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Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.

5.016 reviewsRobben Island

  • 5 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Experience one of South Africa’s most powerful historical landmarks with our unforgettable tour to Robben Island. All travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. From here, you’ll join your group and begin a meaningful journey across the water. What makes this experience truly special is that your tour will be led by a former political prisoner, offering a rare and deeply personal perspective on life inside the prison. Walk through the historic grounds, visit key sites, and hear firsthand stories that bring the island’s past to life in a way no textbook ever could. This is more than just a tour — it’s a moving journey through history, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Book now to secure your place on this powerful and inspiring experience.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Historical landmark
  • Maximum Security Prison visit
  • Entry/Admission to Robben Island
  • former political prisoner guide
  • Nelson Mandela’s prison cell
  • Scenic ferry experience

What's not

  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. One of the most popular museums in South Africa, Robben Island excursions are best planned well in advance. This half-day package guarantees a hassle-free vacation by including round-trip transportation from your Cape Town lodging and museum admission. Make reservations in advance to prevent disappointment on the day of the event after visiting Nelson Mandela's cell and learning about the island's lengthy history. With a round-trip transfer from your hotel, you'll enjoy a hassle-free trip. You'll see the cell Nelson Mandela was held captive for 18 years. You'll pass buildings and a high wall constructed by prisoners during the 1960s on your way to the buses. The prison tour will be led by a Robben Island Tour Guide. (Please note that our tour guide/driver will not be joining you on the tour of the Robben Island museum.) Visit the prison cell of Nelson Mandela and upon our arrival back at the Jetty, your Tour Guide and driver will meet you at the entrance of the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

    4 hAdmission included

  2. Return from Robben Island to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some free time to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants (cost not included). Learn about the history of South Africa, the fight against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters—among them former president Nelson Mandela—who were detained on Robben Island by taking a guided tour of the prison. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront and use your free time to shop or eat at one of the many restaurants (own expense).

    1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 516
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Ratings come from 16 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 50 travellers
Operated by
African Heritage Travel
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Cape Town

  • Its from-price is 67% below the median of the 3091 experiences we list in Cape Town.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 530 of 3091.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cape Town

Cape Town spreads between Table Mountain and the sea, a striking city of beaches, vineyards, penguins and history near Africa's southwestern tip.

Table Mountain's flat summit looms over everything, reached by cableway or by hiking trails, with Lion's Head and Signal Hill flanking it. Below, the V&A Waterfront bustles around the working harbour, and boats leave from there for Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held for eighteen years. The colourful houses of Bo-Kaap climb the slopes above the city centre and the Company's Garden.

Top-ranked sights in Cape Town: Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak Drive.

See all 3091 experiences in Cape Town

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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