New tariffs for locals to visit Robben Island

Nelson Mandela's cell. Picture: Armand Hough / African News Agency (ANA)

As of Saturday June 1, Robben Island Museum will implement two-tier pricing for international and South African visitors.

The museum’s chief financial officer, Blayne Crocker, said they believe this will boost their finances and contribute to an increase in domestic visitors.

The Robben Island tour comprises of a ferry return trip, transport on the island, a guided island tour and a guided prison tour by an ex-political prisoner.

The museum said operationally, all of these come at an annual increased cost and has an adverse impact on revenue.

“With such factors in mind, a different pricing structure that could provide for additional revenue that would meet our rising conservation needs, needed to be investigated,” said Mr Crocker.

Robben Island spokesperson Morongoa Ramaboa said the funds generated from tour fees allows Robben Island Museum to protect and
preserve the island’s rich history.

“Preserving Robben Island as a World Heritage Site requires a lot of effort to balance the conservation of the tangible heritage elements with the mission of increasing local access to the island,” she said.

Robben Island is home to many indigenous birds, reptile and mammal species, all of which require
this sensitive eco-system to be protected.

The museum said tour fees play a big role in conserving Robben Island’s complex eco-system which many visitors get to experience while taking a tour.

The new standard tariffs:

R550 for non-South African adults and R300 for non-South African children aged 2 to 18.

R380 for South African adults and R200 for South
African children aged 2 to 18.

For more information or updates, visit www.robben-island.org.za