Robben Island
Political prison history
Western Cape, South Africa
Malaria-free
About Robben Island
Robben Island lies in Table Bay about seven kilometres off Cape Town, a World Heritage Site for the prison where Nelson Mandela and many others were held under apartheid. Tours run by ferry from the V&A Waterfront and are led by former prisoners. Beyond the prison, the island is a nature reserve with a large African penguin colony, seabirds, and a history that runs from Dutch leper colony to Second World War fortifications. It is a half-day from the city, weather permitting, and the ferry sells out in season.
Things to do: Cultural tours · Heritage interpretation · Photography
Where you can stay: Camping · Chalets · Nearby B&Bs
Wildlife near Robben Island
What people record most across Western Cape. Past sightings, never a guarantee.
From iNaturalist records across Western Cape, not confirmed sightings inside this reserve.
