Robben Island is absolutely a must-see if you're in Cape Town, but people should be aware that it's organized so that the absolute maximum amount of people possible are placed in each tour group, which take a lot away from the experience. Most of the people I know who've visited went away slightly disappointed, so expectations should be checked at the dock. The prison buildings tour, which is done by a former prisoner, is a brilliant addition to the experience, but it's very difficult to get a question in or to even hear what the guide is saying because there are so many people there. And don't even plan to get a very close look at Mandella's former cell because there's guaranteed to be a crowd standing in front trying to take photos. Ah well, so goes the way of tourism on our crowded planet. I would recommend reading Mandella's autobiography "No Easy Walk to Freedom" before visiting. It's so much more meaningful to have the background from the book when you're visiting the island.
Good advice, but the name of Mandela's autobiography is "Long Walk to Freedom", ISBN 0349106533. Check out a description of this book atExclusive Books, a South African bookstore.
Posts: 77 | Location: Cape Town, South Africa | Registered: December 27, 2001
