This is an outstanding tour, from pick up to drop off. We were picked up by our local transportation coordinator Caesar and driver Prince at our hotel as scheduled and dropped off at the ferry terminal. They were both friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the area as well as what to expect on the tour. The ferry ride offered nice views of Cape Town/Table Mountain and Robben Island, coming and going. Once we arrived, we boarded a bus which drove around the perimeter of the island while receiving a description of the buildings we were seeing and stories of the history of the island. This part of the tour also afforded views back to Table Mountain as well as penguins along the rugged coast line. Following the bus ride we were taken on a walking tour of the prison itself by a former political prisoner, who shared detailed descriptions of life in the prison from his personal experiences. It was very informative as well as moving. Now in his early 70’s he is still traumatized by the horrific treatment he received but he said that leading to tours was part of his healing process. What was perhaps most shocking of all was that none of the sadistic guards were ever heals accountable for the crimes that they committed on the prisoners there and he still sees them in public in Cape Town from time to time.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Access to key historical sites
- Guided maximum security prison tour led by a former political prisoner
- Official Robben Island Museum ferry ticket
- Guided bus tour for the perimeter of the island
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and Drinks
Itinerary
Begin your journey with boarding on a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. Arrival on Robben Island Meet your expert guide, who will introduce you to the island’s history and its important role in South Africa’s past. Travel by guided bus to key landmarks such as the lime quarry and the former home of Robert Sobukwe. Explore the maximum-security prison, visit Nelson Mandela’s former cell, and learn about the harsh conditions endured by political prisoners. Join a guided walk led by a former political prisoner or trained guide, offering powerful firsthand insights into life on the island. Explore exhibitions and displays that provide deeper historical context and personal accounts. Take time to reflect, enjoy scenic views, and capture photos of the island’s natural beauty. Board the ferry back to Cape Town, reflecting on the experience and its lasting impact. Conclude your visit at the V&A Waterfront with a deeper appreciation of Robben Island’s history and legacy.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Yho it was awful, I was very sad
it was really good I enjoyed my experience and would recommend to a near by friend
Easy and reliable ticket booking process. Everything was arranged smoothly, and we had no issues accessing the ferry. Robben Island was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!
This ticket is more than twice the cost you would pay if you bought directly from the museum website and you get NOTHING EXTRA from this ticket. Save your money and buy directly from the Robben Island Museum, the visit is absolutely worth it, but dont use this vendor.
Everything was well arranged, making the day easy and stress-free. Clear instructions helped us move smoothly through each step without confusion. The visit to Robben Island is something you truly feel, not just see. It’s powerful, reflective, and an important part of understanding South Africa’s history. Definitely worth it.
Having the tickets arranged in advance made everything simple and stress-free. No waiting around or confusion, just a smooth process from arrival to boarding. The visit itself is deeply impactful and leaves you with a lot to reflect on. A truly important experience when visiting Cape Town.
Booking ahead made the day much easier, especially with clear guidance on where to go and what to expect. Everything felt well coordinated from arrival to boarding. The experience on the island is something that stays with you, insightful, reflective, and very real. Definitely one of the most important places to visit in Cape Town.
The booking process was simple and efficient, with clear instructions provided. Everything went smoothly on the day, making the experience stress-free. The tour itself was very moving, especially hearing the personal stories from former political prisoners. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell was a powerful and unforgettable moment. Highly recommended when visiting Cape Town
Everything was arranged smoothly, making the booking and visit very easy. Clear communication helped avoid any confusion on the day. The ferry ride was pleasant, and the tour itself was very impactful. Hearing real stories from former political prisoners made the experience even more meaningful. A must visit when in Cape Town.
The ticket booking process was quick and straightforward, making everything easy from the start. Clear communication and good organization helped the day run smoothly. The ferry ride offered great views, and the tour itself was deeply impactful, especially hearing firsthand stories from former political prisoners. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell was a truly memorable moment. Highly recommended
Booking the Robben Island tickets through this service made the whole process smooth and easy. Everything was clearly communicated, which helped avoid any stress on the day. The ferry ride was scenic, and the tour on the island was both educational and emotional. Hearing the stories from former political prisoners made it especially meaningful. A must-do experience in Cape Town.
Booking the Robben Island tickets through this service was quick and easy. Everything was well organized, and the instructions were clear, which made the whole experience stress-free. The ferry ride was enjoyable, and the tour itself was very powerful, especially hearing real stories from former political prisoners. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell was a moment I will never forget. Highly recommended when visiting Cape Town.
Getting the Robben Island tickets through this service made everything simple and stress-free. Clear instructions and smooth process from start to finish. The ferry ride was enjoyable, and the tour itself was powerful, especially hearing the stories from former political prisoners. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell was a truly unforgettable moment. Definitely worth doing when in Cape Town.
Booking the Robben Island tickets through this service was very easy and convenient. The process was clear, and everything was well organized. Having the tickets arranged in advance saved time and stress on the day of the tour. The ferry ride was beautiful and the visit to the prison, especially Nelson Mandela’s cell, was a powerful and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cape Town.
Standing in that prison cell makes freedom feel personal. It’s no longer just a word, it’s something people suffered for. The experience was honest, emotional, and unforgettable.
I didn’t expect to be so deeply affected by this tour. It’s well structured and informative, but it’s the human element that makes it extraordinary. Hearing firsthand stories of resilience and forgiveness gives you a new understanding of strength. Robben Island is not just about the past, it’s about lessons that still matter today.
Visiting Robben Island was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in Cape Town. From the moment the ferry leaves the harbor, you start to feel the weight of the history you’re about to step into. Walking through the prison and standing in the small cells where so much sacrifice took place is something that stays with you. The most powerful part was listening to a former political prisoner share his personal story. Hearing it directly from someone who lived through it makes everything feel real, raw, and deeply human. It’s emotional, it’s reflective, and it gives you a new appreciation for freedom and resilience. This is not just a sightseeing activity, it’s something that touches you and changes the way you see history. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cape Town.
The Robben Island Museum tour is deeply moving and unforgettable. The ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront offers beautiful views of Cape Town, and the guided tour by former political prisoners makes the history feel real and personal. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell is a humbling and emotional moment. A must-visit site to truly understand South Africa’s journey to freedom.
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