St Helena
Old-fashioned voyages on the Royal Mail Ship
St Helena is a very special place in many ways. Famed as the island where Napoleon was tucked out of harm's way for the last five years of his life, it has a fascinating history. For generations it was a bustling port of vital importance to the East India Company's trade routes and its population reflects the international influences from European, to African, to Indian and even to Chinese. Scenically it is spectacular with high cliffs rising from the sea interspersed with steep valleys and with a lush interior. Above all is the welcome extended to that rarest of breeds - the tourist!
The only scheduled transport service to the island is on the Royal Mail Ship, the RMS St Helena - and what a way to travel! The ship is not huge but caters superbly for its passengers and you get a real sense of going somewhere and of arriving. It's a way of life as well as a vital service. The atmosphere in port when the ship is due is tangible: for some it represents reunion with family and often the first meeting of a grandchild with its grandparents; for others it is a turning point in their lives as they leave home for the first time to find work. Jamestown is a-bustle.
Our holidays spend eight or nine days during which time we can really get to know the place and some of its people. We are privileged that some of the leading experts in their fields spend time with us so that we can begin to get to grips with the botany, the birds, the marine life and the island's history.
All our tours include time in Cape Town; some start or finish at Ascension, while others call at Walvis Bay in Namibia where we can experience "The Living Desert" - an outstanding day in the Namib Desert with a superb naturalist. 
The itinerary for every voyage varies so the best thing is to ask for our St Helena information sheets so that you can choose the ideal one for you. One more thing - you really do have to book a long time in advance as we have to release cabins up to a year ahead!!
The island will not stay this way forever. It is to get its long-debated airport. There have been mixed feelings about this news even among the "Saints", as the inhabitants of the island are known, but overall it is agreed that the new facility will bring increased economic well-being to the people as well as making it easier for them to keep in touch with friends and family overseas. At the moment, the airport is not likely to be operational before 2012 as the contract has not even been awarded yet - but don't leave it too long before seeing this marvellous place.
