Tristan da Cunha

1280px TristandC-pos - Location map of Tristan da Cunha, showing its location in the South Atlantic, with Africa to the east, and South America to the west

Tristan da Cunha refers both to an archipelago of fairly small islands in the middle of the islands of the Atlantic Ocean|South Atlantic Ocean and to the only inhabited island of the groupand is part of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha—a territory of the United Kingdom—together with Saint Helena (island)|Saint Helena and Ascension, which lie over 2,000 km to the north. Politically, Tristan da Cunha refers to Tristan da Cunha Island, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, relatively nearby Gough Island, and a dozen or so islets near these islands.

The main body of this Travel Guide deals with Tristan da Cunha Island; the other islands are covered in "[[#Go next|Go next" at the bottom of the page.

Tristan da Cunha Halal Travel Guide

Tristan da Cunha, British overseas territory-20March2012 - View of the entire volcanic cone of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is the most remote archipelago in the world, while the main island (commonly called Tristan da Cunha) is the most remote inhabited island in the world. The nearest speck of land not part of the archipelago, St. Helena (island)|St. Helena, is a whopping 2430 km (1509 mi) away, and it's over 2816 km (1750 mi) to the nearest continent, Africa.

The entire population of some 270 inhabitants is concentrated on the only flat bit of this volcanic landmass and the hamlet of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas on the main island. There are a few other islands in the archipelago, all uninhabited: Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, Middle Island and Stoltenhoff Island. #Gough Island|Gough Island, some 300 km away, hosts a weather and scientific research outpost.

History

The islands were discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese captain Tristão da Cunha, who named the main island after himself.

The first recorded landing, for provisions, was in 1643 by the crew of the Dutch Heemstede. The islands were on the preferred routes for sailing ships from Europe to the Indian Ocean, and thus of interest; the Dutch East India Company mounted two expeditions to the island. The English and French followed. Nightingale Island was named by a British officer, likewise after himself. No base was built though, by any of them, probably because of lack of a safe harbour.

In 1790–91 an English crew lived on the island hunting seals. Also American whalers frequented the waters. A few Americans settled 1810. During the war against Britain, Americans used the island as a base. Because of this and to prevent the French from freeing Napoleon on Street Helena and the islands were occupied by a garrison of British Marines.

When the garrison left in 1817, a corporal and his family stayed. A civilian population of mixed backgrounds was gradually built up. Whalers used the islands as a base.

The American Civil War hit whaling hard. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the move from sailing ships to steam ships made the islands isolated, as they were no longer on an important trade route. The year 1885 was a disaster for the residents: poor weather had made them short of food, a boat with most of the male population on board was lost and rats surviving from a shipwreck rendered growing of wheat imfeasible. The majority preferred to remain.

During World War II and the islands were used as a top secret Royal Navy weather and radio station codenamed HMS Atlantic Isle, to monitor U Boats and German shipping.

An eruption of Queen Mary's Peak forced the evacuation of the entire population from 1961 to 1963, to a site near Southampton.

Travel as a Muslim to Tristan da Cunha

Tristan West coast 03 (3450376868) - West coast of Tristan da Cunha

Travel to Tristan da Cunha requires careful planning, often more than a year before a visit. There is no airstrip on the island; all visitors must arrive by boat. There are no entry restrictions based on nationality and, while the island requires an application (which must be approved) and there are no "visas" for entry to Tristan da Cunha. Prior to booking passage all visitors to Tristan da Cunha must receive permission from the Tristan Government. Write an email to and specify the proposed dates of your visit, preferred passage (name of vessel), type of accommodation sought, nationality, age, and the full purpose of your visit. A Police Certificate (official record of your criminal history, or lack thereof) may be requested. If you are a journalist or intend to publish any work as a result of your stay, you must declare so in your application. Film makers must apply for a permit (limited permits are available), have their intentions approved by the Island Council, and are subject to a £5,000 fee. All visitors must agree to and abide by an extensive list of terms & conditions to visit the island.

