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Visiting Robben Island on a Tour from Cape Town: A Detailed Guide

Visiting Robben Island is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town and should be on any visitors’ itinerary for the city.

The Robben Island experience was firmly at the top of my list too during my recent visit to beautiful South Africa. It was a seriously insightful and interesting day, and so I thought I’d put this detailed guide on how to visit Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town.

Visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town

Why i wanted to visit robben island.

Whilst my knowledge of apartheid is reasonable thanks to my university degree (in International Politics), nothing can compare to learning and experiencing history first-hand in South Africa.

Fortunately, visiting Robben Island is a straight-forward experience.

Robben Island has had various purposes through its history, which I will more on below. However, more recently, it was made into a museum in 1997 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Robben Island has become a beacon for hope within South Africa, as it is where so many of its most influential political leaders were imprisoned at some point. Robben Island plays a very important role in South Africa’s journey for racial equality and tolerance.

Speaking to South African friends, it is shocking how few have ever been. But most recognised the need to go and to further understand their own country’s history and story. Some of my friends admitted they were due a return trip as they hadn’t visited since school.

We planned our time in Cape Town so that we incorporated visiting Robben Island during a day spent in the city. Visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town was a highlight of our time in South Africa for many reasons.

I’ve written a full guide to visiting Robben Island, so do take a look below and feel free to get in touch with any questions

Robben Island: Essential information

Can i visit robben island independently.

The first thing to know about visiting Robben Island is that the only way to visit is via an official tour, booked directly on their website, or through providers such as GetYourGuide. See below for bookable tours on their website:

Where is Robben Island located?

It is located 11.6km, or 7.2 miles from the mainland. The only way to get to Robben Island is by ferry, and this departs from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town CBD. The ferry is included in the price of the ticket.

How long does the ferry take from the Waterfront to Robben Island?

For us, in fairly choppy sea conditions on a sunny day in December, it took around 30-40 minutes in each direction.

What time does the tour depart? And how often?

Tours leave every single day, at 9am 11am and 3pm.

How long does the overall visit to Robben Island take?

Allow for around 3.5-4 hours for the entire duration of your visit.

How far in advance do I need to book ahead?

During peak season (November – March), it would be advisable to book two or so days ahead. We couldn’t get our preferred time for two days ahead and instead went for the 3pm departure. This ended up being amazing as we sailed back to Cape Town for sunset. As mentioned above, you can also book with GetYourGuide which makes arranging your visit to Robben Island very straight forward.

How much does the tour cost?

The tour to Robben Island costs R360 for adults, or R200 for U18s. At the time of writing, this is about £20.50 or £11.40.

Where does the ferry for Robben Island depart from?

The ferry depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before departure as the queues are normally quite long and there’s a security checkpoint too.

The Experience on Robben Island

What is the tour itinerary on robben island.

Once the ferry has arrived on Robben Island, visitors are directed to waiting buses. Once these are full, these depart one by one. On board is a local guide who will talk you through each of the various heritage sites as you drive by them. Although Robben Island is quite small, it is pleasant to visit the sites by bus as it provides shade from the heat and allows all mobility levels to experience it in the same way.

The first site was a graveyard for those who had died from leprosy. During the mid to late 1800s, lepers were sent here and Robben Island was a leper colony. Only once most the lepers had died was a cure found, where it had previously been thought of as incurable.

The next site is the Lime Quarry, the site where prisoners included Mandela spent most of their days. Our guide told us that forcing the prisoners to spend their days under the baking sun breaking down the rocks was not for any real constructive purpose, but instead to break down their minds and resolve. There were 3,000 or so prisoners on Robben Island during from 1960 to 1991, most of whom were political prisoners, known as South Africa’s freedom fighters. The baddies wanted the prisoners to sit in silence through most of their days so that they couldn’t share the ideas or thoughts.

Since the end of apartheid and Robben Island being used as a prison, Mandela and other prisoners have come back to each lay a rock and you can see this mound at the opening to the quarry.

We also saw the church, where the prisoners visited every Sunday, as well as other buildings and spaces used for various purposes.

