The Ultimate Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe: Culture, History and Travel

One of Africa’s least-visited countries, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe comprises two tropical islands floating in the Gulf of Guinea and blends natural wonders with gripping history.

Sao Tome and Principe holidays offer an exceptional combination of nature, beach and delicious food. The islands are thickly forested, housing fascinating birdlife, with the 28 endemic species including some of the world’s rarest and most endangered, such as the dwarf olive ibis and Sao Tome fiscal.

To help you plan your holiday, we've created this travel guide from culture to history and travel.

In this guide:

– Location
– Weather
– Essential Travel Information
– Things to Do
– Food
– Where to Stay
– Beaches
– Culture and History
– FAQs

Where is São Tomé and Príncipe Located?

Location and Geography

Sao Tome and Principe sits on the equator 225km west of Gabon in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of mainland Africa.

The country is comprised of Sao Tome Island, the larger of the two islands and host to the capital city, and Principe Island, which is home to only 8,500 residents and much of which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Sao Tome is primarily of volcanic origin, with many extinct volcanoes making up the rich tapestry of its dramatic landscapes. If you're a keen natural history enthusiast, a trip to this poorly known island is incomplete without a visit to Obô Natural Park and Lagoa Amelia. Rare endemic orchids, impressive giant begonias and other extraordinary plants are here for you to discover throughout a hike.

Principe is just 19km long, its north coast notched with castaway shores that include the perfectly curved Banana Beach, which is definitively palm-fringed and golden. Along with a rich biodiversity, it proves to be an excellent spot if you want to look for nesting marine turtles and humpback whales in season.

What is the Weather Like in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Thanks to a hot, humid and tropical climate, you can visit Sao Tome and Principe year-round.

At sea level, the average daytime temperatures are about 27°C and there's not much variation. Additionally, the mountainous interior is cooler, with temperatures sometimes closer to 20°C mark.

The two islands experience their most ideal weather conditions between June to early October and December to mid-March. During these dry seasons (gravanita), you have around 12.1 hours of sunshine per day to enjoy outdoor activities – from relaxing on the serene beaches to kayaking on warm waters.

In April and May, and again in November, the wet season peaks. Hiking becomes trickier on the muddy terrain, so be careful when trekking through the rainforests if you're looking to travel during this period.

When is the Best Time to Visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

The best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe is January—March or July—October.

Although there's usually some inclement weather throughout the year because of the tropical and equatorial location, the wettest months are traditionally from March to May (peaking in April, though the rainy season starts in February), and then again in October and November (peaking during November).

We don't recommend Sao Tome and Principe holidays in April or November, because the rains generally come in the form of scattered thundershowers interspersed with hours of blazing, tropical sunshine.

If you plan to travel in July—August or December—January, we strongly advise you to book your flights a minimum of six months before the departure date to avoid any disappointment with availability.

The best time to see Sao Tome and Principe wildlife depends on what you're looking to encounter. Marine turtles can be spotted on both islands between November and March (adult females coming ashore to deposit eggs in November and hatchlings appearing from January to March); endemic birdlife is at its best in birding sites such as the montane forests around Lagoa Amelia and also in the southern Principe forests from October to March; and whales off the coast from July to September.

Further Reading: When is the Best Time to Go to São Tomé & Príncipe?

Essential Travel Information

How to get to São Tomé and Príncipe from the UK

Flying to Sao Tome and Principe is best achieved with Air Portugal (TAP), which operates regular departures from London to Sao Tome and Principe via Lisbon. TAP flights from Lisbon to Sao Tome are daytime flights departing in the morning, so visitors from the UK can either fly all the way through on the same day or break up the journey with an overnight stay in Lisbon. Do note that TAP is a basic airline. The other alternative is to fly with BA to Accra from where there are thrice weekly flights to Sao Tome and Principe operated by TAP.

How to get around São Tomé and Príncipe

On our tailor-made Sao Tome and Principe holidays, you would travel around via private transfer.

Between the two main islands, travel is conducted via a short, 40-minute flight.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Sao Tomé and Principe?

For stays of up to 15 days, UK passport holders don't require a visa for tourism.

Additionally, most other passport holders (USA, Canada, EU and CPLP/Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries) staying for less than 15 days in the country also don't need a visa for the islands.

However, if you're visiting Sao Tome and Principe for 15 days or longer, a visa is necessary.

