Jamestown and James Bay
Airline Airlink’s scheduled service between South Africa and St Helena Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, one of the remotest islands in the world, will increase from fortnightly to weekly as of October 15.
The resumption of regular weekly flights to St Helena is posited to boost accessibility to the island, enabling travellers to discover the volcanic peaks, protected national parks and notable diving sites.
The island is now fully open to visitors, following the St Helena government’s decision to lift all Covid-19 entry regulations from August.
“We are delighted that weekly flights will resume to the island following the suspension during the pandemic.
“St Helena offers the perfect getaway for the post-pandemic traveller looking to escape the crowds and we look forward to meeting the demand from travellers wanting to experience one of the UK’s oldest overseas territories and most remote inhabited islands on the planet,” comments St Helena Tourism head Matt Joshua.
A British oversees territory in the middle of the South Atlantic, St Helena was first colonised by British settlers in the seventeenth century.
Today, the small island is home to more than 4 000 inhabitants, known locally as Saints.
The island boasts 20 walks designed by the St Helena Nature Conservation Group, along scenic and untouched areas.
There is also something for history enthusiasts, with the island having strong ties to South Africa. Owing to its remoteness, King Dinuzulu and some 6 000 boer prisoners of war were exiled to St Helena.
Visitors will also gain insight into St Helena’s role in fighting the slave trade and be able to visit key sites associated with Napoleon, who was also exiled to the island, including his tomb.
For divers visiting the island, there are eight shipwrecks around St Helena to visit, many of which are scattered with articles of marine archaeological interest such as cannons and anchors.
Visitors who arrive between December and March can swim with whale sharks, while those who visit between June and December can glimpse Humpback Whales with their calves.
The island continues to champion sustainability and was recently named the best eco-location and sustainable tourism destination in the 2022 World Commerce Review awards.