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I have a bunch of questions about the Robben Island tour, so I'm hoping some of you out there can help me please!

Can anyone tell me if I can pre-book tickets for the Robben Island tour before I fly to SA?

If yes would the tickets be for a specific date or is it an open ticket?

How busy is the tour? Is pre-booking even necessary?

The main Museum website had tickets priced at R150/adult but one of the airlines was offering tickets at R395. Are they just bumping up the cost or offering something extra , or maybe the museum's site is out-of-date?

Hey Frieda -
I suppose it may depend on the time of year you are there, but when I went (September), we just went down to the V&A Waterfront a day or two beforehand to book our tickets. It's busy, but they do at least 4 or 5 tours a day. Sorry I cannot remember how much I paid for the tour but R395 sounds high.

It wasn't an open ticket though -- you had to reserve for specific date and time.

-Amy

Hey Frieda,

Yes, you can pre-book tickets. The tour can get quite busy, especially between Nov-Mar, when it is summer over here.

Tickets are sold at R150 for adults and R75 for children aged 4-17years (children under 4 are 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.

To book,contact the Nelson Mandela Gatewy on +27 21 413200 or email mailto:ebookings@robben-island.org.za

I was just there a few weeks ago and my friend and I walked up to the window, bought a ticket and then boarded the boat 30 minutes later. That was during August--i don't know what it would be like during high season.

Just went to Robben Island last week. I had to book a few days in advance. If you have a limited time in C.T then I would pre book.

However, I was really disappointed with the tour. It was very rushed and I felt as though we were herded like cattle. The tour guides repeated the same stories and they regurgitated most of Long Walk to Freedom.

quote:

I was really disappointed with the tour

I agree, we were really disappointed as well. I mean it was interesting to go and see the Island, and the boat ride gave a nice view of Table Mountain, but the whole thing was too commercialised. If you get a chance the Apartheid Museum in J'burg was much better value and gave so much more of an insight into the era.

You guys better book ahead. My friend just tried to book today (wed) and there is no space until Sunday.
You can book with credit card at the office +27 021 413 4200.

Oops. I just read the date! A little late on the info.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael & Rachel:

quote:

I was really disappointed with the tour

I agree, we were really disappointed as well. I mean it was interesting to go and see the Island, and the boat ride gave a nice view of Table Mountain, but the whole thing was too commercialised. If you get a chance the Apartheid Museum in J'burg was much better value and gave so much more of an insight into the era.

I don't think you can compare Robben Island with the Apartheid Museum as they are two separate things. Robben Island was great and full of emotions for what it represented for the young history of South Africa and for all of those who fought for democracy and freedom. I could feel it when I was there. The apartheid museum based in JHB is a place with plenty of documentation and infos about apartheid. Anyway, I enjoyed Robben Island

Stefano
www.backpacker.it