Where is it? The likelihood is you will never have heard of these Caribbean-style islands in the Gulf of Guinea off the West African coast? Don’t worry; you will not be the only one. The two islands of Sao Tome and Principe comprise the second smallest country in Africa as well as one of the newest and least well-known.
These tranquil, languid islands offer miles of deserted beaches, crystal-clear waters, rolling hills, jagged rock formations and rain forests.
The southern tip of Sao Tome straddles the Equator and the nearest point on the West African coast is some 240km or 150 miles away. The islands gained independence in 1975, a year before the Seychelles. The Portuguese did not leave an infrastructure which can be compared to that which the Seychelles inherited from the British; hence tourism has moved forward at a much slower pace which has allowed it to genuinely claim to be “unspoilt” The islanders have also kept a deep-routed culture and strong ties to the Roman Catholic religion as well as to local rituals which have helped develop a resilient Creole nation which is still very much in its infancy.
The population of about 160,000 represents a mosaic of culture, which descends from natives of the Gulf of Guinea, Angola, Cape Verde, Brazil and the Portuguese. Outside of the capital of Sao Tome, most Sao Tomeans live very simple island lives, with agriculture and fishing being the main occupations. There is a bit of activity in the morning when the boats come in and the fish is sold, a bustling market later in the morning and then a very long siesta. In the evening people gather wherever there is a TV set and a generator. The people are open, warm and welcoming to foreigners. There is a rich folklore, a distinctly Creole cuisine and pulsating music and dance forms. There is no lack of artists to paint the amazing scenery and potpourri of people.
The islands are of volcanic origin and the highest point is Pico de Sao Tome at 2,024 metres or 6,639 feet. A sizeable part of the archipelago is taken up by the Obo National Park. Obo means “wild, impenetrable woods”. There are trained guides to take you on hikes along forest trails where you will discover dense vegetation, a few farms, waterfalls and an amazing lagoon, which is in the crater of a dormant volcano. There are orchids and more than a hundred native birds. Other than mosquitos, there are no dangerous animals, spiders or insects.
In effect, the islands are an inspiring example of properly managed eco tourism. They also have the reputation of being stable and safe, with fairly-conducted multi-party elections held regularly since 1991.
São Tomé & Príncipe
Information
The Islands
The Island of Sao Tome is the largest in the archipelago and is home to about 96% of the population and the capital town, Sao Tome, which is located on the north east coast. There are a couple of small towns, over 40 villages and several small islets which are mostly uninhabited. The interior is blessed with mountains and rain forest whilst pristine beaches adorn the shoreline.
The architecture, especially in Sao Tome town, is remarkable. Visitors should take particular note of the fortress of Sao Sebastiao, the Santa Se cathedral , the Palacio Presidencial and the Arquivo Historico, all baroque reminders of the colonial era. Around the bustling harbour are examples of the islanders’ pretty little houses, painted yellow, blue and white. A visit to the crowded market is challenging but worthwhile.
There are 63 regular species of birds plus 36 vagrant and unconfirmed species. Of these 22 are endemic. Many of these species will be found on treks through the Obo National Park which occupies 235 square km of the island.
Marine turtles have been coming to Sao Tome for millions of years. Between October and April four species regularly lay their eggs on the beaches, including the great leatherback. We can arrange for you to accompany our eco-guides on their nightly patrols of the beach to protect the sea turtles as they crawl ashore to nest
The Island of Principe lies 30 minutes by air to the north of Sao Tome and has a population of only some 5,000 with one town, Santo Antonio, It is much smaller and less mountainous (highest point 948 metres). There are very few roads but there are several islets and some wonderful beaches. More than half the island is designated as a national park.
Principe also has a very historic claim to fame. It was the site where Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was experimentally proved successful by Arthur Stanley Eddington and his team during the solar eclipse of 29th May 1919.
Food and Wine
The islands are best known for producing coffee and cocoa. You can find restaurants to suit most tastes. Seafood is abundant, whilst meat, other than pork and chicken, tends to be imported from South America or South Africa. Seasonal tropical fruits are plentiful. Portuguese and South African wines are found in international restaurants and Creola is a good local beer. The islands became the biggest sugar producers in the world shortly after the Portuguese founded the town of Sao Tome in 1485; hence rum based drinks are also popular. By 1908 it had also become the world’s largest producer of coffee. Although now overtaken by Brazil, it still produces a considerable amount of excellent coffee.
Shopping
There is an interesting market in the town of Sao Tome but this is not a destination you would select for shopping opportunities. Many people by paintings from the various galleries around the island
Activities
Mainly visitors are attracted by the unspoilt natural beauty, both of the coast with its white sand beaches and the hinterland with its rain forests and jagged terrain.
