Robben Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Robben Island is Cape Town's most moving place — and one of the world's most important sites of remembrance. On this small island, 7 kilometers off the coast, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years (1964–1982) in a tiny cell. Together with hundreds of other political prisoners of the apartheid regime, he broke stones in the limestone quarry, studied secretly, and laid the foundations for the new, democratic South Africa.
The Visit
The tour (approx. 3.5 hours including ferry ride) is led by former inmates — an incredibly personal and poignant experience. You will see Mandela's cell (Section B, Cell 5), the limestone quarry, the communal cells, and the courtyard where Mandela secretly buried his manuscript of "Long Walk to Freedom."
- Tickets: 600 ZAR (30€) for adults, 310 ZAR (15€) for children. Be sure to book weeks in advance online — tours regularly sell out, especially in high season.
- Departure: Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Ferry ride approx. 30 minutes. The sea can be rough — trips are canceled in heavy seas.
- Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours (30 min ferry + 2.5h on the island).
💡 Tipp
Book your Robben Island ticket at least 2–3 weeks in advance on the official website. Take the first ferry of the day (9:00 am) — the light is best and the return trip is less crowded. Bring a jacket — there is almost always a strong wind on the water and on the island.