Robert Sobukwe’s House

Robert Sobukwe’s house was another place we stopped at. Sobukwe was another of the most well-known political prisoners on Robben Island. He strongly opposed apartheid and founded the Pan Africanist Congress, he was widely feared by the government who sent him to be imprisoned on Robben Island. He led several nationwide protests, however, unfortunately at one of the protests near Johannesburg, police opened fire on the crowd and almost 70 people were killed. Following this he was arrested and blamed for this massacre. Our guide told us that the guards were so worried Sobukwe and his ability to influence and impact the other prisoners with his ideology, they built him a separate guarded house to keep him in solitary confinement. This was located more than one hundred meters away from the Maximum Security Prison cells. His story is a sad one, as the guide told us that when he was finally released, his lived with his family but under house arrest. He finally died of lung cancer, long before it became apparent his positive impact on the end of apartheid and South Africa’s future.

Following this, our tour proceeded to visit the prison where we saw the living quarters, dorm rooms and cells, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. This section of the tour was given by an ex-prisoner and it was incredible to hear their story and experience first-hand.

There was also a brief toilet stop. The toilets are unexpectedly near a small penguin colony, and a famous Cape Town photo frame, with Table Mountain behind.

Do people live on Robben Island today?

Around 100 or so people live here today.

Has Robben Island had any other purposes?

Indeed. During World War 2, Robben Island was chosen as a strategic site to protect the city of Cape Town. This means there was significant construction of artillery batteries, various fortifications and an airstrip. You can see a full timeline of Robben Island’s on their website here: http://www.robben-island.org.za/timeline

The primary use for Robben Island throughout time has been as place for banishment and imprisonment of criminal and political prisoners throughout South Africa’s colonial and apartheid eras. For example, from 1400-1823, the island was home to the indigenous Khoi-Khoi people, who were the first South Africans recorded to be on the island. Robben Island is a vital part of their heritage, as the Khoi-Khoi people were banished and imprisoned here for resisting European colonisation.

In fact, during the 500 year history of Robben Island, the only time it was not used a prison was when it was used for military purposes and as a base, between 1931 and 1960.

What was the tour guide like?

Our guide was around 30 years old, mixed race and a Capetonian. Most crucially, he was completely knowledgeable about every aspect about Robben Island’s 500 year history, as well as balanced in his commentary. He had his audience completely captivated throughout the tour and made the heavy history interesting and relevant for everyone. you meet any ex-prisoners?

Would I meet any ex-prisoners?

Yes, as mentioned – the final segment of the trip is led by an ex-prisoner. We walked around the cells with an ex-political prisoner called Jama Mbatyoti. He had been incarcerated from 1977-1981.  As we moved from room to room, he shared his memories and experiences. He brought the whole experience to life for us and it was a very moving experience.

We were able to walk around the prison quite freely, including the bathrooms. Finally, we were led to a corridor where he pointed out Nelson Mandela’s cell. One by one, each guest on the tour had the moment to stop and take in where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. It was a humbling experience and one I felt we had enough time to slowly take in. It didn’t feel like a rushed experience at all.

We also saw the courtyard and the small garden that Nelson Mandela tended to, and it was here where he secretly started to draft his autobiography.

Sadly, the number of ex-prisoners is declining as of course, they are growing old and sadly passing away. One day, there will be no ex-prisoners to hear first-hand stories and experiences from, so visit as soon as you can to learn about some of the most important lessons in South African, and global history.

Visiting Robben Island

As you can see, visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town city centre is pretty straight-forward. Spending time wandering through the prison buildings and hearing first-hand from an ex-prisoner gives an authentic understand and experience like no other of apartheid in South Africa.

I hope you’ve found my guide to visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town useful and interesting, and that maybe I’ve inspired you to add this to your list of must see places in Cape Town. If you’re looking for another meaningful and insight experience, you should consider visiting a township in Cape Town too.

I’ve also written several other guides to Cape Town, including the best places to eat , must-see attractions , day trips from Cape Town and how to visit the penguin beach near the city. If you’re thinking of going on safari on your South Africa trip too, then don’t forget to check my guide on visiting Kruger National Park !

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: My visit to Robben Island was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the local tourism board. This is an independent guide.

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Robben Island Tours

Discover history, embrace freedom, latest articles.

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Welcome to our immersive journey to Robben Island, where history unfolds and echoes of resilience resonate across the vast expanse of the Atlantic. We aim to connect visitors with the indomitable spirit of those who endured hardship within its confines and, ultimately, triumphed over adversity. Join us as we navigate the corridors of history, revealing tales of courage, activism, and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.

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Full Day Robben Island and Cultural Tour

Brief tour description and information.