Trekking and bird watching in the Obo National Park are most popular. The Deep Sea Fishing season is from May to mid October. Whales are frequently seen between mid July and mid September. The Turtle programme is from December to March. Diving and snorkelling is available all year round.
Entertainment
Some of the larger hotels provide international style entertainment. However, local entertainment in the clubs and bars and on the beach is more interesting. The local people thrive on music and dancing, and a band will strike up anywhere for an impromptu beach or street party. Salsa and samba mixed with tribal African dance are de rigueur. Hopefully you may get the opportunity to listen to Gilberto Gil Umbelina who is now as well known internationally as Cesaria Evora, the great diva from the Cape Verde islands
The islanders love festivals with several taking place during the year commemorating both religious and pagan events. As in all countries linked to the Portuguese, the Mardi Gras carnival is special. Independence day is celebrated on 12th July.
Getting Around
There is no regular road transport. There are two or three car hire companies and yellow taxis. There are flights and ferries between Sao Tome and Principe.
Visas
As visa regulations and local laws change frequently and often without notice, dmAFRICA can accept no responsibility regarding the need for or availability of visas, and suggests that the agent and the client check with the embassy of the countries to be visited in the issuing country of their own passports. The information below is therefore only a guide:
All visitors require a visa for a stay of a maximum of 30 days. If you make your arrangements with dmAFRICA, our offices in the islands can also assist you in obtaining your tourist visa which will cost €80 or US$ 100 including our administration fee.
Airport Tax
There is an airport tax of US $ 20 payable on international departure from Sao Tome. There are Sao Tome & Principe embassies in the USA, Portugal and Belgium and consulates in Austria, France, Holland and the UK.
Language
The official language is Portuguese although the patois Creole is more commonly spoken. English, French and Spanish are spoken in tourist and commercial areas
Money
The local currency is the dobra. The €uro is also widely accepted. Approximate exchange rates are:- €1= dobra 25; US $ 1= dobra 20; GB £ = 30 dobra.
Local Costs
Food and drink produced locally is amongst the cheapest of its kind in the world; seafood is abundant, the coffee is reckoned to be amongst the world’s best, seasonal fruit is wonderful value and the local Creola beer is very good and cheap, as are local spirits.
However, imported goods are expensive, although you can find a good bottle of Portuguese or South African wine for around €14 or US$ 17.
Taxis are expensive but local boats and ferries are not. If you eat and drink locally produced fare you could budget €50 per person per day excluding accommodation.
A recent survey of worldwide tourist destinations had the islands ranked as 104th most expensive out of the 282 included in the survey, which is commendable given how remote they are.
Health
Malaria is widespread. You must consult your doctor before you travel to ensure that you are prescribed the correct type of protection. You must also be immunized against yellow fever.
There are privately owned pharmacies which can prescribe most medication should you become sick. There are hospitals in Sao Tome and Santo Antonio, Principe and Healthcare Centres elsewhere
Water
Although there is no shortage of fresh water, we recommend that you only drink bottled water.
Dress Code
The dress code is casual, although some hotels may require gentlemen to wear long trousers for dinner.
Time Difference
The islands are on GMT during the European summer months and GMT-1 during the winter months
Electricity
220V/50HZ with 2 or 3 pin European sockets
Communications
The mobile phone signal for most networks is good. Some hotels have wifi connection and there are internet cafes.
The architecture, especially in Sao Tome town, is remarkable. Visitors should take particular note of the fortress of Sao Sebastiao, the Santa Se cathedral , the Palacio Presidencial and the Arquivo Historico, all baroque reminders of the colonial era. Around the bustling harbour are examples of the islanders’ pretty little houses, painted yellow, blue and white. A visit to the crowded market is challenging but worthwhile.
There are 63 regular species of birds plus 36 vagrant and unconfirmed species. Of these 22 are endemic. Many of these species will be found on treks through the Obo National Park which occupies 235 square km of the island.
Marine turtles have been coming to Sao Tome for millions of years. Between October and April four species regularly lay their eggs on the beaches, including the great leatherback. We can arrange for you to accompany our eco-guides on their nightly patrols of the beach to protect the sea turtles as they crawl ashore to nest
The Island of Principe lies 30 minutes by air to the north of Sao Tome and has a population of only some 5,000 with one town, Santo Antonio, It is much smaller and less mountainous (highest point 948 metres). There are very few roads but there are several islets and some wonderful beaches. More than half the island is designated as a national park.
Principe also has a very historic claim to fame. It was the site where Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was experimentally proved successful by Arthur Stanley Eddington and his team during the solar eclipse of 29th May 1919.
