Cape Town , South Africa

Robben Island & Township Full-Day Tour

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About this experience

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in City Bowl. From there, we visit the District Six Museum, where you'll have the unique opportunity to engage with former residents who were directly affected by the apartheid-era forced removals.

Next, we travel to Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. This is more than just a tour—it’s a personal experience for our guides, many of whom call this community home. On a guided walkabout, you’ll visit a local kindergarten, community upliftment projects, traditional healers, small businesses, and other vibrant corners of township life.

After the township visit, we continue to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where you'll board the ferry to Robben Island. Upon arrival, a former political prisoner or experienced guide will lead you on a tour of the island, including a walk through the prison and a visit to the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in incarceration.

Available options

Robben Island & Township Full-Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

All entrance fees

Taste traditional beer

Boat ticket to the island

Transportation

Experience qualified guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The District Six Museum is unique in that it serves as a living memorial to a community that was forcibly removed during the apartheid era in South Africa. The museum is located in Cape Town and was established in 1994, in the aftermath of apartheid, to remember and celebrate the vibrant and diverse community that once inhabited District Six.

The museum's exhibits and displays showcase the history and culture of District Six, as well as the stories of its former residents, many of whom were forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to other areas. The museum also serves as a platform for dialogue and engagement, hosting a variety of events, talks, and workshops that encourage critical reflection on the past, present, and future of South Africa.

Stop 2

Townships often have a close-knit community where residents know each other, and there is a sense of belonging. This can make the experience unique and create a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.

Townships often have a distinct culture that is different from other areas, with unique customs, traditions, and even dialects that are specific to the township. This can make the experience of living or visiting a township unique and exciting.

Many townships have a rich history that can add to the unique experience. This may include important events, people, or landmarks that have shaped the township's identity and character.

Townships are often known for their diversity, with people from different ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds living together. This can create a vibrant and dynamic community with a variety of perspectives and experiences.

Stop 3

Robben Island served as a prison for over 400 years, where political prisoners were incarcerated during the apartheid era in South Africa. Among them was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27-year prison sentence on the island. The prison was closed in 1996 and the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The island is home to a variety of animals, including African penguins, seals, and a variety of bird species. The island has also been declared a nature reserve, and its natural beauty is preserved.

The island serves as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. It is an important site for visitors to learn about the country's history and the impact of apartheid on its people.

Unique Geology: The island's geology is also unique, with exposed rocks and boulders that are over 500 million years old. The island is also surrounded by turbulent waters, which have resulted in numerous shipwrecks over the years.

What's not included

Gratitude or Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

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