FASCINATING
St Helena
Why holiday in St Helena?
Those that visit this unspoilt island are fascinated and enchanted in equal measure. Whilst it has a long history, its most famous resident was Napoleon who was exiled there in 1815. The capital Jamestown is a charming little town with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. The island is a walker’s paradise, and the Post Box Walks provide a delightful way to explore. The surrounding waters house a rich marine wildlife, most notably whale sharks that visit around January to March. It is also home to the world’s oldest animal, Jonathan, a giant tortoise, believed to be almost 200 years old.
Discover St Helena
St Helena landscape
Jamestown St Helena
Visit Jonathan the tortoise
See whale sharks
Plantation House credit Des Jacobs
Jacob's Ladder
Sunset from West Rocks credit Des Jacobs
Explore St Helena
St Helena may be one of the most remote islands on earth, but this subtropical paradise of diverse landscapes and micro-climates has plenty to explore.
Jamestown, the only town on the island, nestles in a narrow valley between two barren hills. It’s a pleasant stroll along Main Street, with its Georgian architecture, colourful houses, shops and cafes, to the waterfront, a popular spot for snorkelling, diving and boat trips. Climbing the 699 steps up Jacob’s Ladder may be challenging but the views from the top are spectacular. Back in town, the peaceful Castle Gardens are filled with tropical plants.
Napoleon lived in exile in Longwood House, now considered one of the best Napoleonic museums in the world and, along with the gardens, a ‘must see’ while on the island. Nearby, in the peaceful Sane Valley, is Napoleon’s now empty tomb.
History and heritage are everywhere on St Helena. The Plantation House is a Georgian mansion surrounded by well-kept gardens and the home of the island’s governor. St Paul’s Cathedral dates from the 19th century whilst the church of St James is the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere. Afternoon tea at Farm Lodge, originally built as an East India Company planter’s house, offers a reflection of the island’s colonial past.
Diana’s Peak, the only National Park on the island, is also the island’s highest point and a hotspot for much of St Helena’s endemic plants and birds. It’s a hike to the top, through forests covered in moss and misty clouds, but the 360-degree views of the entire island and its rugged landscapes are breathtaking.
Experience St Helena
Natural wonders. St Helena has a rugged beauty, thanks in large part to its volcanic origins. Hills and peaks are covered in cloud forest and lush green valleys stretch down to the coastline. Heart Shape Waterfall, an iconic landmark, gets its romantic name from the heart-shaped cliff face where the water cascades down to the plunge pool below. Many plant and animal species are endemic to the island, making it a treasure trove for nature lovers with flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth.
Walks & hikes. Be sure to pack your walking boots as St Helena is a walker’s paradise. There are 11 recommended footpaths to follow and 21 Post Box walks, so called because at the end of each walk there’s a post box containing a notebook for walkers to record their comments. The walks vary in length from 1.5 to 12 kilometres long and are a great way to explore the island. Walking around the cobbled streets of Jamestown is a pleasant experience too – from here it’s a comfortable stroll to the Heart Shape Waterfall and the views from the top of Jacob’s Ladder are worth the 699 steps to get there.
Marine adventures. There’s a vast array of marine life in the clear waters that surround the island. On a scenic boat cruise look out for dolphins, rays and Green and Hawksbill Turtles. For snorkelers and divers there are reefs and wrecks to explore and a series of snorkelling trails along James Bay and Lemon Valley. Humpback whales have been spotted between June and December while whale sharks, the ‘gentle giants’ of the sea, frequent the waters between December and March – swimming amongst them is an unforgettable experience.
Cultural experiences. Dining with a local family is a great introduction to life on St Helena. The islanders - or Saints as they are known - are charming, welcoming and full of stories which they are happy to share over dinner in their home, an experience which we highly recommend. Jonathan, the Giant Tortoise, is the oldest resident of the island, and can be found in the paddock of Plantation House. Historic Jamestown has a number of listed buildings and the museum delves into the island’s fascinating history and cultural heritage.
Places to stay in St Helena
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St Helena has recently been made more accessible by flights from South Africa and consequently visitors to the island are increasing in numbers year on year. We’re here at African Pride to help plan and advise how to do this in a way that meets wishes as effortlessly as possible.
Flying
With the building of a new airstrip on the island, flights now operate between South Africa and St Helena making the island easier to visit. The African Pride team can advise on the best routes and fares to ensure a seamless journey.
Travelling around St Helena
While it is possible to hire a car, most roads are single lane and driving on such a hilly island presents its own challenges. We strongly recommend pre-booking a tour package which includes a boat trip, walking and hiking tours, a 4x4 island tour and visits to key historic sites.
Multi-Country Combinations
If the holiday of lifetime would be to combine Cape Town with the mighty Victoria Falls, a Kruger National Park Safari and then a visit to the captivating island of St Helena, then no problem, the African Pride team relish and excel at making such dreams come true.
When to travel to St Helena
St Helena is a year-round destination. The seasons are in line with the southern hemisphere, so the summer months from December to March are warmer. If you are interested in seeing whale sharks, these are the best months to see them.
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St Helena
St Helena lies in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Namibia. It is reached by air from South Africa.
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