Robben Island
If you're a backpacker traveling to South Africa, a visit to Robben Island is an absolute must-do activity. This historical site is located off the coast of Cape
Town and served as a prison for political activists, including Nelson Mandela, during the apartheid era. Here's a guide to visiting Robben Island as a backpacker.
Getting to Robben Island:
The only way to get to Robben Island is by taking a ferry from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased online or at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. As a backpacker, you'll want to book your ticket in advance to ensure availability.
Touring Robben Island:
Once you arrive on Robben Island, you'll be taken on a guided tour of the island. The tour includes a bus ride around the island, a visit to the prison where political activists were held, and a stop at Nelson Mandela's cell. The tour is led by former political prisoners, which adds a personal and emotional element to the experience. As a backpacker, you'll want to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the tour can take up to three hours.
Learning about the History:
A visit to Robben Island is a powerful experience that teaches visitors about the history of apartheid in South Africa. The tour provides insight into the conditions of the prison and the struggles that political activists faced during their imprisonment. It's a sobering reminder of the injustices that occurred in South Africa and the resilience of those who fought against them.
Taking in the Views:
Aside from the historical significance, Robben Island is also a beautiful location with stunning views of the ocean and the Cape Town skyline. As a backpacker, you'll want to take some time to explore the island and take in the natural beauty. There are walking trails, beaches, and wildlife to discover, making it a great place to spend a few hours.
History
The history of Robben Island dates back to the 17th century, when it was first used as a place of banishment for political and social prisoners by the Dutch colonial authorities. The island was also used as a leper colony and a military base.
In the late 19th century, the British colonial authorities took over control of Robben Island and continued to use it as a prison. During World War II, the island was used as a military base again, but after the war, it was returned to the South African government.
In 1961, the apartheid government of South Africa established Robben Island as a maximum-security prison for political prisoners who were considered a threat to the apartheid regime. Many famous anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned on the island, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Ahmed Kathrada.
Conditions on the island were harsh, with prisoners forced to perform hard labor in a limestone quarry. They were also subjected to brutal treatment and torture by the prison authorities.
In the 1980s, international pressure on the apartheid government led to the release of many political prisoners, and the prison on Robben Island was closed in 1991. The island was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, and today it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of South Africa's struggle against apartheid.
In conclusion, a visit to Robben Island is an unforgettable experience that every backpacker traveling to South Africa should have. It's a powerful reminder of the country's history and the struggles that have been overcome. Plus, it's a beautiful location with stunning views and plenty to explore. Make sure to add Robben Island to your South African itinerary.
