
Mantis St Helena
A brand new boutique hotel for 2017 that blends contemporary design with historic influences, which allows you to explore the island of St Helena while indulging in the height of comfort and luxury.
Duration | Price | When | Destination | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
13 Days | £4045 | JUL - AUG | SOUTH AFRICA & ST HELENA | Tailor-Made |
It was only recently that St Helena became accessible by air, with its airport opening up to commercial flights in 2017. This far-flung subtropical island is a self-governing overseas territory of the UK, where police wear bobby hats, the islanders are called ‘Saints’ and distinctive British red telephone boxes are still de rigueur. Following a Big Five safari in South Africa, you'll fly to St Helena to explore Jamestown, visit famous Napoleonic sites, set off on a postbox walk, hike to Diana’s Peak, and encounter humpback whales and pods of pantropical dolphins.
Tarred roads give way to dusty tracks as you transfer from Skukuza Airport into the heart of the southern sector of Kruger National Park. Set on a 6,000-hectare private concession and nestled amidst lush vegetation at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers is Jock Safari Lodge. With exclusive riverbed traversing rights, this is your base for the following four nights from which to experience breathtaking wildlife sightings. Plan well in advance to secure your stay at the family-friendly Fitzpatrick’s at Jock, which offers three perfectly appointed rooms and a Kids on Safari programme. Lunch is followed by your first foray within the concession as you set off on a game drive in open vehicles, returning at dusk for dinner. If this is your first safari, these initial sightings, smells and encounters will be etched into your memory for years to come.
Jock Safari Lodge is in a prime location for Big Five game-viewing experiences, while the Kids on Safari programme encourages educational and recreational wildlife activities. Childminding services are also available, including educational game drives and wildlife activities. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and its cultural heritage with the legend of Jock of the Bushveld. The Relaxation Retreat with steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy bath are perfect for unwinding, or you can simply soak up the African sun by your private pool while listening to the sounds of the wild.
Enjoy a final morning safari as you transfer back to Skukuza to connect with your flight to Johannesburg. Overnight at one of the well-located 4-star airport hotels.
Take the hotel shuttle bus to the airport to check in for your flight to St Helena. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Mantis St Helena, where you will be based for the next seven nights.
Overnight: Mantis St Helena
You may like to arrange a guided tour of Jamestown, the capital of St Helena, for an introduction to the island and its history. The tour includes a visit to the oldest church in the Southern Hemisphere while also taking in coastlines and smaller surrounding islands as well as several sites of historic interest. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island from 1815 until his death in 1821, and you will have the chance to visit his island residences of the Briars Pavilion and Longwood House, before visiting his final resting place at Sane Valley. One day you may like to take a 4x4 excursion to explore the fascinating volcanic formations dotted across the island, or join the St Helena National Trust for a guided walk through Diana's Peak National Park, which at 823m is the highest point on the island, providing spectacular views over the surrounding landscapes. The highlight of your stay will be the marine safari in this far-flung "Galapagos of the Atlantic" (included on two days of your stay) which will see you seeking out humpback whales and pods of pantropical dolphins.
Overnight: Mantis St Helena (B)
Say your farewells to St Helena, one of the Atlantic's most well-kept secrets, before boarding your flight back to mainland Africa and connecting with your onward flights home.
A tailor-made safari is one designed according to your specific requirements, including budget, dates, personal interests, the number of people travelling, and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and altered to make it perfect for you.