Robben Island Tour: Historical Exploration

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: 5 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
  • Guided island tour
  • Guided tour by former political prisoner
  • Prison tour
  • All fees and taxes included
  • 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
(55 Ratings)
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Maria_b
Apr 24, 2025
Robben Island - The ships were comfortable and safe. Everyrhing went well and they took us around explaining things to us
Review provided by Viator
Jim
Mar 10, 2025
Robben Usland by experts - The history is sad but incredible, and to have someone who was there tell the stories makes this one of the better experiences.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate25788337943
Feb 21, 2025
Best way to book Robben Island - I highly recommend booking your Robben Island ticket through this tour company! Doing so ensures you peace of mind to visit this “must see” historic South African site on the day and time that best fits your schedule. I had a flight delay and called them in a panic because I would miss my tour time. Tafa answered right away and said it was no problem to move me to a later time. Then, when that tour was canceled due to weather, I contacted him again and he easily rescheduled me for another date. The flexibility afforded through this tour company is really valuable and saved me from losing my money when my flight was delayed. Thank you, Tafa! Plus, this is an emotionally moving, insightful, and powerful place to visit. Learning the history straight from a former political prisoner was incredible! I left with an experience that changed me for the better. Book it and see for yourself!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veronica
Feb 10, 2025
Best way to understand the fight for freedom of these brave and resourceful iconic characters. The helpless frustration they tur - Very moving and illuminating experience hearing firsthand about the struggle for freedom from our excellent guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelalot345
Mar 24, 2025
A disappointment becomes a blessing - The tour was cancelled by the ferry operator due to mechanical issues. I was able to process a full refund through Viator by calling their phone number. There was no way to cancel in the app without incuring the 100% cancellation fee because we only learned of the ferry cancellation when arriving for the tour. I appreciated Viator's telephone service to work through the cancellation and full refund process.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel
Feb 10, 2025
Worthwhile trip. - All in all a worthwhile experience but a little industrial in delivery with much of the first half spent sitting in a bus being talked to. The prison visit itself was good and I totally like the idea that ex-political prisoners take the tours making the narrative authentic. They could possibly improve the availability and range of food and drink and the amount of time spent off the bus. How about selling food and drink on the boat which is a 40 minute trip?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kais590
Feb 11, 2025
Goes off on your own!!!! - The place of course thrives on its history and is very interesting. But how it all goes and how the tours are handled is terrible!!! Next time I would try to explore everything by myself!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how far this is allowed but the tours were just annoying!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Codjon_r_egmaximen
Mar 15, 2025
Terrible logistics from Horizon tours — better buy your ticket yourself - Everything when well on the island great tours guide and great stories. Giraffe horizon tour did a poor job for the logistics.. It was very difficult to get the ticket which involved multiple confirmations by mail etc. On the day of the event, I had to beg to get instructions. Operators were not proactive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marta_l
Mar 6, 2025
Tour cancelled - no refunds! - Do not book through this operator!! The tour I booked was cancelled, due to technical issues. I got an e-mail that I would get it refunded, and replied to the operator to proceed with the refund. After several days, I still haven't heard anything back and have not recieved any refund.
Review provided by Viator
Graham_d
Mar 5, 2025
Very delayed - Very delayed, an hour leaving cape town then another 45 minutes delay on the island waiting for another boat to arrive.
Review provided by Viator
From $67
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).