The Essence of Sao Tome & Principe: Small Group Tour
Tour Introduction
If you really want to get under the skin of a new and little-known destination, what better way than to join a small group tour led by its premier guidebook author.
Our first ever small group trip to STP will be accompanied by experienced tour leader Kathleen Becker, author of the Bradt guide to Sao Tome & Principe, now in its third edition. Based in Lisbon, Kathleen is very personable, speaks fluent Portuguese and knows STP like no other (even the locals). When not writing and leading groups throughout Portugal, Kathleen spends a good part of each year in STP exploring new attractions and updating her unparalleled knowledge of the country. She will take you to locations not usually seen by outsiders and provide invaluable background information about the islands’ natural and human history.
Participants will stay in the best hotel in São Tomé town; three atmospheric colonial plantation estates – one in Sao Tome (renowned for its tasting menu) and two on Principe (both within walking distance of a beautiful beach); and a delightful ecolodge by the sea in southern Sao Tome. There will be numerous included tours and excursions – on foot, by car and by boat – to walk in rainforests, explore wild shores, marvel at mangroves and mudskippers, spot endemic birdlife, wander to waterfalls, bathe off beaches, visit a chocolate factory, watch cetaceans and snorkel among colourful tropical marine life. All the activities which make Sao Tome & Principe such a rewarding destination.
We may also have the chance to meet turtle conservationist, Senhor Hipólito Lima, recipient of the 2020 Prince William Foundation Conservation Award (you can see a video about him here), and the British honorary consul to STP, Jane Pereira, as well as visit a successful community turtle project on Príncipe. All the above and more mean you will have a marvellously memorable trip to a unique West African island nation known only to a privileged few.
Minimum number of guests: 6
Maximum number of guests: 10
Full Itinerary
Depart London Gatwick (or another airport) on TAP. Arrive Lisbon. OPTIONAL: Transfer to hotel. Staying at Star Inn or similar airport hotel (hotel cost not included - we can book the Star Inn for you). NB: Should you wish to arrive one or more days earlier, stay at a different hotel and enjoy time to explore Lisbon, please book that yourself and inform us of your details.
Staying at Hotel of your choice (not included). Includes No Meals.
Meet at Lisbon airport check in. Depart on TAP. Brief stop in Accra (no plane change). Arrive São Tomé airport. Met and transfer to your nearby hotel. Time to relax and settle in. Briefing and welcome dinner at the hotel, with the opportunity to change money. Staying at Omali Beach Resort. Dinner included.
Staying at Omali Sao Tome. Includes Dinner.
After an early breakfast, we take a boat trip to the north of São Tomé for cetacean-watching and a visit to the eco museum at Morro Peixe. We meet local turtle conservation hero, Senhor Hipólito Lima - proud recipient of the 2020 Prince William Foundation Conservation Award - followed by a simple lunch. Return to the hotel, then later in the afternoon, we pay a visit to Claudio Corallo’s chocolate factory for a private tasting of some of the finest chocolates in the world and an opportunity for shopping, followed by dinner at the Jasmin Garden restaurant.
Staying at Omali Sao Tome. Includes All Meals.
Today we travel inland to Bom Sucesso and ascend to an altitude of 1,100m. Hike up to Lagoa Amélia through primary rainforest and bamboo groves and venture into an extinct volcanic crater for the world’s biggest begonias. Enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a visit to Bom Sucesso botanical gardens including the Forest Giants snail project. Return to the hotel to relax. In the early evening, pay a visit to the British honorary consul Jane Pereira’s gardens to learn about the various plants and trees she’s cultivated. Her daughter, Alex, will prepare a light dinner, including vegetarian options.
Staying at Omali Sao Tome. Includes All Meals.
Short transfer to São Tomé airport. Catch the flight to Principe. Transfer to tiny Santo Antonio - the world’s smallest capital city according to the Guinness Book of Records - to meet a member of the Príncipe Trust and learn about their conservation work. Lunch in a Santo António venue, then transfer to your new hotel, a beautifully converted plantation estate house. Check in and learn about the plantation’s history, including its role in proving Einstein’s theories a century ago. You will see your first African grey parrots flying wild.
Staying at Roca Sundy. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the trailhead for a circa three hour botanical hike on a UNESCO Biosphere Trail through dense jungle to Oquê Pipí waterfall. Prepare to get soaked by the spray and make sure to bring a swimsuit for a refreshing swim in the natural pool, popular with local wildlife. Picnic lunch at Jockey’s Cap viewpoint (weather permitting). Return to the hotel for a free afternoon. At around 5.30pm, walk for half an hour (or be driven) down to the coast for a Dinner Spectacular at the wonderful Sundy Praia resort’s gourmet restaurant. Short transfer back to the Roça.