Note: a €20 border patrol fee per person is payable in cash for anyone who requires a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Sao Tome and must contain at least two completely blank pages.

Which language do they speak in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The official language of Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese.

As well as this, the other Sao Tome and Principe languages include Forro, Cabo Verdian, French, Angolar, English and Lunguie. Forro is a Creole language based on Portuguese, spoken by 36.2% of the population, whereas Angolar has speakers in the southernmost towns of the island of Sao Tome.

English and French are taught in schools.

What currency do they use in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The official Sao Tome and Principe currency is the Sao Tome and Principe dobra (Db).

Euros (€) are widely accepted, and increasingly the norm to pay in, so make sure you bring a supply.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe safe?

Sao Tome and Principe might just be the safest African country.

Our clients return with positive reviews about how safe the country was during their time spent there. The crime rate is generally low, but it's best to be discreet with your belongings and careful on beaches, particularly if you happen to travel near Morro Peixe, north of Sao Tome City.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe.

However, Sao Tome and Principe are malarial and precautions are recommended. Please consult your GP or visit this useful website: Fit for Travel NHS.

Top Things to Do in São Tomé and Príncipe

Your Sao Tome and Principe holiday package can be tailored to your liking with an abundance of exciting experiences, from hiking through tropical forests to unwinding on a white sand beach.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

1. Southern São Tomé Island Experience

Head to the relatively little-known south side of Sao Tome Island for the pretty Praia Inhame beach and cross by boat to Ilheu das Rolas for the Equator marker.

On Praia Inhame, you can enjoy safe swimming, and the eco-lodge has a good restaurant.

On the site, you'll see many markers for marine turtle nests. Along the road to the south, you’ll be taken to points from where the views of the remarkable Pico Caio Grande are spectacular.

2. Turtle Watching on Príncipe Island

Four species of marine turtle come to Principe’s beaches to deposit eggs every November.

Not too far from Roça Belo Monte is the 1,400m-long Praia Grande, an ideal site for seeing turtle hatchlings. The excellent Beach Monitors here take you to the so-called 'lazy ones', those that aren't able to dig their way out of the surface after hatching on the sands. A controlled release is conducted, allowing you to watch as the little critters scamper towards the shallow section of the sea. A gratifying aspect of the turtle-watching experience is that you’ll have the chance to help hatchlings avoid predation by ever-observant kites, feral pigs and dogs.

3. Gastronomic Experience on São Tomé Island

Illustrious chef João Carlos Silva has restored Roça São João dos Angolares with great thought.

Here on Sao Tome Island, for just €25, you're able to enjoy a mouth-watering ten-course lunch including six starters, two mains and two desserts – all of which are beautifully presented.

It's just a 90-minute drive from Omali Lodge, so makes for an easy half-day outing.

4. Bay of Needles Boat Trip on Príncipe Island

Taking a boat out to the Bay of Needles on Principe Island is unforgettable.

Depart from Sundy Praia for an excellent chance to swim or snorkel at Baia das Agulhas. Although there aren't any reefs, the colourful tropical fish are abundant, with crystal-clear water visibility allowing you to spot everything from urchins to octopus. The so-called ‘needles’ are insanely steep, imposing rock formations (basalt plugs) clad in equatorial rainforest and home to unique views of the island's west side.

5. Obô Natural Park Biodiversity Trail on São Tomé Island

Hike muddy trails to the crest of a mountain and crater lake at Obô Natural Park on Sao Tome Island.

As soon as you are in the closed forest, you'll note the presence of many endemic birds. You could easily find the likes of Sao Tome paradise flycatcher and the western bronze-naped pigeon.

When done, it's worth doing the short walk (level terrain) in the Botanical Garden next to the Park Office.

Further Reading: 5 Things to Do in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe Food

Tuck into the fresh flavours of seafood, tropical fruits and spices that make up some of the most delicious dishes in Sao Tome and Principe. The national dish, calulu, blends fish or meat with vegetables like okra, eggplant and spinach alongside palm oil, chilli peppers, garlic and onions for a distinctive taste.

Sao Tome and Principe food is characterised by its African, Portuguese and Creole-inspired influences. Typically, the types of meals you'll eat on your holiday here include everything from seafood to beans, maize, pineapple and bananas. You may also return with a brand-new recipe to cook back home!

