Cape Town – Day 1

After a good nights sleep we were ready to start out touring.

We had pre booked tickets for Robben Island where the political prisoners from the apartheid era had been held prisoner.

Robben Island has served as a prison for over 500 years. It also was a leper colony for many years. The political prisoners were held in a maximum security prison and the criminals were in a medium security prison on the island. The island is about 10 kilometers from Cape Town in Table Bay. We were transported by a ferry. Although the seas looked calm, it felt like we were on a roller coaster.

The political prisoners were only allowed 30 minute visits, twice a year with their families, and children had to be at least 18 to visit.

The political prisoners had to do hard labor, either working in the limestone quarry or harvesting kelp in the cold water of Table Bay.

In all the years there were only 4 escapes.

The most famous prisoner held there was Nelson Mandela. Our tour was led by a form inmate.

After our tour we walked around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

We then met our tour group for drinks and dinner. Great start to our African adventure.

Cape Grace hotel with Table Mountain in the background

Waiting for the boat to Robben Island