Africa > Sao Tome and Principe: Weather, Map, Costs and Travel Guide

Nature preserved and gentle living add to a culture where dance and theater have the advantage to make this country a destination apart, a subtle blend of Portugal and Africa.

On Sao Tome, you can visit the "Monte Café" coffee plantation, inside the island, a remnant of the largest plantation on the island, with a guide explaining coffee processing techniques and Importance in local history. Explore the natural park of Obo in the center of the island, with the crater of its important volcano. On the east coast you will discover the cocoa plantations of Agua Ize, the waterfalls of Ribeira Peixe, the fishing village of Ribeira Afonso, then embark for the island of Santana. If possible, plan a sea trip (between July and October) to observe whales and dolphins. Trained hikers can make a two-day trek to Sao Tome peak (2,024 m), or venture into the jungle to the north to admire the baobab forest.

The capital, Sao Tome, is worth a stop, with its cathedral dating from the 16th century, the Fishermen's Church, its presidential palace and its National Museum housed in the old fort, and the possibility of attending the tchiloli. Theater, dance and music.

Take time to discover the beaches, mainly located on the North coast and the east coast of Sao Tomé, there are all kinds of them, and they will fill you inevitably because of their variety, especially as you can make superb dives To encounter the very dense marine fauna. What to do: watch the laying of turtles on the Ilhas das Rolas.

On the smaller island of Principe is also part of the Obo nature park, suitable for hiking.

And if the word "softly" is the one heard most often in this country, it is not only the praise of the slowness but also that of the sweetness of life that you will not fail to feel during your stay.

For a stay of more than fifteen days you need a tourist visa, a passport valid for another 6 months and a return ticket to enter the country.

The current currency is the dobra (STD). Provide enough liquid as there is no cash dispenser.

We arrive by plane to Sao Tome airport (via Lisbon or Libreville), 6km from the center. To hitchhike on the spot, hitchhiking is very popular, but you can also use the taxi, or rent a car. Between Sao Tome and Principe, there are air links (5 a week) and ferries, very irregular.

Health issue, it is mandatory to be vaccinated against yellow fever, and advised to take an antimalarial treatment; In any case, protect yourself well against mosquitoes. Do not drink tap water, and peel your fruits and vegetables. In addition, have a good sun protection.

As for security, know that this country is one of the safest in Africa, and one can walk quietly by day or night. It seems, however, that flights are becoming more frequent.

Shopping: you will find on the market numerous and pretty handcrafted wooden carved objects.