Cape Town 2: Robben Island

Today we planned to go to Robben Island (World Heritage Site). At the hotel we were advised to go early, so that we would get tickets for the same day. Thus, we walked over to the waterfront and harbour, which is still a working harour, but equally a huge tourist attraction, totally made over, with lots of shops and restaurants. There is also the Nelson Mandela Gateway (Museum), where you can buy tickets for the trip, and where the boats for Robben Island leave. We got our tickets, and not too much later boarded the catamaran. We only got seats inside, but the ride was comfortable and not that long.

First a few photos of the V&A Waterfront:

Peace Nobel Prize Winners (left to right):
Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, Frederik de Klerk, Nelson Mandela

On the boat to Robben Island:

Robben Island:

I decided to not comment on the tour on the island, other than a brief paragraph. The reason is simple: It was an amazing, humbling experience, and no words can really describe it. It was sobering to see, and if you didn't know the history, the island almost looked like a peaceful nice place. The tour consisted of two parts: First, a bus tour over the island, through the village, and a short photo stop on the side towards Cape Town. The second part was a guided walk through the Prison Precinct, including Nelson Mandela's cell. The guide on the second part was an ex-inmate, who just amazed me. No hatred, no bitterness - just a very humble, gentle, and great person!

Cape Town and Table Mountain

Ibis colony

Nelson Mandela's cell is the fourth from left

Nelson Mandela's cell (above & below)

The boat ride back was very windy, and this time we got seats outside on the top deck. We almost got blown away...

Cormorant colony

New stadium for the Soccer World Cup 2010