How to Experience a Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Townships Tour in Cape Town

Having lived in Cape Town for two years, I have had the pleasure of visiting Robben Island and learning about the tumultuous history of apartheid in South Africa. It is an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits Cape Town, and planning an excursion to Robben Island and the townships deserves its own blogpost. In this guide, I’ll share my own advice on planning a successful trip, from the ferry ticket tips to experiencing the cultural touchpoints of the townships.

Booking your Ferry Ticket to Robben Island

Robben Island is a rocky outcrop 10 kilometres off the coast of Cape Town which was once a prison island (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that housed Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. It was here that many were incarcerated and eventually were key in Negotiations leading to the end of apartheid.

The best way to get here is via a ferry ticket, which can be easily booked online. Robben Island Ferries are available throughout the year, and tickets can be purchased up to a month beforehand.
Choosing the right day to visit and booking your ticket ahead of time will ensure a seamless journey over to the Island. It’s also important to check the wind conditions before you commit to your preferred date, as any gale force winds may cause your tour to be canceled.

When booking your ticket, choose between one or two tours, depending on how much time you have for your visit. The 1-hour tour only takes you around three different points of interest, which is relatively short for most people who’d like to take their time to experience the Island in its entirety. The 2-hour tour is ideal for those who have more flexible schedules and want to explore different incarceration sites at length.

Township day tours

Townships are traditionally black settlements on the outskirts of Cape Town where former apartheid workers were required to live during their years living under a white ruler; today, they are home to many Zulu individuals and families who are in search of better employment opportunities. To explore a township with a local guide you can go for a full or half day tour or pick and choose different activities for a customized package. This Group Tour of Township and Robben Island is an excellent choice if you want an all-encompassing experience of township culture, history and religion, combined with a trip to Robben Island.

I personally believe that this is one of the best ways to learn about the township and its people during your time in South Africa; the tour gives you an in-depth look and understanding of the culture, showing various aspects of township life, like shanty dwellings, shebeens and more, while interacting with locals to get real connections with this community.

Your tour should provide an easy way to visit different cultural points of note including museums, monuments and street art; as well as partake in traditional music performances and different cuisines which are prevalent in the townships. This can be a great way of learning about different communities and cultures, whilst also interacting with locals. Most importantly, it helps bring to life the human stories that can sometimes be hard to access from reading or watching documentaries alone.

Conclusion

Cape Town is an incredible city with a mix of distant pasts mixed with ancient cultures – all coexisting together in one space. Robben Island is part of a unique celebration of history and culture, associated with struggle and victory over apartheid; whilst exploring the surrounding townships makes this city even more special by delving into everyday life stories behind the culture. If you want to experience both of these places together in one go, then this Group Tour of Township and Robben Island is a great way of doing it.

An Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: Discover Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, Culture, and History

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

Cape Town is a city that has a mix of stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban life. While Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront are popular tourist spots, there are a few hidden gems that only locals know about.

For example, visit Llandudno Beach, a picturesque beach tucked away between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, famous for its colorful houses and rich cultural heritage. Explore the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, featuring a breathtaking display of indigenous flora.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and History

Cape Town has a rich food culture that blends African, Asian, and European influences. Taste some of the local cuisine, such as pap and wors (maize meal porridge and sausage), bobotie (spiced mince with an egg-based topping), and Cape Malay curry (a fragrant and spicy dish with roots in South Asian cuisine).

Discover the city’s history by visiting the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, named in honor of Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, who visited Cape Town in 1870. Or eat at Mama Africa’s, a restaurant that celebrates African cuisine and art, offering traditional African entertainment, music, and dance.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, Art, and Music

Cape Town is a city that celebrates diversity and heritage. Visit the District Six Museum, which tells the story of a once-vibrant community that was forcibly removed in the 1970s during apartheid. Explore the Zeitz MOCAA, a contemporary art museum that showcases the talent and creativity of African artists.

Experience the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Africa, featuring local and international artists. Attend one of the traditions of the Xhosa people, who celebrate the coming-of-age of young boys in a ceremony called ‘ulwaluko’.

Local History: Captivating Stories

Cape Town has a rich and complex history that is worth exploring. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about the struggle against apartheid. Discover the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, which tells the story of the Dutch East India Company and the British colonial era.

Uncover the story of Krotoa, a Khoi woman who played a significant role in Cape Town’s history, serving as a translator and mediator between the Dutch and indigenous people.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

For an unforgettable experience, swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach, where you can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Take a bicycle tour of the township of Khayelitsha, which offers a unique and authentic experience of Cape Town’s vibrant culture.

For a different perspective on Cape Town’s nightlife, visit the Gin Bar, hidden away in the Central Business District, with a secret entrance and great cocktails.

In conclusion, Cape Town is a city that has a lot to offer, with hidden gems, rich history, and a vibrant and diverse culture. Experience its local cuisine, explore its traditions, and discover its captivating stories, and you’ll fall in love with this beautiful city.