Africa

Saint Helena

Napoleon's last home, whale sharks and a remote volcanic island.

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory in the middle of the South Atlantic, part of a territory that also includes Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and reached by a small airport with very limited flights. Jamestown squeezes into a steep valley, climbed by the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder. Napoleon spent his exile at Longwood House, and Jonathan the giant tortoise lives at Plantation House.

Island life is small-scale and friendly, with fishcakes, local coffee and walks up to Diana's Peak through cloud forest. There are few visitors, so plan accommodation early. The climate is mild all year; December to March is the warmest period and the usual season for swimming with whale sharks, while winter from June to September is cooler and damper.

Best time to visit Saint Helena

January, February, March, December.

Places to visit in Saint Helena

Essentials

Plan a trip to Saint Helena