Robben Island, off Cape Town, SA

2005-08-13, Cape Town, South Africa

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We were told that you really must go out to Robbens Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned) so we did. We had wanted to go to World of Birds but too expensive to get out there. The ride out to Robbens Island was quite bumpy but would have been worse if not on a hovercraft. The tour was very interesting --- you are put on a bus and driven around to the key places. The most moving was the quarry where Mandela and other political prisoners were forced to work. The bus driver who lives on the island gave a talk and ended with the words of Mandela that there should not be bitterness but the hope of reconcilliation! You could really feel the intensity of his beliefs. Then back to the prison where we were shown around by a former prisoner. IT was not a pretty place. The island is home to more of the "jackass penguins"'; one crossed the road in front of us as we were touring in the bus. They warned us as we finished with the prison tour to not be late back to the boat stopping to see penguins! The problem with the tour is that you don't have much time to walk around on your own. The island is a World Heritage Site and we would have liked to see more. We did see the Cape Weaver bird with their most amazing nest while we were at one place! Back at the dock we had a close encounter with seals (see pictures)!