Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets
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Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets

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(7 reviews)
8h
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About this experience

This is a great tour which brings the tourist face to face with history, nature and sightseeing opportunities.

Experience the life of World Statesman Nelson Mandela during his 18 years of imprisonment at the world heritage site Robben Island as part of his 27 years in prison.

Climb the Table Mountain - voted one of the new 7 world wonders in 2012, attracts 800 000 visitors annually.

Experience Cape culture at Bo-Kaap that has bright coloured houses as a celebration of their freedom from slavery. The first residents arrived from Indonesia, Java, Malaysia and other parts of Asia. It is also a heritage site.

The Company Gardens has a rich history, it has also has museums like the Slave Lodge, the Iziko South African Museum, the Planetarium. The S.A. Art gallery, the Cape Town Holocaust centre, St Georges Cathedral. There is also amazing fauna and flora.

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest standing colonial building in South Africa.

Available options

Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off after the tour
Return ticket to Robben Island by boat from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Clock Tower
Entry fees to District Six Museum and The Castle of Good Hope
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry fees to Diamond Museum

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

After being picked up from your hotel in Cape Town, you will be driven to the V&A Waterfront where you board the Robben Island Ferry to the world-famous place of incarceration of Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years. This place, dubbed “South Africa Alcatraz” served as a leper colony, a place of isolation, banishment, and imprisonment.
The Island is a state reminder of the harsh conditions endured as a reward for freedom from the Government of apartheid. After the historical, emotional, educative and informative tour which is conducted either by ex-prison warders or ex-prisoners of Robben Island, you board the ferry back to the Waterfront.
You then have lunch and are picked up immediately after.

2
Stop 2

The tour proceeds to the Bo Kaap (Afrikaans for upper Cape) that has colorful houses for a Cape cultural experience. Also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, this is one of the major tourist attractions on the City tour. It is a place known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestoned streets.
The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood with a predominantly Muslim community. Slaves were initially imported from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Africa hence the name “Malay”.

3
Stop 3

The Company Gardens is a park and heritage site located in central Cape Town. The gardens were originally created in the 1650s by the Dutch East Indian Company purposefully to provide fresh vegetables, fruit, and water.
Here are some of the reasons you visit this garden

History – It was built as a refreshment station for sailors sailing around the tip of Africa to and from the East. Ships sailing to the East would stop by after months at sea to stock up on fresh produce which was grown in the Garden and freshwater – hence, “The Company Garden”.
There is so much in terms of history in the garden, with a combination of memorials, statues, and monuments all contributing to the rich history of the Garden. There is more to see.
Critters – This garden is home to amazing and overwhelming amounts of fauna. In there you will find pigeons, Egyptian Geese, herons, rodents the famous squirrels and last but not least an aviary where you can view dozens of bird species. If you fancy it, you may buy a bag of peanuts in the gardens to feed the squirrels which are more than happy to scamper right up to you for a snack.
The Food
The Food – The restaurant in the Company Gardens is very popular with domestic and international tourists
Sit down and enjoy traditional Capetonian food that includes – burgers, sandwiches, fish, and chips. A variety of juices, beers, milkshakes, and wine can be enjoyed in the huge outdoor seating area. Really a lovely place to enjoy a city centre lunch, and beneath the large trees among the reeds- a dreamland
The Art- The Company Gardens is also home to the South African Art Gallery, which houses an impressive permanent collection of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Hamish art. This Gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions by some of the country’s top artists, and occasionally international artists too.
The Natural Beauty- A trip to the Company Gardens is not complete without sparing a moment to admire the beautiful flora. There’s an 80-year-old bamboo plantation, the Ginkgo tree with no living relatives, the towering rubber tree and the ancient saffron pear
Next to the Company Gardens is the South African Parliament, National Library of S.A. St Georges Cathedral, Slave lodge, centre for the books and more. After the Company Garden, you proceed to the Castle of Good Hope.

4
Stop 4

This is an imposing structure in the City of Cape Town known as The Castle of Good Hope. It was built by the Dutch between 1666 and 1679 and is the oldest standing colonial building in S.Africa.
This has been the centre of civilian, political. Religious and military life at the Cape from around 1679. In its current state, the Castle arguably represents one of the best-preserved 17th century DEIC architecture on the entire globe.
The Historical building now houses among others the William Fehr Collection, a permanent ceramic exhibition (FIRED) and the Castle military museum.
The tour ends with a drop off at your hotel.

5
Stop 5

Our registered Guide will then take you to District Six Museum which is located in the former inner city residential area in Cape Town. This Museum was established in 1994 as a memorial to the forced removals of 60 000 multicultural inhabitants of District Six. Tourists will be taken on an emotional tour about the forced removals from 1968 after a declaration by the Apartheid government in 1966.

What's not included

Lunch
Gratuities
Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide
PT EN FR
Written guide
PT EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
7 reviews
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 2-4 hours Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Cape Malay Curry

A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Biltong

A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Shark cage diving Surfing Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Afrikaans
  • Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
  • • Use reputable transport services

Getting there

By air
  • Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train

Cape Town Station

By bus

Cape Town Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cape Town City Centre Camps Bay Bo-Kaap

Day trips

Stellenbosch
50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.

Hermanus
120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals

Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual) Cape Town Carnival • January (annual) Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
  • Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
  • Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
  • Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 3-120
1
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 13
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Free cancellation available
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