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
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
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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
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
Getting there
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!
By Plane
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
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.
Money
Work
Study
Language
Eat
Sleep
Drink
Health
Safety
This is version 12. Last edited at 14:45 on Jul 25, 08 by Utrecht (+91). 5 articles link to this page.
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