Robben Island lies in the waters off Cape Town, in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Today the island is a museum and a symbol of freedom, and many visitors come to understand the country's history through it.
What a visit is like
The island is reached by ferry from the V&A Waterfront, a short journey across the water that gives a view back towards the city. Once on the island, the experience centres on the former prison and on the stories of those who were held there. Guided tours are the usual way to see the site, and they tend to be the most useful way to learn about its past.
Why it is worth the trip
- It is a place of real historical weight, linked to one of the most important figures in modern South African history.
- It works as a museum, so the visit has a clear focus and a clear story to follow.
- It is easy to combine with time in Cape Town, since the ferry departs from the waterfront.
The island is also known by its Afrikaans name, Robbeneiland. Visitors planning a trip may want to contact the site directly by telephone on +27 21 413 4200 to check arrangements before they go. Allow enough of the day for the crossing and the tour, and plan to spend the rest of the time exploring the city and its waterfront.
