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Robben Island

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  • Summary
Historically used as a place of isolation for political prisoners (most notably Nelson Mandela), Robben Island now serves as a frequently visited reminder of the cost of South African liberation.

Traveling the hour through rough waters is much like following the footsteps of the exiled, watching Cape Town recede in the distance and the rocky outcropping of the island approach. Once at this UNESCO world-heritages site, the living museum maintains its poignancy through tours of the cells and grounds (often accompanied by native penguins) and opportunities to hear the personal experiences of the previously incarcerated. An adult tour costs about $30 USD and may be booked online or at the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

Location:19 km (12 mi) off the coast of Cape Town

Note:If you've seen or plan to see films like Invictus or Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a visit to the museum provides some first-hand context for Nelson Mandela's time in the prison.

The official museum site

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