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The Best of Principe Holiday
Probably one of the most amazing islands you'll ever visit
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The unforgettable experiences you’ll have on our Best of Principe Holiday will stay with you forever.
The perfect island of Principe has a beauty and charm that’s truly captivating. The archipelago is situated in the Gulf of Guinea, just off the west coast of Africa and is easily accessible by plane from neighbouring Sao Tome.
The busy world we all live in has yet to reach the tranquil shores of this tiny island, yet there you can find comfort and luxury in the small number of luxury hotels on the island.
If you’re looking to escape, then look no further…
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival transfer Solar do Castelo, which is situated just below the Castle of Sao Joao in Lisbon (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Solar do Castelo
Day 2
Transfer to the airport and fly to São Tomé. On arrival you’ll be transferred to Omali Lodge where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 3
Today we have included a Tour of São Tomé City visiting the Fortress of Sao Sebastian, Independence Square, Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Graca, old and new markets and Caocao Gallery. You will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening you’ll have dinner at Omali Lodge.
Day 4
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Principe. On arrival transfer to Praia Sundy where you’ll stay for 4 nights. Settle into your villa and you might like to have your complimentary massage this afternoon. Dinner at Praia Sundy.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 5
Today you will go on your included activity – a gentle 3-4 hour guided walk to Ribeira Izé, the first capital of Príncipe. You can still see the ruins of its church and the house of Maria Correia, a well known historical figure of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Day 6
Free day to enjoy Praia Sundy and some additional activities such as boat trips, guided walks or jeep tours.
Day 7
Free day to enjoy Praia Sundy and some additional activities such as paddle boarding, snorkelling or kayaking.
Day 8
Transfer back to the airport and fly back to Sao Tome, where on arrival you will be taken to Omali Lodge. Dinner at Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 9
Transfer to the airport for overnight flight back to Heathrow via Lisbon.
Day 10
Today you will arrive home.
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 magnificant humbpack whales who migrate past the islands between July and October
Guided bird watching
Sao Tome and Principe have the highest density of endemic birds (that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide and of the 75 species that regularly occur on the islands, 17 are endemic to Sao Tome and 8 are endemic 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 one splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
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.
Cycling
The roads in the north west of Sao Tome are just fantastic explored on two wheels. Pedal the palm tree lined coast road gently undulates for many kilometers and rewards you with 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.
Praia Sundy
It’s no surprise that the striking Praia Sundy in Principe has been voted one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the world. It offers everything you expect from an exceptional lodge – exclusivity, comfort and outstanding service.
This perfect hideaway is surrounded by tropical forest and has direct access to a private beach. The 15 tented villas all have wood panelled walls and private terraces with comfortable sofas. The interior is spacious and decorated with local handcrafts and designer pieces, whilst the magnificent ocean can be seen through the floor to ceiling sliding windows.
Some of the rooms come with their own private plunge pool – although all have A/C, a safe, telephone, television and a maxi bar replenished daily with local fruits and juices. The beautifully designed en-suite bathroom comes with a freestanding granite bath and a range of locally produced toiletries like soaps, oils and creams, which are made at the nearby Roҫa Paҫienca.
This is the perfect romantic escape for couples and honeymooners looking for something special; Praia Sundy’s one bed room tented villas with its four poster bed, would be a perfect retreat.
Families with older children can stay in a two or three bedroom tented villa, where instead of an inter connecting door, you cross a few meters of private decking area under the cover of a canvas canopy.
Solar do Castelo
Solar Do Castelo is a romantic boutique hotel in Lisbon created from an 18th century mansion built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace of São Jorge.
Arguably the best located hotel in the city, it’s also the only property within the medieval walls of São Jorge Castle, making it an exclusive and unique place to spend time in the beautiful city of Lisbon. To add to the feeling of exclusivity, only locals and taxis are allowed to drive the narrow streets within the city walls.
The furniture was created especially for the hotel and the rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary medieval style. A private patio garden with a pretty inner courtyard gives you space to relax within the heart of the city.
Omali Lodge
Set in attractive gardens on the outskirts of São Tomé city, boutique style hotel Omali Lodge has an outdoor pool, 30 rooms and English speaking staff. Recently refurbished, it is owned by the HBD (Here Be Dragons) company which also owns Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge on Príncipe.
All rooms are immaculate and have tea and coffee making facilities, A/C, Satellite TV, mini bar and en-suite bathrooms. It has the only tennis court on the island and is just over the road from the beach. Birdwatchers will tick off quite a few birds in the lush gardens of the lodge.
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe are found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km east of Gabon on the African mainland. The islands are 150km / a 30 minute flight apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and are 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, with rainy days and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are limited and the best is on 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. Flights between São Tomé and Príncipe on with African Airways in partnership with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your Sao Tome 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 so you will need to pay €25 per person in cash when you arrive at the airport in Sao Tome.
Is it safe to travel to Sao Tome?
São Tomé and Príncipe 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. The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on São Tomé and is the most common in forested areas in the south and east of the island and like most snakes they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen. There are many lovely beaches on the islands, but 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?