Where to Stay

Hotels & Resorts in São Tomé and Príncipe

The Sao Tome and Principe hotels you can realistically choose from are few and far between, as the most ideal options are those within relatively close proximity to the excursions you aim to experience.

So, book your holiday well in advance to guarantee availability.

Sao Tome hotels we recommend to our clients include Omali Lodge. Omali Lodge is just five minutes outside of Sao Tome Town and an hour away from Obô Natural Park. Enjoy a comfortable base from which to relax in and explore the area at your own pace.

Principe hotels perfect for Sao Tome and Principe holidays include Sundy Praia, Bom Bom Island Resort and Roça Sundy. Sundy Praia has that world class 'WOW factor': fifteen luxurious, tented villas – each with views into the verdant and forested grounds – whereas with Bom Bom Island Resort, you're invited to escape the world without giving up on comfort. Roça Sundy, on the other hand, has arguably the best food on the island and a chance to watch African grey parrots fly to their roosting sites at sunset.

Speak with our Travel Specialists to discuss which Sao Tome and Principe resorts best suit you.

São Tomé and Príncipe Beaches

Imagine following the movements of a baby marine turtle after it hatches, watching as it scurries towards the ocean, leaving behind nothing but a tiny trail in the sand. Not only can you relax on some of the beaches of Sao Tome and Principe, but the activities from them can be exceptional as well.

Our favourite Sao Tome beach is Praia Inhame.

On the south coast of Sao Tome, Praia Inhame has soft golden sands, swaying palm trees and a serene atmosphere. While immersing yourself in sun-drenched surroundings, learn about the area's ecological importance for the turtles' survival chances. At the Eco Lodge here, discover a spacious turtle hatchery with nest markers.

One of Principe’s most beautiful beaches is Praia Banana, a tropical haven only a 15-minute walk from the front gate of Roça Belo Monte. The beach gets its name from its banana-like shape.

Culture and History of São Tomé and Príncipe

Culture of São Tomé and Príncipe

The Sao Tome and Principe population of 240,254 consists mainly of Forros (descendants of immigrant Europeans and enslaved Africans) and Angolares (descendants of former Angolan slaves shipwrecked on Sao Tome in 1540). Therefore, the culture is heavily inspired by Portuguese and African influences.

You'll see this take place through literary works, performance arts, sports and in Sao Tomean society. For example, the dêxa beat in Principe along with the ússua and socopé rhythms of Sao Tome have been shaped by Portuguese ballroom dancing. Whereas with literature, the earliest works were introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, F.J. Tenreiro being the most well-known writer.

History of São Tomé and Príncipe

The two islands were largely unpopulated before the earliest inhabitants, the Portuguese, arrived in 1493 – led by Álvaro Caminha. During this time, they established sugar plantations and brought in African slaves from the mainland, making the island an important staging post for the slave trade. Coffee and cocoa were introduced, too, making Sao Tome one of the world’s main cocoa producers.

The country gained independence in 1975, with Manuel Pinto da Costa as president and Miguel Trovoada as the new prime minister. The current president is Carlos Vila Nova, elected in 2021.

On your Sao Tome holiday, you can learn about this history with a visit to the Museum and Old Fort in Sao Tome City. A professional guide will deliver an excellent and moving briefing on the country's turbulent history, with some time for you to view exhibits like the remains of one of the old cacao kings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Tomé and Príncipe touristy?

Sao Tome and Principe tourism numbers total up to 33,400 people a year, making it one of the least visited countries in the world. This is despite the true natural beauty of the islands and the regular direct flights with TAP. During your visit, you may bump into other travellers, but the hiking trails and sometimes the beaches seem almost deserted at times, creating a peaceful atmosphere for your walks.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe expensive to visit?

Taking our Discover Sao Tome & Principe tour as an example, you get return international and domestic flights, accommodation and meals as specified, transfers and some activities across nine nights for £5,105 per person.

What are people from São Tomé and Príncipe called?

The Sao Tome and Principe people are generally called Santomeans. Seven ethnic groups make up the demography of Sao Tome and Principe. These include Mestiços, Angolares, Forros, Serviçais, Tongas, Europeans and Asians. The nationality of Sao Tome and Principe is Sao Tomean.

Is São Tomé in the Caribbean?

No, Sao Tome is not in the Caribbean. It's located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa.

What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?

The official Sao Tome and Principe capital is São Tomé City.