Robben Island
- Address:Cape Town
- Hours:Open Daily - check site for ferry departure times.
- Admission:R200 - reservations are strongly recommended
5:23 AM Saturday, May 26
Passing clouds. Cool.
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For nearly 300 years, Robben Island was a place of isolation, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned and cut off from the rest of the world. It also served as a voluntary sanctuary for lepers. Despite this unsavory past, Robben Island is an important piece of South Africa's history, as well as a reminder of the difficult road to South African Democracy and the victory over apartheid.
Robben Island was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, and the Robben Island Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters held within its walls. The museum's exhibitions detail the life, times and struggles of its prisoners, particularly those of Robert Sobukwe and his commitment to Pan Africanism. A multimedia exhibit educates visitors on the history of South Africa's democracy.
Latest Reviews All Robben Island Reviews »
I’ll confess that when I booked in for a cycle down Table Mountain, I thought it’d be a leisurely glide along a few winding roads. It is nothing of the sort – this is proper mountain biking and those signing up for it should be expecting some hard work. For a start, the tracks on Table Mountain are quite treacherous. They’re fine for walkers, but on a bike you’re essentially riding the brakes down pretty steep scree slopes. Slow and steady without locking the brakes is the key – it’s very easy to fall off. The uphill stretches can be even tougher. Winds on Table Mountain can be fiercely strong, and if you’re cycling into one of the howlers, it can be murderous on the thighs. Similarly, some stretches of track can be rather sandy – think swimming through treacle and you’re about there. But cycling down Table Mountain is all about the challenge. It may be hard work – especially for a novice – but the rewards are worth it. The easier stretches are a delight to freewheel down, while the views of the city, the pine forests, the ocean and the mountain rarely drop below awe-inspiring. Continue Reading »
Note from Viator: This review is from David Whitley, who wrote a full-length review of his Table Mountain bike ride over on the Viator Blog.
Good tour, definitely a lot of work but well worth it. Views are great. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
In addition to its background as a political prison, Robben Island is also known for its conservation programs and wildlife. While its penguin population was nearly wiped out by the 19th century, the late 20th century saw the penguins return to prominence. Its name is Dutch for "seal island," and indeed, visitors can catch Cape fur seals in their natural environment, as well as spot southern right whales and dusky and heaviside dolphins. On land are small herds of springbok, bontebok and eland, and ostriches, lizards and three species of tortoise also roam the island's grounds.
A tip on getting there: since you take a ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway, space is limited and the attraction fills up fast. Do yourself a favor and get there at least 45 minutes early, or else you'll have to book a trip for the following day.
