Sao Tome and Principe, officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa.
It consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands: São Tomé and Principe, located about 140 kilometres apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres, respectively, off the north-western coast of Gabon.
We invite you to discover two fascinating islands that offer dramatic landscapes with torrents and waterfalls on its slopes, white and black sand beaches, and sheer cliffs over the sea, tropical forest filled with exotic birds and extensive cocoa plantations with their beautiful colonial houses. For the most traveler, this unspoiled Atlantic jewels is still the Africa’s well-kept secret.
The island’s interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich flora and fauna have been admired and studied by numerous travellers, scientist, and nature-lovers. The islands support high numbers of endemic species.
Given the islands’ small size, they are comparable with other island centers of endemism such as the Galapagos and the Hawaiian archipelagos. Sao Tome islands have recently designated protected areas to be known as the Obo National Park with includes primary rain forests filled with exotic birds and lush vegetation.
There are over 700 species of native plants including 100 unique orchids’ flowers and 143 birds’ species, many of which are only found in these islands.
The Sao Tome Islands are blessed with pleasant weather all year round, which means that those precious Islands can be visited at any time. For yourself, your group, or your family: Check out when to go to the Sao Tome and Principe!
Top Tourist Attractions in Sao Tome and Principle
Bom Bom Island
You cannot visit the beautiful islands of Sao Tome and Principe without stepping into this island. Infact make it your first port of call.
Bom Bom Island is a tourist resort and an ideal location to go deep sea fishing and is perfect for viewing beautiful hump back whales in all their glory. You are guaranteed the time of your life.
Obo National Park
This beautiful park covers around 35% of the Islands’ surface and consists of two areas, one in Sao Tome and the other in Principe. If you think mountains that drop down to Savannahs, dense rain forests, waterfalls cascading down slopes, this is the place to be.
Obo National Park also boasts of white and black sandy beaches and around 700 hundred species of Flora and Fauna. It was created to protect the natural heritage of the country and it showcases this proudly.
Bom Bom Island Resort
Take a day to explore the beautiful coastline by boat. Both sailing boats and speed boats are available. Along the way you may see dolphins playing around the boat and even whales. There’s no better way to spend a good afternoon on the island.
Lagoa Azul.
Also popularly called (Blue Lagoon) lies just a little past the secluded beaches of Praia das Conchas and Praia dos Tamarindos. It is surrounded by giant baobab trees where you’ll discover many bird species. It also doubles as an excellent snorkelling location.
The warm and clear waters are filled with all kinds of fish species and other creatures such as squids and green sea turtles. Experience the amazing underwater world in this beautiful location.
The Island of Principe
This is a great place to be. It is known for its unique topography, which comprises of volcanic mountains and rain forests. You can hire boats as this is a great place for snorkelling and fishing. It is also one of the best places to find under crowded serene beaches with crystal waters.
Big game fishing
Blue Marlin fish is great on the island and is often referred to as the holy grail of fishing. This ray-finned fish belonging to the sailfish family and thus the order of perch-like fish may reach up to 4.3 metres long and weigh 900 kg.
Aside from the blue marlin, the waters around Sao Tome and Principe Islands are filled with different kinds of fish such as the Enormous sailfish, Wahoo and Barracuda which swim in this part of the Atlantic. Dolphin-fishes and Atlantic Bluefin tunas, among other species of tuna can also be spotted.
The island promises you a chance to catch a 1000 pound marlin or a really aggressive sailfish. On land, it is possible to find specialized operators of big-game fishing. If independent fishing is your style, you may rent boats and equipment and leave in search of the coveted trophies. Happy fishing!
Sao Tome Bird watching
Sao Tome is one pleasant place for a lot of birds. Bird specialists have sighted over 135 species in 40 families on the islands. Most variety of birds will be found in the southern part of the Sao Tomean Island, but also on the island of Principe where parrots still live free in the jungle.
This activity is one that you’d want to return to the island for, especially if you love bird watching and appreciate a serene environment.
Praia Jale
On the south edge of the Sao Tome Island you will find Praia Jale, a relatively safe beach. Behold the wonder as giant sea turtles climb up in the morning hours to lay their eggs in the sand. You can spend the night on the beach in small huts without electricity if you fancy a concrete jungle experience.
Boca de Inferno
This is a blowhole popularly called “ Hells mouth”. It derived this name from an activity whereby waves hit the dark cliffs and water sprouts out forcibly into the air through a hole in the roof of a cave.
This is due to waves forcing themselves through its narrow ravine. It’s an amazing sight and one you’d be glad you saw.
