Table Mountain & Robben Island Full-Day Tour — Cable Car, Ferry and Mandela’s Cell
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Requires a moderate level of fitness: short steep walks on the summit and standing during the island bus and prison tour.
Overview
Pair a brisk cable-car climb to Table Mountain’s 1,089‑metre summit with a ferry trip to Robben Island and a guided visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell. This full-day tour delivers epic panoramas and a powerful history lesson, with practical tips to help you beat the wind and the crowds.
Table Mountain & Robben Island Full-Day Tour — Cable Car, Ferry and Mandela’s Cell
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You step off the coach at the Nelson Mandela Gateway and the city exhales around you — gulls wheel, the Atlantic glints, and Table Mountain looms like a flat-shouldered giant shading the harbour. The day stretches between two very different histories: the wind-swept summit above Cape Town and an island that once held the country’s most determined prisoners. This full-day combo pairs a five-minute cable-car ascent to 1,089 metres with a ferry crossing to Robben Island, where the guide leads you to the cell where Nelson Mandela spent part of his 27-year incarceration.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book Robben Island in advance
Robben Island tours sell out quickly—reserve your ferry slot ahead of time and arrive early for check-in at the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
Layer for wind and temperature shifts
Table Mountain summit can be 10–15°C colder and much windier than the waterfront—bring a windproof layer and hat.
Carry ID and a refillable bottle
You’ll need ID for ferry boarding and water for the summit and island tour—refill stations are limited.
Expect itinerary changes in bad weather
Cable car or ferry sailings may be cancelled in high winds or rough seas; have flexible plans for the afternoon.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dassie (rock hyrax) often seen on Table Mountain
- Seabirds (gulls, cormorants) around the V&A Waterfront and ferry routes
History
Robben Island has a layered history—from a leper colony and military outpost to the maximum security prison where anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were held.
Conservation
Table Mountain National Park is managed to protect fynbos and endemic species; visitors are encouraged to stick to trails and avoid picking flora.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grippy shoes are useful for rocky summit paths and uneven surfaces on Robben Island.
Windproof jacket
Blocks the strong Cape Doctor winds at the summit and keeps you comfortable on the ferry.
winter specific
Sun hat and SPF sunscreen
Cape Town sun is intense; protection matters during outdoor walking stops.
summer specific
Small daypack with refillable water bottle
Holds layers, snacks and water for a long day away from hotels.