We’re excited to announce that we are now offering activity, wildlife and tailor made holidays to the small archipelago of Sao Tome and Principe which sits on the equator, in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa.
In November 2015 Ian, Sarah, their two children, and Sarah’s dad spent a busy two weeks exploring the islands and testing out the best places to stay before adding Sao Tome holidays to the Archipelago Choice portfolio.
Sao Tome and Principe were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese in around 1470 and have a troubled history. Slavery and piracy were dark times, however the early Portuguese realised the fertile potential of the islands and soon they were producing sugar cane and later became the largest producer of chocolate in the world.
Wherever you go there are former plantations (Rocas) which have fallen into ruin and been consumed by the jungle.
São Tomé and Principe still produce some of the finest coffee and chocolate in the world and most is now produced by local, organic co-operatives which are based around some of the former plantations.
Dense rain forests cover large parts of the islands which can only be reached on foot and the islands have a rich and varied plant and bird life.
KEY FACTS – Sao Tome holidays
- Climate: The average year round temperature is 27 degrees centigrade
- When to visit: It is best to visit during the dry season – June to September, or the wet season – October to December. During the wet season you can expect morning and afternoon rains with clear skies in-between.
- Official language: Portuguese
- Government: Independent Republic – Multi Party Democracy
- Religion: Roman Catholic 50%
- São Tomé size: 854km2
- São Tomé population: 183,000
- Príncipe size: 142km2
- Príncipe population: 7500
There are beautiful places to stay on the islands and here are some of the things you might like to do and see whilst on your São Tomé holidays:
- Explore São Tomé city
- Snorkel in the clear water
- Take a dugout canoe through the mangroves
- Stand on the equator and Greenwich meridian
- Jungle hikes and camping
- Diving
- Turtle watching
- Whale watching
And on Príncipe:
- Visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Boat trips
- Jeep tours
- Paddle boarding
- Stay in a former plantation house
- Bird watching
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Game fishing
Getting to the islands isn’t easy (flights from Manchester and London via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal) and takes time, but for the adventurous, a real gem awaits.
Find out more about our Sao Tome holidays and Principe holidays
Holidays are very personal to each of us and planning a trip to somewhere less travelled requires good advice and careful planning. For over 20 years the team at Archipelago Choice has travelled extensively to all the special destinations we offer and have unrivalled knowledge based on our own personal travel experiences.
Sao Tome and Principe are incredibly special islands to visit and if you think these islands are for you, then love to hear from you. For a friendly chat, please call 00 44 (0) 17687 721050 or email: info@archipelagochoice.com
If you’d like a free brochure then please click on the link – São Tomé holiday brochure
Ian Coates
AWARD WINNING HOLIDAYS – ATOL PROTECTED
