Discovering the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Cape Town is an unforgettable experience. The Robben Island and Table Mountain Full Day Private Tour offers travelers an immersive journey, blending the somber legacy of Robben Island with the awe-inspiring vistas of Table Mountain. From exploring the former prison cells to taking in panoramic views of the city, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the diverse wonders of this remarkable destination. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this private excursion promises to leave a lasting impression and leave you eager to uncover more of Cape Town’s captivating stories.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive 8-hour private tour covering Robben Island and Table Mountain in Cape Town, with hotel pickup/drop-off and a guided bus tour or prison tour.
- Includes a 30-45 minute ferry ride to Robben Island, where guests can explore the limestone quarry and Nelson Mandela’s cell.
- Provides a 1.5-hour lunch break at the V&A Waterfront, with an optional 30-minute diamond factory tour.
- Offers a short orientation tour of Cape Town’s key landmarks, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
- Concludes with a visit to the summit of Table Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks – Robben Island and Table Mountain. Priced from $156 per person, it’s an 8-hour private experience available in English, French, and Portuguese.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary covers a Robben Island ferry ride, guided tours, a city tour, and a visit to Table Mountain National Park. Lunch and an optional diamond factory tour are also part of the experience.
Advance booking is required for Robben Island tickets, and Table Mountain cable car tickets should be purchased online prior to the tour.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cape Town.
Robben Island Experience
The tour begins with a visit to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where guests embark on a 30-45 minute ferry ride to Robben Island.
At the island, two tour options are available:
- The Bus Tour, which provides a guided sightseeing trip around the island, including the limestone quarry and Sbukwe house.
- The Prison Tour, led by a former political prisoner, offering a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell and an in-depth exploration of the island’s history.
The total time spent at Robben Island is around 4 hours, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors.
Exploring Robben Island
Visitors disembark at Robben Island with a sense of anticipation, ready to explore the site that once held one of the world’s most famous political prisoners, Nelson Mandela.
On the island, they can choose between two tour options: the bus tour or the prison tour. The bus tour provides a guided journey around the island, including stops at the limestone quarry and Sbukwe house.
The prison tour, led by a former political prisoner, offers an in-depth look into Mandela’s cell and the history of the island.
Both experiences immerse visitors in the island’s somber past, leaving a lasting impression of resilience and the fight for freedom.
Lunch and Optional Activities
After exploring the historical grounds of Robben Island, visitors are afforded a 1.5-hour lunch break at the V&A Waterfront.
Here, they can enjoy a wide variety of dining options to refuel before the next leg of the tour.
Plus, an optional 30-minute diamond factory tour is available, allowing guests to learn about diamond processing and explore potential purchase opportunities.
The tour covers:
- Guided explanation of diamond production
- Insight into the diamond trade
- Showcasing of unique or rare diamond specimens
- Opportunity to purchase diamonds or diamond jewelry
- Q&A session with knowledgeable staff
Cape Town City Tour
Following the tour of Robben Island and the lunch break at the V&A Waterfront, the day continues with a short orientation tour of Cape Town’s key landmarks.
The tour covers sites like the CCIC, J. V. Riebeck statues, Golden Acre, Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, District 6 Museum, House of Parliament, Slave Lodge, and the Company Garden.
The highlight is a 25-minute visit to the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood for photo opportunities.
This city tour provides a rundown of Cape Town’s history and architectural diversity before the grand finale at Table Mountain.
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Visiting Table Mountain
Upon concluding the city tour, the tour group travels to the Table Mountain National Park.
Atop the iconic flat-topped mountain, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and beyond. The tour guide provides an overview of the national park and the meeting point for the cable car ascent.
While cable car tickets aren’t included, it’s recommended to purchase them online in advance to avoid lengthy queues. Visitors can spend up to an hour exploring the summit, taking in the stunning vistas, and capturing memorable photographs.
The tour then concludes, leaving guests with an unforgettable experience of South Africa’s natural wonders.
- Panoramic views of Cape Town
- Overview of Table Mountain National Park
- Online pre-purchase of cable car tickets recommended
- Up to 1 hour to explore the summit
- Concludes the full-day private tour
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes a range of convenient and informative features to enhance the overall experience.
Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. A professional tour guide will provide historical insights throughout the journey, while a bottle of water and air-conditioned transportation add to the comfort.
The ferry ride tickets to and from Robben Island are also covered. Though lunch isn’t included, the tour allows ample time for travelers to dine at the V&A Waterfront at their own expense.
Optional tips and gratuities can be provided at the end of the tour to show appreciation for the exceptional service.
Important Considerations
Travelers must book this excursion at least 2 days in advance to secure Robben Island tickets.
Table mountain cable car tickets aren’t included and should be purchased online at www.tablemountain.net prior to the tour to avoid long lines.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Some key considerations include:
- Book excursion 2 days in advance for Robben Island tickets
- Purchase Table Mountain cable car tickets online in advance
- Tour is wheelchair accessible
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour
- Tips/gratuities are optional
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ferry Be Accessed Directly From the V&A Waterfront?
Yes, the ferry to Robben Island can be accessed directly from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The tour includes ferry tickets and transportation to the waterfront, where visitors board the ferry for the 30-45 minute ride to the island.
Is There a Charge for the Prison Tour on Robben Island?
Yes, there is a charge for the prison tour on Robben Island. According to the tour overview, the "Prison Tour" is one of two tour options available, and it’s guided by a former political prisoner.
What Is the Duration of the Bo-Kaap Photo Stop?
The tour includes a 25-minute visit to Bo-Kaap, providing opportunities for attendees to capture photos of the neighborhood’s colorful houses. This photo stop allows guests to explore the vibrant local area.
Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available for Lunch?
The tour itinerary does not mention any specific vegetarian or dietary options for lunch. Guests can likely find suitable options at the V&A Waterfront, but it’s recommended to inquire with the tour operator about any special meal requests.
Can the Table Mountain Cable Car Tickets Be Purchased on the Day?
No, the tour operator recommends purchasing Table Mountain cable car tickets online in advance to avoid traffic and long lines on the day. They’re not included in the tour price and must be bought separately.
The Sum Up
The Robben Island and Table Mountain Full Day Private Tour in Cape Town offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s history while marveling at its natural splendor. Guests can explore the iconic Robben Island, enjoy a delightful lunch, and cap off the day with a captivating tour of Cape Town’s landmarks and the breathtaking views from Table Mountain.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Cape Town
- Private Tour:Cape of Good Hop>Seal Island>Chapman’Speak &Penguins
- Cape Town Airport and Hotel Private Transfers
- Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Viewing Private Tour
- Cape Peninsula E-Bike Cycle With Vehicle – Private Tour
- Cape of Good Hope-Penguin-Private Tour Combined With Wine Tasting Full Day Tour
- Hemel En Aarde Whale Coast + Wine Day Tour With Private Transfer
More Tours in Cape Town
- Robben Island Museum Tour, Ferry with last minute tickets
- Township in Langa Half Day Tour
- Chameleon Tour A Real Township Experience with Local Guides
- Private Tour:Cape of Good Hop>Seal Island>Chapman’Speak &Penguins
- Cape Town: Penguin Watching at Boulders Beach Half Day Tour
- A 25-minute Day Tour of the Ultimate Combat Army Helicopter
More Tour Reviews in Cape Town
- Robben Island Museum Tour, Ferry with last minute tickets
- Township in Langa Half Day Tour
- Chameleon Tour A Real Township Experience with Local Guides
- Private Tour:Cape of Good Hop>Seal Island>Chapman’Speak &Penguins
- Cape Town: Penguin Watching at Boulders Beach Half Day Tour
- A 25-minute Day Tour of the Ultimate Combat Army Helicopter
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Cape Town we have reviewed
- Robben Island Museum Tour, Ferry with last minute tickets
- Township in Langa Half Day Tour
- Chameleon Tour A Real Township Experience with Local Guides
- Private Tour:Cape of Good Hop>Seal Island>Chapman’Speak &Penguins
- A 25-minute Day Tour of the Ultimate Combat Army Helicopter
- Cape Town Airport and Hotel Private Transfers
- Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Viewing Private Tour
- Cape Peninsula Tour
- Cape Town: Table Mountain Cable Car Tickets
- Small Group Table Mountain Penguin Colony and Cape Point Tour
- Escape Room Cape Town
- Cape Town : Table Mountain Cape Point Boulders Penguins