Visitors are the lowest priority for passage on vessels and may be forced to forfeit their passage to persons with a higher priority (medical evacuation, officials on official business, even local residents leaving on holiday have higher priority). When planning a visit, consider a departure when several other vessels will be departing soon thereafter to avoid being stuck on the island if forced to forfeit your departing passage.

It takes five to ten days (depending on the weather and ship) to travel the 2810 kilometers from Cape Town. The South African polar research ship SA Agulhas and the fishing vessels Edinburgh and Baltic Trader do the voyage between Cape Town and Tristan da Cunha several times every year. A return ticket on Agulhas is about US$1,300, a return ticket on one of the fishing vessels is US$800. Schedules and further information is available on the official Tristan da Cunha website].

Oceanwide Expeditions offers a cruise to Tristan da Cunha and other remote islands in March–April.

Arriving by yacht or personal vessel

Tristan Harbour|Radio: Channel 14, 16 and 78. HFSSB 4000 / 4149 / 6230 / 8294mhz

Hours: mid-morning to 19:00 GST (1 October - 31 May), mid-morning to 17:00 GST (1 June - 31 Sep); closed at various times to permit local fishing vessel operations

Anchorage: near 37°03.10'S/12°18.60'W or 37°03.04'S/12°17.85'W (with clearance from Harbourmaster)

Communications Officer (Tristan Radio Zoe): +44 20 3014-2034, +44 20 3014-5024 (after hours), or @

Visiting vessels are strictly prohibited from anchoring overnight off Gough, Inaccessible or Nightingale Islands!}}

Advance arrangements should be made by contacting the Police Department at +44 20 3014-2010 (telephone), +44 20 3014-2020 (fax), or @. Tristan Radio serves as the coastal radio for Tristan da Cunha Island and the port at Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Communication with Tristan Radio must be established prior to arrival on VHF: Channel 14, 16 and 78. HFSSB 4000 / 4149 / 6230 / 8294mhz. The Communications Officer (Tristan Radio Zoe) can be visited at +44 20 3014-2034, +44 20 3014-5024 (after hours), or @. Vessels which have not made prior arrangements to call at Tristan with the Police Department must obtain clearance from the Harbourmaster, Medical Officer and Immigration Officer through Tristan Radio before anchoring or disembarking passengers or crew.

Visiting vessels must obtain clearance from the Harbourmaster to anchor off Tristan da Cunha Island, in open anchorage near 37°03.10'S/12°18.60'W or 37°03.04'S/12°17.85'W (maximum depth 50-100 m, due to shelving bottom). Aluminum anchors are generally ineffective in Tristan Harbour. Due to wildlife conservation measures, visiting vessels are prohibited from anchoring overnight off Gough, Inaccessible or Nightingale Islands. The Harbour is closed to visiting vessels after 19:00 GMT (1 Oct - 31 May), 17:00 GMT (1 Apr - 31 Sep), early mornings, late afternoons, and at various other times at the Harbourmaster's discretion to allow local vessels to operate in/out of the harbour.

The Visits Liaison Officer will arrange for an official party to board visiting vessels and complete local clearance procedures prior to the disembarkation of passengers or crew. All visitors must hold a valid passport and obtain permission to land by having a landing stamp inserted in their passport. The landing fee for yacht passengers is £15. If unable to transfer from anchorage to shore, a small RIB and crew can be hired for ship-to-shore £75 per day. There is a strict ban on the import (without permit) of any living or dead animal or plant.

Information from the Tristan government for visiting vessels may be found here

Get Around

Tristan Map - Map of the Tristan da Cunha group and Gough Island Edinburgh_of_the_Seven_Seas_map - Edinburgh of the Seven Seas map

By foot

Travelling by foot is the most common method of getting around Tristan da Cunha Island and the only way of moving about any of the outer islands. Due to rugged, steep terrain, going all the way around the island is difficult, but if you are just staying in the village of Tristan and the flat, grassy ground there is easy to manage.

By transport

There is a paved road (the M1) from Edinburgh (aka The Settlement) to the Potato Patches, which are about 3 miles away. There are no vehicles for hire on Tristan; however, local transport is available to the Potato Patches. This local transport could be an islander's car, tractor, and during the mornings a bus service also operates. The bus is targeted at pensioners, who can ride on the bus for free. The charge is £5 return

What to See

There is generally rugged terrain, which has several types of more or less harsh beauty, as you can see from some of the photos on this page.

Wildlife

These islands are home to rare birds, including the Tristan thrush; the Inaccessible Island rail, which is flightless; and the northern rockhopper penguin.

What to Do

Gallinula comeri Beintema - upright 1.3|Gough moorhen

The Island organizes fishing excursions, walks, climbs and even golf for visitors. Once again, consult their website for more information .

• Climb the volcano – this is very weather-dependent, but on a clear day you may be able to reach either "First Base" (the plateau above the settlement) or even Queen Mary's Peak (the summit). A guide is required and costs (shared by all hikers): £200 for a trip to the peak or £120 (2 guides) or £60 (one guide) to the base.
• Visit the fish factory – lal-tours/ tours of the island's fish processing factory are often available to visitors.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tristan da Cunha

Money Matters & ATM's in Tristan da Cunha

The currency of the islands is the Pound sterling (£). Credit cards and personal cheques are not accepted. Travellers cheques, euros, US dollars, and South African rand may be exchanged at the treasury in the Administration Building.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tristan da Cunha

A handicrafts and souvenirs store is located in the Tourism Centre.

Handicrafts and souvenirs are also available in the Island Store and, during cruise ship visits, may be available in the Café, Prince Philip Hall Community Centre, and some local homes.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Tristan da Cunha

Tristan Thrush on Nightingale island - A Tristan thrush on Nightingale Island

The only public place available is the Prince Philip Hall which occasionally serves food and the building also houses the Albatross Bar—the island's only pub. Opening hours are sketchy to say the least, and the only time it's very likely to be open is when cruise ships are docked at the island. If you are hungry and the hall is closed, your only other bet is a visit to the Island shop.

The Post Office also houses a small café, serving tea, filter coffee and cakes.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tristan da Cunha, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tristan da Cunha. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tristan da Cunha and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tristan da Cunha. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tristan da Cunha. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTristan da Cunha: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tristan da Cunha.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tristan da Cunha: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tristan da Cunha, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tristan da Cunha.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tristan da Cunha, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tristan da Cunha, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tristan da Cunha and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tristan da Cunha, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tristan da Cunha, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tristan da Cunha without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tristan da Cunha is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tristan da Cunha.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tristan da Cunha is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tristan da Cunha, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tristan da Cunha Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Self-catering accommodation is £20 per day, while home stays, which include meals and laundry, cost £40 per day. There are discounts for Tristan Islanders and children. Booking information is available on the Island's official website .

Medical Issues in Tristan da Cunha

Tap water is filtered from a spring and is safe and pleasant to drink.

Telecommunications in Tristan da Cunha

• There is no mobile phone network on the island (nor will you have had signal for the last week after you lost sight of Cape Town!)
• The Internet Cafe houses a number of PCs and spaces to use your own laptop, and costs £10 for visitors for the duration of their stay. Internet access for the island is via a satellite link, so the 3 Mbps connection is shared between everyone—don't expect it to be fast at 9AM on a Monday morning!
• A payphone is available in the Internet Cafe—you'll need to ask for it to be unlocked if you wish to use it.
• Post can be sent from the Post Office, or the post box just outside, but will likely travel back with you on the same ship as you are on. Expect it to take a couple of weeks to arrive at its destination. Last posting dates for each ship are advertised at the Post Office when known.