Set sail on a historic cruise to Robben Island, a unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering, and injustice” with a multi-layered history. Then Discover the multicultural side of Cape Town and interact with the locals. From District Six where forced removals changed the lives of many people to informal settlements where traditional healers and shebeens add to the rich culture of township life.

HIGHLIGHTS :

• Robben Island Tour
• District Six Museum
• Langa Township Walk

Robben Island

The tour of Robben Island includes a stop at the lime quarry, where the prisoners mined lime. One of the most important highlights of the Robben Island tour is a visit to the maximum-security prison, where most of the political leaders were imprisoned. This section contains the single cells where Nelson Mandela and other prisoners were imprisoned. The village tour includes stops at the leper cemetery, the Sobukhwe house, WWII gun batteries, and warder houses.

District Six

Thousands of Capetonians of all colors and cultures used to call this place home. All of these people were forcibly removed from their homes in the 1960s as a result of the apartheid government’s separate development policy. They were then scattered throughout the Cape Peninsula (as far as possible from the city center) to areas known as the Cape Flats. On this tour, we visit the original District Six site (now a barren wasteland) as well as the District Museum.

Cape Town’s oldest formal township. On this tour, you will learn about the history of Langa, as well as the hostel system that was established by the former government to house migrant workers (men) who came to the city to work but were not permitted to live there. You also get a sense of what it’s like to live in a township and the spirit of the “New South Africa” that exists here.

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Itinerary reference: AAT009761

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Robben Island

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The Robben Island tour is a 3.5-hour journey, beginning with a ferry ride to the island. The ferry ride itself is quite scenic, with the stunning blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding you. The island comes into view slowly, and as you draw near, the feeling of history begins to wash over you.

On arrival, you are met by an experienced guide. The tour begins with a visit to the maximum-security prison, where your guide will show you around the cell blocks and recount the prison’s history. Here, you’ll also see Nelson Mandela’s cell, which remains preserved to this day, serving as a poignant reminder of the incredible struggle against apartheid in South Africa’s past.

The tour then proceeds to the limestone quarry, where Mandela and his fellow inmates were forced to work tirelessly for hours on end. Here, you’ll learn about how they used this time to educate themselves and plan their fight against oppression.

Next, you’ll visit the Robben Island Museum, which houses exhibitions and displays of photos and artifacts. This museum adds depth and context to what you’ve already learned on the tour, giving you insight into how the island’s history fits into the broader history of South Africa.

Finally, the tour concludes with lunch at the Robben Island canteen, where you’ll get a chance to meet and interact with some of the former prisoners. Hearing their stories, the struggle, and eventual freedom they achieved gives a feeling of hope, that with patience and perseverance, it is possible to overcome adversity.

FACTS ABOUT ROBBEN ISLAND

• Robben Island, located off the coast of Cape Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance.
• It served as a prison during South Africa’s apartheid era, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held.
• The island also served as a leper colony and a military base throughout its history.
• Visitors can take guided tours of the island, including visits to Mandela’s former prison cell.
• Today, Robben Island stands as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and is a poignant reminder of South Africa’s journey towards reconciliation and democracy.

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Robben Island and Table Mountain Tour

Tour Details

Immerse yourself in a journey that blends South Africa’s remarkable history with its breathtaking scenery. The Robben Island and Table Mountain Tour promises a unique perspective on Cape Town, whisking you from the poignant halls of Robben Island to the awe-inspiring heights of Table Mountain.

Our adventure starts at 8:00 am with a convenient pick-up from your Cape Town hotel. We’ll then head to the ferry dock and set sail for Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a must-do on any Cape Town full day tour .

Tour Highlights

• Visit Robben Island Museum
• Ride on the Famous Table Mountain Cable Car
• Visit the District 6 Museum and other famous Places in Cape Town City

Robben Island

Steeped in history, Robben Island served as a prison for centuries. Its walls hold stories of struggle and resilience, most notably during Nelson Mandela’s 27-year incarceration here. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a thought-provoking exploration of the prison buildings and other historical sites, offering a unique perspective on this significant landmark.

Imagine the harsh realities of prison life as you walk the grounds. Your guide’s insights will illuminate this important chapter in South Africa’s history. This isn’t just a typical Robben Island tour – it’s a chance to connect with the human stories woven into the fabric of the nation’s past. Prepare to be humbled and inspired by the enduring spirit of those who were incarcerated here.

