Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Jamestown, Saint Helena, South Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Jamestown, Saint Helena, South Africa, Africa

Jamestown is the major settlement as well as the capital of the Saint Helena Island, part of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, an overseas territory of the British in the South Atlantic Ocean. Covering an area of 3.6 sq. km, Jamestown is located at 15°55′28″ S 5°43′5″ W, on the northwestern part of the island, home to a port. Jamestown offers a blend of historical and modern attractions for visitors like castle, churches and museums. Jamestown experiences an arid climate with relatively warm climate year round.

 

History of Jamestown:

The history of Jamestown begins with its foundation, made by the English East India Company in the year 1659 and it received its name from King James II of England. For a short period, Jamestown, along with other parts of the island, was once acquired by the Dutch East India Company in 1673 but it was retaken by the British forces in the same year.

 

How to reach Jamestown?

Jamestown is not served by any airport, so it is advised to tourists to board charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom that land at military airfield on Ascension Island, where ship services are available to reach Jamestown or Saint Helena Island.

RMS Saint Helena ship runs between Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Walvis Bay and Cape Town in South Africa. The local transportation of Jamestown is served by rental cars.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Jamestown:

The Museum of Saint Helena is the main cultural centre of Jamestown, showcasing the local culture and history with well preserved artworks and artifacts.

Being the capital town, Jamestown houses all sorts of modernized as well as traditional shops with a wide range of products available at reasonable rates.

Here are some tourist favor food corners in Jamestown:

  • Sally’s Sandwich Bar
  • Orange Tree Oriental Restaurant
  • Cyril’s Fast Food
  • Anne’s Place

 

Must see in Jamestown:

 

Plantation House:

Situated around 3 km south of Jamestown, the Plantation House is used as the official house of the Governor of Saint Helena, which was originally built as a summer residence of the Governor by the East India Company in 1791-92. This building is famous among visitors as a great tortoise viewing point. A tortoise, called Jonathan, is possibly the oldest living tortoise in the world.

 

Saint Paul’s Cathedral:

The Saint Paul’s Cathedral is located in the district of St Paul’s, around 2 miles south of Jamestown. This Grade I listed building was erected on the site of the 17th century church in 1851 and it gained cathedral status in 1859.

 

The Castle:

The Castle is situated in the historic part of Jamestown, functioning as the main administrative building of the Saint Helena, home to Chief Secretary’s office, a library, police station and beautiful gardens.

 

The Museum of Saint Helena:

Located within an early 19th century warehouse in Jamestown, the Museum of Saint Helena is a perfect place for those interested in knowing the culture and history of Jamestown and Saint Helena.

 

Jacob’s Ladder:

Measuring 699 steps, the Jacob’s Ladder is a typical historic tourist attraction, built in the year 1829. Exploring this concrete staircase will be a memorable half day trip for visitors.

 

What else to see in and around Jamestown?

  • Heart-Shaped Waterfall
  • The Castle Gardens
  • Lot’s Wife’s Ponds
  • Sandy Bay
  • Saint James Church
  • Post Office in Jamestown
  • The Cenotaph
  • Clifford Arboretum
  • Central Peaks
  • Longwood House

 

 

When to travel Jamestown?

Probably during the summer months from January to April is the best time to visit Jamestown in St Helena.

 

Accommodation options in Jamestown:

Standard hotels are limited in Jamestown, so visitors are advised to book hotel rooms well in advance prior to reaching the site as the town gets crowded during the summer months. The prominent hotels in and around Jamestown are as follows:

  • Consulate Hotel
  • The Standard
  • Wellington House Hotel
  • Farm Lodge

Places to Visit in Georgetown, Ascension, South Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Georgetown, Ascension, South Africa, Africa

Georgetown is the major settlement and administrative centre of Ascension Island, a part of the British overseas territory Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the western coast of the island, overlooked by the Cross Hill. Except school, Georgetown holds all facilities like supermarket, snack bar, police station, hotel, post office, library and hospital. The nearest school is at Two Boats village, around 3 miles away from Georgetown.

Located between 7°55′43″ S latitude and 14°24′42″ W longitude, Georgetown is a site with many grand historic structures, including Fort Thornton and Fort Hayes. Nearby Long Beach is one of the favorite destinations of tourists on the island.

 

History of Georgetown:

According to the documented history, Georgetown was first inhabited in the year 1815 and founded by the British Royal Navy. Georgetown got its name from the British King George III, who ruled the island after the British took control of the Ascension Island.

 

How to reach Georgetown?

Georgetown can be reached by boarding charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Flight lands at military airfield on Ascension Island, which is located around 5 km south of the centre of Georgetown. A return ticket costs £969 per person.

