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Robben Island (Afrikaans: Robbeneiland) is an island in Table Bay, 6.9 kilometres (4.3 mi) west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, north of Cape Town, South Africa. It takes its name from the Dutch word for seals (robben), hence the Dutch/Afrikaans name Robbeneiland, which translates to Seal (s) Island.
- History of Robben Island
- Robben Island Today
- Getting to Robben Island
Robben Island was used as a prison as far back as the 17th century, when the Dutch settled on the mainland. Since then, it has been used as a World War Two military base to protect the city of Cape Town (resulting in the construction of artillery batteries, fortifications, and an airstrip) and a 19th century hospital for the seriously ill, such as ...
Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage historic site and a museum. A visit to Robben Island is by way of a standardised 3.5 hour guided tour (time includes two 30min ferry rides). In addition to touring the maximum security prison buildings, the tour includes a 45 minute guided bus ride around the island and interaction with a former Robbe...
Located 7.2 miles from the mainland (8.2 miles from Cape Town), the only way to get to Robben Island is by ferry. This departs from Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town – visitors disembark and re-embark at Murray’s Bay Harbour situated on the east coast of the Island. The ferry is included in the price of...
- Amy Irvine
Robben Island is located in Table Bay, some 6km west of Bloubergstrand, and stands some 30m above sea level. Robben Island has been used as prison and a place where people were isolated, banished and exiled to for nearly 400 years.
May 27, 2024 · Nestled in the tempestuous waters off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa lies Robben Island, a small landmass with an immense historical legacy. For the majority of the 20th century, this island served as a brutal prison, confining those deemed undesirable or dangerous by the ruling government.
Jul 6, 2010 · An inmates’ soccer league at Robben Island provided relief from monotony and a glimpse at what South Africa’s future could be.
May 27, 2013 · Nelson Mandela's prison card shows the date of his incarceration at Robben Island as 27/05/1963. It was 27 May 1963, and just over six months since he had been sentenced to five years in prison for leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike.
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Robben Island, a desolate outcropping five miles offshore, is a testament to courage and fortitude in the face of brutality, a must-see for any visitor to South Africa.
