Explore a remote rugged island
Fly Airlink to St Helena
St Helena island, in the South Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect destination for a unique adventure. This 122 km² volcanic island has spectacular natural landscapes, abundant endemic wildlife, and a rich history. Previously tourists could only get to St Helena by travelling for five days aboard a mail ship. Now you can visit the island on Airlink’s scheduled flights from Johannesburg on Saturdays. The sub-tropical island offers visitors hiking, birding, sport fishing, diving, history and heritage. During peak season, admire the diverse sea life, watch humpback whales, bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, and hawksbill and green turtles, as well as devil rays. Off-peak season is a great opportunity for guided photography tours, writers’ retreats as well as yoga retreats and more. A full island tour is a great way to discover the area’s stark geology, architecture and historical attractions. You can go on a hike at any time of year – there are 22 Post Box walks and the Festival of Running takes place in November.
RICH HISTORY
Be sure to make time to meet Jonathan, the world’s oldest tortoise, who is believed to have hatched in 1832.
The island’s other famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled there by the British in 1815. On a visit to Longwood House you will see where Bonaparte and a small group of attendants spent the final days of his lengthy exile or go see his tomb in the Sane Valley.
Bonaparte was not the only famous prisoner to have been sent to the island by the British government. Our own Zulu king Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo was exiled there in 1890 for leading his army in rebellion against British rule in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, 6 000 Boer prisoners of war were sent to St Helena during the Second Boer War. Visit the prisoner of war camp at Deadwood Plain, the Boer cemetery at Knollcombes, and Ladder Hill Fort and High Knoll to learn more about the historical events that played out on the island. Privately owned and financially independent, Airlink services over 55 routes and offers the widest network and choice of flights in southern Africa and St Helena island. We are reliable and committed to punctuality. Airlink is consistently 95 % on time across 60 000 annual flights, servicing some 1,9 million customers per year. Enjoy the Airlink hospitality as we soar to new heights in the years to come.
If St Helena island is on your travel bucket list, fly Airlink for memories you won’t make anywhere else in the world. Book flights direct on flyairlink.com/destinations/flights-to-st-helena, or contact your travel agent or tour operator. For activities and accommodation visit sthelenatourism.com