Robben Island

Overview

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Table Bay, 6.9 km from Cape Town's coast. Best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in captivity, it serves as a powerful symbol of the triumph of the human spirit.

Highlights

• Mandela's Cell: See the small cell where Mandela was held, guided by a former political prisoner.
• Limestone Quarry: Visit the quarry where prisoners performed hard labour and where Mandela's eyesight was damaged by glare.
• Island Heritage: The island also served as a leper colony, a World War II defence post, and a whaling station.

History

Used as a political prison from the mid-17th century through 1996, Robben Island held thousands of anti-apartheid activists. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and converted into a living museum guided by former inmates.

Visitor Tips

• Booking: Book tickets well in advance — tours sell out weeks ahead, especially in summer.
• Ferry: The 30-minute ferry departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
• Duration: The full tour takes approximately 3.5–4 hours including ferry crossings.