Where is the location of Robben Island?

Table Bay
Robben Island, Afrikaans Robbeneiland, island in Table Bay, Western Cape province, South Africa. It is 5 miles (8 km) west of the mainland and 6 miles (10 km) north of Cape Town and has an approximate area of 5 square miles (13 square km).

Why is Robben Island so famous?

Robben Island is known for being the place former South African president Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 of his 27 years, but the Island was the home of prisoners from outside South Africa, notably Namibia.

Which country owns Robben Island?

nation of South Africa
Many of the guides are former prisoners. All land on the island is owned by the nation of South Africa, with the exception of the island church. Administratively, Robben Island is a suburb of the City of Cape Town.

Who built Robben Island?

The lighthouse on Robben Island was commissioned in January 1865. The circular tower, designed by the Colonial Engineer, John Scott Tucker, was built in stone quarried locally, and stood 18m high.

Are there snakes on Robben Island?

At Robben Island, mole snakes are large, diurnal and conspicuous. They were mostly captured near to or within seabird colonies and then checked by palpation for fresh food in their stomachs.

Can you swim to Robben Island?

Despite the relatively short distances (the main swims between Robben Island and the mainland are between 7.4km and 11km) swimming Robben Island has become a challenge even to accomplished swimmers, mostly due to the cold water temperature….

Does Robben Island have fresh water?

Initially the island was inhabited by a variety of wild life, including birds, penguins, seals and tortoises. Its name “robben” is derived from the Dutch, meaning a seal. It also had a plentiful supply of fresh water available from a number of springs.

Is Robben Island natural or man made?

It was fortified and used as a prison from the late-seventeenth century until 1996, after the end of apartheid. Political activist and lawyer Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 18 of the 27 years of his imprisonment before the fall of apartheid and introduction of full, multi-racial democracy.

Who still lives on the Robben Island?

Today, the village on Robben Island is home to 150 permanent residents. They consist of museum staff, prison guides, National Ports Authority employees, lighthouse keepers, Works Department personnel and a couple of die-hards from the old days.

How much are tickets to Robben Island?

R600 for non-South African adults and R 310 for non-South African children aged two to 18 years. R400 for South African adults and R210 for South African children aged two to 18 years. The New Walking tour experience will be available on the plankton ticketing system as well.

How long is the tour of Robben Island?

about 4 hours
How long is the Robben Island Tour? The standard tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips, this is only true for the Krotoa as other boats take longer, between 30 min and 1 hour.