São Tomé

São Tomé Trips & Tours

Leave your watch behind and discover the crumbly cities and jungled landscapes of São Tomé.

99 miles apart from sister island, Príncipe, São Tomé is the larger of the two islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. The capital is São Tomé City, a sort of mini, African Havana with pastel-pink palaces and intricate churches, abandoned railway sheds now home to art exhibitions, and more than a few Portuguese influences. Leave the city behind, however, and you’re immediately surrounded by rows of old rocas and trees as high as you can see, cartoon-like in their height. For birds, butterflies and rare vegetation, head for Obo National Park (which has areas on both islands) and marvel at giant sunbirds and glorious orchids amongst a mere 700 other species of flora and fauna. And if it’s a true Bounty-advert beach you’re seeking, head south for some of the finest on the continent, with not another soul in sight (bar a few giant crabs perhaps).

What to do in São Tomé

Picture a miniature African Havana, where pastel-pink palaces and ornate churches stand proudly amongst art-filled railway sheds, setting the scene for an island adventure like no other. The capital city offers a delightful taste of Portuguese colonial charm, but it's beyond the urban boundaries where the real magic unfolds. Venture into Obo National Park, where giant sunbirds flit between branches and rare orchids peek out from amongst an astounding array of flora - we're talking 700 species, so best pack that botanical guidebook! For the beach enthusiasts (and who isn't?), the southern coast delivers pristine stretches of sand that would make even the most seasoned Caribbean traveller weak at the knees. Here, giant crabs are likely to be your only companions as you soak up the Robinson Crusoe vibes. Nature lovers will find their paradise in every direction - trek northward to explore cacao plantations and meander through botanical gardens bursting with fruit trees, head east to discover misty mountains and thundering waterfalls, or simply lose yourself among the towering trees that seem to have sprung straight from a child's imagination. The local guides, with their encyclopedic knowledge of the island's secrets, can lead you to hidden corners where endemic species play hide and seek in the verdant canopy. Whether you're photographing architectural gems in the capital, bird-watching in the national park, or leaving footprints on deserted beaches, each day brings a new discovery on this remarkable African isle.