May 17, 2023by Sasha Ella

A breath of fresh air

Travel to St Helena Island

St Helena Island might be small and one of the most remote islands on Earth but what it has to offer as a destination is spectacular and diverse, with a myriad of potential experiences. With a weekly flight now making this unique destination more accessible, it lends itself to a 7-day escape into an enclave of history, heritage, adventure and breath-taking scenery. The island is a rich tapestry of historical events, set in dramatic landscapes, with peaks rising 820m above sea level where you’re shrouded in mist to black-sand beaches, arid red deserts, dense forests, waterfalls and sheer sea cliffs.

Whether you prefer life in, on and around the water, delving in historical insights, striding out in nature, playing a game of golf or simply sitting back with a good cup of coffee, St Helena has it all. It even boasts its own ‘7 Wonders’.

Beyond the blue

The crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic make for ideal diving conditions and an itinerary includes exploring caves and shipwrecks like the Frontier at Lemon Valley, along with sites from Horse Pasture Point to Long Ledge and so much more. Visibility is around 15 to 25 metres and the water temperature is between 19 and 26°C.

St Helena is also one of the best places in the world to see and snorkel with whale sharks (December to March) and to spot large pods of dolphins, rays and unique fish and other marine life.

History and heritage

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and settled by the British in 1659, the island has a diverse range of history and heritage accumulated over its 500 years of human history, which can be enjoyed alone or by guided tour. The curated Napoleonic historical tour for instance includes a visit to the Briars Pavilion – which was Napoleon’s first residence – his tomb, as well as Longwood House, where the exiled French Emperor spent most of his time on the island (and where he died in 1821) and which is now a world-class museum.

You can also tour the globally significant transatlantic slave site at Rupert’s Valley, and explore centuries-old fortifications steeped in rich and unique history. Or, if you’re keen on olde-worlde crafts, sign up for a lace making or flax weaving course.

Striding out for stamps

The 21 nature trails, known as the ‘Post Box Walks’, are an ideal way to see the changing landscape. Waterfalls, forests of ferns, barren cliffs overlooking the sea are all part of the experience. And each of these nature trails ends with a ‘post box’ containing a signature book and stamp to use as a souvenir. The distance and difficulty of the trails varies, some are aimed at experienced hikers and others are more family-friendly.

Melting pot of flavours

The cuisine reflects the cultural mix of the inhabitants with a traditional British Sunday roast as much of a favourite as ‘Plo’, a local dish, similar to pilaf, made of rice, meat and vegetables.

The Mantis St Helena Hotel, situated in the heart of Jamestown, offers a variety of culinary fare, with an emphasis on local ingredients and cuisine including fish freshly caught from the Atlantic. Or you can opt for a home hosted meal complete with a ‘Saint’ cooking class.

Dine alfresco as you picnic at Blue Hill ridges overlooking the black beach at Sandy Bay. Enjoy a sundowner at Rosie’s Bar, overlooking the endless Atlantic from the cliff top settlement of Half Tree Hollow or a seaside drink at Donny’s Bar or The Mule Yard.

Being surrounded by the ocean, a wide range of ‘catch of the day’ fish dishes are always on the menu served with home grown, organic vegetables.

Make sure to check restaurant opening hours before heading out.

Smell the coffee

The St Helena coffee is world-renowned so, if you are a fledgling barista or coffee aficionado, you can help harvest the green-tipped bourbon Arabica beans during harvesting season (October to February). Due to its limited supply, the coffee fetches a good price internationally but is more affordable on the Island.

The St Helena Distillery produces a range of local liquors, be daring and try the local Tungi Spirt, White Lion Rum or the Midnight Mist coffee liqueur. There are also locally produced wines and brandy.

Starry, starry night

The night skies are protected by local legislation to limit light pollution. The Milky Way is so clear it’s often mistaken for a cloud. Talking of clouds, the island is home to the last remaining natural cloud forest on British soil, located within the Peaks National Park.

Counting your steps

You don’t need your smartwatch to count your steps if you take up the Jacob’s Ladder challenge. This massive outdoor 699-step staircase is cut into the mountainside between Jamestown and Half Tree Hollow. You receive a certificate once you’ve completed your climb!

Plant a tree

Local conservation tours include seeing the Wirebird – the Island’s last surviving endemic land bird – along with some of the 500 other endemic flora and fauna. You can also plant a Gumwood tree at the Millennium Forest.

Island idiosyncrasies

St Helena does have some particular quirks, these include:

No ATMs. It’s still a mostly cash only destination although recent advancements will soon make Visa and Mastercard payments possible. You can also apply online for a virtual pre-paid tourist card through the Bank of St Helena.
No uber, and access to hire vehicles is limited, so it’s best to book in advance. However, a word of caution, as the roads are single-track with a labyrinth of hairpin bends. If you choose to self-drive, remember to put your hand up and greet each passing car as is the local custom

St Helena remains a destination less travelled, just waiting to be explored. It’s an off-the-beaten track island that is a little world of its own, with much to see and experience. It lives up to its, ‘A breath of fresh air’ promise.

It’s the ideal location for a 7-day escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There aren’t too many places where you can experience the eclectic mix of history, heritage, culture, biodiversity, spectacular scenery and unique flora and fauna within a 121km radius!

To ensure you get the best out of your trip to St Helena Island, you do need to book excursions in advance. Our travel desk is available to help customise your trip.

Where to stay

Mantis St Helena is situated in Jamestown, the island’s capital. The 30-bedroom boutique hotel is set in the original East India Company officers’ barracks, built in 1774. It’s a combination of a restored historic building and a new contemporary, wing, with luxurious bedrooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar, guest lounge and two terraces.

Getting there

Airlink is the sole airline offering flights every Saturday between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and St Helena Airport (HLE), with an additional connection to Ascension Island included monthly. During December-March, an additional mid-week Cape Town flight is often included.