Cape Town City Centre

Following this poignant experience, we’ll set sail back to the mainland and the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Here, you’ll reconnect with your guide to embark on the next chapter of your adventure – a captivating city tour of Cape Town, a must-have addition to many Cape Town tour packages . This immersive experience delves into the rich tapestry of the city, showcasing its historical and cultural gems.

• Parliament Buildings: Witness the seat of South Africa’s national legislature. The Company’s Garden: Step back in time at this beautiful 17th-century garden.
• Slave Auction Tree : A powerful reminder of a dark chapter in South Africa’s history.
• District Six Museum : Learn about the forced displacement of people during apartheid.
• Iziko Slave Lodge : Gain insight into the lives of enslaved people in Cape Town.
• Castle of Good Hope : Explore the oldest building in South Africa (built 1666-1679).
• Iziko South African Jewish Museum : Discover the history of Jewish heritage in South Africa.
• Bo-Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter) : Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cape Town’s Muslim community.
• Old City Hall : Admire the architectural grandeur of this historic building.

This city tour offers a glimpse into the soul of Cape Town, showcasing its history, culture, and architectural heritage. Prepare to be captivated by the city’s vibrant energy and diverse stories, making it an unforgettable highlight of your Cape Town packages .

Table Mountain

As the cherry on top of your cultural and historical exploration, we’ll whisk you away to the majestic Table Mountain on your table mountain tour , a must-do for any Cape Town tour . At the lower cable car station, you’ll have the option to either ascend via a scenic cable car ride or conquer the mountain on a rewarding hike – the choice is yours! At the summit, prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch across the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. This iconic vantage point offers the perfect opportunity to capture postcard-worthy photos and soak in the unforgettable beauty of Cape Town before we comfortably return you to your hotel, brimming with memories of this extraordinary day.

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• Departure Your establishment in Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport
• Departure Time 08:00AM
• Return Time 18:00PM
• Included Entrance fees Bottled Water Snacks Driver/guide Fruit Snack Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Not Included Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase) Food and drinks, unless specified Gratuities (optional) Gratuities (recommended)

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Robben Island, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Robben Island

Located in Cape Town 's Table Bay, Robben Island is one of South Africa 's top historical attractions. For centuries it was used as a penal colony, primarily for political prisoners. Although its maximum security prisons have now closed, the island remains famous as the place where former South African president Nelson Mandela was an inmate for 18 years. Many leading members of political parties like the PAC and ANC were imprisoned alongside him.

In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum, and in 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It has become an extremely important symbol for the new South Africa, reflecting the triumph of democracy over apartheid and the ongoing journey towards racial tolerance. Now tourists can visit the prison on a Robben Island tour , led by ex-inmates with firsthand experiences of what life in the prison was like. 

Getting There

Robben Island is located several kilometers offshore and all tours start with a ferry ride from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront . The journey takes around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain and to look for the whales, dolphins, penguins and fur seals that inhabit Table Bay. The crossing can be quite rough, so those that suffer from seasickness are advised to take tablets. If the weather gets very bad, the ferries won't sail and tours are canceled.

Touring the Island

The trip begins with an hour-long bus tour of the island. During this time, your guide will tell you all about its history and ecology, including its use as a military base and leper colony. You'll get off the bus at the limestone quarry where Nelson Mandela and other prominent ANC members spent many years doing hard labor. At the quarry, the guide will point out the cave that doubled as the prisoners' bathroom.

It was in this cave that some of the more educated prisoners taught others how to read and write by scratching in the dirt. History, politics and biology were amongst the subjects taught at this "prison university" and it is said that a good part of South Africa's current constitution was written there. It was the only place that prisoners were able to escape the watchful eyes of the guards.

The Maximum Security Prison

After the bus tour, the guide will lead you to the maximum security prison where more than 3,000 political prisoners were held from 1960 to 1991. If your guide on the bus wasn't an ex-political prisoner, your guide for this part of the tour certainly will be. It is incredibly humbling to hear stories of prison life from someone who experienced it firsthand.

The tour starts at the entrance of the prison where the men were processed, given a set of prison clothes and assigned a cell. The offices of the prison include a prison court and a censorship office where every letter sent to and from the prison was read. The tour also includes a visit to the courtyard where Mandela later tended a small garden. It was here that he secretly started writing his famous autobiography Long Walk to Freedom . 

Experiencing the Cells

On the tour, you will be shown into at least one of the communal prison cells. Here, you can see the prisoners' bunk beds and feel the pitifully thin mats and blankets. In one block, there is an original sign displaying the prisoners' daily menu. In a prime example of apartheid racism, food portions were assigned to prisoners based on their skin color.

You will also be taken to the single cell in which Mandela lived for a time, although prisoners were routinely moved for security reasons. Although communication between the communal cell blocks was forbidden, you will also hear from your guide how prisoners came up with ingenious ways in which to continue their fight for freedom from within the prison walls.  

Practical Information

The entire tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from Robben Island. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly from ticket counters at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront. The tour costs R360 per adult (approximately $25) and R200 per child (approximately $15). Tickets often sell out, so it's advisable to book in advance or make arrangements with a  local tour operator .

The Robben Island ferry sails four times a day from the Nelson Mandela Gateway and departure times change according to the season. Make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure because there's an interesting exhibit in the waiting hall that gives a good overview of the island's history. Remember that although the guides on Robben Island will never ask for  tips , it is customary in Africa to reward good service. 

This article was updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald on January 14 2019.

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The 12 best things to do in Cape Town

Y ou really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals. Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on.

Yet, of course, Cape Town is not just about exploring nature because the city has a cool urban edge too. It has always been home to some of Africa's most innovative artists and designers and it is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, too.

Below our expert helps you discover the best things to do in Cape Town, while for further inspiration see our guides to the city's best  hotels  and  restaurants  and how to spend a  weekend in Cape Town . For further inspiration, read  our expert's ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.

Find things to do by area

• V&A waterfront and Robben Island
• Southern Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard 

See the city dwarfed

You haven’t truly understood the soul of Cape Town until you’ve ascended the 500-million year old mountain at its core, and gazed into the blue expanse of ocean and heaven that surround it. Originally known as Hoerikwaggo, meaning 'Mountain of the Sea' because it seems to rise directly from the ocean, Table Mountain dominates the Lego-city at its feet.

Insider’s tip:  It’s easiest to ascend by cable car from the City Bowl, and a ‘Fast Track’ ticket (R950pp) allows you to skip the queues. Tickets are valid for 7 days from chosen date as wind conditions can affect operational times. To walk up: Plattekloof Gorge, the least strenuous (1.5 to two hours), is also the busiest; Skeleton Gorge is by far the most scenic but you’ll need around five hours and be fairly fit. Beyond its distinctive flat-top northern face is an undulating plateau of small fertile valleys; worth exploring with the services of a guide like Dominic Chadbon or Hike Table Mountain .

Contact: tablemountain.net

Price:  £

Discover the benefits of a sunset hike

Tackle the Lion’s Head hike just before sunset, and you will be rewarded by the most spectacular 360-degree views: the huge horizon deepening to pink, burnishing the ocean, while below the city lights start to twinkle, and the moon starts its ascent. It’s a round loop that takes you up the tail, back and mane up to the head of the lion, and takes around one hour.

Insider’s tip:   It's increasingly popular, so be prepared for a festive vibe rather than communing with nature. Pack a torch and an extra layer for the descent. A quieter and quicker hike is up to Kloof Corner. Park on Tafelberg Road (closest is the second parking lot on your left), then cross over to the Kloof Nek Water Treatment Plant and look for a sign marking the start of the trail. Once there the views are splendid: the city spread below Lion’s Head to one side, and Twelve Apostles towering above Camps Bay, and vast blue Atlantic.

V&A Waterfront and Robben Island

A slice of history and art.

While admittedly touristy, the pedestrianised Waterfront is lovely to stroll around, and still a working harbour. For locally African-produced crafts, fashion, accessories and homeware, do make time to browse the market stalls in the Watershed, located between the new Time Out Market [delete (scheduled to open late 2023)] (a great one-stop foodie destination) and the Aquarium (well worth a visit, particularly if you are travelling with young children). In the Silo 5 district you’ll find the departure point for the ferry to Robben Island Museum, where Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years; adjacent is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), [delete where Nicholas Hlobo's dragon soars into] where you can admire the magnificent atrium cut into the original grain silo by Thomas Heatherwick and his team. A visit here puts paid to old-fashioned ideas of African art being 'figurative' or craft, as does Southern Guild, conveniently located at Silo 5, right next to Upcycle, Cape Town’s first drop-and-go bicycle rental company.

