How to Plan Your Robben Island Prison Museum and Diamond Museum Plus Ferry Tickets Tour
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just off the coast of Cape Town in South Africa. It’s known worldwide for the prison that was used to detain political prisoners during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela. Visiting Robben Island and the Diamond Museum is an experience you won’t want to miss when visiting Cape Town. Here’s how to plan your tour to these two amazing sites:
Step 1: Book Your Tickets
The first step is to book your ferry tickets to Robben Island and entry to the Diamond Museum. You can easily book online at the Viator website (https://viator.com/tours/Cape-Town/Robben-Island-Prison-Museum-Plus-A-Visit-To-Diamond-Museum-Plus-Ferry-Tickets/d318-178712P36). The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, ferry ticket to Robben Island, entry to the Diamond Museum, lunch, and gratuity.
Step 2: Choose Your Pickup Point
If you’re staying within Cape Town, you can request a pickup or head directly to the meeting point. The meeting point is the Silo Hotel, Silo Square Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town 8001 South Africa. Pickups at the Silo are done at the drop and go area. Remember to specify your pickup point during the booking process.
Step 3: Enjoy the Tour
Once your booking is confirmed, sit back and enjoy the tour. Your air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the ferry terminal, and from there, you will embark on a 30-minute ferry ride to Robben Island. Once you arrive, you’ll be taken on a bus tour around the island, where you’ll see the prison, limestone quarry, and other historical sites. A former political prisoner will lead you through the prison and provide a personal account of their experience.
After the Robben Island tour, you will be transported to the Diamond Museum, where you’ll learn about South Africa’s diamond mining industry. Here, you’ll get a chance to see some of the world’s largest diamonds and explore the history of diamond mining in South Africa.
After the museum visit, you will have lunch before returning to your pickup point. The entire tour takes approximately 8 hours, so plan accordingly.
Step 4: Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Most travelers can participate in the tour, so it’s perfect for families and groups of friends. The tour operator also provides hotel pickups for added convenience.
Conclusion
Visiting Robben Island and the Diamond Museum is an unforgettable experience that highlights South Africa’s complex history. With pickup and drop-off from your hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable guide, booking your tour has never been easier. Book your tour today and discover the history of this beautiful country.
The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Exploring Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations for tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. With a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, rich culture, delicious food, and historical landmarks, Cape Town is an excellent place to visit. In this guide, we’ll explore everything Cape Town has to offer, including the must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.
Must-See Attractions
1. Table Mountain: Arguably one of Cape Town’s most recognizable landmarks, Table Mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding coastline. You can take a cable car ride up to the summit or hike one of the many trails to the top.
2. Robben Island Prison Museum: This island was formerly used as a prison to incarcerate some of South Africa’s most famous political prisoners like Nelson Mandela. Visiting the prison museum is a sobering experience, but learning about the history of the struggle for freedom in South Africa is educational. Ferry tickets are available at the Nelson Mandela Gateway located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
3. Diamond Museum: Cape Town has a rich diamond history, and the museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city. You’ll learn about the discovery and transformation of diamonds, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a live diamond cutting demonstration.
Dining Spots
1. The Test Kitchen: Known for its inventive and delectable cuisine, The Test Kitchen promises a dining experience that is not easily forgotten. The restaurant has won several awards making reservations must be made in advance.
2. Mzansi: This restaurant provides a genuine taste of African cuisine. It’s affordable, and you get to experience the flavours and culture of South Africa through unique dishes like chakalaka and pap.
Cultural Experiences
1. District Six Museum: The District Six Museum provides significant insights into the race-motivated apartheid era of South Africa. Through photography exhibits, speeches and guided tours, you’ll learn about the horrors and injustice that took place in the city.
2. Bo-Kaap neighbourhood: This neighbourhood offers a perfect illustration of Cape Town’s culture and history, with its multi-colored houses and quaint cobblestone streets. It is an excellent place to explore on foot and understand the Cape Malay culture.
Local History
1. The Castle of Good Hope: This seventeenth-century fortress is the oldest building in South Africa. It was originally built by Dutch colonizers to protect themselves against the British. Today, it serves as a museum that showcases the history of Cape Town.
2. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: These gardens are well-recognized, with several international awards, including being regarded as one of the seven most beautiful botanical gardens globally. That said, the history behind it is fascinating. The gardens were created in 1913 to preserve South Africa’s unique flora.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
1. Go on a Township Tour: Visiting a township such as Khayelitsha or Langa is an unforgettable experience. See how the locals live, learn about the cultural practices and traditions of the townships through a guided tour.
2. Visit Muizenberg beach and surfers’ corner: Cape Town is famous for its beaches, and Muizenberg beach is a firm favorite with locals and tourists alike. Rent a surfboard or take surfing lessons at surfers’ corner, the best place to catch South Africa’s world-famous waves.
In conclusion, Cape Town is a tourist’s dream destination with endless possibilities to explore and learn. Be sure to use this guide to help you plan and maximize your visit to this magnificent city.
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