São Tomé & Príncipe – an island wonderland
I recently had the privilege of visiting the stunning islands of São Tomé and Principe in the Gulf of Guinea off the West African coast and found myself completely blown away by the beauty and diversity of these remote refuges. From pristine rainforests and rugged mountains to deserted white sandy beaches, I was constantly in awe of the breath-taking landscapes and vistas.
I stayed at the luxurious lodges of Roça Sunday and Sundy Praia and both of these lodges provided the perfect base for exploring all that the island had to offer.
One of the many highlights of my trip was getting a real taste of the local culture. I visited incredible seafood restaurants in the town of Santo António, traditional cacao plantations offering 6 course cacao tasting menus, and the Pacienca farm with amazing organic agriculture and rainforest products.
The islands are a birder’s paradise, with twenty-five endemic species for the twitcher to seek out. There are also loads of African Grey parrots which are always such a treat to see. Hiking in the lush rainforests was another amazing experience and the towering forest trees left me amazed at the majesty of nature.
For those who enjoy water activities, the crystal clear and warm waters provide ample opportunities for snorkelling and swimming, and one can then also explore the remote beaches by boat. I also had the privilege to see the little turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean on São Tomé – so cute!
Thris trip to São Tomé and Principe was a true adventure and an incredible escape to a calm and beautiful place. I would highly recommend it to honeymooners, families, and nature lovers alike. The destination is wonderfully easy to access from Gabon’s bustling capital city of Libreville (easily connected to Europe), making São Tomé the perfect extension for those joining our Gabon wildlife expeditions, but is equally great as a stand-alone destination.
