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Robben Island - about 11km off the coast of Cape Town - was home to South Africa's President, Nelson Mandela for over 26 years. It has a rich and infamous history behind it and has more often than not been cloaked in secrecy, very few of the public ever went there.
As early as 1615, convicts were sent to the island by order of King James 1. Over the centuries the island has been home to convicts, lepers, the insane, the terminally ill and more recently, political prisoners. Only a few months ago Robben Island was a fully functioning prison.
Today, it is a museum, where former prisoners give personalised guided tours. As an island, the place is being 'rediscovered." Its ragged coastline is believed to contain over 20 wrecks. These wrecks and their cargo remain untouched thanks to a one mile security zone that surrounded the island. Today these wrecks form part of a potential underwater guided tour.
A tour of Robben Island is a must, for South African's and visitors alike. For more information about the island and tours et. have a look at the official site. |
