St Helena is now accessible by scheduled air service from South Africa and Airlink operates direct flights between the island and Johannesburg every Saturday. The flight schedule is as follows:
- SA8131: Depart Johannesburg at 09h00 – arrive in St Helena at 13h15.
- SA8132: Depart St Helena at 14h30 – arrive in Johannesburg at 21h15.
Airlink will operate additional flights to St Helena on February 5 and 12; March 5, 12, 19, and 26; April 2, 9, 16, and 23.
St Helena’s history spans over 500 years. Napoleon was exiled and died there; his tomb is in Sane Valley. Visitors can pay homage at Deadwood Plain, the Boer cemetery, or climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder and visit High Knoll Fort. Another attraction is the Plantation House, the residence of the island’s governors, and meet Jonathan the tortoise, reputed to be at least 188 years old.
St Helena is home to a range of endemic flora and fauna, both marine and terrestrial. Conservation areas like Diana’s Peak and Millennium Forest showcase insects and prehistoric plant life, and visitors have a chance of glimpsing the elusive Wire bird, seen only on St Helena.
Activities include snorkelling and scuba diving to explore the diverse marine life of the mid Atlantic. Seasonal highlights include swimming with whale sharks (January to April), whale watching (June to November), and spotting devil rays. Visitors can also take a boat trip along the leeward side of the island where they can spot the local super-pod of pan-tropical dolphins.
