Sao Tome & Principe Safari Tours & Holidays

Sao Tome and Principe, an African island nation close to the equator, is part of a volcano chain featuring striking rock and coral formations, rain forests, and beaches. On the larger island, Sao Tome is the Lagoa Azul lagoon. Obo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle preserve, covers much of Sao Tome and is distinguished by Pico Cao Grande, a skyscraper-like volcanic rock.

Floating in the Gulf of Guinea, this two-island nation, Africa’s second-smallest blends natural wonders with a gripping history. Sao Tome & Principe (STP) is amazingly safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly Eco tourists, for whom the advancing jungle is a delight. This is particularly true on tidy and unspoiled Principe, an island of just 7000 people. A canopy of green broken by spires of primordial rock, Príncipe is a magnificent Lost World, offering fantastic beaches, jungle exploration, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and a handful of interesting (if expensive) accommodations. While both islands have their natural rewards, Principe should not be missed.

How to get to Sao Tome and Principe

The only way to reach Sao Tome & Principe is by plane to Sao Tomé International Airport. It’s the only international airport in the country and one of only two airports. The second airport is located on Principe and is only served by one local flight a day between Sao Tome and Principe.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe

Conventional visa applications should be made at an Embassy or Consulate of Sao Tome and Principe abroad. Passports must have a validity of 12 months. The visa is usually valid for a single entry within 90 days of the date issued, for a stay up to 30 days.

The health sector of Sao Tome and Principe

In Sao Tome and Principe, the healthcare system consists of both public and private sectors. The public sector provides free healthcare to all citizens of the country.

Tertiary or specialized healthcare services are very deficient in the country and patients often have to travel to nearby countries for treatment. But this health care does not insure foreign travelers so ensure you purchase medical and travel insurance before traveling to Sao Tome and Principe.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Sao Tome and Principe

Malaria is a risk in Sao Tome and Principe. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip generally not recommended for travelers traveling to Sao Tome and Principe.

The currency of Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe are two small Portuguese-speaking islands approximately 140 kilometers apart in the Gulf of Guinea. The Dobra is the official currency of the islands and is represented by the symbol Db.

Official Language of Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe have Portuguese as the official and national language. It is spoken by virtually all of the population. Locally developed restructured varieties of Portuguese or Portuguese creoles are also spoken: Forro, Angolar, and Principense.

Best time to travel to Sao Tome and Principe

The rainy season runs between October and May, with rainfall concentrated on the mountainous southwestern slopes. April and November are traditionally the wettest months; May and October are regarded as the two best months in which to visit.

What to wear in Sao Tome and Principe

Casual attire is acceptable everywhere, even if others choose to dress more smartly. However, government offices prefer long pants.

What to bring while traveling to Sao Tome and Principe

Medical kit suitable for West Africa
Waterproof hiking shoes: wet shoes take days to dry in this humidity
Lightweight long pants (zip-offs ideal) for mosquito hours (dusk and dawn)
Raincoat
Shirts that breathe

Car hire and driving in Sao Tome and Principe

Car hire and self-drive are pretty safe and you have to just bear with the type of vehicles available as the country is located far in the ocean and opportunities are limited and we do not recommend self-driving in Sao tome and Principe.

Accommodation in Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome city is the main capital of Sao Tome and Principe. It is on the north-eastern coast of the island of Sao Tome, situated on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea. It is the country’s largest city and one of its major ports. São Tomé is home to the National Museum, the National Archives, and a large medical center.

Decent accommodation is available in Sao Tome and Principe but an advance booking may be required for securing a room to stay during the peak months of May and October

Local food of Sao Tome and Principe

Staple foods include fish, seafood, beans, maize, and cooked banana. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, avocado, and bananas are a significant component of the cuisine. The use of hot spices is prominent in São Tomése cuisine. Coffee is utilized in various dishes as a spice or seasoning.

Tipping while Travelling in Sao Tome and Principe

Tipping is not customary, and at the customer’s discretion. However, 5% goes a long way locally. Bring cash denominated in euros, as the dollar is increasingly less common the dobra can only be used in-country, so you must exchange euros for dobras after you arrive, and dobras for euros before you leave.

Further information for Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe is an island nation off the western coast of Africa. Its official name is the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. It was founded by Portuguese explorers who arrived on the feast day of Saint Thomas, the island’s namesake. Today it is the smallest Portuguese-speaking country.

Safety of Sao Tome and Principe

Generally, Sao Tome and Principe is a very safe place indeed for travelers. There is very little violent crime, and armed robberies and rapes are rare still.

But like anywhere else you should still take caution and abstain from moving at night.