Robben Island has long held a significant place in South Africa’s history, serving as a notorious prison where many anti-apartheid activists were once incarcerated. While the island’s dark past cannot be ignored, it also represents a remarkable story of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. Coupled with the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s complex heritage and indulge in the renowned culinary delights that have made it a global destination. As you embark on this journey, prepare to be captivated by the powerful narratives and breathtaking landscapes that await.
Key Points
- Combines a visit to Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, with a tour of the Stellenbosch winelands, including wine and cheese tastings.
- Includes round-trip transportation from Cape Town, ferry ticket to Robben Island, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the winelands portion.
- Offers insights into the daily life of prisoners on Robben Island through a guided bus and walking tour, with interaction from former prisoners.
- Explores the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, known for its Cape Dutch architecture, vibrant university culture, and scenic vineyards.
- Provides a hassle-free and immersive experience, allowing visitors to learn about South Africa’s history and culture while enjoying local wine and cheese.
👉 Check out our guide to the 13 Best 2 Day Tours In Cape Town
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Robben Island Experience
- Stellenbosch Winelands Experience
- Pickup and Meeting Details
- Attraction Highlights
- Touring Logistics
- Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
- Traveler Reviews and Ratings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
- Can I Take Pictures/Videos During the Tour?
- Are There Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place for the Tour?
- The Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in Cape Town
- More Tickets in Cape Town
- More Tour Reviews in Cape Town
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cape Town we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
Robben Island Prison + Stellenbosch Wineries From Cape Town Incl Ferry Ticket
This small-group tour offers an opportunity to experience two of Cape Town’s major attractions: the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands.
Limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, the intimate experience includes round-trip transfers from central Cape Town hotels, the airport, or the cruise terminal.
The tour package features a ferry ticket to Robben Island, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water.
After exploring the island, guests will have the chance to sample local wines and cheeses at renowned wineries in Stellenbosch.
This well-rounded tour provides a memorable glimpse into Cape Town’s history and culture.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cape Town
Robben Island Experience
Visitors embark on a ferry ride to the island, where they learn about life on Robben Island from former prisoners through guided tours. The tour includes several compelling elements:
| Experience | Description |
|---|---|
| Ferry Ride | Enjoy the scenic 30-minute boat journey to the infamous island. |
| Island Tour | Explore the island by bus, gaining insight into daily life for prisoners. |
| Prison Walk-through | Follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with a walking tour of the prison facilities. |
The Robben Island experience provides a powerful and emotional glimpse into the island’s history as a place of incarceration and resistance. Visitors are left with a deeper understanding of the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
Stellenbosch Winelands Experience
After exploring the somber history of Robben Island, the tour takes visitors to the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands to sample the region’s renowned wines and cheeses. Strolling through the historic town, you’ll visit two acclaimed wineries – Bergkelder and Fairview Wine and Cheese – to indulge in tastings. While the wine tasting fees are up to R80 per winery, the opportunity to purchase bottles directly is an enticing prospect.
Stellenbosch, the second-oldest town in South Africa, boasts charming Cape Dutch architecture and a vibrant university culture, creating a delightful atmosphere.
The Winelands tour offers a chance to savor the full-bodied reds, crisp whites, and artisanal cheeses that have made this region a premier destination for oenophiles.
Beyond the tastings, the scenic beauty of rolling vineyards and mountains provides a serene counterpoint to the earlier Robben Island experience.
Pickup and Meeting Details
The tour provides pickup from hotels within a 5 km radius of central Cape Town, as well as from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Cape Town International Airport.
The meeting point is The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, and the tour concludes either at this location or with hotel drop-off.
This convenient pickup and drop-off service ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. Guests can simply meet the tour at the designated location or get picked up from their accommodation, making the experience hassle-free.
The meeting point at The Silo Hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to the tour’s major highlights in Cape Town and the Winelands.
Attraction Highlights
The tour immerses guests in two of Cape Town’s most captivating attractions – Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands.
At Robben Island, visitors learn firsthand about life on the island from former political prisoners, taking a ferry ride, bus tour, and walking tour through the prison.
In contrast, the Stellenbosch Winelands offer a serene and indulgent experience, with opportunities to:
- Explore the historic town of Stellenbosch
- Sample locally-produced wines and cheeses
- Purchase wines to take home as souvenirs
This small-group tour provides an intimate and immersive way to discover Cape Town’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Touring Logistics
This small-group tour provides flexible pickup options, with transfers available from central Cape Town hotels, the airport, or the cruise terminal.
The meeting point is at The Silo Hotel in the V&A Waterfront, where the tour concludes either at the meeting point or with hotel drop-off.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available to accommodate families.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic Robben Island and the beautiful Stellenbosch Winelands with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
The tour features a ferry ticket to Robben Island, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to discover these top attractions.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes round-trip transfers from central Cape Town hotels, the airport, or the cruise terminal, as well as a ferry ticket to Robben Island and an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout the experience.
Some key inclusions and exclusions to note:
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The tour fee covers the ferry ride, bus tour, and walking tour of Robben Island, allowing you to fully learn about the island’s history.
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Wine tasting fees at the Stellenbosch wineries aren’t included, typically ranging up to R80 per winery, giving you the flexibility to customize your tasting experience.
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Lunch and any additional purchases during the Stellenbosch portion are at your own expense, enabling you to explore the region’s culinary offerings at your own pace.
Traveler Reviews and Ratings
Robben Island Prison + Stellenbosch Wineries From Cape Town Incl Ferry Ticket
Traveler Reviews and Ratings
Reviewers have consistently praised the emotional impact of the Robben Island experience and the scenic beauty of the Stellenbosch wineries, awarding the tour an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews.
Visitors highlighted the powerful learning opportunity provided by former Robben Island prisoners sharing their first-hand accounts.
The Stellenbosch winelands also delighted travelers, who enjoyed sampling the region’s renowned wines and cheeses.
Several reviewers noted the tour’s efficient organization, from the convenient hotel pickups to the well-timed schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour operator may have specific policies regarding this. It’s best to check with the tour provider for their guidelines prior to the tour.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour provides restroom facilities throughout the day. There are restrooms available on the ferry to Robben Island, at the Robben Island museum, and at the Stellenbosch wineries visited during the tour.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for this tour, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for some walking on Robben Island and around the wineries.
Can I Take Pictures/Videos During the Tour?
Participants are generally permitted to take photos and videos during the tour, though some restrictions may apply, particularly in sensitive areas like the Robben Island prison. It’s best to follow the tour guide’s instructions regarding photography and videography.
Are There Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place for the Tour?
The tour operator has COVID-19 protocols in place. Travelers must wear masks, sanitize frequently, and maintain social distancing. Temperature checks may be required. These measures help ensure the health and safety of all participants during the tour.
Robben Island Prison + Stellenbosch Wineries From Cape Town Incl Ferry Ticket
“The Robben Island tour was heart-wrenching and well-done from the easy ferry ride, to the bus tour around the island and finally a walking tour thr…”
The Sum Up
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience that blends South Africa’s complex history with its renowned winemaking culture.
Visitors will gain profound insights into the Robben Island prison and the country’s struggle for freedom, followed by a delightful exploration of the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands.
Inclusive of transportation, ferry tickets, and bottled water, this small-group tour ensures a seamless and memorable day exploring the diverse facets of the Cape region.