It’s advisable to avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and / or wearing insect repellant with DEET as malaria present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advise on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
The unforgettable experiences you’ll have on our Best of Principe Holiday will stay with you forever.
The perfect island of Principe has a beauty and charm that’s truly captivating. The archipelago is situated in the Gulf of Guinea, just off the west coast of Africa and is easily accessible by plane from neighbouring Sao Tome.
The busy world we all live in has yet to reach the tranquil shores of this tiny island, yet there you can find comfort and luxury in the small number of luxury hotels on the island.
If you’re looking to escape, then look no further…
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival transfer Solar do Castelo, which is situated just below the Castle of Sao Joao in Lisbon (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Solar do Castelo
Day 2
Transfer to the airport and fly to São Tomé. On arrival you’ll be transferred to Omali Lodge where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 3
Today we have included a Tour of São Tomé City visiting the Fortress of Sao Sebastian, Independence Square, Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Graca, old and new markets and Caocao Gallery. You will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening you’ll have dinner at Omali Lodge.
Day 4
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Principe. On arrival transfer to Praia Sundy where you’ll stay for 4 nights. Settle into your villa and you might like to have your complimentary massage this afternoon. Dinner at Praia Sundy.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 5
Today you will go on your included activity – a gentle 3-4 hour guided walk to Ribeira Izé, the first capital of Príncipe. You can still see the ruins of its church and the house of Maria Correia, a well known historical figure of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Day 6
Free day to enjoy Praia Sundy and some additional activities such as boat trips, guided walks or jeep tours.
Day 7
Free day to enjoy Praia Sundy and some additional activities such as paddle boarding, snorkelling or kayaking.
Day 8
Transfer back to the airport and fly back to Sao Tome, where on arrival you will be taken to Omali Lodge. Dinner at Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 9
Transfer to the airport for overnight flight back to Heathrow via Lisbon.
Day 10
Today you will arrive home.
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 magnificant humbpack whales who migrate past the islands between July and October
Guided bird watching
Sao Tome and Principe have the highest density of endemic birds (that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide and of the 75 species that regularly occur on the islands, 17 are endemic to Sao Tome and 8 are endemic 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 one splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
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.
Cycling
The roads in the north west of Sao Tome are just fantastic explored on two wheels. Pedal the palm tree lined coast road gently undulates for many kilometers and rewards you with 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.
Praia Sundy
It’s no surprise that the striking Praia Sundy in Principe has been voted one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the world. It offers everything you expect from an exceptional lodge – exclusivity, comfort and outstanding service.
This perfect hideaway is surrounded by tropical forest and has direct access to a private beach. The 15 tented villas all have wood panelled walls and private terraces with comfortable sofas. The interior is spacious and decorated with local handcrafts and designer pieces, whilst the magnificent ocean can be seen through the floor to ceiling sliding windows.
Some of the rooms come with their own private plunge pool – although all have A/C, a safe, telephone, television and a maxi bar replenished daily with local fruits and juices. The beautifully designed en-suite bathroom comes with a freestanding granite bath and a range of locally produced toiletries like soaps, oils and creams, which are made at the nearby Roҫa Paҫienca.
This is the perfect romantic escape for couples and honeymooners looking for something special; Praia Sundy’s one bed room tented villas with its four poster bed, would be a perfect retreat.
Families with older children can stay in a two or three bedroom tented villa, where instead of an inter connecting door, you cross a few meters of private decking area under the cover of a canvas canopy.
Solar do Castelo
Solar Do Castelo is a romantic boutique hotel in Lisbon created from an 18th century mansion built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace of São Jorge.
Arguably the best located hotel in the city, it’s also the only property within the medieval walls of São Jorge Castle, making it an exclusive and unique place to spend time in the beautiful city of Lisbon. To add to the feeling of exclusivity, only locals and taxis are allowed to drive the narrow streets within the city walls.
The furniture was created especially for the hotel and the rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary medieval style. A private patio garden with a pretty inner courtyard gives you space to relax within the heart of the city.
Omali Lodge
Set in attractive gardens on the outskirts of São Tomé city, boutique style hotel Omali Lodge has an outdoor pool, 30 rooms and English speaking staff. Recently refurbished, it is owned by the HBD (Here Be Dragons) company which also owns Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge on Príncipe.
All rooms are immaculate and have tea and coffee making facilities, A/C, Satellite TV, mini bar and en-suite bathrooms. It has the only tennis court on the island and is just over the road from the beach. Birdwatchers will tick off quite a few birds in the lush gardens of the lodge.
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe are found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km east of Gabon on the African mainland. The islands are 150km / a 30 minute flight apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and are 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, with rainy days and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are limited and the best is on 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. Flights between São Tomé and Príncipe on with African Airways in partnership with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your Sao Tome 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 so you will need to pay €25 per person in cash when you arrive at the airport in Sao Tome.
Is it safe to travel to Sao Tome?
São Tomé and Príncipe 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. The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on São Tomé and is the most common in forested areas in the south and east of the island and like most snakes they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen. There are many lovely beaches on the islands, but 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?
It’s advisable to avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and / or wearing insect repellant with DEET as malaria present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advise on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
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