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A popular destination for tourists, the historically significant and isolated island where Napoleon was once exiled is set to welcome visitors.
St Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn’t seen many people in the past for good reason: It’s one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. But you can still use British pounds.
In the past, it used to take five days on a boat to get to the British overseas territory, situated in the middle of the distance between southern Africa and Brazil. However, now the government is aiming to revitalize the growing tourism sector by offering weekly commercial flights and the implementation of high-speed internet. This destination only saw approximately 2,100 leisure visitors in 2023.
The island’s population of just over 4,000 residents, nicknamed Saints, makes it a preferred destination for a specific type of traveler.
Emma Phillips, whose husband is the governor of St Helena, claims that true travelers have a passion for exploration and education, rather than a simple desire for sunshine and good cuisine.
In the end, the weather may be difficult to anticipate and there may be a shortage of resources when you are 1,200 miles away from the nearest landmass.
Phillips encourages visitors to be ready to accept and appreciate everything the island has to offer, including its hospitable residents, fascinating past, and breathtaking scenic views. He advises to approach the experience with an open perspective.
of the Elysées, was chosen because it was close to Les Invalides
The location of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grave, named the Valley of the Tomb of the Elysées, was selected for its proximity to Les Invalides.
St Helena gained recognition as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled for nearly six years until his passing in 1821. The island boasts numerous historical locations dedicated to the former emperor, including his residences and initial place of burial. In 1840, his remains were transported back to France.
Jamestown, the capital city, boasts a diverse blend of modern and traditional elements. The town features small retail and grocery stores housed in British Georgian-style colonial buildings. A few DVD rental stores still remain from the days before high-speed internet came to the island.
A scenic exercise can be achieved by ascending the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder located at the outskirts of town. This outdoor staircase, standing at 600 feet high, was initially built as a path for donkey-pulled carts to carry goods between the city and the fortifications situated on the cliffs above.
Plantation House, two miles south of the capital, is a grand Georgian mansion built in 1792 by the British East India Company, which administered St Helena until 1834. Now the official governor’s residence, the house features a collection of royal portraits and original furnishings, including antique china and a chandelier from Bonaparte’s final home.
Jonathan is the oldest living land animal on record.
The beautifully kept lawn of Plantation House is where you can find the renowned tortoise, Jonathan, who is one of the most well-known inhabitants of the island. At the impressive age of 192, Jonathan holds the world record for being the oldest living land animal. He has had the pleasure of meeting various members of royalty, such as Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 1947 and Prince Edward who made a trip in January.
Teeny Lucy, a caretaker for more than ten years, describes Jonathan as a mysterious tortoise. When visiting St Helena, it is common for people to be familiar with two names: Jonathan and Napoleon Bonaparte. It is difficult to determine which one is the more renowned figure.
Jonathan, despite losing his vision and sense of smell, continues to attract tourists such as Gilly Hill from the United Kingdom, who came to take selfies with him.
She remarked, “In my opinion, he is the most incredible being.”
Tourism
Important information to keep in mind before traveling to St Helena. The island of St Helena does not have any ATMs and credit cards are not commonly used. The local bank also has limited operating hours. It is important to have British pounds (GBP) with you to pay for your expenses and the £20 entry fee (equivalent to around $25). Alternatively, you can also use the St Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which can be topped up using debit cards online and can be used at various locations on the island.
Ensure you have necessary items such as the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps downloaded before your arrival, as Wi-Fi and mobile data are both scarce and costly.
Airlink’s flights from Johannesburg occur once a week, with the possibility of a mid-week flight being added during peak season (December to March). Before boarding the plane, passengers must provide verification of medical insurance with a minimum coverage of £175,000 ($223,000 USD). Places to Stay: Options for lodging vary from basic stays at someone’s home to upscale boutique hotels. The more luxurious Mantis St Helena offers 30 rooms and free, dependable WiFi. St Helena has narrow roads and blind curves, which may be challenging for some. If you can confidently drive a manual car on the left side of the road, you can rent a car. Otherwise, taxis are the recommended mode of transportation for exploring the island.
Some other fun things to do during your travels include swimming with Chilean devil rays or whale sharks, typically seen between December and March. You can also go on a humpback whale watching tour from June to December. If you visit in January, you’ll have the chance to witness the peak nesting season for the wirebird (also known as the St Helena plover), a unique species found only on St Helena island.
The gateway to the Heart Shaped Waterfall on the island of St Helena made of wood.
Around 33% of the unique plant and animal species found in UK territories are located on the 47-square-mile island. This includes over 500 species that are exclusive to this area, such as 45 types of flowering plants and ferns.
In just one hour’s drive, you can encounter a diverse range of microclimates including refreshing tropical forests, warm and sunny open grasslands, and breezy volcanic cliffs.
St Helena offers 24 picturesque trails, catering to the desires of even the most dedicated hiker. Adventurous individuals may choose to journey to the summit of Diana’s Peak, reaching a height of 2,690 feet above sea level and entering Britain’s sole remaining untouched misty woodland.
Leisurely walkers can enjoy a scenic walk on the Blue Point Trail while taking in breathtaking sights of Sandy Bay, Sperry Island, and Castle Rock. For a more moderate difficulty level, one can explore the shaded path to St Helena’s famous Heart Shaped Waterfall, only active during the wintertime and early spring. Don’t forget to catch the most picturesque views of the waterfall from the main road leading out of Jamestown.
Farm
During a tour of Wranghams Farm, visitors can sample the renowned coffee from St. Helena.
A historic estate is situated at a height of 1,700 feet, nestled in one of the most verdant and isolated areas of the island. It boasts stunning views of the cloud-forest and serves a delicious cup of coffee.
Wranghams is a compact coffee plantation that offers tours and lodging, owned and operated by Neil and Debbie Fantom.
Coffee enthusiasts specifically look for the beans from St Helena, known as one of the most uncommon and priciest types in the world due to their high shipping expenses and unique origin. It can be purchased for $150 for just half a pound on the internet. The extreme seclusion of the island has guaranteed that the coffee plants, brought in from Yemen during the 18th century, have never been crossbred.
Neil claims that the coffee produced and consumed by them is of great quality due to their ideal climatic conditions and the fact that they are responsible for the entire process. He cannot determine if it is the best in the world, but it is certainly enjoyed by them.
Debbie adds “With love,.”
Some other delicious dishes found in the area are plo, a mixture of curry and Spanish paella, as well as fishcakes made with fresh ingredients. Another popular treat is coconut fingers, which are sponge cakes with vibrant pink frosting.
Source: independent.co.uk