Cope

Church services

Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday morning services at St.Mary's Anglican Church (8AM) and St.Joseph's Catholic Church (9AM).

Toilets

Public toilets can be found adjacent to the Café, in Prince Philip Hall, below the Council Chamber in the Administration Building and in the Post Office and Tourism Centre.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tristan da Cunha

Inaccessible Island Panorama (Large) - upright 1.35|Inaccessible Island

Inaccessible Island

Despite the name, it is feasible to visit the island. Only visitors escorted by guides from Tristan da Cunha are permitted to visit the island, and most visitors come as part of a cruise ship itinerary. There are no permanent settlements on the island and you should bring your own food or drinks. Along with (relatively) nearby Gough Island, Inaccessible Island was made a UNESCO in 1995.

Nightingale Island

Nightingale Island, British overseas territory-20March2012 - upright 1.2|Nightingale Island as seen from the northeast with Alex Island on the right and the landing just right of the centre of the image

Some 38 km (24 mi) southwest of Tristan da Cunha is Nightingale Island, flanked on the north by two small islands—Stoltenhoff Island & Alex Island—both roughly 0.5 km in diameter and under 100 m high. The islands are an important breeding ground for up to 6 million migratory birds at a time (that's 2.6 birds/m²), which are the primary sight here. Nightingale is a volcanic island, which experienced its first eruption (undersea) in over 30,000 years in 2004. In the center of Nightingale lay four small ponds (an area known as "The Ponds"). Cliffs ring much of this tiny island—the smallest of the Tristan da Cunha group at barely 2 km in diameter—but a landing can be made on the northern coast on the channel between Nightingale & Alex Islands. Huts have been built at the landing for visitors to spend the night on shore and a trail has been made to The Ponds.

Nightingale is covered by tall grasses (up to 3 m high) which shelter many of the smaller birds. Endemic (and really the only) vegetation on the island are the grass (Spartina arundinacea) and a tree (Phylica arborea). The only endemic bird is a landbird: the Nightingale Island Finch (Nesospiza questi), while the Wilkins's Finch (Nesospiza wilkinsi)—another landbird—is only found on Nightingale & Inaccessible Islands. The Tristan Thrush (Nesocichla eremita) is the third landbird found on Nightingale and endemic to the Tristan da Cunha group. Among the species of seabirds that flock to the island are Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome moseleyi) and the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchus) and the Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis), White-faced Storm Petrels (Pelagodroma marina), White-bellied Storm Petrels (Fregetta grallaria), Brown/Southern/Subantarctic Skuas (Stercorarius antarcticus), Tristan skuas (Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni), broad-billed pions (Pachyptila vittata) and the great shearwater (puffinus gravis) and the Atlantic petrel (Pteradroma incerta) and the common diving petrel (pelecanoides urinatrix), Antarctic tern (Sterna vittata), and the sooty albatross (Phoebetria fusca).

Gough Island

Gough island top view - Top view of Gough Island

Gough Island was first known as Diego Alvarez, but it was sighted again in 1721 by Captain Gough, from his ship the Richmond. This brought a new name—and a bit more attention—to the place. Though Gough Island is a U.K. territory and the only permanent settlement you will find is South African. South Africa leases a portion of the island from the U.K. for use by SANAP as the only permanently manned South Atlantic Ocean meteorological station. The island is..

Gough Island has no sheltered harbour or anchorage. The only suitable landing place for boats is at Glen Anchorage in Quest Bay on the island's east coast.

SA Agulhas, on a relief expedition, departs from Cape Town to Tristan da Cunha then onwards to Gough Island on an annual relief voyage. This ship carries cargo and passengers.

There is no access for tourists and even crew members from passing yachts may not go ashore except in the case of an extreme emergency.

Getting around comes with great difficulty—a combination of excessively steep terrain and incredibly dense vegetation—and no paths to speak of. Nor is there any public accommodation on Gough Island.

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