5.0(1 reviews)
Robben Island & Cape Town Museums Tour
FromZAR 3,220
6 hours
Cape Point, South Africa
About this activity
Experience South Africa's history and art with a guided tour of Robben Island and Cape Town's Zeitz MOCAA Museum, including a scenic ferry ride.
Highlights
- Explore Robben Island's rich history
- Visit Zeitz MOCAA's contemporary art
- Learn about Nelson Mandela's legacy
- Enjoy scenic ferry ride to the island
- Discover Cape Town's cultural heritage
Full description
Dive into South Africa's rich history and vibrant art scene with this immersive tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride to Robben Island, where you'll explore the former prison that once held Nelson Mandela. A knowledgeable guide will share compelling stories of resilience and freedom. After returning to Cape Town, delve into contemporary African art at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). This museum houses an extensive collection of modern artworks, offering insights into the continent's dynamic artistic expressions. This tour seamlessly blends historical exploration with artistic appreciation, providing a comprehensive understanding of South Africa's cultural landscape.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip ferry to Robben Island
- Guided tour of Robben Island
- Admission to Zeitz MOCAA Museum
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
After pickup from your Cape Town hotel or accommodation, travel to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront Clock Tower, where you will board the shared ferry to Robben Island Museum.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
On arrival, join the official Robben Island guided tour, usually led by a museum guide or former political prisoner. Explore the former maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years, including a visit to his prison cell, followed by a guided bus tour of the island. Please note that your Cape Town driver-guide does not join the island tour, as Robben Island Museum provides its own official guides. Keep your ticket safe, as it may be required for the return ferry. Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Cape Town’s most important historic attractions, known for its powerful connection to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The ferry and museum tour take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: YES
3
After returning from Robben Island, your guide will allow time for a takeaway lunch at one of the nearby V&A Waterfront restaurants, at your own expense. Afterwards, continue to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, known as Zeitz MOCAA. Located in the historic Silo District at the V&A Waterfront, this world-class museum is one of Cape Town’s top cultural attractions and is recognised as the largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art in the world. Housed in a beautifully transformed former grain silo, Zeitz MOCAA showcases modern and contemporary artworks from Africa and the African diaspora. The museum’s striking architecture, powerful exhibitions, and important African art collections make it a must-visit for travellers interested in culture, creativity, design, and Cape Town’s modern art scene.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
4
From the Castle of Good Hope, we will stop at the City Hall building in town, where Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech to the the public on the 11th of February 1990, as he was released from jail. We will take some memorable photos at this location before heading to our last museum, the famous district six.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Continue to the Castle of Good Hope, one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in South Africa and a major Cape Town heritage attraction. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle played an important role in the early civilian, political, and military history of the Cape. Today, this well-preserved 17th-century fortress offers visitors a fascinating look into Cape Town’s complex past. During your visit, learn about the Castle’s architecture, military history, colonial heritage, and its connection to the development of Cape Town. The site also houses several important exhibitions, including the Castle Military Museum and the William Fehr Collection, featuring historical artworks, furniture, and objects linked to life at the Cape. This stop is ideal for travellers interested in Cape Town history, museums, heritage sites, architecture, and South Africa’s early colonial story.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
6
Your next stop is the District Six Museum, one of Cape Town’s most important heritage attractions. The museum tells the story of District Six, a once-vibrant multicultural community that was destroyed under apartheid when residents were forcibly removed after the area was declared a “whites-only” zone. Through powerful exhibitions, photographs, personal stories, and historical displays, you will learn about the injustice of forced removals and the lasting impact on the families who once called District Six home.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
7
Enjoy a photo stop in the Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town’s most colourful and culturally significant neighbourhoods. Famous for its brightly painted houses, cobbled streets, mosques, and Cape Malay heritage, Bo-Kaap is one of the city’s most photographed locations. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the area dates back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries and became home to freed slaves, artisans, political exiles, and members of the Muslim community. Today, Bo-Kaap remains an important symbol of Cape Town’s diverse history, architecture, and cultural identity. Your guide will allow time for photos and a brief introduction to the area’s history before continuing with the tour.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Drop off will be at your accommodation in Cape Town.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm ferry departure times in advance
- Check the museum's operating hours before visiting
- Be prepared for potential weather changes during the tour
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the island tour
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
5.01 review
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A cultural tour
An interesting tour to learn more about the recent history of South Africa and Nelson Mandela. The journey must begin with purchasing a ticket at the Nelson Mandela Museum, close to the port where the boat departs, on the Water Front. The best time to visit the island is to leave at 9 am and the ticket must be purchased well in advance. On the island there will be buses that will take you around some interesting points. There are no restaurants or snack bars there, just a kiosk that sells water, juices and snacks. The tour is very worth it.
nilsona2015Feb 16, 2024TRIPADVISOR