Staying at Roca Sundy. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast, we transfer to a beautiful, refurbished plantation house overlooking the lovely Banana Beach, made famous as the location for a 1991 Bacardi advertisement. Enjoy a pool lunch at the roca, if desired, before room check-in in the early afternoon. Free afternoon for swimming on Banana Beach and/or relaxing at the swimming pool.
Staying at Roca Belomonte. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Morning transfer for a circular wildlife walk taking in Ribeira Izé with its beach and the atmospheric ruins of the first Portuguese settlement on Principe. In the afternoon, transfer to Praia Grande to walk along the beach and visit the rustic Turtle Museum and conservation project. If possible, watch hatchlings being released.
Staying at Roca Belomonte. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Morning flight from Príncipe to São Tomé. On arrival, head south along the east coast road for a visit to the Boca do Inferno blowhole and iconic Sete Ondas beach for land crabs, sand dollars and a short dip in the sea. Have a late lunch at the hilltop Mionga restaurant with views over São João beach. Continue to a charmingly rustic, historic roça nearby. Leisurely birding time around the garden. Staying at Roça São João.
Staying at Roca Sao Joao. Includes All Meals.
Depart for an early morning birdwatching hike with local birding guide around the Monte Carmo area to seek out endemic species. On return, enjoy a delicious 15-course tasting lunch at Roça São João. The rest of afternoon is free for you to explore the village or walk an easy trail behind the Roça.
Staying at Roca Sao Joao. Includes All Meals.
In the early morning we transfer south via Cão Grande viewpoint and take breakfast at Praia Pesqueira waterfall, followed by a canoe tour of the Malanza mangroves to seek kingfishers, herons and monkeys. Option 1: Take a snack lunch and walk to Porto Alegre on a back road and hike onwards to the wonderful beaches of Piscina and the famous Jalé turtle beach for beachcombing. Pick up at Jalé and transfer to Praia Inhame Eco Lodge which is just beyond Porto Alegre. Option 2: Drop off at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge to check in and relax on their terrace by the sea or take a dip; snack lunch provided. While staying at Praia Inhame there is a chance to see turtles laying eggs.
Staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge. Includes All Meals.
A day to relax and enjoy the beautiful seaside location. Perhaps some members of the group would like to venture into the surrounding area for an excursion: discuss with Kathleen the various options available.
Staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Morning transfer to Ponta Baleia for a short boat ride to the island of Ilhéu das Rolas to cross the equator on a scenic island hike. We will enjoy a beachfront lunch at the stunning Praia Café followed by a rousing boat adventure up the wild, uninhabited west coast with its lush primary forests, tiny islets and flamboyant blowholes, to São Tomé town. The evening is set aside for a farewell supper in the hotel restaurant.
Staying at Omali Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Today you are free to relax, swim in the hotel pool or explore the busy town of São Tomé, perhaps visiting the National Museum and CACAU Arts Centre. On the way to the airport we’ll stop at the Diogo Vaz Chocolateria, a charming air-conditioned place with free chocolate tastings, before flying out on TAP to Lisbon.
Staying at Omali Lodge (day use of room). Includes Breakfast.
Arrive Lisbon in the early morning. Connect onwards to London Gatwick and elsewhere.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Omali Sao Tome
Overview
Omali is, in our opinion, the best hotel in Sao Tome town. It enjoys a beachfront location on the outskirts and very close to the airport. The air-conditioned suites are built around the swimming pool, all set within well-kept gardens which attract many birds. Snacks and drinks can be enjoyed at the Leve Leve pool bar and main meals taken in the restaurant or outside on the verandah. The restaurant serves dishes which are varied and appetising and the bar has a good range of international spirits.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, beachfront location, Wi-Fi in the common areas, 24-hour reception with safe deposit boxes and currency exchange, souvenir shop, laundry facilities, tennis courts, gym, satellite TV, swimming pool with snack bar, airport transfers, free guest car parking.
Local Wildlife
Many species of birds visit the hotel gardens
Optional Activities
A wide range of guided tours and excursions, including boat trips, can be booked at the hotel for exploration of Sao Tome island.
Hotel Roca Sundy
Overview
Built in 1921, the colonial plantation house of Roca Sundy has been converted into one of the country’s best loved hotels. The estate, which grew coffee as well as coco, is the largest on Principe.
The main building, once the owner’s house, holds the restaurant and bar as well as six spacious rooms, while the annex contains nine more. The grounds are being tidied up and there are plans for a swimming pool and other improvements. In the grounds stands the huge derelict hospital, and there are trails leading through forest and farmland for birdwatching and sea views. It’s a 20-minute walk down through lush vegetation to the sandy Sundy beach where the roca’s fabulous sister hotel, Praia Sundy, is found. The roca is also of historical importance. In May, 1919, the British scientist, Sir Arthur Eddington, visited the plantation to observe a solar eclipse which helped him to prove Einstein’s theory of relativity, a trip which was widely reported around the world.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, trail to beach, WiFi, reception, laundry facilities.
Local Wildlife
Various bird species, lizards, butterflies and mona monkeys can be observed from the breakfast terrace.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching, nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach, various excursions on Principe island including a visit to Roca Paciencia.
Roca Sao Joao
Overview
A former colonial plantation administrator’s house near the village of Sao Joao dos Angolares on Sao Tome’s east coast, meticulously restored with an excellent restaurant.
The six en-suite rooms in the main building are the best ones, while there are some simpler rooms in the former hospital. A balcony wraps around the house and looks out over forest to the Bay of Santa Cruz – perfect for bird watching. The grounds are well kept and worth a stroll and there are trails further afield for birders to walk.
The restaurant is very popular with locals and serves an excellent taster menu, sometimes of 10 courses, overseen by the chef and your host, Joao Carlos Silva.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The rooms in the main building are the best ones and all en suite while there are some simple rooms in the former hospital. Rooms have fans, mosquito nets and there is running hot water in the shower. The restaurant is very popular with locals and serves an excellent taster menu, sometimes of 10 courses, overseen by the chef and your host, Joao Carlos Silva.
Local Wildlife
You could see paradise flycatcher, dwarf olive ibis, Principe speirops, Newton’s yellow breasted sunbird, Gulf of Guinea thrush and oriole.
Optional Activities
Guided plantation walks. Visits to the beach and local town. Cookery classes . Guided trails. Birding tours. Picnics.
Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Overview
A quality, rustic beachfront lodge which lives up to its eco billing, Inhame is entirely off grid, harnessing wind and solar power and a waste-wood burner for all its energy requirements and growing much of its food on site.
The lodge owners support an old people’s home in nearby Porto Alegre and other benevolent projects.
The charmingly decorated timber chalets come in various permutations, from small studios to a two bedroom family unit, all with en suite bathrooms with hot water showers, ceiling fans and decks with views to the sea. The food is particularly good and can be washed down with a fine selection of wines.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, beachfront location, WiFi, ceiling fans, PADI dive centre.
Local Wildlife
Mona monkey, rainbird and other bird species. Turtles are often found nesting on the beach, including leatherbacks. On request, a guide will wake you in the night if one is spotted, usually between November and March.
Optional Activities
Guided and independent hiking on forest trails. Boat trips are available for diving, dolphin watching and snorkelling and to visit Ilheu das Rolas.
Roca Belo Monte
Overview
Roca Belo Monte is a historic colonial plantation house which has undergone extensive restoration along with the estate’s outbuildings, resulting in the thoroughly charming boutique hotel we see today.
The main house has three rooms, each with lounge and terrace, and also contains the restaurant, bar and drawing room. The catering is first class. There are 15 rooms in other restored buildings, including a family chalet sleeping four. In the well-tended gardens stands a museum celebrating the island’s natural and cultural histories and nearby is a small cinema showing international releases.
A helipad is on site for those who wish to arrive by air or take a helicopter tour flying over the island. Behind the museum is a swimming pool with loungers. Nearby are five fine beaches, including lovely Banana Beach, location for a famous Bacardi advertisement shot in 1991, and Praia Grande, where up to four species of sea turtle come ashore to lay their eggs.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, natural history and cultural museum, swimming pool, small cinema, helipad, pleasant gardens, air conditioning, WiFi, beach shuttle service, en suite air conditioned rooms.
Local Wildlife
Many birds visit the grounds and Praia Grande is close by for turtle watching.
Optional Activities
Choose from a list of interior tours and boat trips. Relax on Banana Beach. Visit Praia Grande for turtle viewing and the turtle museum. Take a scenic helicopter flight over the island.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Flights from London with TAP need a plane change in Lisbon to Sao Tome, with a short stop at Accra, Ghana, both ways.
Best Visited:
January to December
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
This small group tour has a minimum of six guests and a maximum of ten.
It is uniquely varied and encompasses so much of the islands in a way that would be very difficult to arrange on an independent basis. Having the hugely experienced Bradt guidebook writer, Kathleen Becker, as tour leader will give the group special privileged insights into the islands which few other visitors ever receive.
The precise itinerary details for this group tour may be subject to changes to take into account local conditions and other logistical factors. Any changes will be at the discretion of the tour leader.
To avoid missing the tight flight connection in Lisbon on the outbound leg, it is mandatory to arrive into Lisbon at least the day before flying to Sao Tome. The first night in Lisbon is not included in the price as some guests might wish to enjoy more time in the attractive Portuguese capital and stay at hotels other than the functional airport one we mention.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Thank you for sending us on the most magical holiday. I can hardly believe there are two islands, of such beauty, almost untouched by modern tourism and commercialisation, left on the planet. They must be similar now, to how the Seychelles were 70 years ago.
