JAMESTOWN, St. Helena (AP) — St. Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn’t seen many tourists in the past for good reason: It’s one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.

Prior to 2017, it required five nights of travel by boat to reach the British overseas territory. This territory is situated approximately in the middle of southern Africa and Brazil. Now, thanks to weekly commercial flights and the introduction of high-speed internet, the government is aiming to revitalize the budding tourism sector. In 2023, this industry only welcomed around 2,100 tourists for leisure purposes.

The island is home to just over 4,000 individuals, who refer to themselves as Saints. This location is likely to appeal to a specific type of tourist.

Emma Phillips, whose husband, Nigel, is the governor of St. Helena, states that the travelers with true passion to explore and gain knowledge are preferred over those who only seek vacation spots for the sake of warm weather and delicious cuisine.

Weather can be erratic and sometimes there may be a shortage of supplies when you are 1,200 miles away from the closest continent.

Phillips suggests being ready to accept everything, praising the friendly inhabitants, fascinating past, and beautiful landscapes of the island. He encourages approaching with an open-minded attitude.

St. Helena is most famously recognized as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his exile from 1815 until he passed away in 1821. The island features several historical locations dedicated to the exiled French leader, including his residences and initial resting place. In 1840, his body was moved back to France.

Jamestown, the capital city, showcases a unique blend of modern and historical elements. Traditional British-designed buildings from the Georgian era now serve as retail and grocery establishments. Additionally, several DVD rental stores still exist, a reminder of the days before high-speed internet was available on the island.

To experience an exercise with a scenic backdrop, ascend the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder located at the town’s outskirts. This outdoor staircase, standing at 600 feet tall, was initially used as a means of transporting goods between the city and the fortifications on the cliffs above.

Plantation House, 2 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.

The immaculately groomed lawn of Plantation House is the residence of a renowned tortoise, Jonathan, who is one of the most well-known inhabitants of the island. With an estimated age of 192, Jonathan has earned the title of the oldest land animal according to Guinness World Records. Throughout his long life, he has had the opportunity to meet royals such as Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, and Prince Edward, who made the trip in January.

Teeny Lucy, a caretaker of over ten years, describes Jonathan as a mysterious tortoise. When visiting St. Helena, people are often familiar with two main things: Jonathan the tortoise and Napoleon Bonaparte. It’s difficult to say who is the more famous figure.

Jonathan, who has lost his vision and sense of smell, continues to be a popular attraction for tourists such as Gilly Hill from the U.K., who visited to take pictures with him.

She stated that she believed he was the most remarkable being.

Additional must-do experiences include interacting with Chilean devil rays or whale sharks, which are commonly sighted between December and March. From June to December, you can witness the majestic humpback whales during their migration. If you visit in January, you can witness the prime nesting time for the unique wirebird, also referred to as the St. Helena plover, which is exclusive to the island of St. Helena.

Around 33% of the unique biodiversity in U.K. territories exists on a small island measuring 47 square miles. This island is home to over 500 species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including 45 types of flowering plants and ferns.

Within an hour’s drive, one can encounter a variety of microclimates, including cool tropical forests, sunny rolling grasslands, and windswept volcanic cliffs.

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St. Helena boasts 24 picturesque trails, catering to the wanderlust of even the most passionate hikers. Dedicated adventurers may choose to climb to the summit of Diana’s Peak, a 2.3-mile trek reaching 2,690 feet above sea level and surrounded by Britain’s only remaining cloud forest.

Everyday hikers have the opportunity to walk on Blue Point Trail and admire the stunning scenery of Sandy Bay, Sperry Island, and Castle Rock. For a slightly more difficult trek, take the shaded trail to St. Helena’s renowned Heart Shaped Waterfall, which is only active during the winter and early spring. Make sure to stop and enjoy the top view of the falls from the main road in Jamestown.

Sitting at an altitude of 1,700 feet in a secluded and verdant section of the island is a noteworthy property boasting expansive vistas of the cloud forest and serving excellent coffee.

The Fantom family operates Wranghams, a compact coffee plantation offering tours and accommodations.

Coffee connoisseurs seek out St. Helena’s beans, often touted as one of the rarest and most expensive varieties in the world due to their export costs and single-origin status. It sells online for $150 per half pound. Extreme isolation has ensured that the coffee plants, which were imported from Yemen in the 18th century, have never been cross-fertilized.

Neil believes that their coffee is not only the best in the world, but also a product that brings them joy to create and consume. He affirms that their unique climate plays a crucial role in their coffee’s quality, and they take pride in producing it themselves.

Debbie adds, “With love.”

Some local dishes to try are plo, a fusion of curry and Spanish paella, as well as freshly made fishcakes and coconut fingers, which are sponge cakes with a vibrant pink icing.

Financial issues: There are no ATMs in St. Helena and credit cards are not commonly used. Additionally, the local bank has limited operating hours. It is important to have British pounds (GBP) with you to cover your expenses and the 20 pound entrance fee (approximately $25). Another choice would be to use the St. Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which allows for online loading with debit cards and is accepted throughout the entire island.

Prior to your arrival, make sure to obtain essential resources such as the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps and save them onto your device. This is because there is limited access to Wi-Fi and expensive data plans.

To reach your destination, Airlink departs from Johannesburg once a week. During the busy summer months, from December to March, an additional flight is typically offered mid-week. A minimum of 175,000 pounds (around $223,000) of medical insurance coverage is required to board the aircraft.

Where to Lodge: Options include basic homestays or upscale boutique hotels. The luxurious Mantis St. Helena boasts 30 rooms and provides complimentary, dependable internet access.

Navigating: St. Helena’s roads are notoriously narrow and winding, and may not be suited for those with a timid driving style. If you feel confident driving a manual car on the left side of the road, rental options are available. Otherwise, taking a taxi is recommended for exploring the island.

Source: wral.com