Where is the Ruben Island; The prisoner made by Nelson Mandela.

The indispensable symbol of the inflammatory history of South Africa and the exile of anti -apartheid fighters, which gained worldwide fame thanks to Nelson Mandela! We are going to talk about the island of Ruben, where it is located among the Cape Town’s Nilgon waters, and in addition to natural breathtaking attractions, tells a deep story of human resistance, hope and victory against oppression. If you are interested in the history, culture and inspirational stories, do not miss a visit to Ruben on a trip to South Africa.

Where is Ruben Island?

Ruben Island is located 2 km from the South African Cape Town coast. The island has a unique nature, but it owes most of its fame to its political conditions. Ruben had a severe security atmosphere for decades, with apartheid political fighters imprisoned. Nelson Mandela, the first Black President of South Africa, who was elected in year 2, spent five years in prison in Ruben Island.

Later, the prison became a museum that is reminiscent of the “victory of the human spirit over the calamity”. On the island’s tourism tours, you can hear the stories of the life of imprisoned people in Ruben. You can even visit the stone mine where the prisoners had to work.

About the History of the Ruben Island

The name “Ruben Island” is derived from the Dutch word “Zeehonden”, because the Fuks once lived in the surrounding waters.

Ruben Island, originally a Dutch town and later a British criminal colony, has played an important role in South Africa’s history. Between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries, the island was regarded as a prison and a hospital for those “socially troubled” and was also used as a military base. The sovereignty of the white minority of South Africa kept the apartheid numbers here.

During the Dutch colonialism in South Africa, the slaves and captives of the war were sent to Ruben for stones and mussels. In year 4, a British military exposure seized control of Cape Town and continued to use the island as prison. In year 4, the prison became a hospital to separate the leprosy and the insane, most of them poor and black women.

In year 3, a prison with the highest security began to monitor political prisoners on Robben Island. In this prison, the type of food, clothing, daily activities and even punishments were determined by the skin color of the prisoners.

Ruben and Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, an anti -apartment activist who later became President of South Africa. He was sentenced to sabotage charges and spent five years in prison on Ruben Island for five years. In year 4, when the violent prison system declined slightly, political prisoners were allowed to work in a stone mine in another part of the island during working hours. The mine became a place where they could share information, provide political training to prisoners, and write to the guards of the song to express their dissatisfaction. Prior to his transfer to another prison, Nelson Mandela had previously become an international leader in the fight against apartheid.

The end of the nightmare in the Ruben

Due to the many strikes, international confrontations and pressures, this separatist policy gradually weakened, and in year 2, the government began to dismantle apartheid, and Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and black political organizations gained legal status. In year 2, South Africa held its first democratic election.

The last Ruben prisoners left the island in year 6, and the prison was officially closed in year 6. Many former prisoners were actively involved in the political scene after apartheid, including three of them, including Nelson Mandela, Kagama Motlante and Jacob Zuma as President of South Africa.

About apartheid

Apartheid refers to the institutionalized racial separation system in South Africa, which lasted from the year to the early 1980s. Under the apartheid, the majority of South African black population was unjustly managed by a white minority. The rights of black citizens were deprived of and they were socially and legally regarded as second -class citizens and were constantly abused, arrested and monitored by police.

Read more: Where is Cape Town?

Ruben after apartheid

Apartheid was completed in the early 1980s and the last prisoners of Ruben Island were released in year 6. The place then served as a security prison until year 4. Until finally closed and in year 2, it was announced as a national work and became a museum for depicting all the hard days. Interestingly, most of the tourist guides in Ruben were former island prisoners or former guards. In year 2, Ruben Island was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ruben Island Tourist Attractions

Ruben is a small island near the coast of Cape Town, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were kept during apartheid, the island is of The following is a rich legacy of Ruben Island:

Tour of jail visit with a guide

The tour with a tourist guide takes you into the prison complex, including the cells in which political prisoners kept. You will also hear personal stories from former prisoners.

Nelson Mandela cell

One of the interesting things about this tour is Nelson Mandela’s cell. He spent five years in his imprisonment in the same cell. This small space is still preserved and gives visitors a brief look at Mandela’s life while staying on Ruben Island.

Exhibitions of the Ruben Island Museum

The Ruben Island Museum has exhibitions dedicated to the history of the island, the anti -apartheid movement and the struggle for freedom in South Africa. This provides tourists a great opportunity to find out more about the political space of the apartheid period.

Wildlife

Ruben is not only historically important, but it also hosts a variety of wildlife creatures. During your visit, you can see the penguins, foams and different species of birds. The natural beauty of the island has created a complete contrast with the struggle stories.

Mandela Gate

Before leaving for Ruben Island, visitors pass through the Mandela gate in the V&A fountain in Cape Town. This building is a training center and an exhibition space and enhances your understanding of the island’s history.

Read more: Cape Town’s tourist attraction in South Africa

The best time to travel to Ruben Island

Visiting Ruben Island is a unique opportunity to reflect on South Africa’s past and the victory of democracy over cruelty. The island is most popular among tourists interested in history because of the prisoner in Nelson Mandela for years. Here are the best time to travel and the island’s weather.

In terms of weather, one of the best times to visit Ruben is between September and November. These months are sunny and cool, and the nature of Ruben is at the height of beauty.

If you are interested in water alongside nature, also. We recommend traveling to Ruben from December to February. This season you may find a larger population of tourists, but you can also enjoy swimming, boating, etc.

Ruben Island Hotels and Resorts

Ruben is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the South African Tour near the city of Cape Town and has no hotel or residence. So the farmers can stay in one of the Cape Town hotels to visit Ruben Island. Ruben is available through the port of Victoria and Alfred Cape Town, and hotels close to the port are a better choice. Here’s a list of several hotels that are less than Ruben:

• Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront: This 4 -star hotel offers a beautiful view of Ruben Island and offers very easy access from the dock to Ruben Island.
• Lagoon Beach Hotel: A 4 -star hotel in the Milranton Cape Town area with direct access to the beach and Ruben Island
• Small Bay Bay Beach Suites; A 5 -star hotel less than 1.5 km from Ruben Island

Read more: Travel Guide to Cape Town

How to access the island

You can choose several ways to access the island:

• Passenger ships

The ships move from the port of Victoria and Alfred (V&A Waterfront) in Cape Town. The time to reach Ruben with the ship is about 1 to 2 minutes. It is better to buy a ship ticket before.

• Official tours booking

Visiting Tours on Ruben Island, including ships and visits to various islands and its historic prison will be held for 2 to 4 hours. It is possible to book these tours through reputable sites or tourist offices.

Final speech

The name of Ruben Island has been famous among tourists through its valuable historical background. In addition to playing an important role in South African history, the island also has a lot to say about historical attractions. Visiting Ruben, in addition to enjoying nature and a quiet sea, you will learn about inspirational stories of struggle for freedom and equality. South African Tourists can devote one day to their stay in the country to a beautiful and valuable Ruben.