The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island

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.

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.

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.

Disappointed. The island is amazing, but you won't see much of it except through a bus window. The first part of the tour (sitting on a full bus with squawking speakers was awful. We were only off the bus once for 5 minutes. I was hoping to see some more of the wildlife. The second part of the tour is good, but I had trouble understanding my guide and didn't catch much. The prison itself is worth the tour, but it's only about 25% of the duration. The boat we returned on was stuffy and incredibly loud. My ears are ringing. You gotta go, and this tour is the only way to go, but it was unpleasant.

Very emotional experience. The tour of the actual prison is given by former prisoners. This was truly a learning experience. Buy tickets a couple of days before you plan to go. They sell out quickly. Buy from the Ticket Counter, not online.

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

Very moving tour showcasing the brutality and dehumanizing consequences of apartheid. After taking a short bus tour across the island, a former inmate takes you through the (shocking) living conditions the prisoners were subjected to, which makes it feel authentic. The guides are eloquent, so good English is essential. Given the current trends in Europe and America, visiting should be mandatory, so that we never repeat this.

A very slick process of moving the waiting passengers around the terminal, through security check (need ID) & then onto the vessel. Apparently critical to book your ticket & be early. The Krotoa vessel is very comfy & steady in the water. Staff were friendly & competent on land & water. When returning, you exit past the professional photos & waiting seals & into the V&A.