Robben Island Museum Tickets with Former Political Prisoner Guide
Description
Explore one of the most visited sites in Cape Town, Robben Island, South African symbol of resilience by determined people. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and take advantage of the ease of hotel pickup. Along the way, learn about Africa’s history, the island's role als a former prison, and hear stories about Nelson Mandela and how he spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence there. Get picked up early from your lodging to begin your day of sightseeing in Cape Town. - Explore the highlights of Robben Island with a guide - Save time waiting in ticket lines: Robben Island Entry is included - Ensures a more personalised experience - Tour offers the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get a guided tour of the prison while learning about South Africa's history, the struggle against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters who were imprisoned on Robben Island, including former president Nelson Mandela. Return by ferry 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). Explore the wonders of the ocean up close as you visit the penguin exhibit, shark exhibit, ocean exhibit, and much more. 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).
Ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Upon arrival, a guide provides a historical overview. A guided bus tour then covers landmarks like the lime quarry and Robert Sobukwe's house. You will explore the maximum-security prison, visiting the cell where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27-year sentence. A walking tour led by a former political prisoner offers firsthand insights into inmates' daily lives and resilience. Interactive exhibits provide context on the harsh conditions, while visits to the Leper Cemetery and the quarry where prisoners worked offer further educational insights into the island's history.
Enjoy some free time to reflect on your experience, take in the scenic views, and capture photos of the island's natural beauty. Board the return ferry to Cape Town, where you can continue to contemplate the profound impact of your visit to Robben Island. As you disembark from the ferry back at the V&A Waterfront, take a moment to reflect on the powerful history and enduring legacy of Robben Island.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- BEFORE TICKETS CAN BE ISSUED, ensure you have: • Full names of all participants • Date and time of the selected ferry departure • Nationality (often required for manifest purposes) • Contact number or email (for emergency communication) • Confirmation of payment through the booking platform (GetYourGuide, Viator, direct website, etc.)
- WEATHER CLEARANCE Robben Island Museum tours are guaranteed after confirming weather conditions, usually: • On the morning of the tour, or • 1–2 hours before departure This is because ferries can be cancelled last-minute due to: • Strong winds • Rough sea conditions • Mechanical or operational issues Tickets are not released early to avoid visitors travelling unnecessarily when the ferry may be cancelled.
- PASSENGER MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS (Why we ask names of participants) To issue the final boarding ticket, the following must be completed: • Each participant must be added to the passenger manifest • Names must match the ID/passport, as the ferry is a regulated maritime transport service • Children must be listed individually This is a legal requirement for maritime safety.
- COMMUNICATION WITH GUESTS Once the tour is confirmed: • Tickets are sent via WhatsApp or email • Guests are reminded to bring: • A valid ID/passport for adults • The digital ticket (QR code) • To arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure
Reviews(65)
Very poignant, be aware the crossing can feel a bit bouncy and the buses are very very crowded. But that’s irrelevant compared to the tale told… Very good exper
My experience at Robben Island was life changing. Our tour guide was Dede and he was exceptional! The experience having him as our guide was special because he lived to tell of his time there. It was amazing to us that he was able to give such an incredible account of his time at Robben Island while maintaining such pride. Everyone should go there and everyone should be so lucky to have Dede as the tour guide.
My most memorable tour in Cape Town was the visit to Robben Island. Our tour guide Mr. Dede Ntsoelengoe was so inviting and informative. To hear his personal re-telling of the injustices he endured during apartheid and his imprisonment on the island was an experience like no other. The range of emotions felt while touring the prison grounds while listening to this gentle soul of a man were incalculable. You cannot visit Cape Town and miss this experience. It is a must. God bless you Mr Dede and all other political prisoners that walked those grounds.
From the ferry trip to the prison tour every minute was informative and shocking. We have all heard of apartheid and the problems for the non white population, but until told the story by people who experienced the brutality you are confronted with the harsh reality. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of our guide but his number 3884 I believe. This trip should be a must for everyone visiting Cape Town.
A wonderful but emotional experience. Well presented by the guides. The talk by the previous inmate was touching.
Operator cancelled trip due to bad weather and ferry crossings to the island was cancelled. Still waiting for my refund
This is not a 3 hr tour, you are expected to arrive 45 mins before departure for what seemed to be no reason except to stand in a queue. Ferry is a good 30 mins each way. They show some slides but unless you can speed read dont bother with them. We then waited 15 mins for a bus to take us to the prison. If you are hard of hearing be sure to get to the front as there were 2 bus loads per group..... about 100 people. After this part of the tour we waited in the sun for 25 mins for another bus...... then have a island tour. Back to boat, more waiting. Our 3pm tour started at 2.15 and we finally got back to V&A at 7.15!! Learnt a few facts of interest but its was an exceptionally long afternoon and over all v dull.
If you get motion sickness it's best if you take some meds prior you going on the boat. Other than that it made me humble and appreciative for what our forefathers sacrifice for our freedom. 😇
Trip can be canceled due to weather at any given day. Do not forget to reschedule at the ticket counter.
Even though we didn’t meet our guide due to miscommunication, we enjoyed our time on robben island experience. The company was good at getting our tickets to us in timely matter and no problems getting ferry, bus or prison tour. When I inquired about not meeting guide, very responsible company about refund.
