prison tour south africa

A Visit to Robben Island, the Brutal Prison that Held Mandela, Is Haunting and Inspiring

To visit the brutal prison that held Mandela is haunting, yet inspiring

Scott Johnson

The busload of tourists on Robben Island grew quiet as Yasien Mohamed, our 63-year-old guide, gestured to a bleak limestone quarry on the side of the road. It was here, he said, that Nelson Mandela toiled virtually every day for 13 years, digging up rock, some of which paved the road we were driving on. The sun was so relentless, the quarry so bright and dusty, that Mandela was stricken with “snow blindness” that damaged his eyes.

Nevertheless, Mandela and other heroes of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, such as Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu, used their time in this quarry to teach each other literature, philosophy and political theory, among other things. “This campus may not look like the fancy university campuses you have in America,” Mohamed said, “but this limestone quarry was one of the great universities of the world.”

Robben Island, a desolate outcropping five miles offshore, is a testament to courage and fortitude in the face of brutality, a must-see for any visitor to South Africa. Tours leave Cape Town four times a day, and the trip includes a bus tour of the island and a visit to the prison.

The island was first used as a political prison in the mid-1600s; Dutch settlers sent slaves, convicts and indigenous Khoikhoi people who refused to bend to colonial rule. In 1846 the island was turned into a leper colony. From 1961 to 1991, a maximum-security prison here held enemies of apartheid. In 1997, three years after apartheid fell, the prison was turned into the Robben Island Museum.

The most powerful part of the tour is a visit to Mandela’s cell, a 7-by-9-foot room where a bulb burned day and night over his head for the 18 years he was jailed here, beginning in 1964. As Mandela recalled in Long Walk to Freedom , “I could walk the length of my cell in three paces. When I lay down, I could feel the wall with my feet and my head grazed the concrete at the other side.”

Many guides are themselves former prisoners, and they speak openly about their lives inside one of the world’s most notorious gulags. Our prison guide, named Zozo, said he arrived on the island in 1977 and underwent severe beatings, hunger and solitary confinement before he was released in 1982. As Zozo stood in the room he once shared with other inmates, he recalled a vital lesson: “Our leader, Nelson Mandela, taught us not to take revenge on our enemies. And because of this today we are free, free, free.”

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Robben Island Museum Cape Town, South Africa

Robben Island, the unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice” with a rich 500 year old multi-layered history, is visited every year by thousands of people eager to understand and honour the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents.

Robben Island tours operate from Monday to Sunday (weather and demand permitting) from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Robben Island tour runs every day of the week, four (4) times a day or more depending on demand. You will be transported to the Island via ferries. The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm – weather permitting. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island (Hired boats and our other boats may have different travel times).

Robben Island Prison Tour

Robben island museum, in their own words: recollections of former political prisoners, poster power: protest art from south africa, a timeline of robben island from 700,000 bce to 1845 ce, robert sobukwe in solitary confinement, a timeline of robben island from 1936 to 1999, a timeline of robben island from 1846 to 1891, take a tour of the robben island museum, in this collection, south africa, robert sobukwe, nelson mandela, negotiations to end apartheid in south africa, 26 museum views.

Robben Island, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Robben Island

Located in Cape Town 's Table Bay, Robben Island is one of South Africa 's top historical attractions. For centuries it was used as a penal colony, primarily for political prisoners. Although its maximum security prisons have now closed, the island remains famous as the place where former South African president Nelson Mandela was an inmate for 18 years. Many leading members of political parties like the PAC and ANC were imprisoned alongside him.

In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum, and in 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It has become an extremely important symbol for the new South Africa, reflecting the triumph of democracy over apartheid and the ongoing journey towards racial tolerance. Now tourists can visit the prison on a Robben Island tour , led by ex-inmates with firsthand experiences of what life in the prison was like. 

Getting There

Robben Island is located several kilometers offshore and all tours start with a ferry ride from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront . The journey takes around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain and to look for the whales, dolphins, penguins and fur seals that inhabit Table Bay. The crossing can be quite rough, so those that suffer from seasickness are advised to take tablets. If the weather gets very bad, the ferries won't sail and tours are canceled.

