A place of banishment and isolation from the 17th to the 20th century, Robben Island holds so much of South Africa’s history on its shores. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, and is respected and revered as a poignant reminder to our newly democratic country of the price we paid for freedom.
South Africans and foreigners cannot afford to miss visiting such an important part of our past. Robben Island’s prison once was once home to South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela for nearly 28 years. He shared his banishment with many other black political freedom fighters of the time, all of whom played a part in shaping the history of South Africa.
With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the island provides stunning views all round, and can be reached only by boat or air. Take a trip to the island and experience an unforgettable glimpse into the lives and times of the Apartheid era.
Daily tours to the island include the ferry trip there and back, an island tour and a tour of the prison. Don’t expect glamourous plaques and quaint buildings of the previous times; Robben Island presents its visitors with very real and raw account of what life must have been like being imprisoned many years ago.
That’s not to say that the views aren’t breathtaking and the staff aren’t friendly. You’ll be taken on your tour with a former political prisoner as your guide. They are eager to share their story and are helpful and insightful.
The island itself has a sensitive and complex ecosystem and is a protected nature conservation area. As a World Heritage Site a balance has to be maintained against other stringent conservation requirements considering the Museum’s mission of ensuring public access to the Island’s heritage.
The entire trip should take you about 3 ½ hours (including the ferry ride there and back), and it’s a good idea to book in advance. The ferries leave at regular intervals from the clock tower at the V & A Waterfront. You can buy refreshments on the island and there is also a small curio shop to browse through. To find out more information call them on 021 409 5100 or visit their website: http://www.robben-island.org.za/
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
