Robben Island is Cape Town's most moving day out — the island prison where Nelson Mandela and many other anti-apartheid leaders were held, now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. For expats settling into Cape Town, it's essential context for understanding South Africa.
What you're looking at
About 7 km off the coast, the island was used for isolation for centuries — as a prison, a leper colony, and more — but is best known for the apartheid-era maximum-security prison. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years here. Tours take in the prison, Mandela's cell, and the limestone quarry, and are often led by former political prisoners. The political prison closed in 1991 and the island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Visiting as a resident
The whole outing runs about 3.5 hours, including the 30–40 minute ferry each way from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Ferries sell out and are weather-dependent, so book online a few days ahead and check the day's sailing. Bring a jacket — it's exposed and breezy on the water.
Good to know
- Book ahead online; sailings sell out and cancel in rough weather.
- Allow half a day for the round trip and tour.
- Guides are often ex-prisoners — a powerful, first-hand account.
- Dress in layers for the ferry and open island.
Related
- Living in South Africa — the full expat guide
- Cape Town — living in the city
- Table Mountain — the other essential Cape Town sight