Everyone has heard of Saint Helena, and most people can even pinpoint it on a map! But did you know that you can actually visit the island? It’s quite easy to get to, as Saint Helena now has an airport and there are flights from Johannesburg in South Africa once a week. During the high season, there are also flights from Cape Town.

We recommend staying for at least a week, as despite the island’s small size, there’s plenty to do. The island’s hiking paths invite you to explore, and they can be found all over the island – ranging from easy to challenging – and, thanks to its isolated location, the natural environment has developed into something truly unique. You can also hire an e-bike or a car for self-guided excursions.

The culture of Saint Helena is characterised by its status as a British Overseas Territory – English is spoken here, people drive on the left, and banknotes bear the image of King Charles. Yet the culture is also very different from that of the United Kingdom; if nothing else, the way of life is peaceful.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences, starting with the accommodation. Head to a destination that very few people have visited!

Day 1

Arrival in Saint Helena from either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Accommodation in either a hotel, a bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation.

Day 2

Today we’re going on a boat trip to explore the island’s rugged and wild coastline. We’ll also see plenty of seabirds and, with a bit of luck, some dolphins too. The boat trip will last up to four hours. The trip is subject to weather conditions, so in the event of bad weather it will be postponed to another day.

After the excursion, we’ll take you back to your accommodation.

Day 3

Next, we’ll be exploring Jamestown, the capital of Saint Helena, which lies at the bottom of a long, narrow valley bordering the seashore. We’ll take a walking tour lasting around two hours, during which we’ll see the town’s unique architecture, learn about the island’s role in world trade and visit beautiful attractions such as Castle Gardens.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on a fairly easy hike in the south-western corner of the island: the Blue Point Box Hike. The path is well-maintained and offers fantastic views. Don’t forget your camera! There’s a postbox along the route where hikers can leave a message about their visit.

Day 4

Today we’re visiting Plantation House, a historic building which serves as the official residence of the island’s governor. It is also known for its beautiful gardens and for Jonathan the tortoise, who is believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal. It is 194 years old!

Day 5

A local guide will collect you from your accommodation, after which you’ll set off on a more extensive tour of the island by car, lasting up to five hours. We’ll see historical sites, as well as numerous beautiful viewpoints. We’ll learn a lot about the lives of the islanders, who call themselves ‘saints’.

Day 6

Today we’re going on an excursion to the Wrangham coffee plantation in Sandy Bay. Saint Helena coffee is one of the most expensive in the world. Sandy Bay is one of the most lush areas on the island, which makes it ideal for coffee cultivation.

Day 7

On our last full day, we’ll be following in Napoleon’s footsteps.

We’ll visit Napoleon’s grave in Sane Valley and explore the Briars Pavilion, a charming spot where Napoleon spent his first days in exile on Saint Helena. Finally, we’ll visit Longwood House, which served as Napoleon’s final residence and the place where he died in 1821. These sites are owned by the government of France.

Day 8

Transfer to Saint Helena Airport, and the journey home begins.