• Robben Island is situated about 12km from Cape Town
• Robben Island is named after the many seals (Rob=seal) that inhabit the island.
• The island served as prison for the Dutch-Indian Company from the 17th century onwards
• The prison closed in the 19th century and served as a place to send those people who did not fit the high society – leprosy ill, mental ill, prostitutes, drunk.
• The Apartheid regime opened a maximum security prison on Robben Island in 1961.
• The maxiumum security prison was used for political prisoners (mainly rebels against the Apartheid regime). They had to work in a quarry without eye-protection against the glaring sunlight.
• The bad “living-conditions” on the island became more and more internationally public during the 70s and 80s. After a strike, the prisoners were finally allowed to read and write.
• Nelson Mandela became the most famous prisoner on the island. He served 18 years of his life in a small cell. He was released in 1990.
• Robben Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1999

You can reach Robben Island from the "Nelson Mandela Gateway" behind the clock tower at the V&A Waterfront. High speed boats take you to the island within approx. 30 minutes. You can take a bus tour of 45 minutes with a guide which includes a visit to the maximum security prison. An Ex prisoner will tell you about his history which is probably one of the most impressive experiences about visiting Robben Island.