Touring the Island

The trip begins with an hour-long bus tour of the island. During this time, your guide will tell you all about its history and ecology, including its use as a military base and leper colony. You'll get off the bus at the limestone quarry where Nelson Mandela and other prominent ANC members spent many years doing hard labor. At the quarry, the guide will point out the cave that doubled as the prisoners' bathroom.

It was in this cave that some of the more educated prisoners taught others how to read and write by scratching in the dirt. History, politics and biology were amongst the subjects taught at this "prison university" and it is said that a good part of South Africa's current constitution was written there. It was the only place that prisoners were able to escape the watchful eyes of the guards.

The Maximum Security Prison

After the bus tour, the guide will lead you to the maximum security prison where more than 3,000 political prisoners were held from 1960 to 1991. If your guide on the bus wasn't an ex-political prisoner, your guide for this part of the tour certainly will be. It is incredibly humbling to hear stories of prison life from someone who experienced it firsthand.

The tour starts at the entrance of the prison where the men were processed, given a set of prison clothes and assigned a cell. The offices of the prison include a prison court and a censorship office where every letter sent to and from the prison was read. The tour also includes a visit to the courtyard where Mandela later tended a small garden. It was here that he secretly started writing his famous autobiography Long Walk to Freedom . 

Experiencing the Cells

On the tour, you will be shown into at least one of the communal prison cells. Here, you can see the prisoners' bunk beds and feel the pitifully thin mats and blankets. In one block, there is an original sign displaying the prisoners' daily menu. In a prime example of apartheid racism, food portions were assigned to prisoners based on their skin color.

You will also be taken to the single cell in which Mandela lived for a time, although prisoners were routinely moved for security reasons. Although communication between the communal cell blocks was forbidden, you will also hear from your guide how prisoners came up with ingenious ways in which to continue their fight for freedom from within the prison walls.  

Practical Information

The entire tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from Robben Island. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly from ticket counters at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront. The tour costs R360 per adult (approximately $25) and R200 per child (approximately $15). Tickets often sell out, so it's advisable to book in advance or make arrangements with a  local tour operator .

The Robben Island ferry sails four times a day from the Nelson Mandela Gateway and departure times change according to the season. Make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure because there's an interesting exhibit in the waiting hall that gives a good overview of the island's history. Remember that although the guides on Robben Island will never ask for  tips , it is customary in Africa to reward good service. 

This article was updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald on January 14 2019.

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Robben Island

Robben island tours & tickets.

The ticket price to enjoy this trip 2020/2021: Non - South African Adults - R600.00 Non - South African Kids R400.00 South African Adults - R400.00 South African kids R200.00

Tailor-Made Robben Island Tour Packages

1. Robben Island and Table Mountain Cable Way Experience. 2. Robben Island and V&A Waterfront experience. 3. Robben Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. 4. Robben Island and Wine tasting in the Constantia region. 5. Robben Island and Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Best Robben Island Tours & Tickets

Reserve your Robben Island Island tickets with us for a memorable authentic guided prison tour of Nelson Mandela and other political activists from the ruling South African ANC party. These include but not limited to Robert Sobukwe, Ahmad Katrada, and many more. All tours to Robben Island departs from Cape Town's prestigious Waterfront harbor in a group and are privately guided into small groups at the Island by an ex-political prisoner who acts as a tour guide. Robben Island Tours: Normally Robben Island has tour packages and trips that depart at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00, and getting a ticket for a half or full-day tour can be tricky because of the popularity of Robben Island prison excursions.

Secure your Robben Island tickets here with a range of day tours from Cape Town, South Africa. Skip the line. Robben Island was a place and sign of repression of brutal Apartheid policies against black South Africans and people of color. It was here where Nelson Mandela started his long walk to freedom after the Rivonia trial sentence and spent 18 good years of his life in the most inhuman conditions in a small cell the size of a box of matches.

