São Tomé & Príncipe, Africa’s second smallest country, has an abundance of dramatic scenery, orchid- rich tropical rainforests, faded colonial plantations, relaxed fishing villages and stretches of glorious, palm-lined beaches. One thing the two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea does lack at present, is tourists. This makes it a marvellous destination for an island escape. There are no sky-scraping hotel complexes or tacky resorts, just locally- run lodges developed in a thoughtfully controlled and ecologically sensitive manner.
Our sample itinerary - which is totally flexible and can be tailored to suit your interests and requirements - gives the flexibility to make your stay as relaxed or as adventurous as you wish, with both hotels able to arrange a variety of exursions and activities.
Landing at São Tomé you will be met at the airport and whisked off for your three night stay at Omali Lodge. Set within pretty gardens full of coconut palms and not too far from Obo National Park - and also just across from the white sands and crashing waves of Lagarto Beach - Omali Lodge is the perfect base from where to acquaint yourself with what the island has to offer.
On day four, head to Príncipe, a beautiful island with a relaxed ambience. Despite its small size, Príncipe contains diverse ecosystems and its people have an interesting culture, with African roots mixed with elements of Portuguese.
Notes: whale-watching season is from July to September, while in December, various marine turtle species come ashore to deposit their eggs.
PLEASE NOTE: to avoid full fights and very high airfares over the July-August and Christmas holiday seasons, we strongly recommend booking long in advance if you plan trave then (book at least 6 - 8 months in advace if travelling in July or August).
ALSO: Bom Bom Island Resort is currenly closed for renovations; it is scheduled to reopen by mid 2022. (No definite date advised as yet). In the interim, we shall quote based on a combination of Roca Sundy and Praia Sundy in Principe.
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London – Lisbon – São Tomé
Check in at London Heathrow for your Air Portugal flight via Lisbon. On arrival into São Tomé you will be met by a representative from Omali Lodge and transferred to the lodge for a three night stay in a Classic double room with breakfast included.
The Classic rooms combine an elegant, simple style and cosy interiors. Each is furnished with a comfortable double bed, a lounge area and en-suite bathroom. After settling into your room, sample some local dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both local and international cuisine. Dine on the restaurant terrace overlooking a nice beach.
Accommodation: Omali Lodge
São Tomé
Spend the next two days enjoying the hotel’s exciting range of activities, whether your interest is culture and history or wildlife, hiking and birding.
São Tomé has a mix of African, European and South American elements in its history which has resulted an intriguing culture among its people. Learn about the history dating back to colonial times with visits to the old farms or ‘roças’ and the coffee and cacao plantations. Travel the three main roads of the island in a 4x4 wheel drive jeep, driving to the north through the Cocoa plantations, the south passing by the historical farms and scenic beaches and heading into the heart of São Tomé to discover how coffee is grown. Birders may wish to arrange special excursions to the tropical evergreen forests which hold some of the world's rarest species including the Dwarf olive ibis, Sao Tome fiscal and Sao Tome grosbeak. You would be more likely however to see several other endemics such as the Giant sunbird and Giant weaver, both of which are examples of the island phenomenon of 'gigantism'.
Accommodation: Omali Lodge
São Tomé
There is plenty to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy on Sao Tome. Scuba dive or snorkel among colourful fish, around shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs. Or go Big Game Fishing with professional guides in the turquoise seas around the island.
In between activities, which can be arranged at the lodge (ask us for details) there are some idyllic spots at which to relax, unwind and enjoy the tropical climate.
Accommodation: Omali Lodge
São Tomé – Príncipe
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the São Tomé airport for your short flight to Príncipe. On landing you will be welcomed by a Bom Bom Island Resort representative and taken to the delightful resort for a six night stay in a pool-view room, dinner and breakfast included.
Bom Bom, which means Good Good, extends across two beaches at the base of lush rainforest-clad hills. The pool-view rooms are a calm haven in which to relax and the restaurant serves an exotic blend of local and international dishes.
Accommodation: Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe
Over the next five days, partake in some of Bom Bom’s diverse range of activities to make the most of your time at Principe: go on guided forest hikes, enjoy some mountain biking, take canoe expeditions with local fisherman, or hire a quadbike. If your interest is history and culture, visit the old Portuguese town of San Antonio, classified as the smallest 'city' in the world.
Accommodation: Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe
At low tide it takes around an hour to circumnavigate Bom Bom Island on foot, a great way in which to explore beautiful rock pools, spot endemic birdlife and pause for some snorkelling in-between. July to September is whale-watching season and in December, people can see Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead & Green turtles coming ashore to deposit eggs on certain beaches.
Accommodation: Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe
Follow the historic track to the summit of Pico Papagaio on a full day excursion for breathtaking views. Discover the working plantations which are maintained under the forest canopy on the “Four Flavours Route”, a guided half day walk through the different plantations of coffee, pepper, cocoa and vanilla, rounded off with a swim at Praia Grande.
Experience the local traditions and local produce of the island while shopping in the markets, visiting a school, partaking in the making of your own African clothing or giving some English lessons and learning activities.
Accommodation: Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe
Another day in which to relax at the resort, or partake in activities which can be arranged through reception.
Accommodation: Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe
Your last day to enjoy Bom Bom and take in the delights of Principe.
Príncipe – São Tomé – Lisbon
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Príncipe airport for your flight back to São Tomé airport. You will be met by a Omali Lodge representative where you will have use of one of their day rooms. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home, via Lisbon.
Accommodation: Omali Lodge
