Title: Robben Island Travel Guide: Best of Robben Island, Cape Town Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Robben-Island-Hotels.d6066739.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Robben-Island-Holiday-Rentals.d6066739.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Robben-Island.d6066739.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Robben Island Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Robben-Island.d6066739.Car-Hire-Guide)[Robben Island Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Robben-Island.d6066739.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Robben Island Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Robben Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/554000/554346-robben-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Robben Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/554000/554353-robben-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Robben Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/554000/554345-robben-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Robben Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/554000/554357-robben-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Robben Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/554000/554351-robben-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Robben Island Things to do #### Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela spent most of his sentence and explore the Table Bay island that has also served as a leper colony and a military base. For 18 of his 27 years of incarceration for opposing apartheid, former South African President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. See the prison cell where he was kept and learn about the history of this former island-prison. It was also used at various times to house convicts, the mentally ill and lepers. Visits to the island are by guided tours only. Tours start with a 5.5-mile (9-kilometre) ferry ride from Cape Town across Table Bay to the island. While you are waiting for your boat to leave the Nelson Mandela Gateway, go to the exhibition space. It hosts an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibitions featuring the island’s history. Once on the island, you will be taken on a guided bus tour of key sites. Some of the guides are former political prisoners who share stories of their time in jail. See Bluestone Quarry where many political prisoners endured hard labour. Visit the leprosarium graveyard, the final resting place of patients with leprosy who died while on Robben. Look at the Kramat, a Muslim shrine in honour of Sheikh Madura, who died here in 1754. During the bus tour, you will mostly remain on the bus, with occasional stops at important sites. The highlight of the tour is a walk inside the maximum-security prison. Stop by the small cell where Nelson Mandela was confined for many years. While you are on the island, you will also see army and navy bunkers and the 19th-century Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built by the island’s lepers. Tours of Robben Island depart several times daily from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Tours last for approximately 4 hours, including the round trip on the ferry, a visit to the maximum-security prison and the guided bus tour. Reductions on the ticket price are available for children under 18 years. Children under the age of 4 visit for free. Tickets for the tours sell out fast so book a few weeks prior to the day of your intended trip and be sure to arrive at the ferry at least half an hour before departure. - Top hotels in Robben Island - Top Holiday Rentals in Robben Island ![Hotel Sky Cape Town](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/64000000/63500000/63494700/63494685/b04f17c4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Sky Cape Town Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape £71 21 Sept - 22 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (273 reviews) "Best hotel to stay attending a Congress at the CTICC within walking distance and had a great stay Already booked for the next Congress later in the month" Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F09%2F2025&endDate=22%2F09%2F2025&selected=63494685&PinnedHotelID=63494685&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6066739) ![Taj Cape Town](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3020000/3016400/3016361/457d7663_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Taj Cape Town 1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape £120 17 Sept - 18 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews) "Very friendly staff, comfortable rooms and central location" Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025&selected=3016361&PinnedHotelID=3016361&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6066739) ![The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/29000000/28830000/28825200/28825118/b0c14ae3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK 57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape £116 21 Sept - 22 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews) "Good service" Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F09%2F2025&endDate=22%2F09%2F2025&selected=28825118&PinnedHotelID=28825118&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6066739) [See all 5,883 properties in Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F09%2F2025&endDate=17%2F09%2F2025®ionId=6066739) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/29000000/28830000/28825200/28825118/b0c14ae3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK 57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews) "Good service" Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town-Hotels-The-Onyx-Apartment-Hotel.h28825118.Hotel-Information) ![One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88390000/88381100/88381095/39c97c73_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality 17 Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town, Western Cape Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (98 reviews) "Nice breakfast. Really nice, I really enjoy. Thank you." Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town-Hotels-One-Thibault-Self-Catering-Apartments.h88381095.Hotel-Information) ![Urban Elephant 16 on Bree](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67550000/67541200/67541173/ab87db0e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Urban Elephant 16 on Bree 16 Bree St, Cape Town, Western Cape Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews) "Pretty awesome place for the price. Clean afforble. And the employees are really nice." Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town-Hotels-Urban-Elephant-16-On-Bree.h67541173.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6066739&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. 