ST HELENA SECRET OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC
Explore the history, culture and nature of the extraordinary Atlantic island of St Helena
T
he eastern border of Latin America is marked by a string of British possessions in the Atlantic and situated in the heart of the South Atlantic Ocean, at latitude 15° 56’ South and longitude 5° 45’ West, the island of St Helena has played a vital role as a staging post for ships and travellers for hundreds of years. In the 1800s as many as 1,000 ships a year visited the island. St Helena continues to be a natural bridge between Africa and South America, sitting 1,200 miles (1,950 kilometres) off the coast of Angola and Namibia, and 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometres) off the coast of Brazil.
Unlike Brazil, St Helena is one of the world’s smallest territories measuring just six miles by ten. Yet there is a huge amount packed in. The natural environment runs from arid desert to cloud forest, which host many species unique to St Helena. The historical legacy touches many aspects of world history, including the expansion and height of the British Empire, the Boer War, the Anglo-Zulu Wars, South American slavery and its abolition, and Napoleon who was exiled on St Helena from 1815 until his death in 1821. The island’s home to over 1,000 species of which over 400 are endemic to St Helena, including the Wirebird, giant
tree ferns and desert-dwelling nocturnal spiders. Marine life is equally outstanding, with ten species of endemic fish and visits from dolphins, whales and whale sharks. This biodiversity has long fascinated scientists and explorers for many years,
with visitors including Charles Darwin, Edmund Halley and Captain James Cook. Today this British Overseas Territory offers its visitors a tale of history, nature and culture. St Helena is a place of unique character and unspoilt beauty.
find the real Latin America
The longest established tour operator in the Falklands
Tailor-made itineraries Wildlife, Walking, Photography, Fishing, Battlefield and General Interest. Individual and group travel Internal flights, transfers, accommodation, guided tours and excursions. Offering a wealth of local knowledge of the Falkland Islands along with a personal, professional and friendly service, every step of the journey. For more information T: (00500) 22622 - F: (00500) 22623 E: info@falklandislandsholidays.com W: falklandislandsholidays.com Photographs by Allan White and Joe Lange
Carefully-crafted trips to Central and South America for the more free-spirited traveller
call 020 8758 4774 or visit sunvil.co.uk/traveller ATOL Protected 9280 ABTA Y1595 AITO LATA
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