Tour Overview

Experience Cape Town Robben Island and Table Mountain tour, two of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks in one memorable day with a visit to Robben Island and Table Mountain. Explore the rich history of Robben Island on a guided tour of its key sites, including Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell, and enjoy the opportunity to ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off, together with an optional guided Table Mountain experience, can be added for extra comfort and convenience.

Highlights

• Combine Robben Island and Table Mountain in one convenient experience
• Discover Robben Island’s history, including Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell
• Benefit from Table Mountain tickets that remain valid for 7 days
• Upgrade with optional pickup, drop-off, and a guided Table Mountain visit after the island tour

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this experience is the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront, where guests will board the ferry after presenting their tickets.

Guests will generally begin the experience with the Robben Island tour. After returning to the Waterfront, those who have selected the optional pickup, drop-off, and guided Table Mountain tour will be transferred to Table Mountain to continue the experience.

For guests who do not choose the guided Table Mountain transfer option, Table Mountain tickets remain valid for 7 days, giving you the flexibility to visit on another day if preferred.

What to Expect (Itinerary)

Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront

Guests will meet at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, where they will present their tickets and prepare to board the ferry.

Robben Island Ferry Information

Board the ferry for the crossing to Robben Island. The journey offers views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the surrounding coastline as you make your way to the island.

Arrival on Robben Island

On arrival, guests will disembark and begin the Robben Island experience. The tour includes a guided visit to the island’s key historical sites, offering insight into its long and important role in South Africa’s history.

Guided Island Tour

Guests will join the official Robben Island tour, which includes a guided bus tour around the island and a visit to important landmarks such as the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and other historical sites.

Maximum Security Prison

The experience continues with a guided visit to the Maximum Security Prison, where guests will learn more about the island’s history as a prison and see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Return Ferry to the Waterfront

After the tour, guests will board the ferry back to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where the experience concludes.

Optional Table Mountain Experience

Guests who have selected the optional pickup, drop-off, and guided Table Mountain tour will be transferred to Table Mountain after returning from Robben Island. There, they can take the cable car to the summit and enjoy spectacular views over Cape Town.

Flexible Table Mountain Visit

Guests who have not selected the guided Table Mountain transfer option may visit independently, as Table Mountain tickets remain valid for 7 days.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be sent after booking
• Please arrive on time for ferry departure
• A photo of your passport or ID will be required for ferry check-in
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Bring a jacket, as weather conditions can change quickly
• Guests prone to seasickness should take the necessary precautions
• Ferry departures are subject to weather and operational conditions
• Continue to Table Mountain if the optional guided transfer has been selected
• Alternatively, use your Table Mountain ticket within 7 days

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled tour time are eligible for a full refund.

For cancellations or changes made less than 72 hours before the tour, a cancellation or rescheduling fee may apply to cover tickets, reservations, and operational arrangements already confirmed.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour, as well as no-shows, are non-refundable. However, in exceptional circumstances, where valid supporting documentation is provided, we may review the booking on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, offer a reschedule or partial refund at our discretion.

Please note that any refund or amendment remains subject to costs already incurred with third-party suppliers and ticketing arrangements.

FAQ

Does this tour include both Robben Island and Table Mountain?

Yes. This experience includes access to both Robben Island and Table Mountain, giving you the opportunity to enjoy two of Cape Town’s most iconic attractions.

Where does the tour start?

The ferry departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Which part of the experience usually happens first?

Guests will generally begin with the Robben Island tour. After returning to the Waterfront, guests who have selected the optional pickup, drop-off, and guided Table Mountain tour will continue to Table Mountain.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available only if that option is selected at the time of booking.

Is the Table Mountain guided tour included?

The guided Table Mountain tour is optional. Guests who select this option will be taken to Table Mountain after returning from Robben Island.

Can I visit Table Mountain on another day?

Yes. Table Mountain tickets are valid for 7 days, so if you prefer not to visit on the same day, you may use your ticket on another day within that period.

How long does the Robben Island tour take?

The standard Robben Island tour takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, including the ferry trip to and from the island. Ferry travel time can vary depending on the boat used.

What happens on the island during the tour?

After arriving at Murray’s Bay Harbour, guests walk to the buses for a guided island tour. The experience includes historical sites such as the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, military bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison.

Will I see Nelson Mandela’s prison cell?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Maximum Security Prison and ends with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Are tickets checked before boarding?

Yes. Visitors must present a valid ticket, and positive identification is checked against the ticket details before access to the ferry and island is allowed.

What should I bring with me?

It is best to bring your ticket details, a form of identification, comfortable clothing, and a light jacket. If you are prone to seasickness, Robben Island Museum advises taking seasickness tablets about an hour before boarding.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Yes, cameras are allowed for personal use. However, no drones or tripods are permitted, and photos may not be taken for commercial use.

Can the Robben Island ferry or Table Mountain visit be affected by weather?

Yes. Both the ferry crossing and Table Mountain cableway are subject to weather and operational conditions.

Can the ferry be cancelled or delayed?

Yes. Robben Island Museum reserves the right to cancel voyages or change departure times without notice due to operational or weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is available only if you select the transfer option at the time of booking. Guests who choose this option will be collected from their hotel, guesthouse, or provided address and returned after the tour.

What if I do not choose the pickup option?

If no transfer option is selected, guests must make their own way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in time for ferry boarding.

What time do the ferries usually depart?

Robben Island Museum currently lists general tour departures at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00.