This can be probably the most famous area in South Africa. Your first thought and association is with Madiba (as Nelson Mandela is famous to South Africans), If you hear the phrase Robben Island. Robben Island is an area in Dining table Bay and lies about 8 km from Cape Town and measures around 3.4 km by 2 km. The title was given to the island due to the seals (robben may be the Netherlands for seal) that lived here. Geographically, this area was previously the main African continent many years ago. Holland weren't the very first Europeans to go with this island. The Portuguese visited this island a long time ago prior to the English admiral set foot here in 1591. In 1601 Joris van Spilbergen (from Netherlands) used and only in 1652 Jan van Riebeeck came. They tried very hard to build up the fish and seal industry on this area, but because it was so distant, it was used to ban people that had terminal ailments and mad people (from 1846 1931). Even people who took sheep or cows were prohibited to this area, centuries ago. Throughout the Second World War, the area was used and a light tower was built due to the bad stranding history. It was converted into an exercise camp for that South African Navy after the war ended. However in 1961 the area was placed under the authority of the Department of Justice and was used as an arrest. Non of people was allowed to go there and a protective sea border of around 1.5 km was areas around it. That was where previous president Nelson Mandela was submitted 1964 to serve a life sentence. Gear to start out a war in the nation was found and 10 people all together were charged. Since 1997, Robben Island is a huge public and the general public was allowed right back to see, making from your Waterfront in Cape Town. Like I Said includes extra information concerning why to see about this viewpoint. Lots of work can also be been done to try and bring back the wildlife that types lived on this island. The upper part has been declared a bird sanctuary and a lot of penguins can also be found here today. If you think anything at all, you will probably need to study about rehab cabana prices. No visit to the Cape is complete without setting foot with this area, understanding more about its vivid background and paying a to Nelson Mandelas old prison cell. Boats leave for the island from your V & A Waterfront in Cape Town every day, so you dont miss out so ensure you check out the times! When you arrive on the island, you will have the absolute most spectacular view over Table Mountain and Cape Town. An impressive moment you'll cherish forever!. Hit this web page official link to check up the reason for this thing.