Cape Town: Table Mountatin & Robben Island Day Tour

Exploring Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, the Table Mountain and Robben Island tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Priced at $175.41, the 6-hour adventure whisks visitors to the summit of the Mother City’s natural wonder via cable car, followed by an immersive journey to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island, where the shadows of the past linger. As travelers uncover the island’s tumultuous history, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s struggle for freedom. With a flexible cancellation policy and professional local guidance, this tour promises an enriching experience that may just leave you yearning for more.

Good To Know

• The Cape Town Day Tour includes a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and a ferry trip to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island.

• The tour is approximately 6 hours long and covers entry fees and a professional local guide, but meals and gratuities are not included.

• Robben Island has a complex history, having served as a prison, leper colony, psychiatric hospital, and military defense post.

• Table Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and surrounding areas, with hiking trails and unique geological formations to explore.

• While the tour generally receives positive reviews, a single 1-star rating cited issues with poor organization, communication, and insufficient time at Table Mountain.

Overview and Pricing

The Cape Town Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Priced from $175.41 per person, the tour lasts around 6 hours and includes round-trip transportation, entry fees, and a professional local guide.

Guests can enjoy the stunning views from the top of Table Mountain via the iconic cable car ride, and explore the rich history of Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The tour allows for ample time to discover these remarkable destinations, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

An excellent value for visitors seeking to maximize their time in Cape Town.

Robben Island Historical Uses

Robben Island has a rich and complex history, serving as a prison, leper colony, psychiatric hospital, and military defense post over the centuries.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the island’s diverse uses reflect its strategic location off the coast of Cape Town.

Visitors on the day tour can explore key sites like the graveyard, Lime Quarry, and the Maximum Security Prison where Nelson Mandela was famously incarcerated.

The tour also includes a visit to Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, and various army and navy bunkers, providing a comprehensive look at the island’s multifaceted past.

Key Sites on Robben Island

As visitors explore Robben Island, they’ll come across several key historical sites that showcase the island’s diverse past.

Highlights include:

1. The graveyard, where people from the island’s former leper colony and prison are buried.

2. The Lime Quarry, where political prisoners were forced to toil in harsh conditions.

3. The home of Robert Sobukwe, the founder of the Pan Africanist Congress, who was held in isolation for years.

4. The Bluestone quarry and army/navy bunkers, which highlight Robben Island’s military significance over the centuries.

These sites provide a powerful window into the island’s complex history as a prison, leper colony, and military outpost, offering visitors a profound insight into South Africa’s past.

Cable Car to Table Mountain

Upon arriving at the iconic Table Mountain, visitors can ascend to the summit via the famous cable car. This 5-minute journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding landscape.

At the top, guests can explore the natural wonders of the area, including hiking trails and geological formations. The tour includes transportation to and from Table Mountain, ensuring a seamless experience.

While the cable car fees are covered, meals and gratuities for the guide aren’t included in the tour price. With its stunning vistas and convenient access, the Table Mountain experience is a must-do for any Cape Town itinerary.

Exploring Table Mountain’s Beauty

Atop the iconic Table Mountain, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panorama that showcases Cape Town’s natural splendor. The cable car ride offers a seamless journey to the summit, where one can:

1. Gaze out over the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, framed by the iconic Table Bay.

2. Hike along the mountain’s scenic trails, discovering unique flora and fauna.

3. Snap panoramic photos that capture the majesty of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles.

4. Enjoy the crisp, refreshing air and savor the tranquility of this natural oasis.

Exploring the diverse landscapes of Table Mountain is a quintessential part of the Cape Town experience, leaving visitors with lasting memories of the region’s unparalleled beauty.

Included in the Tour

The Cape Town day tour includes several key experiences that showcase the city’s top attractions.

Visitors will enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain, providing panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

The tour also includes a ferry trip to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island, where guests can explore the island’s rich history as a former prison, leper colony, and military defense post.

Throughout the day, a professional local guide will provide commentary and insights, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the sites visited.

While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the tour package covers all necessary entry tickets and transportation, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the highlights of Cape Town.

Customer Feedback Review

According to the single customer review available, the Cape Town day tour received a disappointing 1-star rating.

The review cites several issues:

1. The tour lacked organization and coordination, with poor communication from the guide.

2. The ferry ride to Robben Island was overcrowded and chaotic, detracting from the historical experience.

3. The time allotted for exploring Table Mountain was insufficient, leaving little opportunity to fully appreciate the stunning views.

4. The reviewer felt the tour was overpriced and didn’t deliver the level of quality and attention to detail expected for the cost.

These concerns suggest the tour may benefit from improvements to streamline the logistics and enhance the customer experience.

Essential Tour Information

It’s essential to bring a valid passport or ID card when embarking on this Cape Town day tour.

The experience includes a ferry trip to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island, formerly a prison, leper colony, and military outpost.

The tour also provides access to the iconic Table Mountain via a scenic cable car ride, offering panoramic vistas of the city.

While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the tour covers all entry fees and includes a professional local guide to provide insightful commentary throughout the day.

Travelers should note the tour duration is approximately 6 hours, with 3.5 hours of total travel time between sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Souvenirs at Robben Island?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs at Robben Island’s gift shop. The shop offers a range of items, including books, t-shirts, and other memorabilia related to the island’s history and significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is There a Restroom Available at the Table Mountain Summit?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the Table Mountain summit. Visitors can use the restrooms located near the upper cable car station to take care of their needs during their time at the top.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. The cable car to the Table Mountain summit and the Robben Island tour both accommodate visitors using wheelchairs. Advance notice is recommended to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, meals are not included in the tour price, so guests will need to provide their own sustenance during the day’s activities.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Table Mountain?

The best time of day to visit Table Mountain is generally in the morning or early afternoon. This is when crowds are smaller, the weather is most pleasant, and the views are typically clearer.

The Sum Up

The Cape Town Day Tour offers an enriching experience, combining a scenic cable car ride to Table Mountain and a historical journey to Robben Island. Priced at $175.41 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entry fees, and a professional local guide, ensuring a memorable exploration of significant sites on Robben Island and the breathtaking views from Table Mountain. With a flexible cancellation policy, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive and insightful South African adventure.