Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

What an eye opening and educational experience this was. Our prison tour guide, Derek Basson, shared not only his personal experience as a prisoner in the late 80/early 90s, but many stories of Nelson Mandela and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, who was the founding president of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Tears came to my eyes hearing the injustices prisoners faced during their time at the prison. Although it was a sobering experience it was worth the visit.

As a history buff, this was a must see, and finally made it there on my 3rd trip to Cape Town. The view was great, even saw some penguins. But the tour was a bit random be shuttled around on a bus, only to be kept in a room with a guide that gave us a spiel that gave very little information about the island prison or its history, but may have qualified as a political pitch for the EFF party. Really had to bite my tongue.

"My name is Modise" I have mentioned before the importance of recognizing amazing hospitality, today was such a day while visting Robben Island. Modise, our outstanding guide, who was a prisoner on the island for five years, spoke with authority and power about the time he spent incarcerated along with Nelson Mandela. You could hear a pin drop as he described their harrowing lives as political prisoners under the apartheid regime. Tears came to our eyes as he recalled the torture he endured at the hands of his captors. As our tour came to an end he thanked us for visiting his country and the opportunity to give us an insight into his life as a prisoner. It was a very humbling experience and one we shall remember forever.

The day we went it was exceptionally hot (103F/39C) and that unfortunately affected the experience. The ferry ride was about 45 minutes, and we saw many seals and even whales on the journey. The boat was pretty packed, so you want to try to get on early to get a good seat. Sit up top for breeze and better visibility. Upon arrival, you're loaded onto buses for a tour of the island. The buses have no air conditioning, no fans, and the seats are 5 across and very tight. They waited until every seat was full. If you're over 6 feet tall or are wide, you'll be VERY uncomfortable. Further, it's difficult to see across the people next to you and forget about pictures unless you have a prime seat. The state really needs to use an open-air bus or one that is more suited for a tour. That would greatly improve the experience. The prison tour was interesting. Our tour guide actually spent time in the prison, even overlapping with Mandela, and had many stories to tell. He was easily the highlight of the tour and I could have listened to him all day. The prison itself was smaller than I thought and there were fewer pictures, etc. than I anticipated. There is a gift shop, but the island itself did not have places for food/drink, so please keep that in mind since your tour may span normal lunch hours.

This was great. Educational. Inspiring. Infuriating. Our guide in the prison, former inmate Max, was really great, as was the film on the ferry.