornings, whale migrations, and fewer crowds—but winter fronts can trigger ferry delays, so flexibility is key.
Pros
- Quiet tours with more space
- Chance to spot migrating whales
- Off-peak rates across Cape Town
Cons
- Cape weather can be wet and windy
- Ferry cancellations more likely—have backup dates
Peace-of-Mind Planning Tip
Check sea conditions before departure, plan weekday tours to skip crowds, and book early—our team secures your seats and monitors weather so you don’t have to.
Best Time to Go: Best: Good:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights of a Robben Island Tour
Signature stops and stories that make Robben Island one of the world’s most powerful journeys through resilience, remembrance, and reconciliation.
Nelson Mandela’s Cell
Step into the 2x2 meter cell where Mandela spent 18 years—an intimate space that embodies his courage and perseverance.
Exercise Yard & Library
Discover how political prisoners transformed recreation spaces into hubs for debate, learning, and the exchange of ideas.
Leprosy Museum
Explore exhibits recounting the island’s period as a leper colony, honoring the lives of those isolated here long before apartheid.
Governor’s House & Lighthouse
Contrast prisoner life with colonial comfort, and capture sweeping views from the lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic.
The Old Quarry
Witness the harsh labor conditions where inmates crushed limestone, damaging their eyesight yet cementing solidarity.
Island Bus Tour
Glide around the island with expert guides, stopping at historic points and soaking in unforgettable views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Firsthand Narratives
Many tours feature former political prisoners or seasoned historians who share personal narratives that deepen every stop.
Top 10 Travel Tips For Destination: Robben Island, South Africa
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