Robben Island

Nature, Parks, & Gardens • Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Robben Island, situated off the coast of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa, draws visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. Once a place of banishment and isolation for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, the island is now a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to explore the harsh realities of South Africa's past while also marveling at its stunning landscapes.

The island's rugged terrain, featuring rocky coastlines and diverse flora, provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including seabird colonies and marine life. Guided tours of the island offer insights into its natural features and the struggles of its former inhabitants. Visitors can explore the historical buildings, including the prison where Mandela spent 18 years of his incarceration, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's journey to democracy.

Robben Island serves as a poignant reminder of both the injustices of the past and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with history and nature in one place.


Tours for Robben Island

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Robben Island has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Robben Island Tickets, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Private Tour in Cape Town, Western Cape $168 Tour Provided by Viator

Robben Island Tickets, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Private Tour

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Join us on one of the most popular heritage tours in South Africa and experience more about South African history by taking a boat trip to Robben Island museum and see the prison cell where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated as a political prisoner. Then, take a tour to the Penguins main colony at Boulder's beach, finish the day with full exploration of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point nature reserve. Peace of mind as your Robben Island Tickets are pre booked in advance  soon after we have received your booking. This is truly one of the most amazing tours you will ever embark on. You will have a private vehicle at your disposal just for you and your party for the entire day. You will share the boat to Robben Island with other guests. A tour at the island will be conducted by an ex prisoner. 

Half-Day Rock-Climbing on Table Mountain in Cape Town, Western Cape $155 Tour Provided by Viator

Half-Day Rock-Climbing on Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Even on the busiest of days, we will have our route to ourselves! The thrilling exposure, the setting, and the exhilaration of climbing above Cape Town's oceans, beaches, and lively streets will have you beaming with joy.

Your own professional guide for the climb will also give you peace of mind knowing that you'll be safe and sound as you scale this iconic mountain.

Robben Island return trfs No extras. Tickets conf 9am next day in Cape Town, Western Cape $133 Tour Provided by Viator

Robben Island return trfs No extras. Tickets conf 9am next day

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Return Transfer included from Cape Town City Centre hotels or Sea Point & Camps Bay hotels

1 Robben Island Ticket included per person
* Transfer to the Nelson Mandela Gateway by driver.
* Reminder there is a long queue whilst waiting to board the boat)
* Boat docks at Robben Island then Island guide escort guests to the bus for a tour around the Island
* Visit some famous prisoner cells including Nelson Mandela's cell
* Time to listen to ex prisoner sharing stories of time in prison during apartheid era
* Boat trip back to Mainland
* Stay at waterfront for a meal *own account* or explore waterfront area
* If guest want to return to hotel, driver will do a return transfer back

Please Note: Sometimes there are operational issues and boats may be delayed this is beyond our control as a Tour Operator.

Robben Island Half-Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town in Cape Town, Western Cape $61 Tour Provided by Viator

Robben Island Half-Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Embark on a meaningful journey from your accommodation in Cape Town to the vibrant Silo District, where you’ll meet a former political prisoner who will guide you to the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Once you arrive at the Robben Island Museum, your experience continues with an insightful tour led by another former political prisoner, allowing you to hear firsthand accounts of resilience and hope.

The excursion lasts approximately four hours, including convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. While our driver will not accompany you during the Robben Island tour, you'll enjoy a bus ride around the island, followed by a poignant visit to Nelson Mandela's jail cell, where you’ll learn about his 18 years of imprisonment and the long struggle for freedom. This tour is an essential opportunity to delve into South Africa's rich history, making it a powerful and impactful experience you won't want to miss!

Robben Island and Table Mountain Pre Booked Tickets in Cape Town, Western Cape $210 Tour Provided by Viator

Robben Island and Table Mountain Pre Booked Tickets

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Visit the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island to learn about apartheid and see where Mandela and other activists and politicians were incarcerated during the regime. After lunch (own expense), visit Table Mountain and enjoy free time at Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood known for its colorful houses and Cape Malay culture.

3-Day Private Guided Tour to Cape Town Top Attractions in Cape Town, Western Cape $412 Tour Provided by Viator

3-Day Private Guided Tour to Cape Town Top Attractions

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

Explore Cape Town's most popular sites in this 3-day combo tour and Discover the Cape of Good Hope at the most South Western corner of Africa and the pristine rugged coastline of Cape Town. Venture into the scenic Cape town Winelands on the 2nd day and taste some of the best wines in South Africa at various wine estates. You will also be able to visit Cape town's most iconic landmarks such as the majestic Table Mountain, the grand parade, the Castle of Good Hope, Afrogem diamonds as well as the historic Robben Island.

Robben Island, Kirstenbosch wine tasting Tour in Cape Town, Western Cape $138 Tour Provided by Viator

Robben Island, Kirstenbosch wine tasting Tour

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

There is no doubt that Robben Island is one of South Africa's most popular tourist attractions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years there while imprisoned. The island offers guided tours through the prison, black township, and colonial buildings. By booking this tour, you will receive return transfers from your hotel to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island and you will skip the ticketing lines. Discover the Long March to Freedom in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, who fought for the freedom of modern South Africa throughout his life.

Private Tour Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and wine tasting in Cape Town, Western Cape $109 Tour Provided by Viator

Private Tour Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and wine tasting

Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

As one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations, Robben Island offers visitors the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. A guided tour of Mandela's former prison, the township, and colonial buildings is available on the island where he was imprisoned for 18 years. Ticket reservations for a boat trip, museum tour, and return transfers from your hotel can be made ahead of time and you can skip the lines. During this unique experience, you will retrace the steps of Mandela and other political prisoners who fought for South Africa today.