Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. worth booking?
Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. is a 5-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $64 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 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 (15)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $64 per person
Experience one of South Africa’s most powerful historical landmarks with our unforgettable tour to Robben Island. All travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, located at the ico
What you get
About this experience
Experience one of South Africa’s most powerful historical landmarks with our unforgettable tour to Robben Island. All travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. From here, you’ll join your group and begin a meaningful journey across the water. What makes this experience truly special is that your tour will be led by a former political prisoner, offering a rare and deeply personal perspective on life inside the prison. Walk through the historic grounds, visit key sites, and hear firsthand stories that bring the island’s past to life in a way no textbook ever could. This is more than just a tour — it’s a moving journey through history, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Book now to secure your place on this powerful and inspiring experience.
What's included
Included
- Entry/Admission to Robben Island
- former political prisoner guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Robben Island Museum
One of the most popular museums in South Africa, Robben Island excursions are best planned well in advance. This half-day package guarantees a hassle-free vacation by including round-trip transportation from your Cape Town lodging and museum admission. Make reservations in advance to prevent disappointment on the day of the event after visiting Nelson Mandela's cell and learning about the island's lengthy history. With a round-trip transfer from your hotel, you'll enjoy a hassle-free trip. You'll see the cell Nelson Mandela was held captive for 18 years. You'll pass buildings and a high wall constructed by prisoners during the 1960s on your way to the buses. The prison tour will be led by a Robben Island Tour Guide. (Please note that our tour guide/driver will not be joining you on the tour of the Robben Island museum.) Visit the prison cell of Nelson Mandela and upon our arrival back at the Jetty, your Tour Guide and driver will meet you at the entrance of the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Jack Friedman V&A WaterFront
Return from Robben Island to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some free time to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants (cost not included). Learn about the history of South Africa, the fight against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters—among them former president Nelson Mandela—who were detained on Robben Island by taking a guided tour of the prison. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront and use your free time to shop or eat at one of the many restaurants (own expense).
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
South African citizen
South African citizen
International travel
Step into the pages of South A Step into the pages of South A Legacy of Robben Island Duration: 4 hours: Step into the pages of South Africa’s history with Freedom’s Footsteps, a powerful and immersive tour of Robben Island — the Legacy of Robben Island Van
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- African Heritage Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I would recommend the tour again
A highlight of the visit was listening to a former prisoner describe his life in prison. His inspiring story emphasized the resilience, sacrifice, and determination of those who resisted apartheid and helped bring about positive change.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review. We’re so glad that hearing from one of our former prisoners made such a meaningful impact on your visit. Their personal stories of resilience, sacrifice, and determination are a powerful reminder of the struggle against apartheid and the importance of preserving this history. We appreciate your visit and hope the experience continues to inspire reflection and understanding.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing views
The chance to hear directly from a former prisoner gave the visit a personal and emotional perspective. His experiences illustrated the hardships endured by anti-apartheid activists and their unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your heartfelt review. We’re pleased to hear that the opportunity to hear from a former prisoner added such a personal and meaningful perspective to your visit. Their firsthand experiences provide a powerful connection to the history of the anti-apartheid struggle and the resilience, courage, and determination of those who fought for justice and freedom. We truly appreciate your visit and hope the experience continues to resonate with you.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
One of the most impactful moments of the visit was hearing a former prisoner share his personal experiences. His story showed the strength and perseverance of individuals who sacrificed their freedom in the struggle against apartheid.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. We’re glad that hearing a former prisoner’s personal story made such a meaningful impact on your visit. These firsthand accounts provide a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of those who fought against apartheid. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope the visit continues to inspire reflection and understanding.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional
It is the best experience ever. The atmosphere is refreshing and full of history. The admission fee is reasonable.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere and appreciated the rich history. It’s also great to know you found the admission fee to be reasonable. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable visit soon!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome trip
The opportunity to hear a former prisoner talk about his experiences in prison was a powerful part of the visit. His story demonstrated the resilience and commitment of people who challenged apartheid and fought for a just society.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review. We’re glad to hear that hearing a former prisoner’s personal story made such a meaningful impact on your visit. These firsthand accounts provide a powerful connection to history and honor the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of those who stood up for justice. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $64 to $115
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. cost?
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Prices start at $64 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 Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + 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 15 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 Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + 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 Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.?
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Around 5 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + 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 of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. 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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