Georgetown can also be accessed by ship from Cape Town in South Africa, Saint Helena and Tenerife, but it takes many days.

As there is no bus service, rental cars are the options to get around Georgetown that cost £15/day.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Georgetown:

Georgetown is the cultural centre of Ascension Island, home to different Ascension Day activities and local athletics events.

Apart from supermarket, Georgetown houses numerous shops that are spread up all around the town. Snack Bar is an American-style fast food centre in Georgetown and another nice option is The Restaurant within Obsidian Hotel.

 

What to do in Georgetown?

  • Scuba diving
  • Walking
  • Snorkeling
  • Fishing
  • Golfing

 

What to see in Georgetown?

 

Fort Hayes:

The Fort Hayes is a historical fort in Georgetown, home to Ascension Island Heritage Society museum that museum exhibits the interesting cultural features of Ascension Island with well preserved art and craft works and photographs. The museum is allowed for visitors from 17:00-19:00 on Mondays and 10:00-12:00 Saturdays.

 

Long Beach:

Long Beach to the north of Georgetown is renowned as the world’s one of the prominent Green Turtle nesting points. Swimming there is not recommended due to strong undercurrents flow.

 

St. Mary’s Anglican Church:

The St. Mary’s Anglican Church belongs to the Diocese of Cape Town, was constructed in the middle of the 19th Century. Originally built as a Naval Church, the church holds strong historical background that can be experienced best by visiting church.

 

Green Mountain:

The Green Mountain is the highest peak on Ascension Island, measuring an elevation of 859 meters. It falls within the Green Mountain National Park and there is a British historical establishment called, Red Lion British Navy Barracks, situated in the vicinity of the Green Mountain.

 

Fort Thornton:

The Fort Thornton is one of the historical identities of both Georgetown and Ascension Island, home to two BL 5.5 inch Mark I naval guns and Victorian cannons. The fort is in Georgetown, can be explored through a guided tour.

 

Other interesting places in and around Georgetown include:

  • Exiles Club
  • The Dew Pond
  • Red Lion British Navy Barracks
  • Command Hill
  • Two Boats village

 

Best time to visit Georgetown:

Georgetown experiences a tropical climate with heavy rainfall between June and September. The best time to visit Georgetown is from January to April.

 

Accommodation options in Georgetown:

Obsidian Group is the major accommodation provider in Georgetown, who has a hotel, 2 hostels and 2 cottages on the island that can be booked through online. List of the major hotels in and around Georgetown in Ascension Island include:

  • Obsidian Hotel
  • Obsidian Hostel
  • Obsidian Cottages

Tourist Places to Visit in Edinburgh, Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Edinburgh, Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, Africa

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the major settlement and capital of the Tristan da Cunha Island, one of the islands forming the overseas territory of the United Kingdom, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, considered as the most isolated permanent settlement in the world, situated around 2173 kilometers from the island of Saint Helena. Edinburgh of the Seven experiences a mild and humid oceanic climate with moderate temperature year round and is positioned between 37°4′2.2″ S latitude and 12°18′36″ W longitude.

 

History of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas:

The documented history of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas says it was founded and first inhabited in 1816 by a Sergeant Glass from the Borders of Scotland. The settlement got its name from the second son of Queen Victoria, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

 

How to reach Edinburgh of the Seven Seas?

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is not catered by any airport, the only possible airway to reach Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is boarding charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom to military airfield on Ascension Island. After once getting Ascension Island, visitors can use scheduled boat services to reach Tristan da Cunha Island or Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas can also be reached by ship from Cape Town in South Africa, offered by ship SA Agulhas, at a cost of US$1300 (return ticket).

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas:

Tristan Thatched House Museum is a distinct cultural centre in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, concentrated on displaying the importance of the local culture and tradition.

Tristan Island Store is the main option for shopping in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Two famous restaurant options in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas include Albatross Bar and Cafe da Cunha.

 

Things to do in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas:

  • Island tour
  • Hiking
  • Shopping

 

What to see in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas?

 

Churches in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas:

Being a British settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas encompasses many historic as well as modern churches, including St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (constructed in 1995-1996) and St Mary’s Anglican Church (built in the year 1923).

 

Tristan Thatched House Museum:

The Tristan Thatched House Museum is one of the prime tourist attractions of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, describing the history and culture of the island with well preserved artifacts and artworks. It is a genuine traditional museum.

 

Tristan Island Store:

Being the only supermarket on Tristan da Cunha Island, Tristan Island Store is one of the highlights of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, where visitors can purchase a wide selection of traditional items other than branded products.

