Trip Planner:   Africa  /  South Africa  /  Western Cape  /  Cape Town  /  Cape Town Central  /  Robben Island Museum

Robben Island Museum, Cape Town Central

3.2

#1 of 167 in Historic Sites in South Africa

Island Historic Site

• ©
• ©
• ©

Visit the World Heritage Site of Robben Island Museum, a spit of land just off the Cape Town coast. The island's main claim to fame is rather unfortunate--it includes the prison in which Nelson Mandela served much of his sentence. Used for isolating political prisoners since the 17th century, the island also housed as a leper colony and a World War II fortress during its history. Take a boat ride to the island to delve into the history of the anti-apartheid movement and see where numerous activists, three of which later became presidents, served out their prison sentences. On a tour of the maximum-security prison, you'll most likely be guided by a former inmate who can offer a glimpse into the grueling experience many suffered here. To visit Robben Island Museum and get the most from your holiday in Cape Town, create itinerary details personal to you using our Cape Town trip itinerary site .

more less

Create an itinerary including Robben Island Museum

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Robben Island Museum Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8,025 reviews

• By Fannyball

  Traversée en ferry et visite de l île en bus et à pied. Commentaires effectués par un guide ancien détenu politique. C’est émouvant’ lourd d histoire. Parfois quelques longueurs dans les récits. La vi...  more »

  Ferry crossing and tour of the island by bus and on foot. Comments made by a former political inmate guide. It's moving, heavy with history. Sometimes a few lengths in the narratives. The tour is well-established.
  View original
• By David W

  We only had two days in Cape Town so booked in advance through our Travel Agent. I've seen in some of the reviews people complaining about the queues, whilst at the same time complaining about the "co...  more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Places to stay near Robben Island Museum

Plan your trip to Cape Town

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.