Overview
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Table Bay, approximately 6.9 kilometers from the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. It is most notable for being the site of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment.
Robben Island is significant for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle and its association with Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned here for 18 years.
Location
Address
Coordinates: -33.80609908, 18.37533036
Neighborhood: Robben Island
Coordinates
-33.806099, 18.375330
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
September to November and March to May
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild
- • Wildflowers
- • Pleasant weather
summer
Warm
- • Long daylight hours
autumn
Mild
- • Mild weather
winter
Cool
- • Cooler weather, fewer tourists
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Arrive early
- Bring ID
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Uneven surfaces
- • Stairs
Medical facilities: First aid available
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Credit/Debit cards
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable shoes, Walking shoes, Inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 week
- • Official website
- • 48 hours in advance
- • Available
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Robben Island Tours
Size: 60 MB
Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Historical information
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Cape Town International Airport
Distance: 30 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Rich history and significance in South African culture
Historical Significance: Site of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle
Insider Tips
- Book a guided tour for the best experience
- Visit early to avoid crowds
- Check for special exhibitions
Local Recommendations
- • Try local cuisine at the on-site cafe
- • Ask for a guide with historical knowledge
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Prison gates
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Wide angle
Result: Iconic shot
Nelson Mandela's cell
Best Time: Daylight
Tips: Respectful composition
Result: Historic shot
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
V&A Waterfront
Distance: 5 km
Walking: 1 hour
Type: Shopping and Dining
Table Mountain
Distance: 10 km
Walking: 2 hours
Type: Natural Landmark
Cape Town CBD
Distance: 5 km
Walking: 1 hour
Type: Urban Area
Greenmarket Square
Distance: 4 km
Walking: 50 min
Type: Market
Bo-Kaap
Distance: 5 km
Walking: 1 hour
Type: Neighborhood
Reviews
Based on 1,500 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online in advance"
- "Visit early to avoid crowds"
- "Take a guided tour for the best experience"
- "Bring comfortable shoes"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Cape Town: Half-Day Table Mountain Cable Car Tickets
Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour with Pre Booked Tickets
Half Day Experience in Robben Island Museum From Cape Town
Half Day Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour
Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town
Robben Island Tour Alternative with Tickets:Long March to Freedom
Robben Island & Iconic Table Mountain Tour.
Cape Town Hidden Gems: Self-Guided Secret Beaches and Views Tour
Robben Island Guided Tour plus Hotel Pickup Half Day
Pre-Booked Robben Island Tour with Return Transfers
Half Day Robben Island Tour
Robben Island, Table Mountain and Cape Town City Private Day Tour
Private 2-Day Cape Town Highlights: Robben Island,Table Mountain Tickets & Wine
Township Tour District 6 Museum Robben Island drop off at hotel
Robben Island & Table Mountain Pre Booked Tickets With Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
Robben Island Tickets, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Private Tour
3 Days Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope, Penguins, Table Mountain & Robben Island
Cape Town Helicopter flight, Wine Tasting & Picnic Lunch Private Tour
Robben Island and Table Mountain City Guided Full Day Tour
Robben Island Boat Ticket & Mandela Long Walk To Freedom Tour With Hotel Pick Up
Robben Island Half Day Tour with Diamond Museum experience
Full-Day Private Robben Island, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Tour
Table Mountain Cape Town City Tour Kirstenbosch Gardens +Tickets
Seal Island, World of Birds and Cape City Center Tour.
Quick Info
Available Tours
257
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
1,500
Adult Entry
R450