St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is an island with a small population compared to other West African countries, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and it’s among the most remote islands in the world, named after the discoveral, the ascension of Jesus into Heaven and a Saint, still under British rule but unknown to many coupled with its rich history, its proximity to the water and the amazing tropical climate all combine to make it an adventurous travellers’ choice.
But taking a trip to this remote destination has always come with a “Why”. The island, which was once used as a rest stop for ships to restore and replenish freshwater supplies during sailing, isn’t really a tourist brochure catchphrase, yet it offers just the kind of getaway today’s travellers will be attracted to. Especially to yachties for good sailing and hikers who are fascinated by a tiny island and keen to walk the island’s daredevil mountain trails, or just maybe you are “Prince Henry” 2.0, desperate for a new discovery.
A trip to the islands of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is best described as “fly and sail”. Because the only way to get there is by flying into Cape Town, then you get on a boat or ship such as the RMS St Helena to the island which also has a limited number of berths available and requires permission to land but the island has in recent times seen people gravitating toward it and for a lot of reasons, it’s fast becoming a tourist destination for adventure seekers.
With just a few days, you can experience the island’s geographical diversity, from mountains to beautiful coastline, buzzing restaurants and bars, eclectic art scenes and for coffee lovers St. Helena is famous for its coffee, which is considered exotic and expensive all over the world.
Whether it’s your first or your fifth, this island offers an authentic West African indigenous tourism experience and never runs out of activities or places to explore. An indigenous tourism experience should entail. So, while you plan a trip to St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, here are some exciting activities you can get involved in.
Hiking
This island can be described as hikers’ heaven, with its beautiful cliffs, hills and mountains with fascinating history, in addition to a wonderful climate and nature, going on a hike is the best sightseeing experience and a visit to the country’s two national parks such as Diana Pike Park, a vicinity located at the top of the mountain which is a conservation for flora and beautiful geological structures formed by volcano activity. But do note for safety reasons, you will not be permitted to take for walks alone unless you have first attempted them with a local guide.
Town Walk
This remote island has few roads and cars, clean air and excellent ecology which make walking ideal so whilst you visit, take a town walk to the the fantastic Gregorian-era British colonial architectural structures such as the old house complex, the governor’s residence, a museum with the harbour as the view at Jamestown, the James’ staircase ” which was built to connect the city with the garrison on the hill, and outside the city”, the St. Paul’s Cathedral and Longwood House, the final residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, the former Emperor of the French, during his exile on the island of Saint Helena.
Swimming
There is a waterfall in the Gold Coast with a heart-shaped and it’s so far the world’s only Heart Shaped Waterfall which comes with a plunge pool ideal for swimming or you can go cool off at the beautiful secluded little cove – one of two places (the other is English Bay) on the island where it is usually safe to swim