Tickets to Robben Island sells fast online as this declared world heritage site has become too popular for tourists and local South Africans who want to visit the now Robben Island Museum. All our Robben Island tours come with pre-booked tickets and can be conducted in half or full-day tours with a combination of other top attractions in Cape Town such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, Penguins, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Peninsula, and Cape Wineland's tasting in Stellenbosch, Constantia, Durbanville, Paarl or Franschhoek.

Why Go Or Visit Robben Island?

For a beautiful change of traveling atmosphere you may need to visit Robben Island for various reasons:

• Robben Island is a World Heritage Site rated by UNESCO since 1999. South African Nation recognize this place as a symbol of the
• National struggle up until freedom was achieved. This is our heritage and everyone from all lengths of the world is welcome to enjoy the tours here.
•  All the former President of South Africa were imprisoned at Robben Island. Mandela, served 18 years here so Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma had this as their imprisonment site. Along with other political activists this place the Island has a long history for South African leaders.
• Apart from only being a place of rich history, Robben Island is a penguin and seal colony. There are high chances of viewing Dolphins whenever visiting the Island too.
• It is easy to access Robben Island for as long you are guided and once there, there is so much natural beauty, and have a chance of staying there overnight.
• There is Authentic exclusive accommodation

Where To Go On Robben Island Tour?

When you disembark on a fabulous journey from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront Cape Town harbor to Murray's harbor on Robben Island you need a short walk to the bus on the Island when you land. Once the tour begins, you will pass by historical sites on the Island. From the Leper graveyard driving pass to the lime quarry where prisoners were forced to work all the way to the Maximum Security prison. So much history is delivered as you even pass by the army and navy bankers to the finishing point of Nelson Mandela's cell.

When Is The Best Time To Go Or Visit Robben Island?

Robben island trips are of all year round and daily trips depend on the weather.

Departure Times:

The trip takes up to 30 mins back and forth with a ferry that accommodates 160 people in a duration of 3.5 hours. Always make a booking in advance, tickets can all be easily sold out during the busiest traveling summer season of November to March and we are here to help you with that so as to facilitate your Robben Island tour.

Tickets are only sold at V&A Waterfront, Nelson Mandela Gateway, Web Tickets, and at Robben Island Museum. Save your time and troubles by allowing us a Tour Operating Company to purchase for you. Buying tickets involve more than that for trips maybe canceled anytime due to bad weather, swells etcetera.

Best Time to Go: Best: Good:

Highlights:.

• Taking a ferry to Robben Island is one of the most special trips whenever you visit Cape Town.
• So much history at this World Heritage Site.
• Buildings that remind of people's struggle and sad history until freedom achieved. ⁃ Authentic accommodation at the former governor Island's house.
• Touring the island in a bus, where people used to banished, isolated, and exiled for nearly 400 years with an ex-prisoner guide.
• Diverse marine and Safari wildlife. Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, and penguins.
• Secure your Robben Island tour with  our pre-booked ticket(s)
• Take the footsteps of Nelson Mandela on this prison tour of Robben Island
• Combine your Robben Island tours with table mountain, cape town city, penguins, and cape of good hope
• Full day Robben Island tour with hotel pick up and drop off
• Half-day tours to Robben Island with tickets
• Guided and escorted half-day tour to Robben Island

Robben Island Boat/ ferry tours and trips departing  times are : 09H00, 11H00, 13H00, 15H00 & 17H00. These hours can be extended at Robben Island Museum discretion in the high season. All Robben ticket tours are nonrefundable unless the trip is canceled by Robben Island Museum office. Best Robben Island Half & Full Day Tours & Tickets

