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Sao Tome Self-Drive Holiday
Explore the tropical African island of Sao Tome with your own vehicle
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Highlights
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots of marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Rainforest covers about 90% of the islands and they are home to around 900 species of plants, 130 of which are endemic. You’ll experience the exotic smells, sounds and sensations of the rainforest on our guided walks.
Step back in time and get a real sense of the history of these chocolate islands when you stay in the old plantation houses of Roca Sao Joao and Roca Bombaim.
Stand with one foot in the northern and one foot in the southern hemisphere when you visit the equator that divides Rolas islet.
Our Sao Tome Self-Drive Holiday is specially designed for intrepid travellers and a great way to independently discover the islands.
You decide where you want to stop, whether it’s to explore idyllic and deserted beaches, or in a village to have a chat with the locals.
Continue your journey to the south where you’ll leave your car behind and catch the boat for a day trip Rolas and visit the equator. Back on the mainland you drive inland where you will be staying in different roҫas.
Follow the road along the north-west coast to your last lodge that overlooks the Atlantic. If you carry on that same road a little further, you’ll have more or less covered the whole island by car!
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival walk (5 mins) to your Tryp Hotel.
Accommodation on this day: Tryp Hotel
Day 2
Walk to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival pick up your car and drive to Club Santana. Please note that at certain times of the year you will be staying at Omali Lodge instead of Club Santana.
Accommodation on this day: Club Santana
Day 3
Day 4
Drive to Porto Alegre along the spectacular east coast road, via Boca d’Inferno and Cete Ondas staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Accommodation on this day: Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Day 5
Day 6
Return to the mainland and drive to Sao Joao dos Angolares and stay at the former plantation house of Roca Sao Joao.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Sao Joao
Day 7
Free day. A rainforest walk or cookery lesson can be organised through the roҫa. If you are interested in doing one of these as it is best to pre-book.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Sao Joao
Day 8
Drive to Bom Successo and visit the Botanical garden, then overnight at Roca Bombaim.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Bombaim
Day 9
Guided walk to Lagoa Amelia (3 hrs), then drive to Mucumbli Eco Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Mucumbli
Day 10
Free day. You could visit Roca Monte Forte and a sustainable Cocoa Cooperative.
Accommodation on this day: Mucumbli
Day 11
Day 12
Morning free until transfer to the airport. Fly home on overnight flight via Lisbon.
Turtle Watching
Quietly observe one of the four different endangered turtle species: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill or Leatherback nesting or hatching on the beaches between November and March.
Whale Watching
Search for magnificent humpback whales as they migrate past the islands between July and October.
Guided Birdwatching
Sao Tome and Principe has the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide. 75 species regularly occur on the islands, with 17 being endemic to Sao Tome and 8 to Principe.
Guided Walks
There is no better way to get to know Sao Tome and Principe than to walk through the rainforest with our friendly guides who are only to happy to share the secrets of their island with you.
Plantation Visits
Discover the beating heart of Sao Tome and Principe's history on a visit to one of the many splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots for marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Cycling
The roads in the north-west of Sao Tome are just fantastic to explore on two wheels. Pedal the gently-undulating palm-tree-lined coast road and you'll be rewarded by many kilometres of spectacular views.
Diving
There are several dive centres on the islands where qualified, experienced dive instructors will show you snapper, octopus, moray eels, sea horses, giant sea slugs and much more.
Tryp Hotel
The Tryp Hotel is a comfortable and convenient 4-star hotel close to Lisbon airport.
With 167 rooms ranging from singles and doubles/twins to family rooms, a restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool, gym and spa, the Tryp ticks all the boxes for a relaxing and stress-free break between flights.
It’s easy to get to being either a 5-10 minute walk from the airport, or a couple of minutes’ drive in the hotel’s shuttle bus or a private taxi. The rooms are modern with wifi, air conditioning, mini bar, digital tv, room service, safe and hairdryer. If you have time, it’s easy to nip into Lisbon on the Metro that departs from just outside the airport. Tickets into downtown Lisbon cost a couple of euros and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Roca Sao Joao
Roca Sao Joao is a beautifully restored rustic colonial plantation house with 6 lovingly decorated rooms based in Sao Joao dos Angolares.
The rooms have high ceilings and there is no A/C but as Roca Sao Joao sits above the village’s semi-humid zone, it gets the refreshing cooler winds.
There are two lounges full of books, leather sofas and abstract art and a balcony runs all around the first floor giving stunning views both inland and to the rocky shoreline.
