Cape Town Activites

Robben Island is an Island situated 12 kilometres from Cape Town and is well known as being the place Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the apartheid years in South Africa. Since the release of Nelson Mandela the prison has had great media coverage world wide, and has been a big tourist destination ever since.



Robben Island hasn't always been the prison of excel and isolation we know of today. People once lived on the Island thousands of years ago, when the sea channel between the Island and the Cape mainland was not covered with water. It has only been since the mid-1600s, that Robben Island has been used primarily as a prison.



In 1997 Robben Island became a South African heritage museum. To get an idea of what life was like, for the many of the people who shared the cold walls of this prison, you really have to visit the island yourself.

There are Robben Island excursion boats that leave from Simons Town and the Waterfront harbour every few hours. It is advisable to book before hand to ensure trips aren't sold out.

Important Contacts:
Robben Island
Official Robben Island website in South Africa.
Waterfront Boat Company
Boat trip service to Robben Island that leaves from the Waterfront. Looking for travel accommodation whilst in Cape Town?

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