7 hour(s)
English
Included
Nelson Mandela Gateway & Robben Island history
Insight into apartheid and Mandela’s incarceration
Scenic visit to Table Mountain
Free time in Bo-Kaap with its colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage
€ 377.9
€ 347.67
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
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.
Return tickets for Robben Island and Table Mountain
Bottled Water
Small Group Tour With A Personal Top Notch Guide
Group guided tour
Hotel pick up and drop off
Includes entry to Robben Island Museum and Table Mountain
Meal and beverage
Gratuities are Optional
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothes
Public transportation nearby
Passport required
Not wheelchair accessible
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
