Robben Island
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Robben Island is a small island located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It is famous for its long and complex history as a prison, where many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during the apartheid era. Today, the island serves as a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa.
Prominent Features: The most significant feature of Robben Island is the prison complex, which includes a number of buildings and structures dating back to the 17th century. The island also has several other notable features, including a lighthouse, a church, and a museum.
History: Robben Island has a long and complex history, dating back to the 17th century when it was first used as a place of banishment for political prisoners and others deemed undesirable by the colonial authorities. Over the years, the island served as a prison for a wide range of individuals, including common criminals, prisoners of war, and political activists. However, it is most famous for its role as a prison during the apartheid era, when many anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were held there.
Fun Fact: Robben Island is home to a population of African penguins, which are endangered and endemic to the region. Visitors to the island can see these penguins up close and learn about efforts to protect and conserve the species.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the island, which includes a visit to the prison complex and other notable features, such as the lighthouse and the church. The tours are led by former political prisoners, who provide a firsthand account of life on the island during the apartheid era. There is also a museum on the island that tells the story of the struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa.
Entry Fees: Tickets must be booked in advance. The entry fee includes a return ferry ride from Cape Town to the island, a guided tour of the prison complex, and access to other notable features on the island. The standard adult ticket for the ferry ride and tour was 380 South African Rand (approximately $25 USD), while the standard child ticket (ages 2-17) was 200 South African Rand (approximately $13 USD). There are also discounted rates for South African citizens and residents, as well as group rates for tours.
How to Reach It: Robben Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Town. Visitors must book their tickets in advance and arrive at the V&A Waterfront at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure time. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
Where to Stay: There are a wide range of accommodation options in Cape Town, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some recommended options include the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, the Cape Grace Hotel, and the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.
Next Stop: Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Robben Island is a small island located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It is famous for its long and complex history as a prison, where many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during the apartheid era. Today, the island serves as a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa.
Prominent Features: The most significant feature of Robben Island is the prison complex, which includes a number of buildings and structures dating back to the 17th century. The island also has several other notable features, including a lighthouse, a church, and a museum.
History: Robben Island has a long and complex history, dating back to the 17th century when it was first used as a place of banishment for political prisoners and others deemed undesirable by the colonial authorities. Over the years, the island served as a prison for a wide range of individuals, including common criminals, prisoners of war, and political activists. However, it is most famous for its role as a prison during the apartheid era, when many anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were held there.
Fun Fact: Robben Island is home to a population of African penguins, which are endangered and endemic to the region. Visitors to the island can see these penguins up close and learn about efforts to protect and conserve the species.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the island, which includes a visit to the prison complex and other notable features, such as the lighthouse and the church. The tours are led by former political prisoners, who provide a firsthand account of life on the island during the apartheid era. There is also a museum on the island that tells the story of the struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa.
Entry Fees: Tickets must be booked in advance. The entry fee includes a return ferry ride from Cape Town to the island, a guided tour of the prison complex, and access to other notable features on the island. The standard adult ticket for the ferry ride and tour was 380 South African Rand (approximately $25 USD), while the standard child ticket (ages 2-17) was 200 South African Rand (approximately $13 USD). There are also discounted rates for South African citizens and residents, as well as group rates for tours.
How to Reach It: Robben Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Town. Visitors must book their tickets in advance and arrive at the V&A Waterfront at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure time. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
Where to Stay: There are a wide range of accommodation options in Cape Town, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some recommended options include the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, the Cape Grace Hotel, and the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.
Next Stop: Cape Floral Region Protected Areas