The Nelson Mandela Gateway is the only starting point for a tour to Robben Island. The newly contructed building at the Waterfront, right next to the Clock Tower, is always full of people. You can get there first information about Robben Island, look at photos and buy your tickets. The tours are often fully booked – especially during the main season. With a little luck, you can get a ticket that has been returned. The crossing takes place on a modern ferry, which was sometimes also mentioned negatively in the news.
It takes 30 minutes to the little harbor on the island. While crossing, you get a fantastic view of Cape Town’s Skyline with the Waterfront, the Table Mountain and the Lion’s Head. With a little luck, you can also see seals and even dolphins can cross your way.
After arrival, you transfer to a bus which takes you on a one-hour-trip. A guide explains all the stations the group is passing. There exists a graveyard out of leprosy times, you can see churches from Sir Herbert Baker or several houses of the prison guards.
Robben Island
There is a rich animal world and flora on the island because of its isolation. Antelopes and diverse sea birds are crossing the way. Year after year, there is also a rabbit plague on the island. You can also see the artellery towers of the coast battery, that were supposed to protect Cape Town in the second world war.
Next stop is the limestone quarry, where the prisoners had to work under inhuman conditions for years. Last stop is the still existing maximum security prison where most of the prisoners were sheltered. A former prisoner accompanies the visitors during the tour and tells his story.
The cell where Nelson Mandela lived for many years, emits a coldness which is very difficult to describe. The cells are only about four square meters large and there is only a blanket and a little cupboard inside. The yard from the famous photo on which the prisoners break stones can be recognized immediately.
While this tour, you have thoughts like: a man spend most of his life in prison. He doens’t lose his vital energy and after end of apartheid, he is ready to be president of this country. And one of the greatest success is the reconcilement of Blacks and Whites. Many people feared in the 90s that the former oppressed folk would now take vengeance for the oppression and a civil war would be about to start. The country was close to it but Nelson Mandela, who dedicated his whole life to the political combat, could prevent it.
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