Date of Inscription: 1999World Heritage Site Robben Island has been used to isolate certain people since the end of the 17th century … Learn More...
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Table Bay, 6.9 kilometers west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa. The island has been used as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, and a military base. Its buildings, particularly those of the late 20th century such as the maximum security prison for political prisoners, witness the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism. Robben Island is most famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail.
800 / day
1200 / day
4.5 pages per visit
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Visitors can explore the island through guided tours, which include a visit to the prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
The Robben Island Museum serves as a focal point of South African heritage, running educational programs for schools, youths and adults.
The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and various bird species, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Exhibits detailing the island's history, including its time as a leper colony and a military base, are available for visitors.
Access to the island is via ferry from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, offering scenic views of Table Bay.
Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Approximately 5.07 km²
Designated in 1999
Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma
Protected as a National Monument and a World Heritage Site
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