Visit Robben Island: reservations

Are you going to Cape Town in South Africa? Don't miss visiting Robben Island by boat, for an unforgettable experience!

From the summit Table Mountain , you set the horizon and lay your eyes on a rocky mass that stretches a few kilometers from the coast. On this roughly 5 square kilometres, a part of South Africa’s history has been played. Tower tour prison , leprosy or psychiatric asylum, the island had nothing to attract until the mid-1990s when it was transformed into a museum. Today, millions of tourists visit her every year to pay tribute and understand the history of all those who have been locked in.

You want to visit Robben Island. In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Tips, history and practical information through rates and schedules, we provide you with the essentials to plan your visit and make the most of it! Follow the guide!

History of Robben Island

Robben Island was first recorded in 1498, when Vasco de Gama reached the Cape of Good Hope . We have to wait 1658 to see men build buildings there. The Dutch settlers decided to use the island as a prison for African convicts and exiles from the Dutch colonies of Southeast Asia. Robben Island's prison vocation was born:

• From the 19th century, it served as a prison for the British, who took control of Cape Town.
• It houses a psychiatric centre from 1945 until 1921 and a hospital for lepers until 1931. During the Second World War, the island serves as a military base for the defence of Cape Town. Fortifications are built and weapons are installed.
• She became a training site for the South African Navy after the war, then returned to the prison department in 1959.
• It was in 1961 that a high-security prison was built for long-term prisoners. This prison becomes sadly famous for having detained activists in the fight against apartheid, including the famous Nelson Mandela. He'll spend 17 of his 27 years of captivity there.

After the end of apartheid, the prison was finally closed in 1996. She then becomes a museum and it is now possible to visit Robben Island. Subsequently, the island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The buildings bear witness to the dark hours of its history, and the island symbolizes the victory of freedom over oppression.

Our tips to visit Robben Island

Before visiting Robben Island, here is some information:

• The site is accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
• The weather is changing, so we advise you to take a warm garment as well as sun cream, glasses and a hat.
• Provide your passport for the day of the visit, you will be asked.
• We recommend that you schedule the visit early stay because if it is cancelled because of the weather, you have the opportunity to reprogram it.

Forecast: If you are suffering from sea damage, we recommend taking the right medications before boarding. The Cape region is exposed to sea winds and the sea can be agitated.

What to see and do at Robben Island?

• Your adventure begins at the time of boarding in the ferry who takes you to Robben Island. A documentary allows you to discover or rediscover the history of apartheid.
• Once disembarked, you head to a bus that will take you around the island. This is when you meet your guide. This one abrates you with anecdotes, and makes the connection between the stories of the past and South Africa today. We feel that inequalities are always present. The rhythm of the visit is pleasant and you will not feel pressed by time.
• The limestone quarry is a strong moment in the tower, one imagines the prisoners falling under the sun during forced labour. You will then pass in front of the bunkers dating from the Second World War, then the lighthouse and the cemetery. Every building in its history that the guide will be a duty to tell you.
• At the end of the bus tour, you will head to theformer prison. Another guide will take over to make you discover the interior of the huts. Most of the guides who visit the prison are former prisoners. The experience of meeting with someone who lived in this hell is emotionally strong. He will detail the living conditions of confinement and answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask him, the visit will only be more rewarding. The highlight of the show is Nelson Mandela’s tiny cell, but don’t forget that he is not the only one who was locked up and that the conditions were as harsh for all prisoners.
• Once the visit is over, you will resume ferry for the farmland, with enough information and emotions to tune on the return journey.

How much does a ticket cost to Robben Island?

Here are the rates:

• South Africans: 380 Rands (about 24€)
• Foreign tourists: 550 Rands (about 35€)
• South African children: 200 Rands (12€)
• Foreign children: 300 Rands (19€)

The tour includes ferry rides, tour of the island and its main bus points with an English-speaking guide, and tour of the prison with a guide.

How do I book a ticket for Robben Island online?

To book, several options are available to you:

• On the Robben Island official website, a tab Book a tour allows you to book a ticket easily to visit Robben Island on the date and schedule of your choice.
• It is also possible to book viatravel agencies or tour operators. Often you’re in charge at your hotel, enjoy a pleasant and quick ride and a guided tour for the day!

Are there visits combined with other locations?

When you go to Robben Island, you'll leave V ' A Waterfront. The Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the port of Cape Town and one of the most visited places in South Africa. There are no combined tickets for Robben Island and other activities, but you can enjoy the many animations offered by the port.

• Don't miss a tour at Victoria Wharf Shopping Center.
• The great wheel will make you take the height for a beautiful view of the city with the mountain of the table on one side and Robben Island on the other.
• The Nobel Square presents the statues of the 4 Nobel Peace Prizes in South Africa: F.W. De Klerk, Desmond Tutu, Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela.
• The Two Ocean Aquarium is also a must-see in Waterfront, with more than 3000 fish species.

However, several tourist organizations offer good plans for the different activities of the city. The Cape Town City Pass For example, you can visit Robben Island, access the Cape Town tourist bus and the Table Mountain cable car. In addition, you have a taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel and discounts for other activities.

Tours for Robben Island

To visit Robben Island, departures take place every two hours so to 9am, 11am and 1pm. In high season, a ride is added to 3 p.m. . In addition, we advise you to go to the dock at a minimum 30 minutes in advance . Affluence is such that it is better to provide a margin of security.

In short, the full visit takes about 4 hours including boat trips. Indeed, the crossings last between 30 minutes and 1 hour According to the ferry. Then, on site, the tour to visit Robben Island will take about 2 - 3 hours , depending on the questions you will ask the guide.

How do I access Robben Island?

To access Robben Island, you have to go to Nelson Mandela gateway , located on the V ' A Waterfront in Cape Town. However, if you come from the airport, you must follow the N2 road to Cape Town. You'll see the waterfront signs.

Where to stay near Robben Island?

With one High budget , you will find easily hotel Cape Town. Indeed, you can stay close to Nelson Mandela Gateway, starting point to visit Robben Island. Many 4 and 5-star hotels are located in the port district. You will be in the heart of animation, in the middle of restaurants, bars and other shops. For an original experience, a moored yacht at the dock was converted to a hotel by its owner.

Just outside the Waterfront, beyond the main road, you will have the choice between luxury and Airbnb for reduced budgets . Many guesthouses are located in the neighborhood. At the foot of the Lion’s Head hill, you will find a multitude of small charming hotels and hotels for backpackers.

To enjoy the beach, go to the side Sunset Beach and Queen’s Beach . You will find 4-star hotels with an interesting value for money.