Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town, is a symbol of resilience and freedom, most notably associated with the 27-year imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. Visible from the iconic Table Mountain, this island holds a rich and complex history.
Visited Robben Island about eight years ago and the guide who took us through Mandela’s cell was himself a former political prisoner. That detail changes the whole experience in a way that no museum exhibition ever could. Has anyone been recently, I wonder if that is still the case with the current tours?
Took the family across years back, must be over a decade now, and ja, our guide was a former prisoner too. You’re spot on, it lands differently when the man telling you about that cell actually slept in one. No exhibition board comes close.
From what I hear it’s getting harder to manage, the chaps are getting on in years, same as the rest of us, so I’d imagine not every tour gets one anymore. Worth phoning ahead if that matters to you, though I doubt they can guarantee it.
The other thing nobody warns you about is the ferry. If the wind’s pumping in the bay, and in Cape Town it usually is, that crossing will rearrange your breakfast. Pick a calm morning if you can, check the forecast the night before.
Beautiful and sobering place all the same. Everyone living here should go once, even just to stand in that quarry and think a bit. I’m overdue for another visit myself, maybe I’ll take the grandkids when they’re old enough to understand it.