Summary
Stay on Principe and forget the outside world. Let local guides show you their island home and it's forest and marine beauty.
Highlights
- Journey to remote Principe, flying over Africa and stopping over on Sao Tome.
- Stay in the beautiful Bom Bom beach resort.
- Fill your day with guided experiences, or simply soak in the relaxed vibe.
The Details
Recently renovated Bom Bom in Principe is back. Bom Bom really does have it all. The location is unrivalled, right on the paradise northern coast of Principe. The bungalows and rooms are dotted through the tropical forest and up to the golden sands. We’re really impressed with the stylishly renovated lodges and new restaurant. You are surrounded by tropical forests enriched by birdsong, and the ocean is on your doorstep. Bom Bom has two private beaches and snorkels and masks area available for you to use. There are plenty of excursions on offer too, such as guided walks and discovery island tours, or turtle and bird watching.
The golden beaches and tropical forests of Sao Tome and Principe are unspoilt and largely undiscovered. It’s a long journey but the rewards speak for themselves. Once colonised by the Portuguese who established large sugar and cacao plantations, many of the colonial structures have slowly been reclaimed by the forest. But the trees and beaches remain untouched, and the locals enjoy a relaxed pace of life.
Your holiday starts with one night on Sao Tome, staying at Omali Lodge. We can arrange a guided tour of the city so you can familiarise yourself your surroundings. You’ll then take the short flight to the island of Principe for your stay at Bom Bom. This will be your tropical paradise for the rest of your stay.
Suggested Itinerary
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.
Best time to go
The tropical Islands of Sao Tome and Principe can be enjoyed during any month of the year. The most optimum months to visit are perhaps during the short dry season, between December and February, because this is a good time to see the turtles coming to shore to nest. The long dry season, between June and September, is the most settled. During the dry seasons the weather is usually warm and predominantly dry, but you can get some short downpours, and high humidity does mean that the skies are often overcast.
If you enjoy the intensity of short tropical downpours followed by clear blue skies, and an abundance of tropical foliage, then visit during the wetter months: October and November, and March to May.
Turtle nesting season runs from mid-November through to early February, with hatching generally occurring during March. October through to March are the optimum months for bird watching enthusiasts and there are a range of bird watching walks and excursions on offer. Humpback whale watching season is between late July and October, most of which falls in the long dry season, with the exception of October which is the wettest month on Sao Tome and Principe.
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Suggested places to stay
Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
Bom Bom Principe Island Eco Lodge
A luxury eco lodge with two private beaches and exclusive activities for guests.
Retreat
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Omali Lodge
Comfortable boutique style hotel set in tranquil tropical gardens
Boutique HotelsGallery
From £5,695 per person
The 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.
