Robben Island

Where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 imprisoned years

A flat, wind-battered island 11km from Cape Town, Robben Island held South Africa's most dangerous political prisoners for centuries. Nelson Mandela's cell — a 2x2 metre space where he slept on a mat on the floor — is the most visited room in South Africa. Tours are led by former political prisoners. The experience is quiet, devastating, and unmissable.