Insider's tip:  To get the most out of your MOCAA visit, enlist the services of an expert guide. Art Route ( artroute.co.za ) offer bespoke half and full-day tours that include fascinating insights into the MOCAA exhibits as well as commercial galleries (chosen in collaboration with you and based on your particular interest), studio visits to the city’s top contemporary artists, and by-appointment-only access to beautiful Ellerman House. The largest privately owned collection in the Cape, this offers as a fascinating insight into the Cape’s history through the lens of art.

Contact: zeitzmocaa.museum  | robben-island.org.za

Price: MOCAA £; Robben Island ££

Greet the dawn in Cape Town’s tidal pools

From sunrise to around 9am you will find clusters of Capetonians bobbing in the pretty tidal pools dotted along both sides of the coast, enjoying the splendour of both mountain and sea views from a living aquarium. Most spend about 20 minutes in what are fairly bracing but not frigid waters: 9ºC is a very cold day on the Atlantic seaboard; usually temperatures are around 12 to 16ºC, and a few degrees higher on the False Bay seaboard. Some are advocates of Wim Hof; a few are inspired by Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher), but the trend has grown mostly due to word-of-mouth enthusiasm as the physical elation and addictive sense of well-being is indisputable. Aside from anything it’s a wonderful way to meet locals.  Dalebrook tidal pool in Kalk Bay and Camps Bay tidal pool are the most famously social gathering spots. 

Insider’s tip:  The diversity of life in and around the great kelp forests of the Cape, particularly off the beaches of Simonstown, is awe inspiring. You can book snorkelling gear (including wet suits) and guide from great outfit capetownfreediving.com who also know where to go depending on weather and tide. Better still, learn how to freedive on one of their excellent two-day courses – a complete and utter treat for waterbabies. 

Contact: capetown.travel/tidal-pools-cape-town  |   capetownfreediving.com

Price: Free for tidal pools; £ for two-day free-diving course

Nibble yourself full in an artisanal food market

Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay (adjacent to the Waterfront) is a magnificent food market, showcasing fresh organic produce harvested from the city and surrounding small-scale farms, flanked by a large marquee with curated artisanal products, all with samples, and another rammed with stalls selling mouth-watering prepared dishes. Plenty of seating and lovely harbour views. Alternatively, the weekly Neighbourgoods Market in the Old Biscuit Mill is as much fun for watching the city’s hipsters as for the artisanal spreads – the focus here being more on prepared foods than fresh produce. Or, for authentic South African nibbles, browse the nascent V&A food community in Makers Landing at the Cruise Terminal. Or, for all-day all-week browsing, visit the new Time Out Market in the Waterfront where 13 stalls offer an extremely varied and delicious array of choices, and sit down to a meal at long shared tables. Time Out Market is in the old power station building, located right next to the dock.

Insider’s tip:  It pays to get to either market early, when the stalls are perfect and people are few. OZCF opens 8.15am on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays; Neighbourgoods Market opens 9am on Saturdays. Time Out Market is open from 11am to 10pm daily (Nosh, serving breakfasts and coffee from the city’s top three roasters, opens at 8am).

Contact: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za  |  ozcf.co.za

| timeout.com/cape-town/time-out-market

Southern Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard

Experience two seasons in one day.

The circular route to Cape Point loops around the mountainous spine that runs the length of the peninsula. Crossing from dawn-rising False Bay to sunset-blessed Atlantic Seaboard, the weather may change dramatically. Highlights include the cliff-hugging Chapman’s Peak Drive, scenic Victoria Road connecting Camps Bay to Hout Bay, wind-swept Cape Point; naval Simonstown (where most visit the penguin colony at Boulders, incidentally also a lovely swimming beach), Kalk Bay, Constantia and Kirstenbosch. An unmissable day trip.

Insider’s tip: Most rush straight to Cape Point; if you have time, visit one of the reserve’s typically deserted beaches. Embraced by 200m cliffs, Diaz Beach is the most photogenic. Embraced by 200m cliffs, Diaz Beach is the most photogenic.

Contact​: capepoint.co.za

Taste the city’s past and present

Cape Town took shape around the kitchen garden planted by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to supply their ships. Join one of the foodie tours and learn about the city's multi-cultural heritage through food, from samosas and koeksusters (a traditional sweet made of dough and infused in honey or syrup) prepared by Malay descendents in the Bo Kaap, to inner-city wineries, this is a most enjoyable way to spend a day.

