Tropicana Magazine Mar-Apr 2018 #117: Edge Of Excitement

THE VACATION
SANDY BAY
Until last year, St Helena was one of the world’s
most remote inhabited islands. Set adrift nearly
2,000 miles from the tip of South Africa, it took
a full six days to sail there on the mail boat from
Cape Town – and that ship sailed only once every
three weeks.
But in 2017, weekly flights began operating to the
tiny volcanic island where Napoleon lived his last years
in exile. Now visitors can get there in just six hours from
Johannesburg (including a refuelling stop).
There are hopes that tourist numbers will swell as a
result. Previously, only a few intrepid adventurers made it
to St Helena – between May 2016 and May 2017 the island
welcomed just 4,000 of them. Now the aim is to attract as
many as 30,000 visitors a year.
But the British Overseas Territory marooned in the
South Atlantic Ocean, only measures 16km by 8km.
The question is: Will anyone actually bother to go?
WHY GO THERE?
The sheer bragging rights alone! It’s been touted as one of
the world’s last undiscovered destinations and very few
people have actually been. With between 400 and 502 unique
species, and impressive marine biodiversity, it is on the
United Kingdom’s list for possible future UNESCO World
Heritage Site status.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
St Helena’s natural beauty is undoubtedly its biggest draw.
Various walking routes wind along rugged coastlines,
through stark deserts and across cloud forests. Diana’s Peak,
which rises 823 metres above sea level, is one of St Helena’s
great attractions and forms part of a national park.
A 200 nautical mile maritime zone in the seas around the
island has been designated a Marine Protected Area (MPA),
boosting its status as a world-class diving destination. From
November/December until March, it’s possible to see and
even swim with whale sharks, and year round 18th century
wrecks are accessible. Visibility is generally good and the
water temperature ranges between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius.
There are also several historical landmarks on the island,
including Plantation House, home of the island’s Governor
since 1792. Jonathan the 185-year-old giant tortoise, who is
possibly the world’s longest living animal and definitely an
internet celebrity, resides in the grounds. House tours cost
£10 per person including tea or coffee.
JAMESTOWN ARCHWAY LEADING
TO THE SEAFRONT
WHY HAS ST HELENA BEEN CUT OFF FOR SO
LONG?
Costing the British government £285 million, the airport
was delayed by several years due to environmental and
geographical challenges, and was subsequently crowned “ the
world’s most useless airport” .
TM | MARCH/APRIL 2018
126