Robben Island & Langa Township Tour

FromZAR 2,900

6 hours

Cape Point, South Africa

About this activity

Discover Cape Town's history with a guided tour of Robben Island's prison and Langa Township, including lunch at a local restaurant.

Highlights

Explore Robben Island's historic prison
Learn about Nelson Mandela's imprisonment
Discover Langa Township's rich culture
Enjoy authentic South African cuisine
Experience Cape Town's diverse history

Full description

Dive into South Africa's rich history with this immersive tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride to Robben Island, where you'll explore the infamous prison that once held Nelson Mandela. A knowledgeable guide will share compelling stories of resilience and hope. After returning, journey to Langa Township, the oldest in Cape Town, to experience its vibrant culture and community spirit. Savor a traditional South African lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of authentic flavors. This tour offers a profound insight into the nation's past and present, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Included / Excluded

Round-trip ferry to Robben Island
Guided tour of Robben Island prison
Lunch at a local Langa Township restaurant

Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

Pass by: [Please note that this is a scheduled (shared) small group tour. We ask that guests be patient during the pick-up and drop off processes.] Pick up at accommodation in and around Cape Town between 7:30 and 8:15 am and transfer to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, Clocktower Precinct, V&A Waterfront. (Guests are required to join the boarding queue at 8:30 am.)

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

At 9:00 am we set sail to the Robben Island Museum. The entire tour takes 3.5 to 4-hours including the boat trip transfers. Upon arrival at the island, disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour and take a brief walk to the bus that will transport you around the island. Please note that Kabura Travel & Tours' tour guide/driver will not be accompanying guests on the boat or at the island as there will be a local site guide conducting the tour. The tour includes a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and an opportunity to take the Long March to Freedom in the historical footsteps of Nelson Mandela. After the tour, you will arrive back at the V&A Waterfront jetty. Your tour guide/driver will be waiting for you inside the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island building.

Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: YES

We travel to a township called Gugulethu, known to the locals as 'Gugs'. Gugulethu comes from Xhosa name ‘igugu lethu’ meaning 'our pride'. It was established in 1960 because Langa was overcrowded. Here we will stop at Teez African Restaurant for an optional traditional included BBQ lunch surrounded by locals if they are around. Your tour guide/driver will walk with you and assist you in placing your order and show you to a table.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

After lunch we travel to the oldest township in Cape Town - Langa. Meet your resident township tour guide who will accompany you on a short walking tour (0.5 miles or less than a kilometer), affording opportunities to interact with locals of Langa township. The township is named after a very respected chief Langalibalele, who was a renowned rainmaker that spent time in jail on Robben Island in 1873 for rebelling against the Natal government. The walking portion will start at Gugasthebe, a tourist information center, where various non-profit organizations teach skills to the local youth. Then, you will visit what used to be a detention center during apartheid, before proceeding to the local shebeen or tavern, where you will learn how the local beer, Umqombothi, is brewed, and enjoy a beer tasting with locals. This will be followed by a visit to the municipal beer hall built-in 1945. Afterward, you'll visit the township's entrepreneurial businesswomen who prepare barbecue (braai) meat on the streets of Langa, In Langa market, you will spend a few minutes with a traditional doctor, or Sangoma (optional). The walking township tour will end at the public library.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Pass by: Drop off will be at your accommodation in Cape Town after the tour at approximately 17:00 pm.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

Tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please inform of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
Carry a camera to capture memorable moments.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible

Good to know

The Robben Island boat trip is non-refundable and requires 48 hours advance notification should you require a date amendment. Date amendments will incur additional cost of R60.00 per person. Should the tour to Robben Island be cancelled by Robben Island organisation, you will have the option to reschedule (if available) or receive a refund for the value of your Robben Island ticket only.
Please ensure that full names and passport numbers are provided upon booking this tour.
All participants will be required to show either their passport or a copy thereof at the boarding gates to Robben Island boat trip.
This tour will depart with a minimum of 02 people. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Additional information

The Robben Island boat trip is non-refundable and requires 48 hours advance notification should you require a date amendment. Date amendments will incur additional cost of R60.00 per person. Should the tour to Robben Island be cancelled by Robben Island organisation, you will have the option to reschedule (if available) or receive a refund for the value of your Robben Island ticket only. Please ensure that full names and passport numbers are provided upon booking this tour. All participants will be required to show either their passport or a copy thereof at the boarding gates to Robben Island boat trip. This tour will depart with a minimum of 02 people. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.