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Sao Tome and Principe
We organise bespoke holidays to Africa's best kept secret islands, São Tomé and Príncipe; the dream destination for those seeking somewhere safe & undiscovered
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Sao Tome and Principe is, without doubt, Africa’s best kept secret, and is considered to be Africa’s Galapagos due to the rare endemic species the archipelago supports. It is accessible… yet not too accessible, and this has helped the islands to stay off the beaten tourist track.
It is a place where you can relax to nature’s rhythms, whether that’s on a deserted, pristine, beach or exploring lush rainforest with one of our local guides. The islands have a very unique charm and, if you’re adventurous and looking for a safe and lesser-known holiday destination, we can definitely recommend this archipelago.
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.
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.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit Sao Tome and Principe:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with a 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.
Sao Tome and Principe is, without doubt, Africa’s best kept secret, and is considered to be Africa’s Galapagos due to the rare endemic species the archipelago supports. It is accessible… yet not too accessible, and this has helped the islands to stay off the beaten tourist track.
It is a place where you can relax to nature’s rhythms, whether that’s on a deserted, pristine, beach or exploring lush rainforest with one of our local guides. The islands have a very unique charm and, if you’re adventurous and looking for a safe and lesser-known holiday destination, we can definitely recommend this archipelago.
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.
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.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit Sao Tome and Principe:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with a 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.
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
