Robben Island, just off Cape Town’s coast, is a symbol of the triumph of human spirit, democracy and freedom over adversity, oppression and racism. Political prisoners were sent into exile here for over four centuries and it was here that Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years of his imprisonment for conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid government. Current president, Jacob Zuma also spent time on this inhospitable island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is now home to a museum, where visitors can learn more about the history of the island, as well as what life was like there for prisoners.