Saint Helena is one of the most remote islands in the world and was uninhabited when discovered by the Portuguese in 1502. Saint Helena measures about 16 by 8 kilometres and has a population of 4,439.
Consisting of 47 square mile of volcanic land mass formed off the mid-Atlantic ridge, St Helena remains a strategically positioned UK overseas dependent territory. Sitting 2,605 kilometers West of Africa the nearest continent, the Island is still quite isolated in geographical terms. It lies 15.9650° S, 5.7089° W. The official currency spent on the Island is the St Helena pound and the capital is Jamestown. English is the official language but ‘Saint’ a strong dialect of English, is widely spoken.
St Helena has a small population, mainly descended from Europe (consisting of planters, government employees and ex-soldiers serving in the local St Helena Regiment), Chinese (itinerant workers from about 1810) and slaves (mostly from Madagascar and Asia, with only a few coming from Africa from 1840 onward).
At the end of June 2018 the number of St Helenians on St Helena was estimated to be 4,300.
Built in 1829 as an inclined plane to connect Jamestown (the capital) to the garrison on Ladder Hill and used to haul manure, goods and ammunition, the ladder stretches 900ft high with 699 steps. Once you reach the top, the location offers a good vantage point of lower Jamestown and sea views. The initial ladder to the fort at the top of the hill where the troops were stationed was a rope ladder that served as the means of ascent until the first road was cut (Records 1693). The first path which replaced the rope ladder was improved around 1718, and can still be seen winding up the hill. The amazing Ladder was built by engineer GW Melliss on instructions from the last East India Company Governor, Dallas, starting in 1828. Eventually more roads were constructed for easier access, but this was and remains the shortest and quickest route to the top.
A romantic natural wonder, the Heart Shaped Waterfall is an iconic Island landmark. Standing 90 metres from ground level this heart shaped cliff face is divided by a seasonal cascade. The Waterfall sits to the rear of the Briars, famously known for the Pavilion where Napoleon spent his first months in exile. The land was formerly included in part of the French properties dating back to the 18th century, and was transferred to the St Helena National Trust by the French Counsel in 2007. Ten years ago the St Helena National Trust refurbished the path up to the base of the waterfall, improved the general footpaths around the attraction and built a platform for rest and viewing. Today it is one of the most tranquil foot stops on St Helena.
Plantation House is home to the island’s oldest inhabitant, Jonathan the Tortoise. Jonathan is the oldest known land vertebrate in the world and is estimated to be around 187 years or more. He arrived in 1882 as a mature adult and was presented as a gift to the Governor. He has seen more than 30 Governors pass through Plantation House.
The Central Ridge National Conservation area is home to one of the Island’s top national parks: Diana’s Peak. It is the highest point on St Helena at 823m above sea level, with breath taking 360-degree views of the island. The National Park is home to exotic flora and fauna, including many endemic species and dense tree fern thickets, and forms one of 21 post box walks. The three peaks are Cockhold’s Point , Diana’s Peak and Mount Actaeon and can be walked in succession. The names derive from the Greek myth of a young hunter named Actaeon and his encounter with chaste Diana, goddess of the hunt. Other references are linked to Naval vessels and dockyards.
Napoleon Bonaparte, the former Emperor of France, spent his exile on the island of Saint Helena at Longwood House, from 10 December 1815 until his passing on 5 May 1821. Longwood "was once a farm owned by the East India Company and was later granted to the Deputy-Governor as a country home." In 1815, it was modified for Napoleon to utilize. After some time, the British administration realized how inadequate it was to house the former Emperor and his entourage. By the time of his death, a new mansion had been constructed nearby for him, but he never moved in.
One of the island’s key heritage sites, High Knoll Fort stands at an impressive 584 meters about sea level, built in 1790 as a redoubt for the island population in the event of an invasion. There were some changes made to the fort during the Second World War, including repairs to the parapets, but little has changed since the major building in the latter 19th Century. Its position commands superb views across much of the island.
St Helena is the best region in the world to encounter whale sharks. The waters around the island are thought to be key to their reproduction in the Atlantic and central to the life cycle of the whale shark species. Visitors can swim with these docile giants from January to March each year.
Exciting photos of this great destination
The activity benefited from support from the Umbrella Facility for Trade trust fund financed by the governments of the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.