Arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island Silo District, V&A Waterfront 30 minutes before the time with a copy of your passport on your phone or the original. Please note this is a ticket only and excludes hotel transfers. Once you have boarded the shared boat with others you will set sail for 30 minutes on the open sea to Robben Island Museum.

Upon arriving at Robben Island, you will disembark the ferry and join a guided shared bus tour led by an expert local guide. Enjoy a short stop for photos, restrooms, and light snacks, while your guide shares the powerful history and significance of the island and the sights you pass along the way. You will then meet an ex-political prisoner, who provides an unforgettable firsthand account of life under apartheid. Follow him inside the historic prison complex, including the actual prison cell where former South African President Nelson Mandela—our beloved Madiba—was held for 18 years. Hear stories of his daily routine, his struggles, and his remarkable journey to freedom. The experience concludes with a symbolic Long Walk to Freedom, retracing Mandela’s footsteps before you return to the ferry for your trip back to Cape Town. This emotional and educational tour is one of the top things to do in Cape Town.