Although Robben Island is one of South Africa’s most historic attractions, it remains plagued by ill-trained guides and slow ferries, with ferries and tours often running late.
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Andrew Thackwray, a National Tourist Guide in the Western Cape, was a regular at Robben Island, visiting at least twice a month. He said his experience at the island was concerning as there was “a general air of neglect.”
Thackwray shared with Tourism Update some of the problems he has seen when visiting the island, as well as some common complaints from visitors. “Ferries are often cancelled without warning or do not leave on time and are slow and overfilled. The tours always run late, which impacts on any other arrangements for the day.”
He added that there was a lack of communication from the staff at the main terminal as visitors were left to stand around waiting. “Often we are told there will be a five-minute delay and 45 minutes later, we are still waiting.”
Site guides at Robben Island solicited tips from visitors and were not appropriately trained on the history of the island and South Africa, added Thackwray.
Nomonde Ndlangisa, Senior Manager: Marketing and Tourism, would not take questions from Tourism Update but said some of the issues had been resolved.
In April, tour operators reached out to Tourism Update and expressed their concerns about Robben Island Museum but it appears little has changed since then.
What has your experience been like at Robben Island? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
