Robben Island, South Africa
Robben Island Tours & Tickets
Experience the profound history and enduring legacy of Robben Island with our guided tours. Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pivotal role in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to explore this historic island and gain a deep understanding of its significance. Robben island a Dutch word that translates to Seal is a name given to an island North of Cape Town and on the West Coast of Bloubergstrand in South Africa. Robben Island is flat land only a few meters above sea level which the land was used as a prison for the political activist during the apartheid error in 1966 until 1996. More to be the land of imprisonment and leper colony, Robben Island was also for animal quarantine. Quite a few places in South Africa bear the weight and survival of historical facts to prove the triumph and powerful symbol of the human spirit to freedom like Robben Island.
The ticket price to enjoy this trip 2020/2021: Non - South African Adults - R600.00 Non - South African Kids R400.00 South African Adults - R400.00 South African kids R200.00
Tailor-Made Robben Island Tour Packages
1. Robben Island and Table Mountain Cable Way Experience.
2. Robben Island and V&A Waterfront experience.
3. Robben Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
4. Robben Island and Wine tasting in the Constantia region.
5. Robben Island and Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Best Robben Island Tours & Tickets
Reserve your Robben Island Island tickets with us for a memorable authentic guided prison tour of Nelson Mandela and other political activists from the ruling South African ANC party. These include but not limited to Robert Sobukwe, Ahmad Katrada, and many more. All tours to Robben Island departs from Cape Town's prestigious Waterfront harbor in a group and are privately guided into small groups at the Island by an ex-political prisoner who acts as a tour guide. Robben Island Tours: Normally Robben Island has tour packages and trips that depart at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00, and getting a ticket for a half or full-day tour can be tricky because of the popularity of Robben Island prison excursions.
Secure your Robben Island tickets here with a range of day tours from Cape Town, South Africa. Skip the line. Robben Island was a place and sign of repression of brutal Apartheid policies against black South Africans and people of color. It was here where Nelson Mandela started his long walk to freedom after the Rivonia trial sentence and spent 18 good years of his life in the most inhuman conditions in a small cell the size of a box of matches.
Tickets to Robben Island sells fast online as this declared world heritage site has become too popular for tourists and local South Africans who want to visit the now Robben Island Museum. All our Robben Island tours come with pre-booked tickets and can be conducted in half or full-day tours with a combination of other top attractions in Cape Town such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, Penguins, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Peninsula, and Cape Wineland's tasting in Stellenbosch, Constantia, Durbanville, Paarl or Franschhoek.
Why Go Or Visit Robben Island?
Visiting Robben Island is crucial for understanding South Africa's history and the global struggle for human rights. The island is historically significant as a political prison during apartheid, notably housing Nelson Mandela for 18 years. It offers profound educational value about apartheid's harsh realities and the resilience of its prisoners. Robben Island also symbolizes South Africa’s journey towards reconciliation and democracy. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it provides a unique, immersive experience with its historical sites, personal accounts from former prisoners, and scenic coastal views. Easily accessible from Cape Town, Robben Island is a key destination for a comprehensive cultural and historical tour.
On a short tour of Robben Island, you should definitely visit:
- The Prison: See Nelson Mandela's cell and learn about the harsh conditions and significant historical events.
- The Museum: Offers a detailed history of the island and its role in South Africa's struggle against apartheid.
- The Former Leper Cemetery: A somber reminder of the island's past as a leper colony.
- The Island's Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain from various points on the island.
These highlights will give you a good overview of Robben Island’s history and significance.
When is the best time to take Robben Island Tour?
The best time to visit Robben Island depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and what you hope to experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
**1. Best Time for Weather:
Spring (September to November): This is one of the best times to visit Robben Island. The weather is generally mild, with less rain and pleasant temperatures. The spring months also bring blooming flowers and a generally pleasant climate.
Autumn (March to May): Autumn is also a great time to visit. The weather is mild, with cooler temperatures and less chance of rain compared to summer. The seas are generally calmer, which can make for a smoother ferry ride.
Summer (December to February): Summer can be warm and sunny, with temperatures often reaching into the high 20s to low 30s°C (70s to 80s°F). This is peak tourist season, so the island may be busier. However, it’s also a good time for exploring if you enjoy warmer weather.
Winter (June to August): Winter can be cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 65°F). Although the island may be less crowded, there’s a higher chance of rain and rough seas, which could lead to ferry cancellations or rescheduling.
**2. Best Time for Avoiding Crowds:
Shoulder Seasons (Spring and Autumn): Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically means fewer crowds compared to the summer months. This can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Weekdays: If possible, visit on a weekday rather than a weekend to avoid larger crowds and long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
**3. Best Time for Whale Watching:
- Winter and Spring (June to November): If you’re interested in seeing whales, which migrate along the South African coast, visiting during the winter or early spring might be ideal. You may have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures from the ferry.
**4. Other Considerations:
Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before your visit, as tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to adverse weather.
Booking in Advance: Regardless of when you visit, booking your tour tickets in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and time, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Overall, spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit Robben Island for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, each season offers its own unique experience, so choose based on your preferences and interests.
Best Time to Go: Best: Good:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights of Robben Island Tour
A Robben Island tour is a deeply moving and educational experience, featuring several key highlights. You’ll visit Nelson Mandela’s Cell, where he endured 18 years of imprisonment, and explore the cells of other anti-apartheid activists. The Exercise Yard and Library offer insight into the prisoners' daily lives and intellectual resistance. The Leprosy Museumreveals the island's history as a leper colony, while the Governor’s House and Lighthouse provide contrasting perspectives of island life. The Old Quarry showcases the hard labor of prisoners, and the Island Tour by Bus covers historical sites and scenic views. Personal stories from former prisoners and stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain enhance the tour’s emotional impact.
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