Robben Island
Robben Island is in the Western Cape of South Africa, approximately 7km off the coast and 12km from Cape Town harbour. This island is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Culture and History
History
The island was first discovered by Europeans in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias reached Table Bay.
Soon afterward it was put to use as a prison by the Portuguese, British and Dutch. From 1652 the island also served as a refreshment station for ships that did not wish to visit the mainland.
In 1658 the island saw it's first political prisoner, Autshumato was stealing back livestock that was confiscated by the new European settlers, was tried and imprisoned on the island. Later the same century a number of people resisting Dutch rule over the East Indies were also shipped to Cape Town and incarcerated on the island.
In 1795 the British took control of the Cape. They continued to use the island as a prison and from the middle of the 18th century also used it as an asylum. In 1890 a leprosy colony as established on the island.
In 1936 the South African Defence Force took control of the island and improved the infrastructure by building new roads, a power station and housing.
From 1961 it was again used as a prison, primarily to house those opposed to the Apartheid Government of the time.
Today the island is a museum and tourist attraction.
Landscape
The highest point on the island is Minto Hill at 30m. A lighthouse is build here.
Flora and fauna
There is a very well established penguin colony on the island, around 13000 strong.
Travel to Robben_Island, visa requirements
By ferry
Ferries leave the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town six times a day. Trip time to the island is about 30 minutes. Book in advance, ph: +27 (0)21 413-4208. For information, ph: +27 (0)21 413 4200.
Be sure to book the trip to Robben Island in advance as the tours are usually booked up for several days ahead
By helicopter
Contact Civair +27 (0)21 419-5182
Fees/Permits
Ferry trip and admission is R150 (R75 for children under 17 years)
Get around
On foot
The island is small, about 4.5km long by 2.5km wide.
By Bus
A tour bus is operated on the island.
Robben_Island attractions and sightseeing
History
- The prison where Nelson Mandela spend 18 years of his life.
Shipwrecks
- Chanson de la Mer, (1986) at Shelly Beach
- Han Cheng 2, (1998) in Rangatira Bay
- Sea Challenger, (1998) in Rangatira Bay
- Fung Thu, (1977) on the South of the island
Get out
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