Cascata Sao Nicolau
Located a few miles into the mountains, Cascata Sao Nicolau (Saint Nikolaus waterfall) is a sight to behold. This lovely waterfall is a wonder as it appears to gush right out of the wall of the jungle. Simply amazing!
Top Safari Lodges in Sao Tome and Principle
Omali Sao Tome
Located by the beach on Sao Tome Island in the Gulf of Guinea, Omali Lodge provides elegant rooms and free Wi-Fi access.
Smooth and luxurious stay at Omali Lodge. The room, hotel area including pool, and the staff were great. You can really relax in this hotel. Special thanks for helpful staff at reception. Easy to rent a car too.
Pestana Sao Tome
This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Located on São Tomé Island, Pestana Sao Tome is set on the seaside, 1 km from the centre of Sao Tome. It offers private beach access, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a terrace with sunbeds.
Pestana Sao Tome provides elegantly decorated rooms and suites with sea or garden view. Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a satellite TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower.
A buffet breakfast is served each morning in the communal lounge. You can enjoy traditional and international dishes at the on-site restaurant and relax with a drink from the bar. Other facilities include a spa bath, Turkish bath, fitness room, meeting facilities, casino and night club.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and free private parking is possible on site. Several activities, such as snorkelling, diving and fishing can be organized in the area.
Praia Sao Tome
This property is 2 minutes’ walk from the beach. Praia Accommodation is located in Nazare, 3.8 km from Sao Tome. The bed and breakfast has a year-round outdoor pool and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Free Wi-Fi is featured throughout the property. Certain rooms include views of the pool or garden. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom.
Hotel Praia
This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hotel Praia is located in Sao Tome. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a balcony.
There is also a dining table. Featuring a hairdryer, private bathroom also comes with bathrobes and free toiletries. You can enjoy garden view from the room. Extras include a minibar, a seating area and satellite channels.
At Hotel Praia you will find a tennis court. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, a shared lounge and a children’s playground. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking. The property offers free parking.
Sweet Guest House
This is located in Sao Tome. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a balcony.
There is a full kitchen with a microwave and an oven. Private bathroom also comes with a bath or shower. You can enjoy city view from the room.
At Sweet Guest House you will find a 24-hour front desk, a terrace and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include grocery deliveries, a shared lounge and luggage storage. The property offers free parking.
Hotel Residential Avenida
This property is 12 minutes’ walk from the beach. Offering a restaurant, Hotel Residential Avenida is located in Sao Tome. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and satellite channels.
There is also a refrigerator. You can enjoy a garden view from all the rooms. Private bathrooms also come with towels.
At Hotel Residential Avenida you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a snack bar. Other facilities offered include luggage storage, an ironing service and a laundry. The property offers free parking.
Sao Pedro Guesthouse
Featuring free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool, Sao Pedro Guesthouse offers accommodation in Sao Tome, 300 m from the main sea front and 5 minutes’ drive from the CBD. The property features a terrace, bar and garden.
Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a desk, wardrobe and flat screen TV. Some rooms are fitted with a sofa. Guests can choose from the buffet and continental breakfast options served daily at the property.
Speaking Portuguese, Spanish and English, the staff at the 24-hour front desk are available to help guests with any queries they might have. Other amenities at the property include a luggage storage area, laundry facilities and tours.
Val do Liz
This is set in Sao Tome. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property offers a shared lounge. At the bed and breakfast, the rooms include a desk and a TV.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the property. Val do Liz offers a terrace. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Sao Tome, like cycling.
Roca Santo Antonio Eco lodge
This property is 12 minutes’ walk from the beach. Roca Santo Antonio Eco lodge is a bed and breakfast set 15 km from São Tomé. With an outdoor swimming pool, the property also features barbecue facilities. There is a restaurant.
At the bed and breakfast all rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All guest rooms at Roca Santo Antonio Eco lodge have air conditioning and a wardrobe. A Buffet breakfast is served every morning at the property.
Car hire is available at the accommodation, while the area is popular for snorkelling. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can help guests with any queries that they may have.
Residencialdes
This property is 3 minutes’ walk from the beach. Located in Sao Tome, Residencialdes has barbecue facilities and a bar. All rooms feature a kitchen and a private bathroom. The property features a 24-hour front desk.
Guest rooms in the bed and breakfast are equipped with a TV. Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests, while some rooms will provide you with a patio.
The units are fitted with a seating area. Residencialdes offers a continental or a la carte breakfast. Bike hire and car hire are available at this bed and breakfast and the area is popular for cycling.
