Robben Island Tour: History and Heritage

Discover Cape Town’s premier attractions on a full-day tour to Robben Island and Table Mountain. Explore the highlights, learn about Africa’s history, and see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell. Book now!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Waterfront Clock Tower - Experience a guided tour of the prison, delving into South Africa’s history, the fight against oppression, and the stories of the many freedom fighters, including former president Nelson Mandela, who were imprisoned on Robben Island. Return by ferry to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some leisure time to shop or dine at one…
What's Included
  • Round trip ferry transfer
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Guided island tour
  • Guided tour by former political prisoner
  • Prison tour
  • Educational insights
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities and services or items of personal nature.
  • No pickup and drop off from the hotel
Additional Information

Explore one of the most visited sites in Cape Town, Robben Island, a 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 as a former prison, and hear stories about Nelson Mandela and how he spent 18…

Location
The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island
Guests are required to be at this place 45 minutes before boarding time
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(65 Ratings)
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Excursion793768
Feb 7, 2026
Life Changing Experience - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie
Feb 7, 2026
An encounter with a living, breathing museum. - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jab58
Jan 25, 2026
Excellent - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Henning_s
Nov 18, 2025
Robben Island Tour - A wonderful but emotional experience. Well presented by the guides. The talk by the previous inmate was touching.
Review provided by Viator
Lenore_f
Oct 10, 2025
Long walk to freedom - 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. 😇
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_h
Mar 7, 2026
Very poignant, be aware... - 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
Review provided by Viator
Thanduxolo_g
Oct 10, 2025
Trip can be canceled due... - Trip can be canceled due to weather at any given day. Do not forget to reschedule at the ticket counter.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_s
Sep 23, 2025
Marvelous Mandela - 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.
Review provided by Viator
David_f
Oct 27, 2025
Operator cancelled trip... - Operator cancelled trip due to bad weather and ferry crossings to the island was cancelled. Still waiting for my refund
Review provided by Viator
Minty001
Oct 19, 2025
Prepare to lose 5 hrs! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $71
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).