Situated 11km off the coast of Cape Town, well within sight of the city, Robben Island is famous as Nelson Mandela's home for 18 of his 27 years of incarceration under successive apartheid governments.

Robben Island is situated in the middle of Table Bay. Nelson Mandela served his prison sentence on Robben island during the apartheid era. The last political prisoner was released in 1991. Springbok, ostrich, rabbits, Jackass penguins and Cape fur seals are among the wildlife found on the island. Ferries sail daily from the waterfront, taking visitors to Robben island. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours, including the guided tour. Around the cells, the tours are lead by former political prisoners. Day Trips, Tours, Adventure Activities.