Tristan da Cunha
Travel Guide > Africa > Tristan da Cunha
In this Article
- Introduction
- Brief History
- Geography
- Regions/Islands
- Cities/Towns
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting there
- Getting Around
- Red Tape
- Money
- Work
- Study
- Language
- Eat
- Sleep
- Drink
- Health
- Safety
- Keep Connected
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Quick Facts
[edit]
- Capital
- Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
- Population
- 300
- Government
- Dependency of St Helena
- Religions
- Christianity
- Languages
- English
- Calling Code
- +290
- Nationality
- Local name
Contributors
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Peter (37%)
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Introduction
The island of Tristan de Cunha lies in the South Atlantic Ocean, removed over 2000km from the nearest major landmass (South Africa). To add to the distance (psychologically speaking) is the fact that the island is only accessible by boat. Unsurprisingly, it is little inhabited and infrequently visited by tourists. Even the 300 inhabitants had to leave during the sixties when the island's volcanic peak erupted.
The island is the largest in an archipelago, also named Tristan da Cunha. The various islands, because of their remoteness, are virtually untouched by human hands. Due to this, they boast an impressive array of birdlife, including the Wandering Albatross, Flightless Rail and Petrels.
Tristan da Cunha is a dependency of Saint Helena
Brief History
Geography
The Tristan da Cunha Archipelago is situated about 2800 km west of Cape Town, South Africa. The archipelago includes a number of islands of which the main island Tristan da Cunha is the only one that is inhabited. All other islands, Inaccessible, Nightingale, Middle, Stoltenhoff, and Gough are uninhabited and even more difficult to reach. The latter has a manned weather station though.
Regions/Islands
- Tristan da Cunha is the main island and the only inhabited one.
- Inaccessible Island
- The Nightingale Islands include Nightingale Island, Middle Island and Stoltenhoff Island
- Gough Island, 395 km south east of the main island, is also part of the territory.
Sights and Activities
Inaccessible Island
One of the more remote islands of this already remote archipelago - a site on the Unesco World Heritage List and home to many rare bird species.
Queen Mary's Peak
The dramatic volcano crowning the island of Tristan Da Cunha, 2062 metres (6760 feet) above sea level.
Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
The world's most isolated settlement, permanently inhabited since the early 19th Century.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Climate on Tristan da Cunha and neighbouring islands is marine subtropical with relatively cool weather and high rainfall, but rarely extremely cold or hot. Average rainfall is between 1500 and 2000 mm a year and temperatures average around 15 degrees Celsius, but with some variations between the islands. November to March is summer, June to September the coolest period, though differences between months are generally not very high. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
Getting there
By Boat
It is not possible to go to Tristan da Cunha by plane, you will need to take the boat, most likely from Cape Town or sometimes from Walvisbaai in Namibia.
As there are only a few boats a year, it requires special planning if you want to travel there by yourself. Most places on board are booked months if not a year in advance, mainly for locals returning to their island.
If you are lucky enough though, the trip takes 5 or 6 days and will mean you have to spend months on the island.
Tickets roughly cost about 1000 to 1200 for a return trip.
It's best to check the Tristan da Cunha website for details.
Otherwise, if you want to visit for a brief periode of time, it is best to join a tour with boats (mainly sailing ships) between Antarctica and Europe for example. Pricey, but priceless!
Getting Around
By Car
As there is no insurance available for people who want to drive a car by themselves, there are taxis available with a driver to explore the main island, Tristan da Cunha. Tours can be organised in the capital Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
By Boat
There are boats for hire for trips around Tristan da Cunha island or even to Nightingale Island. Also, there are cruise trips to Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island, mostly including Zodiac trips. Gough Island is the least visited of the islands. You need to arrange things with the local government and rates include permits and local guides.
Red Tape
All travellers wishing to visit the remote island of Tristan da Cunha must ask for special permission from the Tristan Government. You have to book everything in advance and specifically tell your purpose, lenght of stay and place to stay.
In general, a few of the requirements that also apply for Saint Helena, apply here as well. Meaning a valid passport and proof of onward or return transport.
Money
See also Money Matters
Tristan da Cunha is one of just a few of the UK overseas territories that doesn't have its own currency. Both the British Pound Sterling as well as the Saint Helena pound, which is tagged 1:1 with the UK Sterling, are valid.
Notes come in denominations of £20, £10 and £5, and coins are £2, £1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1pence.
Work
Study
Language
Eat
Sleep
Drink
This is version 17. Last edited at 19:24 on Sep 17, 09 by Utrecht (+633). 10 articles link to this page.
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