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Sao Tome and Principe
We organise bespoke holidays to Africa's best kept secret islands, Sao Tome and Principe; the dream destination for those seeking somewhere safe & undiscovered
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Sao Tome and Principe is Africa’s best kept secret. It’s not the easiest place to get to, and it’s also not for everyone; but it’s worth the effort if you’re adventurous and looking for a safe and fairly untouched and undiscovered holiday destination.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sao Tome and Principe is Africa’s best kept secret. It’s not the easiest place to get to, and it’s also not for everyone; but it’s worth the effort if you’re adventurous and looking for a safe and fairly untouched and undiscovered holiday destination.
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.
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.
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 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.
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Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
