In less than 18 months, travelers will have the opportunity to spend the night on Robben Island, following the national heritage site’s announcement that overnight accommodation will soon be offered on the island.
The new accommodation prospects were discussed as at a recent Heritage Day celebration, during which Traveller24 was invited to spend a night on the island in the Governor’s House. Used for criminal and political prisoners during the colonial and apartheid regime in South Africa, the former prison is a heritage site and has become an international tourist attraction. The overnight offering forms part of a project aimed at overhauling the ailing visitor experience of the iconic SA heritage site. In the past, no visitors have been allowed to remain on the island overnight.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the authentic accommodation at the former governor of the island’s residence – overlooking the walkout point and the island’s famous pool area. The spacious rooms will be decorated with a Victorian flair. No price point for the overnight stays has yet been disclosed by the island. In April this year, Traveller24 reported about ambitious new plans for the improvement of Robben Island. Some of these improvements have already been launched successfully, for example a new smart-phone application for the island,.
