Saint Helena Undiscovered
South Atlantic
Saint Helena Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
For those travellers who enjoy getting off the beaten track, the British overseas territory of Saint Helena – one of the remotest places on earth and now reached via a weekly flight from South Africa, is a must visit destination.
The tropical island of Saint Helena, secluded in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a pristine paradise steeped in history. Despite its remote location, recent accessibility has opened it to tourism. Visitors can trace the paths of famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon, explore its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and the famed Jonathan, a 190-year-old giant tortoise. Saint Helena's rich history, from Boer prisoners to Napoleon's exile, adds depth to its allure. During our week on the island, we will uncover Saint Helena’s extraordinary sights and natural wonders, and we will experience the genuine hospitality of the local people as we embark on a journey filled with intrigue and wonderthe least visited destinations on the planet.
Tour Highlights
• Uncover a truly off the beaten track destination, one that few people can boast that they have visited
• Explore Jamestown and climb the almost vertical 699 steps up Jacob's Ladder for superb views of the lower town and sea beyond
• Trace the paths of Saint Helena’s famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon
• Explore rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species
• Take a boat cruise off the island. Home to huge schools of dolphins, as well as turtles, and Devil Rays, the deep blue waters are teeming with life
• Enjoy a private tour of the Governor’s residence, Plantation House and meet the famed Jonathan, a 190-year-old giant tortoise
• Hike to Blue Point which offers coastal views over Sandy Bay beach and of rolling countryside
• Visit one of the island’s coffee plantations to view how one of the world’s rarest coffees is grown and processed
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
5/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Saint Helena
Check-in at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport for our Airlink flight to Saint Helena, which enroute includes a refuelling stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Including the stop the flight will take about 6.5hrs and we will land at Saint Helena’s airport which opened in 2017 at around 1.30pm local time. We will be met on arrival and transferred the 10 miles from the airport located on the eastern side of the island to our hotel in Jamestown on the northern and leeward side of the island. Check-in at our centrally located hotel and our home for the next 7 nights. This afternoon, if time allows, we will meet our local guide and enjoy a walk through the island’s capital, Jamestown and discover the stories that this historically rich Georgian styled town has to offer. Visit the Castle with its tropical gardens, St James Church (the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere), the famous Jacob’s ladder which ascends 699 steps above the town and the Court House. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (B)
Saint Helena
Saint Helena Island, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, holds a storied history that stretches back centuries. Discovered in 1502 by Portuguese navigator João da Nova, it later became a vital outpost for ships traveling between Europe and the East Indies. Renowned for being the remote exile site of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1815 until his death in 1821, the island played a crucial role in shaping world history. Its rugged terrain and isolated location posed challenges for settlers, yet its fertile valleys supported agriculture and sustenance for inhabitants. Over time, Saint Helena developed a unique culture blending European, African, and Asian influences. Despite its small size and isolation, it became strategically important during the British Empire's expansion, serving as a key naval base and provisioning station. Today, Saint Helena remains an intriguing destination, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes beyond its renowned beaches.
The Mantis Hotel, Jamestown
Mantis St Helena is a 30-bedroom boutique hotel set in the original East India Company's officers' barracks built in 1774. The hotel boasts a large restaurant, cocktail bar, guest lounge and two spacious outdoor terraces. Offering newly built contemporary rooms, the Mantis has set a new accommodation standard on the island. Situated in the capital Jamestown, a few minutes’ walk from the sea front, museum, archives, shops, bars, restaurants, and transport links, the Mantis is the perfect choice for our week’s stay on the island.
Please note that the hotel does not have any lifts (elevators). However, a small number of rooms can be accessed without the need to use stairs. Please contact us at the time of booking if you have any accessibility needs so these can be discussed in advance with the hotel.
It should be noted that contrary to some reports that you may read online the hotel does accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. However, American Express is not accepted.
Day 2: Saint Helena – Boat Cruise
After breakfast we will take a boat cruise off the island, where we expect to see large schools of Bottlenose and Rough-Toothed dolphins as well as turtles and Devil Rays. From the boat we will have a scenic view of the Island's coastline and we can see some of the old fortifications and outposts that are still standing. Return to port for lunch at a local seafront coffee shop before heading back to our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 3: Saint Helena – Island Tour
After breakfast we will be collected for a full day tour including a packed lunch. Discover the island by 4x4 vehicle or depending on group size, by minibus. Stop at Deadwood Plain which was the campsite of Boer prisoners of war during the Anglo Boer War of 1900-1902, then to Flagg Staff which gives us wonderful panoramic views across the island. Later we visit Levelwood, home to the Bell Stone – a rock which when struck rings like a bell. We wind our way to the southwest point of the island for incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches unbroken for 2,700 kilometers in every direction. Learn about and see the island’s natural and historical attractions along the way. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 4: Saint Helena – Plantation House
This morning a private tour of the Governor’s residence, Plantation House, awaits. Built in 1792, it has been the home to the island’s governors. Perhaps an even more famous inhabitant though is Jonathan, a giant tortoise who approaching 200 years old, lives in the grounds and is said to be the world’s oldest living land animal. After a packed lunch we visit St Paul’s Cathedral, High Knoll Fort, and the Boer War cemetery before returning to the hotel. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 5: Saint Helena – Free Day
Today is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Highly recommended is the very well curated Museum of Saint Helena which not only traces the varied history of the island, but also has artefacts from the number of wrecks that dot the coastline over the last 500 years. You may also like to book another optional boat cruise, or swim in the Atlantic – or in the large public swimming pool that sits near the harbour and is a great place to meet local islanders. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (B)
Day 6: Saint Helena – Hike to Blue Point
After breakfast we will set off for a hike to Blue Point which offers coastal views over Sandy Bay beach and Lots Wife ponds area as well as the rolling countryside of Blue Hill. Enjoy a packed lunch whilst out hiking. In the afternoon visit one of the island’s coffee plantations to view how one of the world’s rarest coffees is grown and processed, before returning to the hotel. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Notes
The hike to Blue Point will normally take around two hours from the start point and return. There are some relatively minor up and down sections involved, but compared to other hikes on the island it is less strenuous and can comfortably be completed by most travellers of moderate fitness. If you have any concerns these can be discussed locally.
Day 7: Saint Helena – Longwood House
This morning, we will visit Longwood House, which is one of the best Napoleonic museums in the world. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Saint Helena in 1815 and died on the island 6 years later. After a packed lunch we will visit the Millennium Forest where we can contribute to restoring the island’s endemic forest by planting an endemic tree. Return to our hotel for our final night on Saint Helena. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 8: Saint Helena to Johannesburg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we are transferred back to the island’s airport for our return Airlink flight to Johannesburg. Unlike our flight over, the return journey does not require a refuelling stop, so is non-stop and takes just under 5 hours. Unless you have organised flights or additional services with Undiscovered Destinations, the tour arrangements end upon arrival in Johannesburg. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Economy class flights from Johannesburg to Saint Helena and return, including a checked-in luggage allowance of 20k.
Arrival and departure airport transfers
7 nights’ accommodation at the Mantis Hotel, Jamestown
Meals as shown (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch)
Guided tours and excursions shown in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide
Except where indicated, entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour Exclusions
International flights to/from South Africa. Contact us for a quote and expert advice
Travel Insurance
Visas - when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to any of the countries that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a short term tourism visit to South Africa.
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require an entry permit to visit Saint Helena. Please follow this link for further details and to make an application - https://evisa.sainthelena.gov.sh/.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance. Contact details can be found by visiting the following websites.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destinations nearest embassy or consulate
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most of our destinations, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
