Getting to Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island located in Table Bay, off the coast of Cape Town in South Africa. The island is best known for the prison that was located there, which was used to house political prisoners during the apartheid era. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to tour the island and learn about its history.
If you’re interested in visiting Robben Island, there are a few things you need to know. First, the island is only accessible by ferry, and there are a limited number of ferries that operate each day. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the V&A Waterfront, and it’s important to note that the ferry does sell out, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance.
Once you’re on the island, there are a few different ways to explore. You can take a guided tour of the island, which includes a visit to the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. You can also explore the island on your own, and there are a number of self-guided tours available.
Robben Island is a fascinating place with a long and complicated history. If you’re interested in learning more about the island and its role in South Africa’s past, a visit is definitely worth your time.
The most popular way to get to Robben Island is to take a ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The journey takes around 30 minutes and ferries depart every half hour from 9am to 3pm. You can buy tickets at the Nelson Mandela Gateway or online in advance.
If you’re visiting Cape Town on a cruise ship, there are also a number of companies that offer day trips to Robben Island. These typically include a tour of the island as well as time to explore on your own.
Once you’re on the island, there are a number of different ways to explore. The most popular option is to take a guided tour with one of the former political prisoners. These tours last around 3 hours and depart at regular intervals throughout the day.
If you’d prefer to explore independently, there is an audio tour available in a number of different languages. This is a great option if you want to go at your own pace and learn more about the history of the island.
Robben Island is a fascinating place with a rich history. Whether you take a guided tour or explore independently, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.