With spectacular natural landscapes, an abundance of endemic wildlife, vegetation and a rich history, St Helena – a 122km2 volcanic sub-tropical island – is the perfect destination for a unique adventure.
Previously tourists could only get to St Helena island by travelling for five days aboard a mail ship. The island is now easily accessible with Airlink’s scheduled flights between Johannesburg and St. Helena island on Saturdays and additional flights from Cape Town to St Helena island between December 2019 January and February 2020.
The subtropical Island offers hiking, birding, sport fishing, diving, history and heritage for the experiential traveller. In peak season you can admire the spectacular sea life, watch humpback whales, bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, and hawksbill and green turtles, as well as devil rays. The off-peak season continues to promise a great escapade for guided photography tours, writer’s retreats as well as yoga retreats and more.
A full Island tour is a great way to discover the St helena’s stark geology, nature, architecture and historical attractions. Hiking happens all year around; there are 22 Post Box walks and the Festival of Running in November.
Rich history
As you explore the island, be sure to make time to meet Jonathan, the world’s oldest tortoise, who is believed to have hatched in 1832, just a decade after Napoleon Bonaparte died on St Helena after being exiled to the island by the British. You can also visit Longwood House, where Bonaparte and a small group of attendants spent the final days of his lengthy exile or visit the military genius’ tomb in the Sane Valley. Bonaparte was not the only famous prisoner to have been sent to the island by the British government. Our own Zulu king Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo was exiled here in 1890 for leading his army in rebellion against British rule in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, more than 6,000 Boer soldiers were exiled to St Helena after the Second Boer War. Pay a visit to the prisoner of war camp at Deadwood Plain, the Boer cemetery at Knollcombes, Ladder Hill Fort, and Batter and High Knoll Fort to learn more about the incredible events that have played out on the island.
Did you know?
– The St Helena Gin Distillery is the remotest distillery in the world.
– St Helena coffee is one of the world’s rarest and most expensive coffees.
So if St Helena island is on your bucket list travel destination, Fly Airlink for memories you won’t make anywhere else in the world. Book flights direct on flyairlink.com, and for activities and accommodation visit sthelenatourism.com
Also read: St Helena: In the Valley of the Saints
