Imagine an archipelago where tropical jungles merge with white sandy beaches, volcanic mountains rise from the mist and every corner holds a surprise that seems straight out of a fairy tale. This is São Tomé and Príncipe: a destination that redefines the word “authenticity”. It is the smallest country in mainland Africa and one of its best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for things to do and see in São Tomé and Príncipe, get ready for a trip that defies the clichés of mass tourism.
These islands, which emerged millions of years ago from the belly of the Atlantic as part of the Cameroon Ridge, are an open-air geological laboratory. In São Tomé, Pico Cão Grande — a 663-metre basalt tower that looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings — watches over jungles where giant begonias grow to the size of trees. Meanwhile, in Príncipe, Pico do Príncipe (948 m) is shrouded in mist that hides birds found nowhere else on the planet.
But here, geography is just the prologue. The real star is biodiversity: 28% of its plants and 90% of its reptiles are endemic. Did you know that the São Tomé thrush (Turdus olivaceofuscus) sings melodies that can only be heard in these latitudes? Or that the giant tree frog, with its golden eyes, is a symbol of successful conservation. There is so much to discover, so keep reading!
The geography here is a work of art. In São Tomé, Pico Cão Grande rises above jungles where giant tree-sized begonias grow. Meanwhile, in Príncipe, Pico do Príncipe (948 m) is shrouded in mist that hides birds found nowhere else on the planet. But what to see in São Tomé and Príncipe goes beyond its icons:
Ôbo Natural Park: jungles with 40-metre-high trees that form green cathedrals. If you like ecotourism and nature walks, this is the place for you. You can take a guided tour with local experts, who will show you the best-kept secrets of the island’s fauna and flora while you enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
If you want to immerse yourself even more in the essence of São Tomé and Príncipe, don’t miss the Trindade and Batepá Tourist Route, which will take you through dreamlike villages and landscapes. You can also visit the Coffee Museum and the São Nicolau Waterfall, one of the island’s natural gems. For a more complete experience, don’t forget to take a tour of the centre of the island, which will take you to places such as the Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden and the Almada Negreiros Artistic Community, where you can connect even more with the local culture.
The identity of São Tomé is a vibrant mix of cultures. If you are a curious traveller, here are some activities that will immerse you in local life:
Visit Bombaim or Monte Café to delve into the history of the cocoa plantations. You can take a tour to learn about the struggle of the slaves and their cultural legacy. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views and learn more about the importance of cocoa in the lives of the islanders. Visits to the roças usually include a stop at local restaurants, where you can sample typical dishes and local drinks.
Wildlife and nature tour: Explore the island’s unique biodiversity, from its lush jungles to its stunning nature reserves. Spot exotic birds, primates and endemic flora. If you are passionate about rare species, this activity will take you to remote locations and allow you to go on hiking trails that will connect you with nature in its purest form. During your tour, you may see species found nowhere else on the planet, such as the Santo Tomé Ibis, which was considered extinct until 1991.
Enjoy a local coffee grown on the slopes of volcanoes while chatting with the producers. In the city, try calulu (a fish or meat stew with different leaves and palm oil) or roasted banana bread. For cocoa lovers, a tour of the plantations and a taste of the artisanal chocolate produced on the island is an essential experience. Some tours even take you to chocolate factories such as those of Claudio Corallo and Diogo Vaz, where you can learn about the production process and taste the locally produced chocolate.
Snorkel in coral reefs or enjoy activities such as paddle surfing in calm waters. If you like water and adventure, these water activities will allow you to enjoy the ocean in a unique and safe way. In addition, boat trips in the Gulf of Guinea are an ideal option for those looking to explore remote islands and relax on hidden beaches. These excursions include stops at the most remote islands of the archipelago, giving you the opportunity to enjoy unexplored and peaceful landscapes.
This is not a destination for quick selfies, but for travellers who want to set foot on virgin soil. Tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe thrives on details that other places have lost:
Sleeping in a restored roça such as Roça Sundy is like travelling back to the 19th century without giving up modern comforts. Perfect for lovers of history and tranquillity. You can also enjoy being close to nature and experience rural island life, allowing you to completely disconnect from your daily routine.
At Praia Piscina, the tide pools are home to tropical fish; at Ilhéu das Rolas, stepping on the equator is a ritual. These beaches are ideal for those seeking a quiet place, away from the crowds and surrounded by unspoilt nature. Here you can relax or enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, paddle surfing or even boat trips to other nearby islands.
If you are a traveller looking for a unique experience, you can opt for our personalised itineraries that will allow you to discover São Tomé and Príncipe at your own pace. Whether it’s on a quad bike in the north of the island, exploring its jungles and hidden beaches, or sailing by boat to remote islands, these itineraries are designed to tailor each adventure to your interests and energy level. This is an excellent option for those seeking flexibility and wanting to experience the destination in an exclusive way.
For the more adventurous, we recommend the trekking route through the most remote areas of São Tomé and Príncipe. Not only will you enjoy the thrill of walking through the jungle, but you will also be able to explore the natural and rural environment of the islands in a unique way. In addition, if you are attracted to water activities, you can enjoy diving in the coral reefs, discovering an underwater world full of spectacular marine life.
Bring clothes for rain and sun. In one morning, you can go from the arid north of Santo Tomé to the flooded jungle in the south.
Rent a 4×4 in Santo Tomé to explore red dirt roads, or hop on a Hiase (shared van) to mingle with the locals.
June-September (dry season) is ideal for hiking. October-May (rainy season) is perfect for seeing waterfalls such as São Nicolau at their best.
Is it safe to travel independently or do you recommend organised tours?
It is safe, but tourist infrastructure is limited. To explore remote areas such as the interior of Príncipe or the abandoned roças, hiring a local guide is key. Tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe works best with flexible and organised planning. At Privilege Tours, we not only offer excursions, but we can also organise your entire trip to São Tomé and Príncipe if you need it, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
It is safe, but tourist infrastructure is limited. To explore remote areas such as the interior of Príncipe or the abandoned roças, hiring a local guide is essential. Tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe works best with flexible and organised planning. At Privilege Tours, we not only offer excursions, but we can also organise your entire trip to São Tomé and Príncipe if you need it, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
The official currency is the dobra (STN). Bring euros in cash to exchange in Santo Tomé city. ATMs are scarce and sometimes do not work, and only a few establishments offer card payment.
Yes, but it is unreliable. There is 4G in the capital, while the signal is weak in rural areas. Buy a local SIM card (CST or Unitel) for €12. This is ideal for disconnecting, as the archipelago is perfect for a ‘digital detox’.
Compulsory: Yellow fever if you are coming from an endemic country. Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria if you are visiting jungle areas. Consult a doctor 6 weeks before your trip.
Discovering what to see and do in São Tomé and Príncipe is like opening a book where every page smells of cocoa, sounds like waves breaking on empty beaches, and is tinged with the green of jungles that hold ancient secrets. Are you ready to embark on your journey? Don’t miss our excursions and activities in São Tomé and Príncipe!