Meals are taken on the covered veranda and, as the owner is a famous TV chef, they are an excellent fusion of traditional Santomean and contemporary cuisine.
Roca Bombaim
Roca Bombaim is set deep in the rainforest. The setting is beautiful and a stay here offers the opportunity to be immersed in the nature of the rainforest and the history of the island. The colourful tropical gardens are neatly maintained and visited by a great variety of birds – best observed from the house’s extensive verandas.
In recent years the roca has become a little neglected and it’s 9 rooms and 3 shared bathrooms are very basic. Simple meals are cooked by the house keeper. There is no hot water and electricity can be sporadic but this historic house has lots of character and is interesting to explore during an overnight stay between rainforest walks, or as part of a jeep tour.
Mucumbli
Named after the Mucumbli tree found in the extensive grounds, this forested cliff top lodge is located in the north west corner of Sao Tome. The Italian owners have designed their lodge with local materials and crafts and the wooden chalets all have spacious verandas overlooking the sea. You might spot the humpback whales from your veranda, or on a whale watching trip between July and October!
Relax in the hammocks and loungers or follow the steep path down to the long beach with it grey/black sand. The water is murkier here, but between November and March turtles do come and nest on the rocky beach. All rooms have fans (no AC) and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. The Italian and Santomean inspired home-cooked food is delicious and made with produce grown onsite.
The owner is a keen cyclists and the lodge has bikes for hire.
Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
The Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is beautiful eco-resort located on the southern tip of Sao Tome. The twelve delightful en-suite wooden bungalows on stilts are situated on a small section of a pristine beach in a lush tropical environment. There isn’t A/C, but there are ceiling fans and you can sleep with windows open as all have mosquito nets.
The lodge offers a guided mangrove trip, a walk uphill to the old Soviet wireless station for a great view across the island, turtle watching (November to March), and a day trip to Rolas islet. The restaurant overlooks the beach and is open sided with a bar on one side and a restaurant on the other.
Club Santana
Set in tropical gardens and perched on a rocky cliff with easy access to the beach, Club Santana has beautiful panoramic views over the ocean and nearby Santana islet. All 31 bungalows are en-suite and have A/C, TV, phone and mini bar. Trips to Monte Café plantation and Sao Nicolau Waterfall, and a snorkelling trip to Santana Islet are free.
There is a 24-hour reception desk, dry cleaning and laundry, private beach with bar and infinity pool and small souvenir shop. The restaurant serves Santomean food with a French twist. The snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, baby catamaran and kayaks are free to use and there is a free shuttle bus from Club Santana to Sao Tome city three times a day.
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe is found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km west of Gabon on the African mainland. The two main islands sit 150km, or a 30-minute flight, apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and constitute the second smallest country in Africa after the Seychelles.
When is the best time to visit?
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with maximum of 30˚C from January to April, and slightly cooler from May to September. Both islands have dry and wet seasons. June to September is cooler, with more cloud and virtually no rain, whilst March to May and October to December are considered the wettest months, when days often bring a mix of rain and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are relatively limited and the best is with TAP Air Portugal, via Lisbon (with a short stopover in Accra). Low-cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to Lisbon and we can arrange separate tickets to São Tomé from there. Flights between Sao Tome and Principe are with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your São Tomé specialist will find the best flight times and prices for you.
Do I need a visa for Sao Tome?
If you stay more than 15 days you will need a visa and we arrange this for you as part of your holiday. Visas can’t currently be paid for in advance – they are inserted into your passport on arrival at the airport in Sao Tome so you will need to pay €20 per person in cash at this stage.
Is it safe to travel in Sao Tome?
Sao Tome and Principe is a very safe holiday destination and the crime rate is very low. However, petty theft is becoming more common especially in built-up areas so we advise only carrying enough money for the day and keeping the rest in a hotel safe. Whilst there are many lovely beaches on the islands, they don’t have lifeguards. Swimming in the ocean around the islands is amazing, however we always advise that you check with the hotel where you are staying with to make sure the conditions are safe as there can be strong undertows and current on some beaches. The first rule of thumb is to check first. The second one would be that if there are large rolling breakers, then it is advisable not to go in.
Do I need vaccinations for Sao Tome?
It’s always best to check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you travel.
Are there any wildlife hazards in Sao Tome?
The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on Sao Tome and is most commonly found in forested areas in the south and east of the island. Like most snakes, they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen.
It’s also advisable to try avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and/or wearing insect repellent with DEET, as malaria is present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advice on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Highlights
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots of marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Rainforest covers about 90% of the islands and they are home to around 900 species of plants, 130 of which are endemic. You’ll experience the exotic smells, sounds and sensations of the rainforest on our guided walks.
Step back in time and get a real sense of the history of these chocolate islands when you stay in the old plantation houses of Roca Sao Joao and Roca Bombaim.
Stand with one foot in the northern and one foot in the southern hemisphere when you visit the equator that divides Rolas islet.
Our Sao Tome Self-Drive Holiday is specially designed for intrepid travellers and a great way to independently discover the islands.
You decide where you want to stop, whether it’s to explore idyllic and deserted beaches, or in a village to have a chat with the locals.
Continue your journey to the south where you’ll leave your car behind and catch the boat for a day trip Rolas and visit the equator. Back on the mainland you drive inland where you will be staying in different roҫas.
Follow the road along the north-west coast to your last lodge that overlooks the Atlantic. If you carry on that same road a little further, you’ll have more or less covered the whole island by car!
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival walk (5 mins) to your Tryp Hotel.
Accommodation on this day: Tryp Hotel
Day 2
Walk to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival pick up your car and drive to Club Santana. Please note that at certain times of the year you will be staying at Omali Lodge instead of Club Santana.
Accommodation on this day: Club Santana
Day 3
Day 4
Drive to Porto Alegre along the spectacular east coast road, via Boca d’Inferno and Cete Ondas staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Accommodation on this day: Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Day 5
Day 6
Return to the mainland and drive to Sao Joao dos Angolares and stay at the former plantation house of Roca Sao Joao.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Sao Joao
Day 7
Free day. A rainforest walk or cookery lesson can be organised through the roҫa. If you are interested in doing one of these as it is best to pre-book.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Sao Joao
Day 8
Drive to Bom Successo and visit the Botanical garden, then overnight at Roca Bombaim.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Bombaim
Day 9
Guided walk to Lagoa Amelia (3 hrs), then drive to Mucumbli Eco Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Mucumbli
Day 10
Free day. You could visit Roca Monte Forte and a sustainable Cocoa Cooperative.
Accommodation on this day: Mucumbli
Day 11
Day 12
Morning free until transfer to the airport. Fly home on overnight flight via Lisbon.
Turtle Watching
Quietly observe one of the four different endangered turtle species: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill or Leatherback nesting or hatching on the beaches between November and March.
Whale Watching
Search for magnificent humpback whales as they migrate past the islands between July and October.
Guided Birdwatching
Sao Tome and Principe has the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide. 75 species regularly occur on the islands, with 17 being endemic to Sao Tome and 8 to Principe.
Guided Walks
There is no better way to get to know Sao Tome and Principe than to walk through the rainforest with our friendly guides who are only to happy to share the secrets of their island with you.
Plantation Visits
Discover the beating heart of Sao Tome and Principe's history on a visit to one of the many splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots for marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Cycling
The roads in the north-west of Sao Tome are just fantastic to explore on two wheels. Pedal the gently-undulating palm-tree-lined coast road and you'll be rewarded by many kilometres of spectacular views.
Diving
There are several dive centres on the islands where qualified, experienced dive instructors will show you snapper, octopus, moray eels, sea horses, giant sea slugs and much more.
Tryp Hotel
The Tryp Hotel is a comfortable and convenient 4-star hotel close to Lisbon airport.
With 167 rooms ranging from singles and doubles/twins to family rooms, a restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool, gym and spa, the Tryp ticks all the boxes for a relaxing and stress-free break between flights.
It’s easy to get to being either a 5-10 minute walk from the airport, or a couple of minutes’ drive in the hotel’s shuttle bus or a private taxi. The rooms are modern with wifi, air conditioning, mini bar, digital tv, room service, safe and hairdryer. If you have time, it’s easy to nip into Lisbon on the Metro that departs from just outside the airport. Tickets into downtown Lisbon cost a couple of euros and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Roca Sao Joao
Roca Sao Joao is a beautifully restored rustic colonial plantation house with 6 lovingly decorated rooms based in Sao Joao dos Angolares.
The rooms have high ceilings and there is no A/C but as Roca Sao Joao sits above the village’s semi-humid zone, it gets the refreshing cooler winds.
There are two lounges full of books, leather sofas and abstract art and a balcony runs all around the first floor giving stunning views both inland and to the rocky shoreline.
Meals are taken on the covered veranda and, as the owner is a famous TV chef, they are an excellent fusion of traditional Santomean and contemporary cuisine.
Roca Bombaim
Roca Bombaim is set deep in the rainforest. The setting is beautiful and a stay here offers the opportunity to be immersed in the nature of the rainforest and the history of the island. The colourful tropical gardens are neatly maintained and visited by a great variety of birds – best observed from the house’s extensive verandas.
In recent years the roca has become a little neglected and it’s 9 rooms and 3 shared bathrooms are very basic. Simple meals are cooked by the house keeper. There is no hot water and electricity can be sporadic but this historic house has lots of character and is interesting to explore during an overnight stay between rainforest walks, or as part of a jeep tour.
Mucumbli
Named after the Mucumbli tree found in the extensive grounds, this forested cliff top lodge is located in the north west corner of Sao Tome. The Italian owners have designed their lodge with local materials and crafts and the wooden chalets all have spacious verandas overlooking the sea. You might spot the humpback whales from your veranda, or on a whale watching trip between July and October!
Relax in the hammocks and loungers or follow the steep path down to the long beach with it grey/black sand. The water is murkier here, but between November and March turtles do come and nest on the rocky beach. All rooms have fans (no AC) and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. The Italian and Santomean inspired home-cooked food is delicious and made with produce grown onsite.
The owner is a keen cyclists and the lodge has bikes for hire.
Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
The Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is beautiful eco-resort located on the southern tip of Sao Tome. The twelve delightful en-suite wooden bungalows on stilts are situated on a small section of a pristine beach in a lush tropical environment. There isn’t A/C, but there are ceiling fans and you can sleep with windows open as all have mosquito nets.
The lodge offers a guided mangrove trip, a walk uphill to the old Soviet wireless station for a great view across the island, turtle watching (November to March), and a day trip to Rolas islet. The restaurant overlooks the beach and is open sided with a bar on one side and a restaurant on the other.
Club Santana
Set in tropical gardens and perched on a rocky cliff with easy access to the beach, Club Santana has beautiful panoramic views over the ocean and nearby Santana islet. All 31 bungalows are en-suite and have A/C, TV, phone and mini bar. Trips to Monte Café plantation and Sao Nicolau Waterfall, and a snorkelling trip to Santana Islet are free.
There is a 24-hour reception desk, dry cleaning and laundry, private beach with bar and infinity pool and small souvenir shop. The restaurant serves Santomean food with a French twist. The snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, baby catamaran and kayaks are free to use and there is a free shuttle bus from Club Santana to Sao Tome city three times a day.
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe is found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km west of Gabon on the African mainland. The two main islands sit 150km, or a 30-minute flight, apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and constitute the second smallest country in Africa after the Seychelles.
When is the best time to visit?
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with maximum of 30˚C from January to April, and slightly cooler from May to September. Both islands have dry and wet seasons. June to September is cooler, with more cloud and virtually no rain, whilst March to May and October to December are considered the wettest months, when days often bring a mix of rain and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are relatively limited and the best is with TAP Air Portugal, via Lisbon (with a short stopover in Accra). Low-cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to Lisbon and we can arrange separate tickets to São Tomé from there. Flights between Sao Tome and Principe are with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your São Tomé specialist will find the best flight times and prices for you.
Do I need a visa for Sao Tome?
If you stay more than 15 days you will need a visa and we arrange this for you as part of your holiday. Visas can’t currently be paid for in advance – they are inserted into your passport on arrival at the airport in Sao Tome so you will need to pay €20 per person in cash at this stage.
Is it safe to travel in Sao Tome?
Sao Tome and Principe is a very safe holiday destination and the crime rate is very low. However, petty theft is becoming more common especially in built-up areas so we advise only carrying enough money for the day and keeping the rest in a hotel safe. Whilst there are many lovely beaches on the islands, they don’t have lifeguards. Swimming in the ocean around the islands is amazing, however we always advise that you check with the hotel where you are staying with to make sure the conditions are safe as there can be strong undertows and current on some beaches. The first rule of thumb is to check first. The second one would be that if there are large rolling breakers, then it is advisable not to go in.
Do I need vaccinations for Sao Tome?
It’s always best to check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you travel.
Are there any wildlife hazards in Sao Tome?
The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on Sao Tome and is most commonly found in forested areas in the south and east of the island. Like most snakes, they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen.
It’s also advisable to try avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and/or wearing insect repellent with DEET, as malaria is present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advice on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
