Cape Town: Robben Island Plus Long March To Freedom Tour

South Africa’s tumultuous history comes alive on the Cape Town: Robben Island Plus Long March to Freedom Tour. Visitors embark on a scenic ferry ride to the infamous Robben Island, where they explore Nelson Mandela‘s former prison cell and hear first-hand accounts from ex-inmates. The tour then takes them to the captivating Long March to Freedom Exhibition, showcasing key political figures through bronze statues. With hotel pickup, museum admissions, and optional lunch, this immersive experience offers a profound look into the country’s struggle for freedom and its rich cultural heritage. For those seeking to uncover the untold stories that shaped South Africa, this tour promises a revealing and thought-provoking journey.

Good To Know

• The tour offers a scenic ferry ride and guided exploration of Robben Island’s historical sites, including Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
• The tour provides a firsthand account of the island’s prison history through an interaction with a former inmate.
• The tour includes a visit to the Long March to Freedom Exhibition, which showcases South Africa’s journey towards independence.
• Lunch at a local restaurant near the Waterfront is an optional add-on, allowing visitors to savor authentic South African cuisine.
• The tour concludes with a convenient drop-off at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or Cape Town city center, enabling further exploration of the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Robben Island Tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, combining a scenic ferry ride, a guided tour of the island’s historical sites, and an in-depth exploration of South Africa’s struggle for independence.

Priced from €122.06 per person, the tour lasts one day and includes a live tour guide and audio guide.

Highlights include firsthand accounts from an ex-inmate, a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, and the impressive Long March to Freedom exhibition featuring over 100 bronze statues.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip ferry tickets, and museum admissions, making it a seamless and informative way to experience this significant part of Cape Town’s history.

Pickup and Ferry to Robben Island

The tour begins with pickup from either the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or the Cape Town City Centre.

From there, you’ll take a 30-minute ferry ride to Robben Island, enjoying scenic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town coastline along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the island’s historical sites, including the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for decades.

The knowledgeable guide will share firsthand accounts of life in the prison from a former inmate, providing a powerful and immersive experience.

This ferry ride and exploration of Robben Island set the stage for the rest of the captivating tour.

Robben Island Museum Tour

Upon arrival at Robben Island, the guided tour of the Robben Island Museum begins.

The 3-hour tour offers a powerful first-hand account of the island’s history as a prison.

Guests will:

1. Interact with a former inmate, who shares personal experiences and insights.
2. Visit Nelson Mandela’s humble prison cell, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made.
3. Explore the island’s notorious limestone quarry, where prisoners were forced to toil in backbreaking labor.

The tour provides a thought-provoking glimpse into South Africa’s struggle for freedom, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the country’s complex history.

Returning to the Waterfront

After the poignant tour of Robben Island, visitors board the ferry for the 30-minute journey back to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

As the ferry glides across the calm waters, passengers take in the stunning views of Table Mountain and the city skyline.

Upon reaching the Waterfront, they’ve the option to enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant.

Those who choose to skip lunch can explore the nearby Long March to Freedom Exhibition, a guided tour showcasing over 100 bronze statues depicting South Africa’s political history.

The tour concludes with drop-off at either the Waterfront or Cape Town city center.

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Optional Lunch

Visitors have the option to enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This optional activity allows travelers to refuel and savor authentic South African cuisine after the morning’s activities.

The lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but it provides a chance to experience the vibrant food scene of Cape Town. Some highlights of the optional lunch include:

1. Sampling traditional dishes like bobotie, a savory meat pie.
2. Trying locally-sourced seafood, such as grilled fish or calamari.
3. Sipping on a refreshing glass of South African wine or a local craft beer.

Long March to Freedom Exhibition

The Long March to Freedom Exhibition provides an immersive and impactful exploration of South Africa’s remarkable journey towards independence. The guided tour takes visitors through a striking exhibition of 101 bronze statues depicting key political figures, with plans to expand it to 500 statues in the future. Visitors gain a rundown of South Africa’s history, from the struggle for freedom to the attainment of democracy. The exhibition offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience, allowing visitors to connect with the country’s past and gain deeper insights into its complex and inspiring story.

Key Highlights
101 Bronze Statues	Depicting political figures
Guided Tour	Provides historical overview
Future Expansion	Planned to 500 statues
Powerful Experience	Connects visitors with history
Comprehensive Insights	Into South Africa’s journey

Drop-off Locations

At the conclusion of the Robben Island and Long March to Freedom tour, visitors are dropped off at either the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or the Cape Town City Centre, depending on their preference.

This allows for convenient access to various transportation options, dining establishments, and other attractions in the area.

The drop-off locations provide:

1. Easy access to public transportation, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services.
2. Proximity to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering visitors the opportunity to further explore Cape Town’s vibrant culture.
3. Proximity to the iconic landmarks and museums of the city, enabling visitors to continue their sightseeing adventure.

Important Considerations

When planning this tour, it’s important to consider several key factors. Firstly, visitors must bring a valid passport or ID card, as well as wear comfortable shoes. Plus, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. To ensure a smooth booking process, travelers should provide their name, surname, nationality, and children’s dates of birth. Finally, it’s recommended to keep travel plans flexible, as a "reserve now & pay later" option is available.

Requirement	Details
Documents	Passport or ID card (copy accepted)
Attire	Comfortable shoes
Mobility	Not suitable for those with impairments
Booking Info	Name, surname, nationality, children’s DOB
Flexibility	Reserve now & pay later option available

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, travelers can book the tour for a specific date and time. The tour offers flexibility, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later to accommodate their travel plans.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour in My Native Language?

The tour offers an English-language guided experience. However, it does not provide the option to book the tour in other languages. Travelers who require a tour in their native language should check for alternative offerings in their preferred language.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

While the tour includes set itinerary items, travelers can often customize the experience to suit their interests. They should inquire about flexibility when booking to ensure the tour meets their specific needs and preferences.

Are There Any Special Accommodations Available for Disabled Travelers?

The tour operator doesn’t recommend this tour for people with mobility impairments. However, they may be able to make special accommodations with advance notice, such as providing wheelchairs or arranging for additional assistance during the tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Merchandise During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and merchandise during the tour. The tour includes an optional stop at the Diamond Museum, where travelers can browse and buy local crafts, artwork, and other keepsakes to commemorate their experience.

The Sum Up

The Cape Town: Robben Island Plus Long March to Freedom Tour provides a powerful exploration of South Africa’s history. Visitors will embark on a scenic ferry ride to Robben Island, explore Nelson Mandela’s legacy, and discover the sacrifices of political figures through the Long March to Freedom Exhibition. This immersive experience offers a profound understanding of the country’s struggle for freedom and its rich cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: