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The world's most isolated human settlement, officially known as Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is located on Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory that includes St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. The name was given to the island after a visit in 1867 by the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Alfred, another son of Queen Victoria. The next populated area, St.Helena, is 1,514 miles north, and the island is situated between South America and South Africa.
There is nothing but water between the island and Antarctica in the south, while the distances to Montevideo, Uruguay, to the west, and Cape Town, South Africa, to the east, are around 2,434 and 1,732 miles, respectively. Seems detached enough for you to plan a trip to Tristan da Cunha to get away from civilisation? Well, keep reading to know more about Tristan da Cunha travel tips! But first, what’s the history of this remote island?
Scots, stonemasons & volcanoes: The island time forgot
The Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha found these islands, which is rather interesting. Although he discovered these islands in 1506, they remained uninhabited for generations due to their inhospitable climate and geographical isolation. William Glass, a Scottish soldier, and two English stonemasons remained behind when the British army departed Tristan in 1817—the endeavour to rescue Napoleon never came to fruition. Utilising reclaimed driftwood, they constructed dwellings and vessels, subsequent to formulating a charter that mandated a fresh society predicated on mutual aid and equality. Even after all these years of relative solitude, the island's community spirit has persisted.
The isolation of the islands has allowed them to support a wide variety of rare and exotic plant and animal species.For those interested in animals and those conducting studies, the area is a sanctuary. On Inaccessible Island, you can find rare plant species like megaherbs. Vicious volcanoes have forced these plants to evolve.
Tristan da Cunha travel- explore the world’s most remote island!
Weather at Tristan da Cunha – know what to pack!
Oceanic mood swings dictate Tristan da Cunha's weather patterns. The archipelago enjoys an average yearly temperature of 15.1 degrees Celsius, which brings moderate to heavy rainfall. In the summer, mild temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius make for a lovely ambiance. Nevertheless, when tropical northwest winds swoop over the island, bringing with them the odd storm with gale-force winds, clouds, and 100% humidity becomes a constant companion. So pack your raincoats and a light jacket for your Tristan da Cunha travel.
So, how do we travel inside the island?
You’ve reached the island – now, how will you explore it? It can be difficult to navigate this rocky terrain, but there is a green area inside the settlement that provides easier ways to explore. From Edinburgh, locals can use their automobiles or tractors on the three-mile trip to the Potato Patches along the paved road (the M1). Seniors may enjoy a free trip on the morning bus service, while others can get a return fare of £5, allowing them to experience the local culture firsthand. One of the things that makes this island special is how uncommon it is to see rented cars – a unique fact to keep in mind for your Tristan da Cunha travel!
Explore a harmonious community on the most remote island in the world
As a result of its inhabitants' strong bonds formed against this breathtaking setting, Tristan da Cunha is the world's most remote inhabited archipelago. With just around 242 long-term inhabitants and another 30 made up of expats, families, and visitors, this sanctuary radiates a feeling of community and connection. The local community's tender care of the island's soil is strengthened via family-oriented events and activities.
Despite its lofty moniker, Tristan's "capital" is actually just a modest hamlet at the mountain's base. Sitting on low sea cliffs on an undulating slope around 500 meters wide, it is commonly referred to as "the settlement." About 70 households, or about the whole population, plus a slew of domesticated animals, call the settlement home.
Sightseeing recommendations for your trip to Tristan da Cunha
Explore the churches
Like many island homes, Tristan's two churches are long and low with white paint. Dedicated in the 1920s, St Mary's is an Anglican church. There are a lot of metal memorial plaques and other interfaith elements inside, as well as artefacts like wood and a bell salvaged from ships, and a giant image of Queen Victoria hung on the wall. It would be a shame to miss the Catholic church of St Joseph just to see the tranquil stained-glass display that shows a Tristan longboat.
Go on an undisturbed long walk
Guests are allowed to walk solo for half an hour along a paved road from the Settlement to the Potato Patches, but hikers are required to have a local guide with them for the rest of the journey. Depending on the weather, most hikes require previous planning through the tourism department.
Picnic at the volcano
Although you should be cautious of rough and uneven rocks, hiking to the top of the 1961 volcano, which is around 400 feet (0.12 km), is a rather easy hike. Park61, at the volcano's base, is a lovely picnic spot before or after the hike. Take note that climbs to Queen Mary’s Peak and The Base were formerly recommended, but these paths are now considered hazardous due to recent mountain collapses, so you shouldn’t try to get there. Also, keep in mind that guides could be busy or even cancel pre-arranged trips if a "fishing day" is announced.