
Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets worth booking?
Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $189 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $189 per person
This is a great tour which brings the tourist face to face with history, nature and sightseeing opportunities. Experience the life of World Statesman Nelson Mandela during his 18 years of imprisonment at the world herit
What you get
About this experience
This is a great tour which brings the tourist face to face with history, nature and sightseeing opportunities. Experience the life of World Statesman Nelson Mandela during his 18 years of imprisonment at the world heritage site Robben Island as part of his 27 years in prison. Climb the Table Mountain - voted one of the new 7 world wonders in 2012, attracts 800 000 visitors annually. Experience Cape culture at Bo-Kaap that has bright coloured houses as a celebration of their freedom from slavery. The first residents arrived from Indonesia, Java, Malaysia and other parts of Asia. It is also a heritage site. The Company Gardens has a rich history, it has also has museums like the Slave Lodge, the Iziko South African Museum, the Planetarium. The S.A. Art gallery, the Cape Town Holocaust centre, St Georges Cathedral. There is also amazing fauna and flora. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest standing colonial building in South Africa.
What's included
Included
- 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
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entry fees to Diamond Museum
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Robben Island Museum
After being picked up from your hotel in Cape Town, you will be driven to the V&A Waterfront where you board the Robben Island Ferry to the world-famous place of incarceration of Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years. This place, dubbed “South Africa Alcatraz” served as a leper colony, a place of isolation, banishment, and imprisonment. The Island is a state reminder of the harsh conditions endured as a reward for freedom from the Government of apartheid. After the historical, emotional, educative and informative tour which is conducted either by ex-prison warders or ex-prisoners of Robben Island, you board the ferry back to the Waterfront. You then have lunch and are picked up immediately after.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Bo-kaap
The tour proceeds to the Bo Kaap (Afrikaans for upper Cape) that has colorful houses for a Cape cultural experience. Also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, this is one of the major tourist attractions on the City tour. It is a place known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood with a predominantly Muslim community. Slaves were initially imported from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Africa hence the name “Malay”.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Company's Gardens
The Company Gardens is a park and heritage site located in central Cape Town. The gardens were originally created in the 1650s by the Dutch East Indian Company purposefully to provide fresh vegetables, fruit, and water. Here are some of the reasons you visit this garden History – It was built as a refreshment station for sailors sailing around the tip of Africa to and from the East. Ships sailing to the East would stop by after months at sea to stock up on fresh produce which was grown in the Garden and freshwater – hence, “The Company Garden”. There is so much in terms of history in the garden, with a combination of memorials, statues, and monuments all contributing to the rich history of the Garden. There is more to see. Critters – This garden is home to amazing and overwhelming amounts of fauna. In there you will find pigeons, Egyptian Geese, herons, rodents the famous squirrels and last but not least an aviary where you can view dozens of bird species. If you fancy it, you may buy a bag of peanuts in the gardens to feed the squirrels which are more than happy to scamper right up to you for a snack. The Food The Food – The restaurant in the Company Gardens is very popular with domestic and international tourists Sit down and enjoy traditional Capetonian food that includes – burgers, sandwiches, fish, and chips. A variety of juices, beers, milkshakes, and wine can be enjoyed in the huge outdoor seating area. Really a lovely place to enjoy a city centre lunch, and beneath the large trees among the reeds- a dreamland The Art- The Company Gardens is also home to the South African Art Gallery, which houses an impressive permanent collection of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Hamish art. This Gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions by some of the country’s top artists, and occasionally international artists too. The Natural Beauty- A trip to the Company Gardens is not complete without sparing a moment to admire the beautiful flora. There’s an 80-year-old bamboo plantation, the Ginkgo tree with no living relatives, the towering rubber tree and the ancient saffron pear Next to the Company Gardens is the South African Parliament, National Library of S.A. St Georges Cathedral, Slave lodge, centre for the books and more. After the Company Garden, you proceed to the Castle of Good Hope.
60 minutes here
Castle of Good Hope
This is an imposing structure in the City of Cape Town known as The Castle of Good Hope. It was built by the Dutch between 1666 and 1679 and is the oldest standing colonial building in S.Africa. This has been the centre of civilian, political. Religious and military life at the Cape from around 1679. In its current state, the Castle arguably represents one of the best-preserved 17th century DEIC architecture on the entire globe. The Historical building now houses among others the William Fehr Collection, a permanent ceramic exhibition (FIRED) and the Castle military museum. The tour ends with a drop off at your hotel.
