Robben Island, Cape Town

Robben Island, Cape Town

Robben Island in Table Bay lies 7 kilometres off the coast of Bloubergstrand in Cape Town.

Robben Island in Table Bay lies 7 kilometres off the coast of Bloubergstrand in Cape Town. Home to the prison in which Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of the 27 years he spent behind bars, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for bearing witness to South Africa's sombre history, and symbolizing 'the triumph of the human spirit, of freedom and of democracy over oppression'. The tiny 3.3 km long and 1.9 km wide oval island has been used since the end of the 17th century for the isolation of political prisoners and lepers. It was home to over 3000 anti- Apartheid political prisoners during their fight to end institutionalized racism.

To reach the island, take a 45 minute ferry ride from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront to the Murray's Bay Harbour. Explore the island to see the 17th century lime and bluestone quarries, the tomb of Hadije Kramat who died in 1755, 19th century administrative buildings including a chapel and parsonage, Robert Sobukwe's house, small lighthouse, remains and graveyard of a leper colony, the lepers' church, ruins of World War II military bunkers around the harbor, and the maximum security prison of the Apartheid era which has Mandela's cell. Guided tours present an overview of the island's history, as well as personal accounts of some former prisoners.

In stark contrast to its depressing history, the island and waters around are home to a great variety of wildlife, including over 132 species of birds such as African Penguins, Crowned Cormorants and Black Crowned Night Herons. You may also see tortoises, Cape Fur Seals, and Southern Right Whales.