Top 10 Picks Robben Island Tours

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

• 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
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Entry fees to Diamond Museum
• Entry/Admission - Robben Island Museum
• Entry/Admission - Bo-kaap
• Entry/Admission - Castle of Good Hope
• Entry/Admission - District Six Museum
• The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
• We pick up from any hotel in Cape Town within a 5 km radius from the city center. We also do pick ups from the Cape Town Cruise Ship Terminal
• Cape Town Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at The Silo Hotel Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Robben Island Museum Stop: 4 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Bo-kaap Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Company's Gardens Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 4 Castle of Good Hope Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 District Six Museum Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Mistmarkfarai1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles With Rammy as your Tour Guide @Rawtours you won't go wrong, Book now and experience the beauty of Capetown What an unforgettable experience the Ocean drive, Chapman's Pick drive, Wine tasting, Lion's head sunset view, The full-day tour gives me an opportunity to take as many memorable Pics as possible, Read more Written April 28, 2024
• birgitsI5368PL 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended Tour This trip was excellent. It was my first visit in South Africa and Remy was a very knowledgable and fantastic guide. I highly recommend! Read more Written April 14, 2024
• 80JamesA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Tour Option in South Africa We had to opportunity to take the Private City Tour Table Mountain + Cable Car Ticket Camps Bay H/D Private City Tour of Cape Town Half Day with Remmy and Raw Tours. We highly recommend this experience. Remmy picked us up on time at our hotel in a clean and well maintained vehicle. He was professional, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. The tour started at Table Mountain. He whisked us past the queue with pre purchased tickets and provided a wealth of information as we explored the amazing vistas. He also takes amazing pictures, capturing us and the stunning backdrops. Lion’s Head. Signal Hill. Bo-kaap. Hout Bay. Downtown Cape Town. Etc. We ended with a better appreciation of the city. This was the best tour during our time in the country. Remmy and Raw Tours should be your first option when you want to see the best South Africa has to offer! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Q8248UJjohns 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour ! Fabulous trip. The landscape , ocean scenery were beyond compare Also ostrich and antelope sightings as a bonus Our guide was the best Read more Written March 11, 2024
• gbraakman 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Can't recommend Everything is closed. For 5he winter season. Parking difficul if not impossebke. We been three times and each day was a dusappointment Read more Written March 7, 2024
• ruthrR8311OI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful tour We had an amazing time! We asked Remi for a tour that was time efficent because we were doing a lot on one day, and he delivered. He was very knowledgeable and overall we had an amazing time. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• Mistmarkfarai1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles My Big 5 Safari Experience again in 2023 The full trip to Aquila Private Game Reserve and back was an extraordinary experience, it was my second time to go there but i felt like it was my first time, Rammy shared a lot of historical information the most i like was about how the Huguenot Tunnel built from when and how, Not forgetting the full big 5 information that the Aquila Game Guide shared with us, You wanna visit there think of RawTours and Rammy first ❤️ Read more Written December 11, 2023
• Resort06508649203 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 Highly Recommend We used tour guide Remy multiple times for excursions while in Cape Town. He was always courteous & on time. Remy is very knowledgable and makes the tour interesting. He has a great nature and is easy to talk to. His van is spotless and in excellent condition for maximum comfort. I highly recommend you book with him for a fun and educational tour of Cape Towns attractions. Read more Written November 19, 2023
• Ladrena B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Best Tour Guide in Cape Town I am grateful that Remy was our guide. He was more than a gift. He is also a historian, restaurant booker, and security. We booked several excursions with him and honestly, I would not want to book with anyone else. He went over and beyond my expectation. I enjoyed listening to him talk about the history of Cape Town, Robben Island, Table Mountain, the Capes, and Langa Township. He allowed us to ask questions and he delved deep into the history. He even hiked up Table Mountain with is to insure we were safe. When we went shopping in the Free Market, he was there to assist with everything. The private tour with Remy is the absolute best way to tour. I am recommending him to everyone and if I could give 10 stars, I would. I have absolutely NO complaints! The absolute best there is! Read more Written November 18, 2023
• Go700948 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Remy: A South African Tour Guide Extraordinaire – Where Expertise Meets Enthusiasm We had the most incredible experience with Remy as my tour guide in South Africa. His passion for sharing the beauty and rich history of the region was truly contagious. Remy's extensive knowledge, warm personality, and attention to detail made the journey unforgettable. From breathtaking landscapes to hidden gems, he curated an adventure that exceeded all expectations. If you're looking for a guide who goes above and beyond, Remy is the one to choose. Highly recommended for an extraordinary South African exploration! Read more Written November 16, 2023
• GrandTour65177542716 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Langa Township The transfer with Remmy was very pleasant! We received water for the trip and lots of interesting historical and current information about Cape Town and South Africa. Remmy designed our trip to be very tailored to our needs and interests. Thank you! Read more Written October 24, 2023
• Dream40060133969 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice experience We enjoyed this tour. The museum with the diamonds was pretty cool and they had awesome hospitality. Highly recommend it. Read more Written September 11, 2023
• Jet32628032182 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day trip to Cape Agulhas from Cape Town The trip to Cape Agulhas was one of the highlights of our visit to Cape Town. Our guide Remmy and driver Kuda were friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. The gave us lots of information about the sights on the way and about the history of SA in general. Highly recommended this tour Read more Written September 6, 2023
• Refiloe64579teoyvdhh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing, calming place. Plz pack extra warm clothes.Table mountain can be very scary but also exciting. Go experience good adventures Read more Written August 25, 2023
• Navigator40692875494 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cape Tour With Remmy Our visit to Cape Town was awesome and thanks to our tour guide @Remmy who made it extra special with his guide talent. Can't wait to come back again next year 👌👌👌👌 Read more Written August 23, 2023

