Robben Island, just off the coast of downtown Cape Town, is where Nelson Mandela served much of his prison time. In stark contrast to the beautiful scenery in Cape Town, Robben Island is desolate, desert-like, and practically deserted, as the prison, which no longer has inmates, is pretty much the only thing on the island. After an hour boat ride... more

Robben Island is quite beautiful as well as an invaluable lesson in South Africa's history. While the first part of the tour is a little weak (they drive you around the island in a bus with a cutsey canned speech) the second part is wonderful. A former political prisoner from Robben Island takes you around the prison and speaks of... more

As part of conference of librarians, my husband and I were given a tour of Robben Island. On the way over, the mood on the boat was festive until we got near the island. Then the faces of the local librarians, some of whom had had parents imprisoned there, took on a look of reverence, which stayed with me as... more

The trip has so much potential but unfortunately it is rushed and guided from start to finish with no time to explore. The boat ride is great and the views fantastic, but you get more satisfaction from reading a history book. I recommend it only because Nelson Mandela was incarcerated there. more

Cape Town is bustling with things to do. Walking along the pier, climbing Table Mountain, and wandering the streets with its great music shops and eateries. My favorite attraction was going out to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The tour guides are actually ex-prisoners and it makes the tour that much more impressionable. All of the guides were... more

A visit to Robben Island is a must when staying in Cape Town. The island is now a world heritage site and you can tell they are trying to preserve it's history for future generations. The trip comes in two parts - a bus tour round the island, (there are some magical pictures of Table Mountain to be taken from... more

Had some very mixed feelings about my trip to Robben Island. I can break it down into pros and cons for anyone that might be interested in visiting. Pros: - If you are interested in the political history of South Africa, it is a must see, if only to pay homage to the political prisoners who were there for decades.... more

we went in July this year, you arrive on the Island and head for waiting buses, we got on bus 1 which had the most fantastic guide on it! he gave us all the facts in the most interesting way possible and made it funny he was the same guide that had showed around Nelson Mandela on his trips back... more

You cant come to Cape Town without visiting Robben Island. Its worth the money you can take a look at the museum whilst waiting for the ferry, then you take a lovely 30min boat ride to the island with great views of Table Mountain from the sea. Once you arrive on the Island you will be taken on a bus... more