St Helena Safaris

Located in the heart of the South Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Africa, lies the little known British Overseas Territory of St Helena. Previously inaccessible to all but the most determined traveller, a new airport which opened in 2017 provides visitors the opportunity to explore this remote island and discover the incredible marine life that surrounds it. Take the opportunity and follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Charles Darwin and Captain Cook in discovering this rarely visited island, with a population of around 4,500 people.

The island was named after Saint Helena of Constantinople by the Portuguese navigator João da Nova, who discovered it on 21 May 1502. St. Helena is perhaps most famous for being the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile, where he lived from 1815 until his death in 1821. The island is also known for its unique flora and fauna, as well as its volcanic landscape. Whilst accessible by air, with regular flights from South Africa, it remains one of the world's most remote inhabited islands. The economy is primarily based on tourism, fishing, and the sale of postage stamps and coins to collectors.

Why NWS for your St Helena Safari?

Here at Natural World Safaris, our team of specialists can create tailor-made itineraries that are designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Whether you want to go on a wildlife safari, explore the country's culture, or simply relax on the beach, we can create an itinerary that is perfect for you. We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organizations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of St Helena. Unlike other safari operators, we can offer you exclusive experiences that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, swimming besides the giant whale sharks in tranquil turquoise waters are some of the special experiences we can include in your St Helena itinerary.

The clear, warm waters surrounding St Helena, dotted with shipwrecks and rocky coral reefs, make this small and remote island an enticing destination for snorkelling and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Boasting almost 750 recorded marine species, visitors are sure to encounter some of the island’s unique and diverse wildlife, from endemic fish species to Hawksbill turtles, dolphins and sea anemones. The sea temperatures range from 19 to 25˚C, and are warmest during the months of January and February, when whale sharks can be seen gliding close to the ocean surface. Despite their colossal size – reaching lengths of up to 40 feet or more – whale sharks are incredibly docile creatures, letting you swim alongside them as they filter plankton with their cavernous mouths.

You may wish to include the following in your St Helena itinerary:

• Swim with Whale Sharks - Between January and February swim alongside colossal whale sharks
• Walking and Hiking - Explore the rolling hills and rugged coast line of this volcanic outcrop
• Snorkelling - Explore clear, warm waters teeming with marine life and shipwrecks to discover
• Explore Jamestown - The capital of St Helena, Jamestown is a colourful Georgian seaport with a remarkable heritage
• Culture and History - Explore historical sites of St Helena, including the final residence of Napoleon Boneparte

Where to stay?

In St. Helena, there are a range of accommodation options available to visitors, including hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering apartments. One popular choice is the Mantis St Helena, a luxury hotel in the capital, Jamestown, offering sea views, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Another option is Wellington House, a historic guesthouse with restored rooms featuring period features and a courtyard garden. Read more about where to stay in St Helena.

When to go?

The best time to go to St Helena is typically February. St Helena has a tropical climate, but this is heavily influenced by the South East Trade winds which keep the temperature mild and can lead to very changeable weather. The coastal areas are generally hotter and drier than the interior, with temperatures in the coastal capital of Jamestown ranging between 14-32ºC, and the central hill area around 4-6 degrees cooler. Read more about when to go to St Helena.