 

Crayfish Canning Factory:

The Crayfish Canning Factory is a place where tourists can get many interesting and useful information on food processing and preservation. It was constructed in the year 1963.

 

Administration Building in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas:

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is home to the administrative house of Tristan da Cunha Island. It is one of the important landmark sites as well as tourist attractions in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Edinburgh of the Seven Seas includes:

  • Tristan Post Office
  • Café da Cunha
  • Tourism Information Centre
  • Agriculture Department Warehouse
  • Prince Philip Hall
  • The Albatross Bar
  • Camogli Hospital
  • St Mary’s School
  • Joseph’s Catholic Church
  • St Mary’s Anglican Church
  • Gough Island

 

When to visit Edinburgh of the Seven Seas?

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas generally experiences a moderate temperature year round and the best time to visit Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is from January to April.

 

Where to stay in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas?

Home stays are the primary option to stay for visitors in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas that generally cost £50 per person per day. There are also many guest houses in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas that relatively charge same price of home stays.

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Africa

Saint Helena is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, belonging to the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island measures a surface area of 121 sq. km, is located between 15°56′ S latitude and 5°43′ W longitude. Jamestown is the capital of Saint Helena. Saint Helena characterizes diverse climatic features, generally experiences arid climate, which can be experienced at the capital Jamestown. St Helena offers a wide range of natural and manmade tourist attractions for visitors like historical churches, beaches, waterfalls and museums.

 

History of Saint Helena:

Like most African and Asian regions, the Portuguese were the first European to explore Saint Helena in 1502, particularly by the Galician navigator João da Nova, who named it Santa Helena. British settlement began in Saint Helena by the Englishman Sir Francis Drake in the second half of the 16th century. Since then Saint Helena has remained as a part of the Britain.

 

Getting St Helena:

There is no airport on Saint Helena, so tourists are needed to board charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom to military airfield on Ascension Island. Between Ascension Island and Saint Helena Island, ships are the only option to travel.

Alternatively, visitors can choose RMS Saint Helena ship, which runs between Saint Helena and Cape Town in South Africa, Ascension Island and Walvis Bay. There are many car rentals in Saint Helena that charge £10-12 per day for local travel.

 

 Culture, Food and Shopping in St Helena:

As a part of Britain, most people in St Helena speak English as their first language, who belong to the Anglican Communion.

Most upgraded shops and food corners are located in the capital Jamestown. Some recommended hotels in Jamestown in St Helena are as follows:

  • Cyril’s Fast Food
  • Anne’s Place
  • Sally’s Sandwich Bar
  • Orange Tree Oriental Restaurant

 

Must see in St Helena:

 

The Museum of Saint Helena:

The Museum of Saint Helena is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Saint Helena, situated in the capital city Jamestown. It is a nice museum, housed in an early 19th century warehouse, describing the history and natural history of Saint Helena with well preserved artifacts.

 

Jacob’s Ladder:

The Jacob’s Ladder is an exciting concrete staircase in Jamestown, accounting 699 steps. Constructed in the year 1829, the ladder is famous among both locals and visitors for its construction and historic importance.

 

Castle in Jamestown:

Constructed by the British in 1659, the Jamestown Castle is used as the seat of government of St Helena. Visitors can visit this historic house with a prior permission only. There is a courthouse near the castle.

 

The Castle Gardens:

Situated behind the castle, the Castle Gardens houses a wide range of indigenous tropical plants, including endemics species. It is also famous as a great bird watching point.

 

Heart-Shaped Waterfall:

The Heart-Shaped Waterfall is a surprising attraction for tourists like its name it features heart shape. It is situated on the outskirts of Jamestown. Worth a watch.

 

What else to see on St Helena?

  • Lot’s Wife’s Ponds
  • Sandy Bay
  • Saint Paul’s Cathedral
  • Clifford Arboretum
  • Central Peaks
  • Plantation House
  • Longwood House
  • Saint James Church
  • Post Office in Jamestown
  • The Cenotaph

 

When to travel St Helena?

From January to April is the best time to visit St Helena, when summer season runs on the island.

 

Accommodation options on St Helena:

St Helena houses a limited number of modernized hotels, of which most are situated in Jamestown, the capital of St Helena. So it is advised for visitors to book hotels well in advance prior to reaching the island through online to get their desired hotels with nice amenities. There are also many self-catering options on the island that well suit budget and mid range travellers. Visitors can also have mouthwatering traditional and international delicacies in such hotels apart from amenities. Some major hotels in St Helena are listed below:

  • Farm Lodge
  • Consulate Hotel
  • The Standard
  • Wellington House Hotel
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