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Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets provided by Raw Tours Cape Town

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Visit Robben Island, Mandela Prison

Robben Island, a small island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. While in Cape Town, visit Robben Island , “Symbol of the triumph of the human spirit against adversity, suffering and injustice” is a must. But before setting out in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, I present to you a small summary of the fascinating history of this island with a past darkened by violence and racism.

The History of Robben Island before Mandela

Robben island: a military prison ….

Robben Island, five centuries which made it a formidable penitentiary island! First, from 1658, it was used as a prison by the first Dutch settlers, Chief Khoi Harry Strandloper is the first inmate.

Then, African convicts of common law and natives of the Dutch colonies sentenced to exile and deported to Africa.

At the end of the 18th e century, the island is used as a place of quarantine.

From 1795, during the occupation of British troops occupying Cape Town, it served as a military prison for common law convicts, mainly Dutch whites.

After a small return under Dutch control, the authorities British people from the Cape Colony restore Robben Island to its vocation first, military prison and common law.

… Became a psychiatric hospital

After refurbishment in a psychiatric center followed by a leprosy hospital, in indeed it is an isolated place which enjoys a healthy environment for cures, the island continues to serve as a military prison for common rights. During the second world war, the island is fortified and weapons are installed to ensure the defense of Cape Town.

… then Mandela prison

From 1961, Robben Island becomes maximum security prison for convicts to long sentences.

Nelson Mandela spent nearly 17 years there, from 1964 to 1982, before his transfer to the Pollsmoor Prison followed by Victor Verster Prison near Paarl.

In 1996, Robben Island ceases all penitentiary center activity and becomes a museum national.

Nelson Mandela: 17 long years on Robben Island

Diploma in law in 1942, Nelson Mandela, international symbol of freedom and justice, enters the ANC, a small moderate political party of the black bourgeoisie.

In 1948, during Apartheid, he joined with Olivier Tambo, at the head of the ANC. After several years of struggle against Apartheid, in 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage, conspiracy and treason and is imprisoned on Robben Island.

Inhuman conditions

The living conditions imposed on Nelson Mandela are inhuman, waking up at 5:30 a.m., a bucket of cold water for washing and for breakfast a bowl of porridge in the yard. The day is spent breaking pebbles with a little break for the frugal lunch. At 4 p.m., half an hour of toilet is granted to him, then back to his cell. The curfew is at 8 p.m. but the cell remains lit all night!

Constrained to work in a limestone quarry, in scorching heat and blinding light, the sight of Nelson Mandela suffers.

Then an improvement under international pressure

Under international pressure and the order of Pretoria to “Change the atmosphere”, the living conditions of prisoners are improving.

