The remote British Overseas Territory of St Helena, in the South Atlantic, is the second most remote inhabited island in the world (aftervTristan da Cuna).

St Helina offers those making the effort to get there natural scenery, marine diversity, endemic botany, world class bird life, fascinating history and heritage.

The island also has a sense of community and there will be a warm welcome from the island's 4,500 residents.

The island's 21 walking routes, called 'Post Box walks', have been designed by the St Helena Nature Conservation Group along the coastline and interior.

The island's history, allowing travellers to get an insight into its role in fighting the slave trade, acting as a Boer prisoner of war site and its time associated with Napoleon, including his tomb.

There is the chance to spot humpback whales here between July and December, with those visiting in August glimpse humpback whales with their calves as they migrate through island's waters every year.

For divers, there areeight shipwrecks with many of these scattered with articles of marine archaeological interest such as cannons and anchors.

Despite the new airlink to St Helena, the MV Helena still supplies the island together with Ascension Island out of Cape Town.

The ship has one passenger cabin containing four berths with bunk-style beds which are curtained for privacy.

www.sthelenashipping.com

Jasmine Holidays offers a ten-night package to St Helena, wit three nights in Cape Town, seven nights in St Helena and touring excursions on the island.

www.jasmineholidays.co.uk/tours/south-atlantic-secret

Useful links

www.sthelenatourism.com