Summary
If you're an independent traveller, driving around Sao Tome in your own little jeep is the best way to explore the island.
Highlights
- See all corners of this diverse and friendly island, at your own pace.
- Drive an up-to-date 4x4 to explore Sao Tome's coasts and rainforests.
- Sao Tome's south equals poster-child Principe for unspoiled beauty.
The Details
Explore Sao Tome at your own pace. This adventure takes you on a varied tour of the island, heading deep into the interior and along the coast. From charming luxury bungalows with private beaches, to old plantation houses and off-grid huts. For the most part, the roads are pretty good. Though they do deteriorate at the southern end of the island. This just means that a little more care, and a bigger adventure!
Immerse yourself in the incredible landscape and chance upon some hidden gems along the way. Swim and snorkel on idyllic deserted beaches, and meet with the locals. From the island’s small capital, you drive south for thirty minutes to Club Santana, where thirty-one individual bungalows are nestled in lush green forest. There’s a lovely private beach and the resort will lend you snorkels and masks. Head into the tropical waters, or relax by the infinity pool. There are kayaks and paddle boards that are free to use and we can arrange a boat trip out to Santana Island. There’s also a dive centre on site. Enjoy BBQ’s, Sao Tomean cuisine, and a la carte dining.
Club Santana is a great starting point and from here there’s so much to explore. You will now embark on an exciting journey through the interior, and the north of the island. You’ll even get to stand on the equator at Rolas! If you like to keep active, we can arrange a variety guided walks, snorkelling, boat excursions, and bike rides. You can also visit some wonderful cacao plantations and taste their world-class chocolate. Depending on when you visit, you may even get to see the nesting turtles.
If you love to explore under your own steam, then this holiday is the perfect choice for you.
Suggested Itinerary
Fly to Lisbon and stay overnight in a hotel adjacent to the terminals.
You'll take the Sao Tome flight from Lisbon. On arrival you'll be met for your transfer to your accommodation at Club Santana on Sao Tome's wonderful east coast..
We've left your first day free. Club Santana has snorkelling and kayaking equipment for your free use from their private beach
Your hire vehicle will be delivered this morning. You could drive in to Bom Successo and walk to the Lagoa Amelia. Tonight is your final night at Club Santana.
You'll check out and drive down the east coast. Stop at the beaches along the way to take in the tropical paradise scenery. You'll check in to the Roca Sao Joao, where you'll stay for two nights.
Explore Angolares from the Roca Sao Joao. Don’t miss the 9-course tasting lunch at your Roca though!
Check out and continue to Sao Tome's southern tip, and the Praia Inhame eco resort.
It's easy to spend the day beachcombing and swimming in the Praia Inhame bay.
Today we would suggest taking the return boat transfers to the Islet of Rolas, where you get to stand on the equator mark.
Check out and drive north, later arriving at Mucumbli on the west coast. Perhaps expllore Sao Tome city on the way. Mucumbli's lodges are simple and well-designed, within the tropical gardens and looking out into the canopy of the forests leading to the west coast.
You could visit Roca Monte Forte and a sustainable Cocoa Cooperative.
Opportunity to hire bikes and visit nearby villages.
You'll check out and later on leave your hire vehicle at the airport, for the overnight flight to Lisbon. There’s time to see the north coast or perhaps drive into the city to buy souvenirs before you leave.
Connect in Lisbon for your onward flight to the UK.
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
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Wooden chalets set in a tropical woodland and a few steps from a quiet sandy beach
Retreat
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Mucumbli Lodge
Cliff-top chalets overlooking a pebbled beach; great for exploring the quiet north west coast
Guesthouse Retreat
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Club Santana Sao Tome
A beach resort on Sao Tome offering water sports and scuba diving from the private beach
Retreat
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Roca Sao Joao
Beautifully restored plantation house running as a rural eco-tourism venture
GuesthouseGallery
From £3,575 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.
