The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island

We had a very interesting tour, despite an initial half hour delay in the boat tour. The group is quite big so ensure you are hearing the guide as most of the tour is about the stories rather than the sites. Our bus guide was great, he told stories very vividly while the former inmate was also good. The boat ride was good too. A haunting experience.

Wouldn’t normally review an experience such as this but felt compelled to after our visit yesterday. I had a basic knowledge of Robben Island but came away from the visit knowing a lot, and only wanting to learn more. 35 minute boat ride each way, then a 30 minute bus tour of the island - followed by an ex prisoner touring you through the maximum security prison. It was a highly emotional listen to his account of his time on the island, and one that will certainly stay with me. If you’re in Western Cape then it’s an absolute must visit - well worth the money and half your day.

A very impressive, emotionally capturing and scenic experience. The tour itself is in 3 steps. The ferry ride, buss tour and visit to the Nelson Mandela prison. While on the ferry from waterfront, it takes about an hour to reach the Island. During the ferry ride they present history of the place in a video screening. Ferry ride is scenic but somehow causes a bit motion sickness. On reaching the island you go to a bus ride area from where the busses take you in a tour around the Island. We were fortunate to have a guide which has actually seen the Nelson Mandela erra. His narration of the events was so much emotionally charged that we got moved very much. He explained the history of the island and the type of prisoners who were kept there. He gave us photo breaks while in move so that we can take memorable pictures of the tour. Later he took us to the actual prison where Nelson Mandela was kept in captivity. The whole experience was very much charged. We later returned to the ferry terminal. Here there is a small restaurant and gift shop which just closed its doors in front of us while we were approaching the restaurant as it was the closing time. The return ride on the ferry was also good with another video screening. The overall experience was too good. I will recommend the tour very well.

5 for Satay restaurant. Feels like you in Istanbul . hoosain thank you for accomodation us . Yes the food tasted superb just like turkey. With regards to Robin Island .. Weather was fantastic.trip was awesome .Mazaar at the island beautiful and tranquil..learnings of history educational ....

It’s a wonderful tour. There are three parts - the ferry ride, a guided tour of the prison facilities, and a bus tour. The guided tour by an ex inmate was deeply moving. It’s worth going for that alone. The bus tour was so-so. It was difficult to follow the narration and honestly the guide didn’t seem too interested except for getting tips. The ferry ride is quite something lol - I’m sure it is very safe but it’s bumpy and turbulent. I don’t think they should operate so fast. I think most of us were happy when we touched solid ground again. But don’t let this detract you. It will make you appreciate the country and its history in a way that is hard to capture in a book or on a google review.

Really go and see i to understand the historischen of South Africa. We did Robben Island AND The Long Walk To Freedom. There you really get good background information about when it started and who supported the freedom fighters. On Robben Island our guide is one of the survivors of political prisoners of the island

Having History told by tye survivors, having first hand experience and knowledge was perfect. This is the South African History deserving of hearing about. It also helps in having one understanding our heritage as Sputh Africans and also for the world to know the truth about apartheid and abuse people went through, the tour guides and videos indicate that different races were abused, especially those who were anti-apartheid, even some whites. The history of Krotoa is so untold, this adventure has disclosed that. Plankton booking is so Seamless and avoids queues and disappointments. Great experience

An impressive step into history! Very good organised, so you can focus on explanations and authentic stories by the guides. Far better then expected. Just mind: vessel ride can be bumpy and get a seat on bus.