Visit Robben Island, Cape Town – South Africa The Prison where Mandela spent years in captivity.

If you’re in Cape Town, a visit to Robben Island really shouldn’t be missed. The place where Nelson Mandela spent so many years in captivity. In my youth, I often heard on the radio or TV about Nelson Mandela and that he was still stuck on Robben Island. Of course, I couldn’t skip such a place and so when I was in Cape Town – South Africa with my mother, we visited Robben Island just off the coast.

Visit Robben Island, Cape Town – South Africa

Buy your ticket to Robben Island online

In the morning, we went to the port in time to catch the first boat to Robben Island. My mother had already bought the ticket for the boat and entrance to Robben Island online, which was just as well. So I can really recommend this to you as well. See which ticket Robben Island suits your visit.

Check the world map to see where Robben Island is located off the coast of Cape Town – GPS Robben Island

History of the prison on Robben Island

Robben Island is an islet of about five square kilometres off the coast of Cape Town. Robben Island is named after the many seals the Dutch settlers encountered on the islet. After Jan van Riebeeck settled in Cape Town in 1652, the island was used as a prison by the VOC. Robben Island was a good prison because of the strong currents, sharp rocks and cold water around the island.

Autshumato of the Khoisan tribe, in Dutch ‘Harry die Strandloper’, was the first prisoner on Robben Island in 1658. The last prisoners were released in 1991 after which, following the end of apartheid in 1994, the prison was closed in 1996. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The whole island, including the prison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Robben Island – Prison of Mandela

Start your day on time – Visit Robben Island

When we got to the boarding point, it was already quite crowded. If we didn’t already have the ticket it would have been almost impossible to get a seat at short notice. Around 9 o’clock our boat left so we had the morning to visit Robben Island and the afternoon to go to Table Mountain. On the way to Robben Island, of course, we had a nice view of Cape Town and Table Mountain.

Arrival on Robben Island

Arriving at Robben Island, we walked towards the prison entrance. We passed under a gate and there we were met. There were a number of buses in which all the tourists could fit and with these we first went on a tour of Robben Island. There are, of course, several buildings on Robben Island in which the prisoners were segregated. But you can also find a church or houses where the guards lived.

The man who told us the history about Robben Island indicated that some prisoners were sometimes isolated in such a small space for months. Surely that is terrible! If you look at what our cells look like now, it’s almost like a hotel!

The rows of cells on Robben Island, Cape Town

Work was also carried out under harsh conditions on Robben Island. It was mentioned here that many prisoners lost their lives in the process. The following photo shows the place where these too prisoners are commemorated. People lay down stones here in memory of the prisoners who died. This was particularly done by former prisoners he told.

All the way on the other side of the island was a small building where we had a short break. There you could buy coffee and visit a toilet. There were also a lot of Ibises to be seen there. These are protected, rare birds. Then you are there enjoying a holiday. You look around and you are standing on Robben Island, which you have heard so much about. It is difficult to imagine all the dramatic events that took place. It is so difficult for us Dutch people who grow up in complete freedom to imagine.

When we arrived at the prison our guide indicated that we were free to enter the prison. Of course the man had a nice smile on his face, but the truth of that sentence was clearly palpable.

Information panels on Robben Island – Cape Town, South Africa

Guided tour of ex-prisoner Robben Island

A little further on we were welcomed by an ex-convict. He went to give us a tour of the prison. I thought that was a very special sensation. This man told us from his own experience what happened within the walls of the prison on Robben Island. Outside he talked about his time on Robben Island. He was there for years and could still remember the details well. He also indicated that he really enjoyed being here now and providing us with information. About how it should never be again.

Visit Mandela’s cell on Robben Island, Cape Town

The former prisoner took us inside and when we finally ended up in a large room where about 30 prisoners could sit, he told us about life within the walls. They each had a bed and a cupboard next to it. The former prisoner talked about how the prisoners interacted with each other. How they made sure that you came out better than when you went in.

Those who could write and read taught those who could not. If a newspaper came in, via a guard, the information it contained was dealt with. There was debate about what was going on and how it should be addressed. In this way a clear opinion was formed. This way one had to think and had distractions.

I thought it was very impressive that they kept the spirit high in this way!

Inside of a cupboard next to a bed

After this explanation, the ex-detainee took us further into the building. We ended up in the cell corridor where Nelson Mandela was held for years. He spent a total of 18 years in this prison on Robben Island. This was from 1964 to 1982. The cell where he was kept was the only cell that still had a table and stool. This is to illustrate what it looked like, or could have looked like. Of course, the question remains whether they were also there when Mandela stayed there.

See the cel of Mandela at Robben Island

We all walked past it and everyone took a picture of that one cell. The cell was no bigger than almost 2 meters by 1 meter, I estimate. You will find the number 46664 on many souvenirs if you want to buy something at the shop at the exit. This was Mandela’s detention number. This number now also symbolizes the AIDS control project that Mandela started.

466/64 – Souvenirs on Robben Island, Cape Town

Diplomatic answers ex-prisoner Robben Island

Once outside, a number of questions were asked to the former prisoner. He did not want to answer questions related to the government. He did not comment on current issues. There is always a fear of speaking out about matters that are politically sensitive and could endanger your freedom in any way. If you have been detained on Robben Island for years, you may be able to imagine something about this.

A fear remains palpable in the brain and body many times longer than a good deed. How much must happen or how much time must pass before such fears are lifted?

However, he only indicated what happened on Robben Island at the time and what they had done to survive within this regime. I thought that was special. He indicated that he was here now to show what was going on at the time and that his current opinion did not matter. He is of course right about that, but somehow you always want to hear his opinion.

When we left again I saw that old boat that was moored at the beginning of the harbor of Robben Island. This was the boat on which the prisoners were taken to and from Robben Island. You can see this same boat in photos taken on the day of Mandela’s release.

That was a pretty intense visit and I think that when you visit Cape Town you should definitely take time to visit this prison on Robben Island. Do take time to hear about the history and see the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned so long!

Prepare your visit to Robben Island – South Africa

If you go visit the Prison on Robben Island make sure to prebook your ticket online. Make sure that you know when you half day trip on Robben Island is and be on time for the boat! Book your ticket for your visit to Robben Island

If you want to go around the coast line and visit some nice coastal village check this post: Charming Coastal Villages in Cape Town. Or go explore Cape Town check these 16 unique things to do in Cape Town!

Where to stay in Cape Town

Check out this Brenwin Guesthouse. This is located in the quiet Green Point district, which is a short distance from the lively center of Cape Town and a 10-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront. The guesthouse has a beautiful garden with swimming pool.

Or check out this Old Foundry Hotel from Ideas Cartel. Super nice and uniquely decorated hotel and located slightly closer to the V&A Waterfront than Brenwin. You can of course enjoy a lovely walk and dinner here in the evening.

Would you really rather be in the heart of the center of Cape Town? Then choose Long Street Boutique Hotel on the bustling street of the same name, Long Street. From the balcony of this hotel you have a view of the beautiful Table Mountain.

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