8-Day St. Helena: Napoleon’s Footsteps & Volcanic Wilderness

Day 1: Arrive St. Helena

Weekly flight from Johannesburg. Transfer to Jamestown, a Georgian time capsule at the bottom of a steep volcanic valley. Afternoon orientation walk. Welcome dinner of fresh tuna and St. Helena coffee. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 2: Napoleon’s Exile

Full day tracing Napoleon’s final years. Longwood House: the billiard room, bedroom, and garden where he paced endlessly. The original tomb in Sane Valley—Napoleon’s chosen spot. The Briars Pavilion where he spent his first weeks. The weight of history on this isolated island is overwhelming. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 3: Jacob’s Ladder & Jamestown

Climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder—40° angle, 183 meters of ascent. Summit views across the South Atlantic to infinity. Afternoon: the Castle, St. James Church, and the museum’s fascinating whaling and exile exhibits. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 4: Diana’s Peak — Highest Point

Hike to Diana’s Peak (823m) through endemic cloud forest: tree ferns, the once-extinct St. Helena ebony, cabbage trees. Summit panorama: 360° of ocean, the entire island spread below. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 5: South Coast & Lot’s Wife Ponds

Dramatic south coast: swim in Lot’s Wife Ponds—crystal-clear rock pools beneath volcanic cliffs. Sandy Bay beach. Visit the St. Helena Distillery for Tungi cactus spirit. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 6: Marine Life

Whale shark swimming (December-March) or dolphin-watching cruise. Afternoon: High Knoll Fort, Plantation House to meet Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 7: Lemon Valley & Heart-Shaped Falls

Boat to Lemon Valley for snorkeling beneath volcanic cliffs. Hike to the Heart-Shaped Waterfall. Farewell dinner and St. Helena coffee. Overnight Jamestown.

Day 8: Departure

Final view of the South Atlantic stretching to infinity. Flight to Johannesburg. Napoleon’s island will stay with you.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses