Summary
Stay on Principe and forget the outside world. Let local guides show you their island home and it's forest and marine beauty.
Stay at Bom Bom Eco Lodge, in a tropical forest with its own private beach and islet
Stay on Principe and forget the outside world. Let local guides show you their island home and it's forest and marine beauty.
This holiday centres around a luxury stay at Bom Bom Eco Lodge, on the paradise island of Príncipe. Príncipe is the more secluded and exclusive of São Tomé and Príncipe’s two islands. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covered in dense tropical forest fringed by golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. Hidden bays, deserted beaches and tiny offshore islets invite exploration by boat, kayak, paddleboard and snorkelling. Inland, rainforest trails lead to waterfalls that cascade into plunge pools and you’ll come across the delipidated ruins of old plantation estates, their crumbling walls overgrown with roots and trees.
Your holiday begins on São Tomé Island, where you spend your first night at Omali Lodge. Set within tropical gardens close to São Tomé City, the lodge offers a comfortable introduction to the islands, with a swimming pool and easy access to the waterfront. The following day, a short scenic flight brings you to Príncipe and your home for the remainder of your stay: the beautifully renovated Bom Bom Eco Lodge.
There are a number of incredible places to stay on Príncipe, and Bom Bom is always top of our list. This small-scale lodge reopened in 2024 following an extensive four-year renovation programme. Set on a private peninsula at the northern tip of the island, the lodge’s wooden bungalows are scattered amongst tropical vegetation, with some tucked into the hillside and others positioned just steps from the beach. The improvements have enhanced the comfort and facilities throughout, while remaining perfectly in harmony with the surrounding environment and preserving the laid-back atmosphere that makes Bom Bom so special.
Guests have access to a private beach and charming offshore islet linked by a wooden footbridge, creating an idyllic setting for swimming, snorkelling and simply unwinding beneath the palms. From this comfortable base, you can enjoy your chosen selection of guided excursions, led by knowledgeable local guides. Tourism here remains low-key, and experiences are run in a thoughtful, unhurried manner that reflects the rhythm of island life.
Your holiday starts with a flight to Lisbon. On arrival, you'll be met for your private transfer and taken to the boutique Solar do Castelo, which is situated just below the castle 'Castelo de Sao Jorge' in Lisbon. Tonight, explore the Alfama district with it's narrow streets and hidden bars and restaurants. Lisbon is a very friendly city and a great place to start any holiday. We've included board on a bed and breakfast basis throughout this itinerary.
You'll be picked up for your transfer to the airport and will check in for your flight to Sao Tome. If you're lucky, the flight route will pass the 'Eye of Africa', an amazing landform when viewed from the skies. It's about an eight hour flight which on some days touches down in Accra (you'll remain on the 'plane). On arrival at Sao Tome you'll pass through the tiny airport and will be met for your shared transfer to nearby Omali Lodge. Omali is a luxury hotel on the outskirts of Sao Tome city and on the ocean front. The bay is popular with locals, so Omali's a great place to immerse yourself in to the Santomean pace of life. Relax in the in-house restaurant and perhaps take a dip in the pool.
Our guides will meet you for your included private tour of Sao Tome City. Capital of the islands, Sao Tome is overwhelmingly Portuguese-Colonial in design. The faded and still impressive colonial architecture stands in testament to these past times. Lunch is included in a local restaurant. You'll visit the Fortress of Sao Sebastian, the city's cathedral, the colourful local markets ... and of course the chocolate factory!
This morning you'll transfer to the airport and fly to Principe. It's a 40-minute hop on a turboprop plane, from which you'll catch glimpses of Principe's 'Jurassic Park' rainforest-clad mountains and tropical beaches. Sao Tome is relaxed - Principe is even more so. On arrival, you'll be met for your shared transfer to Bom Bom Principe. Bom Bom is sited on the idyllic north coast of Principe. You'll enjoy access to Bom Bom's private golden-sand beaches, bordered by tropical palms. You can take the bridge to Bom Bom islet and explore this hidden paradise. Our guide price includes a Garden View room. There are also Sea View and Beach Front bungalows available and we can price for your preference when you enquire.
You'll sit down with Bom Bom's guides, who will help you make a plan for tours and activities whilst you are with them. We'll include a selection of daily activities that you can choose from.
Today you could join a jeep tour of northern Principe. You'll see how life is here in tropical paradise, visit coffee and chocolate plantations, see local communities, tour the tiny capital city of Santo Antonio, have lunch in a local restaurant, tour for views of the impressive towers of rock and mountains of Principe's rugged interior.
You could choose to take a boat trip along the northern coast to visit deserted and beautiful beaches. Stop for swimming and snorkelling, perhaps eat coconut fresh from the tree!
If you'd like to stretch your legs, you could join a guided walk to the Montalegre Waterfall. On this three-hour guided trek, you'll follow a hiking trail through the rainforest to the abandoned plantation house of Montalegre. Here, there's a chance to enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the island's most beautiful waterfalls.
Principe has many endemic birds and today you could take an extra bird watching trip with a knowledgeable local guide.
It's time to leave Principe and return to Sao Tome. for your last night in the islands. In this suggested itinerary, we've included a night at the Omali Lodge.
The Lisbon flights depart in the evening. We'll include your room all day so you can use your room and the hotel facilities until it's time to transfer to the airport. The Lisbon flight goes overnight; there are some days in the summertime when there's a day option, we can discuss this when you enquire.
Connect in Lisbon for your onward flight to London.
A luxury eco lodge with two private beaches and exclusive activities for guests.
RetreatComfortable boutique style hotel set in tranquil tropical gardens
Boutique HotelsThe guide price is based on two people sharing a twin or a double room, activities as described and includes flights from the UK. Local hotel and tourist taxes are included within the guide price.
For a personalised itinerary and full list of what's included, please get in touch.
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