Experience one of South Africa’s most powerful historical landmarks with our unforgettable tour to Robben Island. All travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. From here, you’ll join your group and begin a meaningful journey across the water. What makes this experience truly special is that your tour will be led by a former political prisoner, offering a rare and deeply personal perspective on life inside the prison. Walk through the historic grounds, visit key sites, and hear firsthand stories that bring the island’s past to life in a way no textbook ever could. This is more than just a tour — it’s a moving journey through history, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Book now to secure your place on this powerful and inspiring experience.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $104.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
One of the most popular museums in South Africa, Robben Island excursions are best planned well in advance. This half-day package guarantees a hassle-free vacation by including round-trip transportation from your Cape Town lodging and museum admission. Make reservations in advance to prevent disappointment on the day of the event after visiting Nelson Mandela's cell and learning about the island's lengthy history. With a round-trip transfer from your hotel, you'll enjoy a hassle-free trip. You'll see the cell Nelson Mandela was held captive for 18 years. You'll pass buildings and a high wall constructed by prisoners during the 1960s on your way to the buses. The prison tour will be led by a Robben Island Tour Guide. (Please note that our tour guide/driver will not be joining you on the tour of the Robben Island museum.) Visit the prison cell of Nelson Mandela and upon our arrival back at the Jetty, your Tour Guide and driver will meet you at the entrance of the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
Return from Robben Island to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some free time to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants (cost not included). Learn about the history of South Africa, the fight against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters—among them former president Nelson Mandela—who were detained on Robben Island by taking a guided tour of the prison. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront and use your free time to shop or eat at one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 3,073 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $58 per person for this Cape Town experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $104. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Children aged 1–17 pay from $53, adults from $58.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 50 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by African Heritage Travel.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A must experience that touches the soul!! Hearing the story and experiencing the place was a reminder that the brutal inhumanity directed at others under any circumstance, but especially those of opposing viewpoints and from different backgrounds, can never be allowed to happen again.
A highlight of the visit was listening to a former prisoner describe his life in prison. His inspiring story emphasized the resilience, sacrifice, and determination of those who resisted apartheid and helped bring about positive change.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review. We’re so glad that hearing from one of our former prisoners made such a meaningful impact on your visit. Their personal stories of resilience, sacrifice, and determination are a powerful reminder of the struggle against apartheid and the importance of preserving this history. We appreciate your visit and hope the experience continues to inspire reflection and understanding.
The chance to hear directly from a former prisoner gave the visit a personal and emotional perspective. His experiences illustrated the hardships endured by anti-apartheid activists and their unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.
Thank you for your heartfelt review. We’re pleased to hear that the opportunity to hear from a former prisoner added such a personal and meaningful perspective to your visit. Their firsthand experiences provide a powerful connection to the history of the anti-apartheid struggle and the resilience, courage, and determination of those who fought for justice and freedom. We truly appreciate your visit and hope the experience continues to resonate with you.
One of the most impactful moments of the visit was hearing a former prisoner share his personal experiences. His story showed the strength and perseverance of individuals who sacrificed their freedom in the struggle against apartheid.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. We’re glad that hearing a former prisoner’s personal story made such a meaningful impact on your visit. These firsthand accounts provide a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of those who fought against apartheid. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope the visit continues to inspire reflection and understanding.
It is the best experience ever. The atmosphere is refreshing and full of history. The admission fee is reasonable.
Thanks for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere and appreciated the rich history. It’s also great to know you found the admission fee to be reasonable. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable visit soon!
The opportunity to hear a former prisoner talk about his experiences in prison was a powerful part of the visit. His story demonstrated the resilience and commitment of people who challenged apartheid and fought for a just society.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review. We’re glad to hear that hearing a former prisoner’s personal story made such a meaningful impact on your visit. These firsthand accounts provide a powerful connection to history and honor the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of those who stood up for justice. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future.
A highlight of the tour was listening to a former prisoner describe his time behind bars. His personal account showed the strength and dedication of individuals who resisted apartheid and worked towards a more equal society.
Thank you for your heartfelt review. We’re pleased that the opportunity to hear a former prisoner’s personal experiences added such depth to your visit. Stories like these help keep history alive and encourage reflection on the values of courage, resilience, and freedom. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back.
Hearing a former prisoner share his experiences in prison was one of the most memorable parts of the tour. His story highlighted the courage, determination, and resilience of those who fought against apartheid for justice and equality.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re honored that the firsthand account from a former prisoner was a memorable part of your visit. Personal stories offer a unique perspective on our shared history and inspire meaningful conversations. We look forward to welcoming you again for another enriching experience.
Listening to a former prisoner recount his life behind bars was a moving highlight of the tour. His testimony emphasized the bravery, resilience, and determination of those who opposed apartheid and sought equality for all. Admission fee was R0 because it was my birthday Length of visit was a day
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful review. We’re honored that hearing the firsthand account from a former political prisoner was a highlight of your visit. These personal stories are a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and determination of those who fought for freedom and equality in South Africa. We’re also delighted that you were able to enjoy complimentary admission on your birthday, making the occasion even more special. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future. Happy belated birthday!
I had an amazing time visiting Robben Island. Our tour guide was punctual, professional, and answered every question with patience. The stories about Nelson Mandela and South Africa's history were inspiring and emotional. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience. I would definitely book another tour
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience visiting Robben Island. It’s fantastic to know that your tour guide’s professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to answer all your questions made your visit even more meaningful. Sharing the powerful history of Nelson Mandela and South Africa is something we’re truly passionate about, and we’re so pleased that it left such a lasting impression. Thank you for choosing us—we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable tour in the future!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets. | 5 hours | 5.0 (16) | $58 | |
 Robben Island Ticket + Former Prisoner Guide | 4 hours | 4.5 (35) | $56 | View |
 Robben Island Pre-Booked Ferry Ticket & Ex prisoner Guided | 4 hours | 4.7 (21) | $52 | View |
 Robben Island Tickets, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Private Tour | 8 hours | 4.9 (36) | $217 | View |
 Robben Island Half-Day Tour with Ticket, Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off | 5 hours | 4.6 (64) | $58 | View |
 Robben Island Half Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town | 3–4 hours | 4.3 (181) | $59 | View |
 Robben Island Ferry Ticket &Guided Prison Tour with Pick-up& back | 4 hours | 4.4 (99) | $53 | View |