This fully revised fourth edition of Bradt's St Helena, Ascension and
Tristan da Cunha remains the only guide to these three British Overseas
Territories, tiny volcanic islands that are virtual specks in the middle
of the Atlantic Ocean and which thanks to the opening of a new airport
in 2017 are more accessible than ever before. Rugged, volcanic and very
remote, as Napoleon's place of exile following the Battle of Waterloo,
St Helena has gained a notoriety that assures its place in the travel
lexicon. This fully revised edition includes all the most recent
information, from the latest details of how to get there to expanded
practical information on the airport, more detail on several of the Post
Box walks and the mountain bike trail, and more in-depth information
about what to do and where to go in Ascension. Also covered are details
of the 2021 Napoleon Bicentenary, plus dedicated sections on what to do
in the islands' two gateway cities: 48 hours in Johannesburg and 48
hours in Cape Town.Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, and
travellers interested in history and heritage are all catered for. The
endemic flora and fauna is one of the islands' chief attractions, with
1,000 species of birds observed on St Helena alone. Also covered are the
inspiring Millennium Forest project, where visitors give something back
by planting an endemic tree, and sea safaris for spotting the area's
abundant marine life, including whale sharks, dolphins and humpback
whales, as well as fish and seabirds. Boat trips, which can include
snorkelling and diving, are increasingly popular. How to visit Jonathan
the Tortoise is included, too: hatched circa 1832, he is the oldest
living land animal on the planet. Despite increased accessibility, these
three islands are likely to preserve their reputation amongst the most
unspoiled destinations in the world. With Bradt's St Helena, Ascension
and Tristan da Cunha, be one of the intrepid few to visit.
