Robben Island - South Africa

Robben Island is a place synonymous with leaders and for the struggle of freedom in South Africa. At Robben Island you can see the reflection of triumph of the human spirit. As quoted by Ahmed Kathrada," While we will not forget the brutality of apartheid, we will not want Robben Island to be a monument to our hardship and suffering. We would want Robben Island to be a monument...reflecting the triumph of the human spirit against the forces of evil." Robben Island is a place, where people can learn from and acknowledge the history of our world.

Robben Island Exhibition and Info Centre

History, fauna and flora and the shipwreck history of the island, as well as first-hand recapping from ex-political prisoners surviving apartheid.

Enquire about tours to Robben Island. Also Accommodation in Cape town and other tours in the region

One could pay respect to people of our time that fought for freedom, in this case for human rights. Life for a prisoner on Robben Island was not easy, but life in the old South Africa was not so pleasant either. People of colour were treated inhumanly, not permitted on the beaches, in pools, in movies or to practice their own traditions by order of law. .The beautiful country of Africa was segregated by classifications of skin and cultural background and only censored activities were permitted by the Anglo saxon opressors.

To go to Robben Island is still an experience of immense power. It is similar to that of the Nazi concentration camps and hide outs, a cold, damp, barren and lonely place. Fresh water and trees were completely absent. Very little communication could be achieved between the outside world and islanders. The waters surrounding the island were infested with hungry sharks patrolling. The stormy weather conditions characteristic to the southern tip of Africa became known as the Cape Of Storms.

Very few places in the world exemplify and symbolise the struggle for freedom against oppression of basic human rights, as Robben Island does. The power to eradicate apartheid was believed to have been strongly supported by the presence of this far away prison island. Where many of the leading members of South African political parties and ANC members were incarcerated. Most famously, the former president Mr Nelson Mandela. The history of Robben Island is indelibly linked to that of the fight against white domination and against the colonialisation of all tribal or Native cultures across the world by European empires.

Geographical Information of Robben Island

From Table Bay Harbour to Murray's Bay - 11 km
From Bloubergstrand to Robben Island - 7 km
Length of Robben Island - 5.4 km
Width - 2.5 km
size - 574 hectares
Highest Area - 30 m above sea level.
Annual Rain Fall- between 300mm and 400mm
stats available from Robben Island Recreation Club

Where to book to visit Robben Island

Ferries depart regulary, throughout the day at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. (weather permitting)
The Robben Island Museum departure point, ticket office and curio shop is at the Clocktower terminal, V&A Waterfront. The standard tour is 3 1/2 hours long includes two half-hour long ferry rides. To book call(27) Cape Town +27 (21) 419-1300 or Toll Free (0800) 22-8882

What does a visit to Robben Island cost

Adults are charged a mere R100
pensioners and students R70
children between 4 and 17 (they must be accompanied by an adult) R50
under four are free.
Student groups can be catered for.
Special rates are available on request
physically challenged visitors can inform the ticket office before their arrival.
To book call(27) Cape Town(21) 419-1300 or Toll Free (0800) 22-8882
For further information call (021) 419-1300
It is possible to visit the Island by Helicopter Contact:
Civair, at POBOX. 120 Newlands, 7725, Cape Town. or (021) 419-5182