Robben Island, a Unique Landscape with a Dark History

This past month, I had the distinct and unique pleasure of getting to be one of a handful of people to live on an island filled with history and mystery. Robben Island, a small island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa somehow encompasses a multitude of wild sceneries. What do I mean? Well, on one side of the island, you sit on the coast and feel as if you are on an island like any other; however, when you drive or walk just a short distance to the other side of the island, suddenly, you know without a doubt that you are in Africa.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey

Throughout parts of the Island, everything around you looks like a Serengeti as you get lost in tall grass and watch a wild Springbok hop by. There are coasts, quarries, a charming lighthouse, a small village, South African penguin colonies, Springbok, Steenbok, Fallow Deer, gulls, and oh yeah, shipwrecks all around. You heard right. The swell conditions around Robben Island are regularly a bit rough due to its position on the earth, so there have been more than a few shipwrecks on the island. During my stay walking the perimeter and counting different species of birds, I counted at least 5 shipwrecks, some that have been there for years and others that were more recent in origin.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-shipwreck

Robben Island (or Seal Island in Dutch/Afrikaans) was an incredibly special home base for me as I helped volunteer on the South African Penguin Project. If the amazing scenery didn’t leave me in awe, I can honestly say that the history of the island sure did.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-irish-cemetery-2

Strangely enough, Robben Island was once an Irish settlement, so there is a beautiful old Irish Cemetery in the village of the island that has a large Celtic Cross looming over the outside of it.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-irish-cemetery

It was also once a leper colony, which, of course, left behind a vast area of leper graves. The Leper Graveyard that’s on display for the buses of tourists that come through is a small, fenced off section, yet there are actually many graves spilling out across the full side of this island.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-leper-church

I heard from a guide that there were once 2,000 leper graves on the island. The New Prison was built over many of these graves; however, so many were unmarked, moved, or overgrown.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-leper-graveyard

Before I talk about the prison, however, I’d like to discuss World War II buildings. You see, Robben Island was prepared to be a base during World War II. Large cannon structures, pillboxes, towers, and buildings were set up to make a base for the war. However, they were never used, as the war never made it down to Cape Town. So, those buildings and structures were quickly abandoned and taken over by nature and time. Instead, years later, the island became a political prison.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey (11)

What started as a political prison in a smaller, older building, had the political prisoners working in the quarry to build their own new, larger prison structure. The new prison is now available for tours, as Nelson Mandela and other important members of the African National Party were held there.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-nelson-mandelas-cell
Nelson Mandela’s Cell in the New Prison Building on Robben Island

So, needless to say, there is an incredibly rich history on Robben Island. Now, you will find 4 boats scheduled daily to get tourists to the island to see the New Prison Building and to take a quick bus ride over to the quarry, through the village, and to a great photo spot at the end of the island that overlooks Table Mountain in Cape Town. (There’s a boat at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm daily which are subject to cancellation based on the daily swell.) While you don’t get a good, full tour of the island, I still heavily encourage you to make your way out to Robben Island if you’re in Cape Town because the prison tour, in itself, is worth it. Our guide was an ex political prisoner that was held in that exact structure, and his stories were both humbling and inspiring.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey (3)

Perhaps, the biggest benefit of being considered a resident in my brief time on the island was that I got to see many areas of the island that are closed off to the general public. It truly is a beautiful landscape, and the lighthouse is a picturesque site that most don’t get to see up close. We were lucky enough to get to climb to the top of the lighthouse near the end of my stay on the island. It was, honestly, pretty exciting.

robben-island-south-african-penguin-project-malorie-mackey-lighthouse

With the closure of the only store and the school a few years ago, the island is only really inhabited by those who work for the Robben Island Museum Tours and the scientists who come out to research the wildlife on the island. I have to say I am so humbled and blessed to have gotten such a unique opportunity. It’s something I will look back on fondly for the rest of my life.

Read More About What I was Doing on Robben Island HERE.

Malorie Mackey

Malorie Mackey is an actress, published author, and adventurer based out of Los Angeles, California. Throughout her experiences, Malorie found a love for travel and adventure, having journeyed to over a dozen countries experiencing unique locations. From the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre mountain range to the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, Malorie began adventuring and writing about her unique travels. These travel excerpts can be found on VIVA GLAM Magazine, in Malorie’s Adventure Blog, in Malorie’s adventure show “Weird World Adventures” and in the works for her full-length travel book. Stay tuned as Malorie travels the world bringing its beauty and wonder to you.

Other Adventures You May Like

Zermatt-Winter-Wonderland-of-Europe-main

Zermatt Is The Ultimate Winter Wonderland of Europe

There is no doubt that winter in Europe is a season of pure magic! Snow-covered landscapes, a sense of coziness that is hard to find elsewhere, and the most delicious comfort food. Amidst this wonderland, Zermatt, a charming Swiss town nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, stands out as the ultimate European winter…
Read More
dog-friendly-beaches-with-your-fur-babies-main-image

Looking For a Getaway With Your Fur Babies? Here Are the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In the US

Planning a beach getaway with your four-legged companion? Look no further! The United States boasts an array of picturesque and pet-friendly beaches where you and your furry friend can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf together. Whether you’re seeking the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest or the sunny shores of the East Coast, these…
Read More
visiting-bora-bora-bungalows-over-the-water-in-bora-bora

Getting Married? Here Are the Best Honeymoon Locations for 2024

Are you getting married in 2024? Congratulations! This is not only a time of excitement and joy, but also excessive planing. We know how important it is to you to make your guests feel welcome. However, don’t forget to put equally as much thought into the planning process of your honeymoon! After all, this is…
Read More