São Tomé and Príncipe
Located in the Gulf of Guinea lies the little known island state of Sāo Tomé and Príncipe.
Africa’s smallest country after the Seychelles and once the world’s biggest cacao producer under Portuguese rule. It now has a much more relaxed atmosphere for both inhabitants and rare visitors.
Volcanic by origin, the tropical islands rose from the Atlantic Ocean floor 30 million years ago. The local population of a mere 220,000 people (6000 on Príncipe) live by majority a simple but obviously happy life from fishing and subsistence farming.
Unspoilt by tourists, it’s an explorer’s dream. Enjoy mountain hikes through the rain forests, explore the remnants of of various Roças, or plantation houses, search for the 28 endemic bird species. Snorkel or scuba-dive the untouched reefs or go deep-sea fishing for marlins. Check out the local markets and dance to local rhythms. On the pristine beaches, the only crowd consists of sea turtles and crabs.
“Our party of four was waiting on the terrace of Omali, about a kilometre away from the airport, before checking in for our flight when a friendly airline staff member approached us if we were flying to Príncipe. He came looking for us as we forgot about the time difference… Shows how small the island is, how friendly the people and how one loses sense of time after a couple of day on these islands….”
Awe Africa’s recommends:
For travellers that want to to explore one of the least known countries in Africa with the most amazing scenery and beaches to visit both islands
At least 3 nights in Príncipe, or if more time, 3 nights São Tomé and 4 nights Príncipe
Must Sees and Do’s:
Roça Augustinho Neto
Pico São Grande
Banana Beach
Roça São João dos Angolares for lunch
Travel Details:
From North America: via Lisbon, Accra
From Europe: via Lisbon, Accra, Libreville
From South America: via Lisbon, Luanda
From South Africa: via Libreville, Luanda
From East Africa: via Addis Ababa and Libreville
