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Sponsored: When last did you venture down the road less travelled? If you seek a touch of the unknown, set your sights on St Helena Island, a treasure trove of exploration.
St Helena Island, not to be confused with the West Coast’s St Helena Bay, lies discreetly in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a destination still relatively untouched by mass tourism, and it calls to the adventurous traveller with promises of discovery. Far removed from mainstream paths, St Helena is a haven for those seeking exploration and adventure.
With the island’s hottest months being December to March, South African adventure seekers should consider this hidden gem as their next summer holiday destination. Here are six ways you can explore St Helena:
1. Embark on hidden trails
St Helena offers an extensive network of lesser-known hiking trails winding through its terrain. Explore the Heart-shaped Waterfall trail, with a cascading waterfall in a lush valley, or tackle Lot’s Wife’s Ponds for rewarding views.
Don’t miss the Festival of Walking from December 2024 to February 2025, featuring the celebrated 21 “Post Box Walks” and guest-guided hikes. These diverse trails, ranging from 1.5 km to 12 km, showcase the island’s rich tapestry of terrains and tales, each ending with a signature book and stamp souvenir.
2. Encounter rare wildlife
St Helena is home to a diverse array of unique wildlife, much of which can only be found on this remote island. Embark on a journey to meet Jonathan the tortoise, the island’s legendary resident whose 192nd birthday will be celebrated this December, making him the world’s oldest living land animal according to Guinness World Records. As you traverse the island’s untouched landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the island’s only surviving endemic land bird, the St Helena plover. Also known as the wirebird, this species is a source of national pride for the islanders.
3. Dive into uncharted waters
With ocean temperatures around 20° C and extremely high visibility, adventures below the waves are guaranteed. Explore eight accessible shipwrecks that date back as far as the 1600s and that teem with marine life, offering unparalleled encounters with devil rays and shimmering bait balls. Whale sharks, the ocean’s gentle giants, converge in the pristine waters of St Helena from November to April. These graceful behemoths promise an exhilarating snorkelling experience, so mark your calendars!
4. Immerse yourself in local culture
December on St Helena is a spectacle of festivities and harmony. The Festival of Lights in Jamestown is a testament to this. Witness the island’s capital shimmering under thousands of lights with jubilant parades, vibrant floats, and infectious island melodies. The festivities blend traditional charm with modern flair, embodying the essence of St Helena’s yuletide spirit.
And, for those eager to immerse in the local culture while admiring these wonders, the annual Whale Shark Festival in February 2025 is a bucket list experience. The event accentuates the symbiotic relationship between nature and the island’s inhabitants through a blend of festivities and conservation efforts.
5. Experience true solitude
In a world where overtourism has become the norm, St Helena offers a rare opportunity to escape the crowds and embrace the tranquillity of untouched nature. With a population of about 4 000 inhabitants and located 1 950 km from the nearest continent, the island lets you lose yourself in serene landscapes, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
6. Add a touch of Mzansi
If solo travelling is not your thing, you have the incredible opportunity to explore the island with fellow South Africans. Live The Journey, a South African-based tour operator, offers a week-long tour of St Helena Island. Choose between two tours planned for 2025, one kicking off in Cape Town and one in Johannesburg, and experience an itinerary packed with culture, history, food and nature, all wrapped in friendly, familiar company.
In 2025, venture off the beaten path and uncover the treasures of St Helena Island. Whether scaling cliffs or encountering wildlife, this remote paradise promises an adventure. You can travel there with Airlink, which offers direct return flights between South Africa and the island. From December 2024 to March 2025, enjoy the convenience of another round of twice-weekly flights, including a direct link to Cape Town.
Book your trip today and add your name to the rare list of travellers who’ve visited one of the most remote islands on earth!