Food and Wine
The islands are best known for producing coffee and cocoa. You can find restaurants to suit most tastes. Seafood is abundant, whilst meat, other than pork and chicken, tends to be imported from South America or South Africa. Seasonal tropical fruits are plentiful. Portuguese and South African wines are found in international restaurants and Creola is a good local beer. The islands became the biggest sugar producers in the world shortly after the Portuguese founded the town of Sao Tome in 1485; hence rum based drinks are also popular. By 1908 it had also become the world’s largest producer of coffee. Although now overtaken by Brazil, it still produces a considerable amount of excellent coffee.
Shopping
There is an interesting market in the town of Sao Tome but this is not a destination you would select for shopping opportunities. Many people by paintings from the various galleries around the island
Activities
Mainly visitors are attracted by the unspoilt natural beauty, both of the coast with its white sand beaches and the hinterland with its rain forests and jagged terrain.
Trekking and bird watching in the Obo National Park are most popular. The Deep Sea Fishing season is from May to mid October. Whales are frequently seen between mid July and mid September. The Turtle programme is from December to March. Diving and snorkelling is available all year round.
Entertainment
Some of the larger hotels provide international style entertainment. However, local entertainment in the clubs and bars and on the beach is more interesting. The local people thrive on music and dancing, and a band will strike up anywhere for an impromptu beach or street party. Salsa and samba mixed with tribal African dance are de rigueur. Hopefully you may get the opportunity to listen to Gilberto Gil Umbelina who is now as well known internationally as Cesaria Evora, the great diva from the Cape Verde islands
The islanders love festivals with several taking place during the year commemorating both religious and pagan events. As in all countries linked to the Portuguese, the Mardi Gras carnival is special. Independence day is celebrated on 12th July.
Getting Around
There is no regular road transport. There are two or three car hire companies and yellow taxis. There are flights and ferries between Sao Tome and Principe.
Visas
As visa regulations and local laws change frequently and often without notice, dmAFRICA can accept no responsibility regarding the need for or availability of visas, and suggests that the agent and the client check with the embassy of the countries to be visited in the issuing country of their own passports. The information below is therefore only a guide:
All visitors require a visa for a stay of a maximum of 30 days. If you make your arrangements with dmAFRICA, our offices in the islands can also assist you in obtaining your tourist visa which will cost €80 or US$ 100 including our administration fee.
Airport Tax
There is an airport tax of US $ 20 payable on international departure from Sao Tome. There are Sao Tome & Principe embassies in the USA, Portugal and Belgium and consulates in Austria, France, Holland and the UK.
Language
The official language is Portuguese although the patois Creole is more commonly spoken. English, French and Spanish are spoken in tourist and commercial areas
Money
The local currency is the dobra. The €uro is also widely accepted. Approximate exchange rates are:- €1= dobra 25; US $ 1= dobra 20; GB £ = 30 dobra.
Local Costs
Food and drink produced locally is amongst the cheapest of its kind in the world; seafood is abundant, the coffee is reckoned to be amongst the world’s best, seasonal fruit is wonderful value and the local Creola beer is very good and cheap, as are local spirits.
However, imported goods are expensive, although you can find a good bottle of Portuguese or South African wine for around €14 or US$ 17.
Taxis are expensive but local boats and ferries are not. If you eat and drink locally produced fare you could budget €50 per person per day excluding accommodation.
A recent survey of worldwide tourist destinations had the islands ranked as 104th most expensive out of the 282 included in the survey, which is commendable given how remote they are.
Health
Malaria is widespread. You must consult your doctor before you travel to ensure that you are prescribed the correct type of protection. You must also be immunized against yellow fever.
There are privately owned pharmacies which can prescribe most medication should you become sick. There are hospitals in Sao Tome and Santo Antonio, Principe and Healthcare Centres elsewhere
Water
Although there is no shortage of fresh water, we recommend that you only drink bottled water.
Dress Code
The dress code is casual, although some hotels may require gentlemen to wear long trousers for dinner.
Time Difference
The islands are on GMT during the European summer months and GMT-1 during the winter months
Electricity
220V/50HZ with 2 or 3 pin European sockets
Communications
The mobile phone signal for most networks is good. Some hotels have wifi connection and there are internet cafes.
How To Get There
TAP Airlines of Portugal twice a week and STP Airlines operate 6 hours flights from Lisbon to Sao Tome with schedules offering good connections from elsewhere in Europe and the USA. There are also flights from Paris, Frankfurt, Casablanca and Johannesburg via Libreville from where there are flights three times a week to Sao Tome.
Within the archipelago there are three flights per week each way between Sao Tome and Principe.
Within the archipelago there are three flights per week each way between Sao Tome and Principe.
dmAFRICA in Sao Tome & Principe
We have offices with staff speaking English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish on both islands.