Travel Notes: Africa - Saint Helena Travel Notes.
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With a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife, remote Saint Helena is ideal for intrepid travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Part of the British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, Saint Helena is known for its unique flora and fauna, as well as its historical importance as a stopover for ships.
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Mapping Saint Helena
Discovered by Portuguese navigator, Joao de Nova, in 1502, Saint Helena became a fortress of the English East India Company, in 1659; for vessels on the newly opened trade routes.
Saint Helena Overview
Saint Helena is a remote island located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
It is part of a British Overseas Territory, along with Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha.
Jamestown, located on the north-west coast of the island, is the capital and the main settlement of Saint Helena.
Saint Helena has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history of settlement and isolation.
The population has a mix of British, African, and Portuguese influences.
The economy of Saint Helena has traditionally relied on agriculture, with products such as coffee and flax being important exports.
Tourism is also a growing industry, with visitors attracted by the island's historical significance and natural beauty.
Saint Helena has been recognised as an important biodiversity hotspot.
The island is home to a unique and diverse range of flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on Earth.
Saint Helena is situated approximately 1,950 kilometres (1,210 miles) west of the coast of south-western Africa.
The island is of volcanic origin and has a rugged terrain with steep cliffs and valleys.
Saint Helena is perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile and death.
He was exiled there by the British government in 1815 and lived in exile until his death in 1821.
Due to its remote location, transportation to and from Saint Helena has historically been a challenge.
However, in 2017, an airport was opened, improving accessibility to the island.
Visiting Saint Helena
Visiting Saint Helena can be a unique and rewarding experience, especially if you have an interest in history, nature, and adventure.
Jamestown, the capital, is where you'll find most accommodations; with various guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and small hotels available.
It's advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak travel times.
For the more adventurous, consider activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring the rugged terrain.
Some of the island's unique flora and fauna can be observed in its national parks.
Try the local cuisine, which includes a mix of British, African, and Portuguese influences.
Fresh seafood is often a highlight, and you can sample traditional Saint Helenian dishes; like Sunday Roast with a rice and curry twist.
Engage with the local community to learn about the island's unique culture and history.
The friendly locals can provide insights into daily life on the island.
Saint Helena offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling in its clear waters.
The island is surrounded by marine life, and you might encounter various species of fish and other underwater wonders.
Hike to the highest point on the island, Diana's Peak, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Walk through the narrow streets of Jamestown and visit historical sites on the Napoleon Trail; such as the Longwood House, where Napoleon Bonaparte lived during his exile, and of course Napoleon's Tomb at Sane Valley, where the Emporor was initially laid to rest.
Saint Helena is accessible by air through its airport, which was inaugurated in 2017.
Flights to the island are limited, so it's important to check the current flight schedule and availability.
Saint Helena Country Information
Charles II declared that the island should always be a part of England, in 1673, and.... 'that its subjects and their children should be regarded as if they had been abiding and born within this our realme of England'.
After the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled on this volcanic rock until his death in 1821.
The St. Helena's Coat of Arms has the motto: Loyal and Unshakeable, and the banknotes still proclaim the authority of the Queen and Parliament of England.
Although the islanders are a fusion of former African and Indian slaves, Chinese and Malay labourers, Boer prisoners, and homeless Londoners from the Great Fire of 1966, the St. Helenians feel themselves British and helped the task force along to the Falklands in 1982.
5,500 Britons live on the isolated island, although they sometimes feel forgotten by the motherland.
The island can not support itself, so the British Government helps bail out the British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena, Tristan de Cunha and The Turks and Caicos Islands).
St Helena also received EU aid to help improve access to the island and promote economic development.
St Helena is a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, one of the safest and most remote islands in the world boasting a pristine terrestrial and marine environment.
St Helena, together with Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, forms a single UK Overseas Territory; three unique and precious island groups in the South Atlantic.
Jamestown
Jamestown, the islands capital, can keep you occupied for much of the day.
Venture further afield and you will discover the many reasons why St Helena was such an important location for so many years.
St Helena has a wide variety of fascinating locations.
The Overseas Territory of Saint Helena is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and, until recently, could only be reached by sea.
Until the airport on Saint Helena was built, it took five days to reach Saint Helena from Cape Town, by ship; or half that from Ascension Island.
Getting around St Helena Island requires a little pre-planning to save precious holiday time and ensure you don’t miss out on all important experiences.
St Helena Airport
The innaugural flight to St Helena was made on 14th October, 2017.
The six-hour flight to St Helena operates from Johannesburg, on Saturdays, through SA Airlink.
Saint Helena Community
Stay in tune with Saint Helena's community radio station on Saint FM.
The St Helena Independent was St Helena's first ever online Newspaper.
The newspaper has been in operation since 11th November 2005 and has developed from a limited 11 page E-newspaper to a widely read printed paper expanding to 40+ pages.
The St. Helena Research Institute was launced in November 2019, to create and promote opportunities for research, innovation and the advancement of learning, ensuring that research and new knowledge is accessible and used for the benefit of St Helena.
St Helena Yacht Club is the only yacht club in the South Atlantic Ocean.
St. Helena Maps and Travel Guides
St Helena Travel - Napoleon Bonaparte.
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