4 hour(s)
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English
Live tour guide available in the language you select
Included
Save time and enjoy priority access with skip-the-line entry
Visit the District Six Museum and explore its historical collection
Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island and see Nelson Mandela’s cell
Stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and experience Cape Malay culture
Visit the Guga S’thebe Arts & Culture Centre to play the African drum and meet local residents
€ 153.55
€ 141.27
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Begin your journey with a visit to the District Six Museum, a poignant institution preserving the rich and complex history of this once-thriving community. Explore its impressive collection of historical materials that document the lives, struggles, and stories of the residents affected by apartheid. Following this, head to the V&A Waterfront to board a ferry to Robben Island, where you will visit Nelson Mandela’s cell and learn about the harsh realities of prison life from the accounts of former inmates. After returning to the waterfront, enjoy some free time for lunch at your own expense while soaking in the vibrant harbor atmosphere.
The tour continues to the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its brightly painted houses, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage. Here, immerse yourself in Cape Malay traditions and cuisine while exploring the lively area. Next, visit the Guga S’thebe Arts & Culture Centre, where you can learn to play the African drum and meet local residents, gaining insight into the community’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will accompany you, providing context, sharing stories, and ensuring a smooth and enriching experience as you explore Cape Town’s history, culture, and vibrant communities.
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Professional tour guide with Local driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Entry tickets
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Camera
Public transportation nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Minimum age of participants is 1
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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In the 1960's Robben Island was re-established as a maximum security prison. It is famous because Nelson Mandela and other political leaders that resisted apartheids era was held there. It was abandoned in 1996. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly, the island church is today still owned by the Anglican Church. the rest of the island belongs to the nation of South Africa. Apparently, today about a 150 permanent residents stay on the island and they are all employed and working on the island. The Robben Island Museum manage the island. The view from Robben Island to Cape Town is breath-taking and with Table Mountain as the most impressive site.
A very unique experience that everyone should do when they are in Cape Town. Tickets for the boat are reasonable. You get a tour of the island and also a tour from a former prisoner on the island. It is a must visit and be sure to do it soon! The tour guides are getting older these days so there’s only so much time left to get first hand insight into what took place on the island.
Part of Robben island tour. This is the place where you get refreshments and toilet break, depending on your specific tour. Very nice view of table mountain and lots of birds here.
The Robben Island tour, beginning at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, is a deeply reflective journey. Tickets cost around R400 per person and are cashless, with check-in required 30 minutes before departure. The boat, "Great Mother Krotoa," is spacious, accommodating over 100 passengers with clean facilities but no food services, so bringing your own snacks is advised. For the best views of the ocean, Table Mountain, and Cape Town, aim for a window seat. The 45-minute ride culminates in arrival at Robben Island. On the island, guided bus tours provide insights into its history, with stops for sightseeing, snacks, and restroom breaks. A significant highlight is the prison tour led by a former prisoner, who shares personal stories and details about life under apartheid. Visitors see key sites, including Nelson Mandela’s cell, before concluding with a "long walk to freedom" back to the boat. While the stories are emotionally charged, guides balance the experience with light humor. Feel free to tip them in cash as a gesture of appreciation for their service, especially given the challenging weather and the weight of the narratives they share. This tour is a powerful reminder of humanity’s resilience and unity—an experience not to be missed.
You shouldn't miss Robben Island when in Cape Town / South Africa as this 5* review attests. The history and lessons are poignant and necessary. In addition to the must-see historic and important sites on the island, the boat ride to the island and the wildlife are both highly enjoyable. The views back to the mainland from here are jaw dropping
