Things to Do in South Africa

In 1964, an anti-apartheid revolutionary named Nelson Mandela was arrested and brought to South Africa’s Robben Island, just west of Cape Town. He would spend the next 18 years imprisoned in an 8x7-foot cell, forced to do hard labor, and permitted only one visitor a year. Even so, Mandela went on to become his country’s first black president, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and known globally for his significant contributions to human rights and social justice.

Robben Island—where most of Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence was served—was a place of isolation for nearly 300 years, housing many political prisoners and serving as both a lunatic asylum and leper colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy. Read on to learn more about how to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Basics

Most tours depart from Cape Town and include transport from city hotels, the boat trip to the island, and time at the former maximum security prison. Upon arrival on Robben Island, general tours start aboard a bus. Oftentimes, island tour guides are former political prisoners who can share information about South Africa’s history, as well as their own firsthand experiences. Custom and private tours are also available, while others combine a trip to the island with a Cape Town city tour or Table Mountain visit.

Best Things to Do When Visiting Robben Island

Once on the island, you’ll be able to see human rights activist and former prisoner Robert Sobukwe’s house; a 17th-century limestone quarry where Mandela and others were put to work; a leper colony cemetery; and the Robben Island Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters once held within its walls. Some tours also include access to Mandela’s cell.

Insider Tips

• The 30-minute boat or ferry rides to the island can be choppy at times depending on the weather. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a smart idea to come prepared.

• If you need a snack, food and drink are available for purchase on the island.

Once known as “Lion’s Rump,” Signal Hill is a relatively flat peak next to Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. The summit of this landmark once flew flags to signal changing weather and anchoring directions for ships that came to port. A well-paved road takes visitors to the top of Signal Hill, where spectacular Cape Town views await.

Along the way, travelers can stop at the impressive tombs of several Muslim missionaries or spend the night at Appleton Scout Campsite. Those venturing to Signal Hill for a mid-day trip will likely hear the Noon Gun—two massive cannons signaling the strike of twelve—fire, too.

In addition to its incredible views, Signal Hill is home to the last bit of the endangered Peninsula Shale Renosterveld vegetation in Cape Town, which means it is one of the few places nature lovers can find the extremely rare Moraea aristata flower and Medusa’s Head succulents in the wild.

Zulus form the largest ethnic group in the Rainbow Nation of South Africa, and the province of KwaZulu-Natal (formerly Zululand) is their heartland. Shakaland is an open-air museum, or “cultural village” providing a first class introduction to Zulu culture. It tells the tale of its namesake, the famous warrior king Shaka, who fought both tribal rivals to finally become the area’s uncontested ruler, as well as later Zulus who fought colonial aggressors.

But it’s not all spears and battles. Shakaland gives an overview of all aspects of Zulu culture, including tribal social structures, music, dances and ceremonies. You’ll also see how the distinctive colorful Zulu beadwork is made, as well as traditional beer, an important component in festivities. All of this in an authentic village, in what is still very much a vibrant, living community of Zulus, supervised by the local chief.

Cecil Rhodes' wealth, influence and fervent championing of the British Empire were integral in the formation of modern-day South Africa. He died in 1902, and a decade later, the Rhodes Memorial was built and dedicated at the start of the Cape-to-Cairo road he envisioned would unify British influence across Africa. Modeled after the Greek temple at Segesta, the memorial features 49 massive granite steps, quarried at nearby Table Mountain. Flanking them are eight bronze lions, and at the bottom of the stairs is the world-famous equestrian statue, Energy, dedicated to his memory.

Found within the Table Mountain National Park, the Rhodes Memorial offers sightseers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, Cape Flats and Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountain range. Hikers can reach it on a 3-hour walk from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It is also accessible by car.