60 minutes here · Admission included
District Six Museum
Our registered Guide will then take you to District Six Museum which is located in the former inner city residential area in Cape Town. This Museum was established in 1994 as a memorial to the forced removals of 60 000 multicultural inhabitants of District Six. Tourists will be taken on an emotional tour about the forced removals from 1968 after a declaration by the Apartheid government in 1966.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Raw African Safaris
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Ultimate Cape Town duo
The Ultimate Cape Town Duo If you only have one day to see the "must-sees" in Cape Town, this combo trip with Raw Tours is the way to go. Trying to coordinate the ferry to Robben Island and the cable car tickets for Table Mountain on your own can be a logistical headache, but these guys made it seamless. The Highlights • Robben Island: A deeply moving experience. The boat ride offers a great view of the city skyline, but the heart of the tour is being led through the prison by a former political prisoner. Their first-hand accounts add a layer of emotion and authenticity you just can't get from a guidebook. • Table Mountain: After the somber history of the island, heading up the mountain was the perfect "high" to end the day. The views from the top are world-class. • Stress-Free Logistics: This is where Raw Tours really shines. They handled the bookings and kept us on schedule. In a city where the weather can change in five minutes (affecting both the ferry and the cable car), having a team manage the timing was a huge relief. A Few Tips for Travelers • Book Early: These combos sell out fast because Robben Island tickets are like gold. • Layers are Key: It’s windy on the boat and chilly at the top of the mountain, even if the city feels warm. • Patience is a Virtue: Both sites are popular, so expect some queues, but the Raw Tours team did a great job of navigating us through the crowds. Bottom Line: An efficient, professional, and powerful way to experience the two biggest icons of the Mother City. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
This was an excellent tour very well organized by Raw Tours. A must-see when visiting Cape Town. Highly recommended. We'll done,
Excellent tour by Raw Tours Very well organized. The tour guide was very informative, very educational. Kudos to Raw Tours.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted that you enjoyed such a well-organised and informative tour. Our guides are passionate about sharing knowledge and creating enriching experiences, so it’s great to hear that the tour was both educational and enjoyable. Your kudos mean a lot to the Raw African Safaris team, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fun and educational
We had a great time with Remmy sightseeing and learning the rich history of Cape Town! He was very fun and friendly to hang out with. Very great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so happy to hear that you had a great time sightseeing and learning about the rich history of Cape Town with Remmy. It’s wonderful to know that his fun and friendly personality made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for choosing Raw African Safaris. Explore more of our tours here: https://rawafricansafaris.com/day-tours/ We hope to welcome you again soon. — The Raw African Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Cape Town Robben Island Family Tour.
This family tour was a perfect blend of fun and learning The ferry ride was calm and comfortable and upon arriving at Robben Island the guide explained everything clearly Children had a chance to understand history while adults enjoyed the experience and surroundings Every step of the tour was well organized and family It was a truly memorable day making this tour an excellent choice for families visiting Cape Town.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that your family tour was a perfect balance of fun and learning, and that both the ferry ride and the guided experience at Robben Island met your expectations. It’s especially rewarding to know that the children were able to engage with the history while adults enjoyed the surroundings as well. We truly appreciate your kind words about the organization of the tour. Thank you for choosing Raw African Safaris. Explore more of our tours here: https://rawafricansafaris.com/day-tours/ We hope to welcome you and your family again soon. — The Raw African Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience in Cape Town!
Sam and Remy were amazing! Remy was extremely knowledgeable of Cape Town's history. We learned so much! I highly recommend this group!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that Sam and Remy made your experience so memorable, and that Remy’s knowledge of Cape Town’s history added so much value to the tour. It means a lot to us that you learned so much and would highly recommend our team. Thank you for choosing Raw African Safaris. Explore more of our tours here: https://rawafricansafaris.com/day-tours/ We hope to welcome you again soon. — The Raw African Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $189 to $3000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets cost?
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Prices start at $189 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Nelson Mandela's Robben Island Prison Museum Cape Town City Tour + Ferry Tickets start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town, Private Full Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Pick Up and Drop Off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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