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Robben Island Museum, Cape Town Central

3.1

#1 of 165 in Historic Sites in South Africa

Island Historic Site

Visit the World Heritage Site of Robben Island Museum, a spit of land just off the Cape Town coast. The island's main claim to fame is rather unfortunate--it includes the prison in which Nelson Mandela served much of his sentence. Used for isolating political prisoners since the 17th century, the island also housed as a leper colony and a World War II fortress during its history. Take a boat ride to the island to delve into the history of the anti-apartheid movement and see where numerous activists, three of which later became presidents, served out their prison sentences. On a tour of the maximum-security prison, you'll most likely be guided by a former inmate who can offer a glimpse into the grueling experience many suffered here. To visit Robben Island Museum and get the most from your holiday in Cape Town, create itinerary details personal to you using our Cape Town trip itinerary site.

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Robben Island Museum Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8,422 reviews

• By Hevsy

  This is an interesting tour and it is such an important part of South African history that it is important to go there. Once off the ferry, you are herded into several old buses. Our tour guide was...  more »

• By Jonno_the_Yachtie

  An iconic place crucial to the history of the country, of course. But we just wish that the tour could be better curated. One of the problems is that, on getting off the arrival boat, you are put...  more »

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