A visit to Robben Island is nearly compulsory for travelers interested in South Africa’s history, however it can sometimes be hectic with thronging crowds, and is a weather dependent activity. That’s why New Frontiers have come up with alternatives for your clients, whether they are looking for a more exclusive experience, more in depth background on apartheid or just something a bit different.
New Frontiers highly recommends a privately guided tour of Robben Island. While this option still takes visitors across to the island on the scheduled boat departing from The Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront (approx. 40-50 minutes, depending on the boat), guests are met by a private guide on arrival, and taken around the island in a private (7-seater) vehicle. Private tours are led by qualified Robben Island guides who are fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island’s multi-layered 500 year old history – and takes place away from the buses and the crowds.
Ex-prison guard Sandi Sijake and ex-prisoner Christo Brand leading a luxury yacht cruise
Another more exclusive option for your travelers is a luxury cruise around Robben Island, accompanied by ex-prisoner Christo Brand and ex-prison guard Sandi Sijake. With Robben Island still not allowing private yachts or helicopters to land or dock on the island this new experience has been introduced as a crafty alternative. Guests will cruise on a 65-foot luxury yacht from the V&A marina. The boat has a maximum of 10 guests and the cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and canapes. It can be a cost-effective option, especially where you have an extended family or small group.
For a rainy or stormy day, New Frontiers recommends Jetty 1 as a great option. Housed in the original embarkation building for prisoners sent to Robben Island, the transit building was used by the Robben Island Maximum Security Prison from 1962. Political and common-law prisoners, warders, their families and other visitors passed through this site. In the 1970s the zinc and iron building was demolished and the current brick building was erected. The museum tells the story of the prisoners and warders who passed through this site. Being in the same building occupied by prisoners, it has a real sense of place and its atmospheric. Everyone traveling to and from Robben Island during Apartheid passed through the building and for the prisoners, staff, and wardens, this was the last place they would see in Cape Town. It is typically not very busy with very few visitors and is not only great for inclement weather, but also for guests who don’t have a half-day to dedicate to the full Robben Island tour.
Another option that takes travelers deeper into the history of apartheid is a private 1-hr talk hosted by Dr. Janie Cole, Ph.D. musicologist and visiting professor at the University of Cape Town. Her lecture on the story of music in the apartheid prisons takes visitors on a musical journey of discovery, learning about the critical role music played during the apartheid struggle, specifically among political prisoners in South Africa. Political prisoners, the unsung heroes of the liberation movement incarcerated for daring to resist the apartheid regime, relied on music as a tool of survival, resistance, protest and communication. Dr. Cole’s ground-breaking lecture includes a multimedia presentation combining original music, historical images and curated extracts from moving new interviews with former political prisoners bringing the struggle against racial oppression, conditions in the prison, and the role of music to life in vivid relief.
Dr. Cole’s talk can be hosted in a private meeting room at your client’s hotel and offers insight and context if one is planning to visit Robben Island. It can easily be incorporated into a day’s touring before a visit to Robben Island. It is ideal for families, small groups or couples who are interested in gaining a more specialist view of prisoner life on the island. Janie can also be booked to join your clients on the island (provided you have booked a private guided tour of Robben Island).
For additional details on these tours, check the Agent Zone or contact Jene at New Frontiers Tours.
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