Just 11 km off the shores of the city of Cape Town lies an isolated rocky island called Robben Island. “Seal” Island is easily visible from across Table Bay. The island has gained importance as an international symbol of freedom and a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. Nelson Mandela described this island as an icon for the entire world, representing the universality of human rights and of peace, hope and reconciliation. To the world then, Robben Island serves as an inspiration in the fight against injustice and oppression.

Robben Island is the largest island off the South African coast. It is a low-lying rocky outcrop at the entrance to Table Bay. It is about three and a half kilometres long by one and three quarters kilometres wide and has an area of almost 600 hectares. On the highest point of the island lies the historic lighthouse, which still plays a role in the signalling system for Table Bay harbour.

The weather on the island is more extreme than that on the mainland and adds to the general air of desolation that hangs over the island. Its winters are colder and drier and the winter gales and tides on its north-western shores make them inhospitable.

Robben Island was declared a national monument and national museum in September 1997. Two years later, Robben Island was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island, and one sea mile surrounding it, is the property of the South African government, except for a small piece of land owned by the church. The Robben Island Museum is responsible for the management of the island and, as a living museum, aims to develop the island as a national and international heritage and conservation project, which promotes the unique symbolism of the island and contributes to the development of South African society, whilst nurturing creativity and innovation.

Daily tours are undertaken by the Robben Island Museum. Ferries depart from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and are one of Cape Town’s most popular attractions. Explore the island and visit the tiny cell where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life. Several boat and yacht trips traverse the area around the island and offer unique views of the jackass penguin colony that has made the island its sanctuary. Visitors are bussed around the island and taken to the various historical sites. Added value is lent to the tour by the guides, some of whom were also imprisoned on the island as political detainees. The tales of their experiences will send visitors home with much food for thought.

History of the Island