Explore the historic prison (and now World Heritage Site) of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated- along with countless other convicts, slaves, exiles, lepers and other political prisoners in the prison's 450 year history. Experience private access to Mandela's cell and explore the island in the comfort of a private vehicle with an expert guide. View the beautiful city of Cape Town and its famous mountain from a new perspective.
Highlights
•Visit the historic prison of Robben Island, which for some 450 years incarcerated convicts, slaves, exiled Eastern princes, lepers, the insane and political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.
•Absorb the rich history and culture of the prison, now a World Heritage Site.
•Travel around the island, in a private vehicle, with breath-taking views of across the bay.
•Private access to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
Depart from Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront by scheduled ferry for a 25-minute trip across Table Bay to Robben Island (also called Seal Island), accompanied by your guide.
This World Heritage Site is South Africa’s most revered national monument, and was once a prison for some 450 years – for, at one time or another, convicts, slaves, exiled Eastern princes, lepers, the insane and political prisoners being punished for resisting oppressive rule.
Among its more famous inmates was 19th Century tribal chief, Makana, who lost his life attempting to escape by boat across the Bay, and South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela. He spent two decades of his life on the island, along with some 3,000 other political detainees, many of whom were icons of the resistance and became leaders of the new South Africa.
On arrival, meet your private island guide (most of whom were once inmates) before exploring this historic landmark at your own pace and with complete exclusivity. The tour includes a visit to the Prison Block and the infamous Limestone Quarry, where prisoners toiled, as well as a drive around the island with it breathtaking views across the bay.
The highlight of this privately guided experience is the opportunity to access Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, an experience not soon forgotten.
Return by ferry to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and enjoy spectacular views of the city and Table Mountain (weather permitting).
Tour Code: FH04A
Duration: 4 hours
Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Group Size: Max 13
Departures: Hotel
Departure Time: 09h00/13h00
Returns: Hotel
Return Time: 13h00/17h00
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ROBBEN ISLAND: ACCOMPANIED (YOUR DRIVER/GUIDE TRAVELS WITH YOU); UNACCOMPANIED (YOUR DRIVER/GUIDE DROPS YOU OFF AT THE FERRY AND COLLECTS YOU AFTERWARDS); PRIVATE TOUR (YOU HAVE A PRIVATE GUIDE AND VEHCILE ON THE ISLAND, THIS CAN BE ACCOMPANIED OR UNACCOMPANIED).
Includes:
Private return transfers to/from Robben Island ferry, Bottled Water, Robben Island Tickets (scheduled basis), Wilderness Touring guide accompanies guests to the island. (Robben Island Entrance Fee subject to change). NB: Please note that there will be a Private Vehicle & Guide on the Island
Excludes:
Personal shopping, gratuities and lunch.