Mandela has learned Afrikaans and speaks it fluently, but not without an accent. He learns about Afrikaner history and literature. In addition, he cultivates a vegetable garden where he grows tomatoes, lettuce, radishes and watermelons.

In 1980, Mandela can resume his law courses at the University of London.

His love for Winnie behind bars

most hard for Mandela is to be isolated from his family.

His wife Winnie persecuted by the police has the right to see him for a half an hour in 1964, under close surveillance. A second visit is allowed two years later. Thereafter, Winnie is entitled to a third visit in 1971. She can return with their two daughters in 1975.

However, Mandela and Winnie are allowed to write to each other, she stays until her release her fountain Youth and its source of political information.

Time plays in favor of Mandela, the new justice minister asked for a detailed report on the prisoner and the conclusion is: “There is no doubt that Mandela has all the qualities to be South Africa’s number one black leader. His stay in prison has only strengthened, instead of diminished, its psycho-political position, and he acquired in prison the charisma characteristic of the great leaders of contemporary liberation movements ”.

Visit of the National Museum and the island by Robben Island

After have visited the museum and delved into five centuries of history that have made Robben Island a fearsome penitentiary island, you navigate by ferry during 30 minutes, the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the city and the Cape mountains.

At your arrival, a bus awaits you and you are offered a guided tour of the island which is 3.3 km long. Your English-speaking South African guide shows you the key places of the island, penitentiary buildings, village, quarry of lime where the detainees broke pebbles … and the “Maximum Security Prison ”with in particular the cell of Nelson Mandela.

Your guide: a former inmate

Guide prison is a former inmate who tells you about the extremely difficult to which prisoners were subjected. The visit of the corridor where coexisted a dozen inmates with their dilapidated cells, reflects the conditions of inhuman life suffered by prisoners subjected to the atrocity of the authorities during Apartheid.

Let’s organize your stay in Cape Town

I hope I made you want to visit Robben Island, a historic and iconic place in South Africa, a must-see during your stay in our beautiful city of Cape Town.

Let us organize your stay in Cape Town and your visit to Robben Island, we are a local agency based in Cape Town, South African Travellers, which for twelve years specializes in tailor-made destinations in Southern Africa. Our team will be happy to advise you.

On our blog, discover our other articles on the must-do and activities of Cape Town:

• Road-Trip to the Cape of Good Hope, our essential stops,
• The best museums in Cape-Town,
• Secret spots and bars in Cape Town

See you soon on this side of the world,

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Cape Town, Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

Beyond Africa Safaris

Get skip-the-line entry to the Robben Island Ferry, then join a former inmate to explore the prison where South Africa's most influential freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned for 27 years.

Robben Island

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Prepare for a memorable journey into South Africa's recent past with a trip to Robben Island. Waste no time waiting to buy tickets by pre-booking your ferry and guided tour entry. Upon arrival on Robben Island, meet up with a former inmate for a guided tour of the notorious prison. After heading to the meeting point, go straight to the boarding area to take a roughly 30-minute shared boat trip to Robben Island. Embark on a journey across the sea and dock at the Robben Island Museum upon arrival. Once on the island, meet up with an ex-political prisoner to begin your exploration of the island. Board a bus to tour the premises, and hear first-hand accounts of what it was like to be a prisoner there. Find out about the rich history of the island, and then reach the highlight of the tour: Nelson Mandela's prison cell. Get a sense of his fight for freedom as you discover the prison cell where he was incarcerated for more than 25 years. Afterward, take the return trip back to Cape Town. Kindly note that this offer is for International travellers. (Non South Africans) We encourage SA citizens to purchase their tickets from Robben Island directly. Please also note that this is not a private tour and you will join others on the boat trip and on the guided bus and land tour. You will skip the ticketing line but will still have to queue to board the ferry boat. This tour excludes hotel pick up and drop off. The tour starts and ends at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.

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Duration 4 hours

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West Indies to host South Africa, England and Bangladesh in 2024

W est Indies men will host South Africa, England and Bangladesh between May to December 2024. The home games begin with a visit from South Africa for three T20Is starting May 23 at Sabina Park in Jamaica before the T20 World Cup in June where West Indies and USA are the hosts.

The three T20Is clash with the IPL playoffs week, which is likely to feature a few West Indies players including T20I captain Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer. They are part of Rajasthan Royals, who are currently second on the points table. Cricket West Indies has allowed their players to be part of the IPL until their teams exit. There is no confirmation yet on whether the players whose teams don't make the playoffs will be named in the West Indies squad for the South Africa series.

West Indies then embark on a Test series to England in July following which South Africa return to the Caribbean for two Tests in Trinidad and Guyana from August 7. This will be followed by another three-match T20I series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad from August 23 ahead of the CPL. The two teams will also play a four-day warm-up game ahead of the Test series in Tarouba.

After a white-ball tour in Sri Lanka in October, West Indies will host England from October 31 for three ODIs and five T20Is which will be played across Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia.

Bangladesh will then visit the Caribbean shores between November 22 and December 19 for an all-format tour which starts with two Test Matches to be played in Antigua and Jamaica, three ODIs in St. Kitts & Nevis, and three T20Is in St Vincent. West Indies will be returning to the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent for the first time since 2014. Bangladesh will also play a warm-up game before the Tests in Antigua.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave said Grenada and Dominica missed out on hosting games this year because "significant improvements" were made to the stadiums, adding that West Indies will return to both venues in 2025.

pakistan tour of south africa, 2024 -25

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Robben Island is renowned for its use as a Maximum Security Prison (MSP) during the Apartheid era of South Africa’s history yet less is known of the Island’s use as a prison in the period preceding this and dating back 500 years. Criminal and political prisoners were sent to the Island during Colonial and Apartheid rule of South Africa.

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• |  May 11, 2024
• By Staff Reporter
• -  May 11, 2024

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) on Friday announced an action-packed schedule for the West Indies Men, featuring three international home tours against South Africa, England, and Bangladesh, from May to December 2024.

The home tours begin with a visit from South Africa, featuring three (3) T20 Internationals (T20Is) at Sabina Park, prior to the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Proteas then return to the region after the West Indies Test Tour to England in July, with a two (2)-Test Match Series to be played in Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, followed by a second three (3)-match T20I Series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, ahead of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Following a white-ball tour away to Sri Lanka in October, the West Indies will welcome England to the Caribbean for a white-ball tour consisting of three (3) CG United One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five (5) T20Is. The series will be played across Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, and Saint Lucia, with travel packages on sale from today from CWI’s Official Tour Operators. Bangladesh then completes the action-packed year with an all-format tour before Christmas with two (2) Test Matches in Antigua & Barbuda and Jamaica, three (3) CG United ODIs in St. Kitts & Nevis, and three (3) T20Is in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

CWI Chief Executive, Johnny Grave, expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to announce our West Indies Men’s Home Series for the remainder of the year, which will welcome South Africa, England, and Bangladesh to eight of our host countries in the West Indies, including Saint Vincent & the Grenadines for the first time since 2012. While significant improvements were made to the National Stadium in Grenada and Windsor Park in Dominica, we were unable to host International cricket there this year. However, we are already looking forward to returning to both venues in 2025. Fans can purchase tickets online today for the first Series against South Africa in Jamaica and through our official travel partners for the England Tour later this year. All other tickets are expected to go on sale in July after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. We urge fans to rally behind our Men in Maroon as we strive for a historic third T20 World Cup title and seek to secure all important points in the ICC World Test Championship.”

Tickets for the T20I Series against South Africa at Sabina Park, Jamaica are available now to buy online from the Windies Tickets service, at tickets.windiescricket.com. Fans who purchase online will benefit from a 20% discount compared to the box office prices, with tickets ranging from the most premium seats with the best and shaded views in the stadium through to affordable standard seats or mounds/grounds entry. Tickets for the rest of the year will go on sale in July after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

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RR chose to bat.

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Day 2 - AFG A trail by 417 runs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Delhi Capitals

Match starts in 2 hrs 16 mins

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