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With this half-day Tour, you will visit Robben Island Museum and V & A Waterfront, with transportation included, as well as admission to Robben Island.

Highlights

• Get to Robben Island with ease: The trip includes round-trip transfers.
• No time wasted in long ticket lines: Robben Island Museum entry is included.
• Access great photo opportunities of V & A Waterfront.
• Insights from experienced guides, including former political prisoners.
• Guided tour of the island and the prison.

Description

Experience a profound chapter of South Africa’s history on a half-day tour of Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom. Famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment, Robben Island is not just a place of confinement but a beacon of resilience and hope. Your journey begins at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, where you’ll board a ferry for a scenic 30-minute ride across Table Bay. As you glide over the sparkling waters, enjoy stunning views of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by a knowledgeable guide, many of whom are former political prisoners themselves. The tour includes a bus ride around the island where you can see key historical sites, including the limestone quarry where inmates labored under harsh conditions, the village where the prison wardens lived, and the church used by inmates. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held. Explore the actual cell where Mandela lived and learn firsthand about the daily lives of the inmates and the harsh realities they faced. The guides provide poignant stories of resilience and hope, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who endured the struggle against apartheid. Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights about the broader historical context of apartheid in South Africa, the significance of Robben Island during that era, and its transformation into a symbol of peace and reconciliation. This powerful narrative is enriched by personal anecdotes from the guides, making the experience all the more impactful. What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket or sweater, as it can be windy on the ferry and the island. A camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sights. Water and snacks if desired. The tour operates year-round, but the best months are typically from October to April when the weather is mild and sunny. Following the tour, you'll board the ferry again for the return journey to the V&A Waterfront. As you reflect on what you’ve learned, take in the breathtaking views one last time, perhaps spotting seabirds or even dolphins along the way.

Includes

Air-conditioned vehicle. Hotel pickup and drop-off Parking Fees. Fuel surcharge. Bottled water on board Guided tour of the island and the prison. Insights from experienced guides, including former political prisoners. Entrance Round-trip ferry fare to Robben Island.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund