10 Best Things to do in Sao Tome & Principe
In this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll take you through the 10 best things to do in Sao Tome and Principe, helping you plan the perfect island adventure. Sao Tome and Principe offers tourists wonderful activities. Visitors can go whale watching on Sao Tome or bird watching on Sao Tome. Sao Tome’s cuisine is fantastic and the history of this Portugues colony is hugely interesting.
São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa, is often referred to as a hidden gem in the Atlantic. This unspoiled paradise boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife. With a rich history shaped by Portuguese colonialism and a vibrant local culture, São Tomé and Príncipe offers visitors a truly immersive and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Explore Obo National Park
Obo National Park covers more than a third of Sao Tome’s surface. The park is home to dense rainforests, mangroves, waterfalls, and savannas, making it a paradise for hikers. Nature lovers can find endemic flora and fauna, particularly birds on the islands. Rarities like the Sao Tome grosbeak and the Sao Tome Ibis are found nowhere else in the world. The growth of tourism on the islands means local guides are available to take visitors deep into the park’s heart. This has opened up Obo’s Jurassic landscapes and secret waterfalls to a new audience. Experienced and adventurous hikers may want to explore Pico Cao Grande, a 1000 foot high volcanic plug, deep in the park.
Eat and Sleep at a Historic Cocoa Plantation
The historic Roça São João dos Angolares cocoa plantation has been transformed into a wonderful guesthouse and restaurant. Visitors can explore the grounds soaking in the history and ambience of the plantation. The simply decorated rooms retain the original plantation house’s high ceiling. Guests can enjoy the forest and ocean view from the verandah while sipping a cocktail from the bar. Diners can enjoy traditional Sao Tomean cuisine, naturally dominated by fish. The menu, designed by the owner, a famous TV chef, showcases fresh local ingredients, many grown on the plantation.
Roça São João dos Angolares is renowned for its art and boasts an art gallery with many abstract pieces dotted around the property.
Stand on the Equator Line
The islet of Ilhéu das Rolas lies off the southern tip of Sao Tome island. It has the distinction of being the closest land point to the intersection of the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian.
A colourful mosaic and a small plinth mark the line of the Equator. Here, you’ll have the chance to stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the south, making for excellent photographic opportunities.
Most visitors stay on the main island and boat across using the service operated from Ponta Baleia and takes about 20 minutes.
Visit the São Sebastião Museum
Housed within the historic Fort São Sebastião in Sao Tome City, the São Sebastião Museum offers a fascinating look at the island’s history. Its exhibits track the country’s path from its colonisation by the Portuguese to its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, maps, and photographs that provide insight into Sao Tome & Principe’s cultural and historical heritage. Most information boards are in Portuguese, so hiring an on-site guide is a good option.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching on Sao Tome and Principe is a special experience. Visitors to Sao Tome and Principe can take boat trips to search for humpback and sperm whales. The best time to see whales off Sao Tome and Principe is between July and October. At this time, these massive creatures pass the islands in good numbers as they journey to their mating areas.
You may also see dolphins and sea turtles.
Visit a Chocolate Factory for a Sweet Treat
Cocoa and Sao Tome and Principe are a match made in heaven. The islands’ climate perfectly suits the plant, producing a bean which is renowned for its quality. The islands once revelled in the nickname of “The Chocolate Islands” as the world’s largest producer of the treat.
Today, the country is trying to recapture its chocolate heritage and leading the charge is Italian Claudio Corallo. The Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory, located just outside the city, offers guided tours where you can learn about the entire chocolate-making process—from cocoa bean to chocolate bar.
The tour offers more than just information, visitors have ample opportunity to sample some of the finest artisanal chocolate produced anywhere in the world.
Relax on a Tropical Beach
The beaches of Sao Tome and Principe are beautiful. Golden sands, azure waters, and tropical forest backdrops. Best of all, with so little tourism, you will probably have the place to yourself.
Some popular beaches have a small bar, but don’t expect facilities and take supplies with you.
The best beaches on the island include:
- Praia Inhame (Sao Tome) has a nearby ecolodge of the same name;
- Praia Banana (Principe) the site of a 1991 Bacardi advert;
- Praia das Sete Ondas (Sao Tome) Shack bar and surfboard hire;
- Praia Grande (Principe) Beautiful secluded tropical beach;
- Praia Jale (Sao Tome) Deserted beach on the SW of the island.
Watch Sea Turtles Hatch on Sao Tome’s Beaches
The beaches of Sao Tome and Príncipe are important breeding grounds for five species of turtle, several of which are endangered.
Many of the turtle fishermen who used to hunt the turtles for their meat and eggs are now employed as conservation rangers to protect these beautiful and vulnerable creatures.
Visitors to the islands between November and March can book night time tours to watch the turtles coming ashore, laying eggs and see the tiny hatchlings embark on their perilous first trip back to the ocean.
Most reputable tour operators funnel profits back into conservation efforts.
Watch Birds on Principe
One of Sao Tome’s many nicknames is “Africa’s Galapagos”. São Tomé and Príncipe is home to over 20 endemic bird species, with many specific to only one island. Principe holds 8 of these, including the Principe scops owl, only discovered in 2016.
Several guided birdwatching tours are available, led by local experts who can help you spot these rare species while exploring the island’s pristine ecosystems.
Explore the Colonial Architecture of Sao Tome City
Sao Tome City, the capital of the islands, reflects the country’s history with a variety of colonial-era architecture. Spend a day wandering the charming streets of the city, taking in its colorful buildings, historic churches, and vibrant markets. Highlights include landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Sao Tome which show the Portuguese influence. The city also has a lively market where you can sample local fruits, vegetables, and crafts.
Conclusion
Sao Tome and Principe really is an undiscovered gem. Still virtually unknown to travellers, it offers history, culture, and fabulous food. It is a nature lover’s paradise with an abundance of rare flora and fauna.
As you plan your trip, include these 10 best things to do on in Sao Tome and Principe on your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Accomodation on Sao Tome & Principe
Tourism is still in its infancy in Sao Tome & Principe, but there are some great options to suit all budgets. Here are some suggestions.
Hotel Central – Sao Tome City. Well located hotel in the centre of town.
Pestana Sao Tome – Sao Tome City – 5* hotel with infinity pool and dive school
Hotel Kenito – Sao Tome City – Well sized rooms with nice swimming pool and friendly staff
N`Guembú Nature Resort – Porto Allegre – Bungalow style accommodation with spectacular sea views and wonderful beach. Hotel can organise a boat and lunch on Ilheu das Rolas and the Equator marker.
Roça São João dos Angolares – Santa Cruz – Historic plantation with top-notch restaurant owned by celebrity TV chef
Quinta Santa Rita – Sao Antonio, Principe – Bungalow style accommodation located close (but not too close) to Principe airport.
Bom Bom – Principe – Possibly Principe’s best resort – Beautifully appointed on private beach on the island’s north coast.
Related Articles
