|
|
| .. |
Nicole's
Travelogues and Budget Travel Tips..
|
|
|
ROBBEN ISLAND, SOUTH AFRICA
|
Robben Island's Robben Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Tickets are sold at R150 (@ $25) for adults and R75.00 for children aged 4-17 years. Children under 4 come free, but must be included in the booking. The three and a half hour tour includes a return trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45 minute bus tour with a guide providing commentary. Approximately 31% of Robben Island visitors are South African, 11.3% from the United Kingdom, 15.3% from the rest of Europe, 11% from the United States and Australia respectively, 7% from the rest of Africa, and about 3% of visitors are from Asia and New Zealand respectively. |
Pretty much the only reason I went to Cape Town was to go to Robben Island. Yea I know I shouldn't say that but it's true. Cape Town is beautiful and there are tons of cool things to see but it's a bit too westernized for me. When I travel, I like to get as far away from 'home' as possible. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a leper colony, and a military base. Nelson Mandela (called Madiba here) spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island. 
We got dropped off at the waterfront after our township tour and went to lunch. Humm we were the only people of color at the restaurant - other than the waiters and waitresses. Anyway, we then walked to the building where we were going to catch the ferry. A cool acapella male singing group entertained us while we waited to board. Most people wait inside the 'Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island' building. But you can also bypass the lines and wait outside of the building on the side where the seals are - then when you see the crowd coming out of the door, board the ferry. 
We took 25 minute speedy ferry ride to Robben (the Dutch word for "seal") Island Maximum Security Prison. Amy and Amber, from our township tour, were on the ferry too so we sat with them. When you board the ferry, get a seat on the upper deck outside. You'll have a great view of Cape Town voyage and be the first onto the docks (you unload from top deck at the island but unload from bottom deck at waterfront). During the ride I listened to my MP3 player and played 'Free Nelson Mandela' by The Specials. Yea, I know it was corny and 'cliche' but I did it anyway! 
Once we arrived at the dock, we were split into 2 groups of 50 each and then herded (and I do mean herded) to two buses - one was brand, spankin' new and one was beat up. I said, "let's take the beat up one" and we headed over to it. When we filled the bus, the guide said, "Congratulations! You picked the bus that was used to transport prisoners. You can tell alot about people by which bus they choose to take!" We laughed and started on our 45-minute bus tour around the island. We drove by the lighthouse, a military fort, and an old leper hospital.