Insider’s tip:  There are a few foodie tours in Cape Town but for the best guides – hand picked by ebullient owner Pammie – book with Cape Fusion Tours. If you just want to sample a few traditional Cape treats, head up Wale street to Biesmiellah Café for a most authentic selection of Cape Malay sweet and savoury street food treats.

Contact:   capefoodwine.com  |  capefusiontours.com

Price:  ££

Immerse in history

Opening with surprisingly little fanfare in 2022 in the Old Granary, a national monument that in itself reflects periods of oppression and transformation, ‘Truth to Power’ is a must see for anyone interested in South African history. Curated by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in partnership with the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg (where it is also possible to view), this is a world-class exhibition, taking you through a series of themed rooms that map out how Tutu’s life journey was intertwined with that of South Africa, from his resignation in protest at the apartheid-era ‘Bantu’ education, to his integral role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. With plenty of archival apartheid-era footage, photographs and artefacts, Tutu’s ongoing commitment to justice, his humility and humour, is both sobering and inspiring.

Contact:   tutu.org.za/truth-to-power

Watch the sinking sun with feet in the sand

Popular palm-lined Camps Bay beach has its bars and restaurants, but there is nothing more special than watching the sunset with your toes curled into the sand, back against a sun-warmed boulder. Clifton is accessed via steep staircases that wind between low-slung bungalows, and comprises four crescent-shaped strips, each attracting a slightly different sunworshipper. Families tend to hang on more accessible Clifton Fourth, the buff strut their stuff on Third. Or head to Glen beach, the lesser-known, less-busy beach adjacent to Camps Bay, tucked beneath a few bungalows.

Insider's tip: Better still, take a cab (you will struggle to find a parking spot), and watch the sunset with the locals and their dogs on gorgeous Llundudno beach.

Picnic in the Floral Kingdom

Table Mountain is one great picnic table, its slopes offering shady nooks and dappled glens, but the best spots are found in Kirstenbosch, on shady groomed lawns,with burbling streams where toddlers frighten tadpoles, and lush borders in which guinea fowl forage. Seamlessly blending into the indigenous vegetation carpeting a protected flank of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are beautiful whatever the season.

Insider’s tip:  If you’re here in summer, join the locals streaming in to enjoy the Sunset Concerts held Sundays. You can book a picnic from the on-site Kirstenbosch tea room or Moyo, or hand-pick your selection from Woolworths, the best large local retail giant with outlets all over the city.

Contact: sanbi.org

Explore the New World’s oldest wine region

In 1685 Simon Van Der Stel planted 10,000 vines on the 763-ha farm located on the southern slopes of the Table Mountain range. It proved prescient. Constantia dessert wines became famous: on his deathbed Napoleon apparently refused everything but Constantia wine, and Jane Austen recommended it for “its healing powers on a disappointed heart” in Sense and Sensibility. Today the Constantia Wine Route, comprising only 10 farms and a mere 20 minutes from the city centre, makes a wonderful outing (check their website for tour companies, or Uber between them).

Insider's tip: If you only have time for a couple visit Groot Constantia , where Van Der Stel built his original 17th-century homestead, for the historic Cape Dutch architecture; Klein Constantia to purchase the dessert wine that made the terroir famous; Beau Constantia for its elevated views across the valley, and Steenberg and Eagles' Nest for their deliciously flinty sauvignons.

Contact : constantiawineroute.com

Roll through the winelands on a tailor-made trip

There’s a plethora of scheduled Winelands tours, and Franschhoek’s wine trams are an affordable and fun way to get about, but if you’re serious about your wine, or just want a private, more off-the-beaten-track experience, a specialist wine guide is worth the extra cost. Try Gourmet Wine Tours with Stephen Flesch, the former chairman of the Wine Tasters Guild. He willl tailor an itinerary that covers both the grand historical and the rustic.

Insider’s tip: South Africa provides such a wide range of terroirs that the range of flavours produced by any single varietal is quite extraordinary. Stellenbosch still produces the broadest selection of award-winning reds. If you love your Sauvignon, tool around the cooler Elgin region, or drop into the Hemel en Aarde valley for superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Contact: gourmetwinetours.co.za

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