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Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Robben-Island-Museum-Cape-Town.d553248628305082474.Attraction) ![Table Mountain showing landscape views and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/37000/37002-Table-Mountain.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Table Mountain One of the world’s oldest mountains creates an iconic backdrop to the Cape Town skyline. Climb to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding coast. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Table-Mountain-Cape-Town.d6066731.Attraction) ![Camps Bay Beach showing a beach and a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198666-Camps-Bay-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Camps Bay Beach See and be seen, admire beautiful sunsets and go hiking in the famous Twelve Apostles at one of Cape Town’s most stylish beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Camps-Bay-Beach-Camps-Bay.d6169811.Attraction) ![Boulders Beach which includes rugged coastline and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198608-Boulders-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Boulders Beach Get a privileged close-up view of an African penguin colony among the spectacular rock formations at this beach that also offers excellent swimming conditions. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Boulders-Beach-Simons-Town.d6066759.Attraction) ![Cape of Good Hope featuring a beach, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/37000/37030-Cape-Of-Good-Hope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape of Good Hope Experience the stunning scenery and a wealth of native wildlife at what is almost Africa’s most southerly point. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Of-Good-Hope-Cape-Peninsula.d6066741.Attraction) ![Clifton Bay Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and rugged coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198716-Clifton-Bay-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Clifton Bay Beach Soft white sand, aquamarine water, striking mountain views and picture-perfect sunsets lure visitors to this collection of four fashionable beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Clifton-Bay-Beach-Clifton.d6169809.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Cable car ride - Table Mountain](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1009928/32c716a0-dcd2-4257-930d-7eb395359bc9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour Cape Town £46 per adult **92%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/table-mountain.a1009928.activity-details) ![WILDX Atlantis QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE + PHOTO OPS CAPE TOWN ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46330757/cd872795-ecdb-4942-81e8-04c6b6558073.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### WILDX Atlantis QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE + PHOTO OPS CAPE TOWN £34 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/wildx-atlantis-quad-bike-adventure-photo-ops-cape-town.a46330757.activity-details) ![Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44646515/cf3719f6-6022-4cb0-9682-5b4fa72fc024.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco £36 per adult **88%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/cape-town-15-hour-luxury-sunset-cruise-with-prosecco.a44646515.activity-details) ![Cape Town: Table Mountain Cable Car, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4770450/e169c14e-6fd3-4fd4-a758-57eb68430dba.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape Town: Table Mountain Cable Car, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour £40 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/cape-town-table-mountain-cable-car.a4770450.activity-details) ![Cape Town: Half-Day City Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4757652/187d094d-1097-43d9-b40a-4517e0f4dd6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape Town: Half-Day City Tour £52 per adult **84%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/cape-town-half-day-city-tour.a4757652.activity-details) ![Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49249290/dd230b0a-8bd9-4841-a4da-dd3c46186ecc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison £46 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/robben-island-tour-pickup.a49249290.activity-details) [See all activities in Robben Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Robben-Island.d6066739.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Robben Island ![Victoria and Alfred Waterfront showing a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/197000/197898-Cape-Town.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cape Town [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town.dx6046820) - Cities near Robben Island - Places of interest [Cape Town](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town.dx6046820) - [Table Mountain](https://expedia.co.uk/Table-Mountain-Cape-Town.d6066731.Attraction) - [Camps Bay Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Camps-Bay-Beach-Camps-Bay.d6169811.Attraction) - [Clifton Bay Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Clifton-Bay-Beach-Clifton.d6169809.Attraction) - [Cape Town Stadium](https://expedia.co.uk/Cape-Town-Stadium-Green-Point.d6130663.Attraction) - [Long Street](https://expedia.co.uk/Long-Street-Cape-Town-City-Centre.d6154976.Attraction) - [Bloubergstrand Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Bloubergstrand-Beach-Bloubergstrand.d6226168.Attraction) - [Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens](https://expedia.co.uk/Kirstenbosch-National-Botanical-Gardens-Cape-Town.d6066769.Attraction) - [Two Oceans Aquarium](https://expedia.co.uk/Two-Oceans-Aquarium-Victoria-and-Alfred-Waterfront.d6066753.Attraction) - [Castle of Good Hope](https://expedia.co.uk/Castle-Of-Good-Hope-Cape-Town-City-Centre.d6066747.Attraction) - [Chapmans Peak](https://expedia.co.uk/Chapmans-Peak-Cape-Town.d6154948.Attraction) - [Hout Bay Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Hout-Bay-Beach-Hout-Bay.d6066763.Attraction) - [Lions Head](https://expedia.co.uk/Lions-Head-Tamboerskloof.d6066733.Attraction) - [South African National Gallery](https://expedia.co.uk/South-African-National-Gallery-Cape-Town-City-Centre.d6066781.Attraction) - [Signal Hill](https://expedia.co.uk/Signal-Hill-Cape-Town.d6154956.Attraction) - [Bree Street](https://expedia.co.uk/Bree-Street-Cape-Town-City-Centre.d553248635976063103.Attraction) - [Llandudno Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Llandudno-Beach-Hout-Bay.d6220686.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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