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Beach, Sao Tome and Principe
Home Destinations Africa Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe Holidays

A duo of charming islands sat off the coast of Gabon. While both are equally exciting to visit, Principe – the smaller of the two – remains a largely undiscovered home to whales and rainforests teeming with wild birds.

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This two-island nation sits off the coast of Gabon, isolated in the tropical Gulf of Guinea. Once a Portuguese colony that produced vast amounts of cocoa, it is now a forgotten archipelago, beautiful and peaceful, but a world apart from mainland Africa.

Ocean, Praia Sundy, Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
Principe, Sao Tome and Principe

Discover Sao Tome

Sao Tome is the larger of the islands, containing the majority of the population, but it is Principe that that attracts the most attention. The entire island is a protected UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve, carpeted with thick rainforest, through which dramatic stony peaks erupt. This beautiful blend of ecology and geology gives the island a Lost World feel, with the rainforest begging to be explored.

Principe, Sao Tome And Principe
Principe, Sao Tome and Principe

Discover Principe

Principe is a virtually undiscovered paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a place where dense rainforest teems with exotic birds, where whales play off deserted beaches and where a friendly community of people welcome you to their paradisaical home.

Turtle, Principe, Sao Tome And Principe
Principe, Sao Tome and Principe

Some ideas for a Sao Tome and Principe holiday

  • Relax amidst the beautiful grounds of former colonial plantation, Roca Sundy
  • Take guided walks through the Principe biosphere, exploring this wonderful rainforest ecosystem
  • Spot new-born turtles hatching on the golden beaches of Principe
  • Snorkel, paddleboard and kayak off the jungled coastline, across the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea
  • Visit one of the friendly local communities, made up of descendants of former slaves, Portuguese colonists and West African labourers
  • Spot migrating humpback whales as they pass by the islands between July and October
Cocoa beans
Sao Tome and Principe
Blog

The Land That Time Forgot

“As I slowed down, I took a moment to take in where I was and absorb the forest around me. Suddenly, I understood why the ‘moli, moli’ way of life is important – without stopping, you miss the sights and sounds of forest. It’s a time when everything stands still.”

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Explore Sao Tome And Principe

  • Sao Tome
  • Principe

Maximise every moment

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore, moments to discover.

Walk in Forest, Sao Tome and Principe
 

Guided Walks on Principe

Take guided walks through the Principe biosphere, exploring this wonderful rainforest ecosystem.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Turtle, Principe, Sao Tome And Principe
 

Turtle Watching

Spot new-born turtles hatching on the golden beaches of Principe.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Old buildings near Roca Sundy, Principe, Sao Tome And Principe
 

Roca Sundy

Relax amidst the beautiful grounds of this former colonial plantation.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ocean, Praia Sundy, Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
 

Meet the local people

Visit one of the friendly local communities, made up of descendants of former slaves, Portuguese colonists and West African labourers.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Water Sports, Praia Sundy, Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
 

Water Sports

Snorkel, paddle board and kayak off the jungled coastline, across the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Whale Breaching, Sao Tome and Principe
 

Whale Watching

Spot migrating humpback whales as they pass by the islands between July and October.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Praia Sundy £££££

  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Beach and Island Escapes

This beautiful collection of tented villas sits where Principe’s dense rainforests meet the tropical beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Hidden beneath almond and banana trees, Praia Sundy looks out over warm waters, alive with marine life. It is the only lodge of its kind on the island and is the perfect place to experience both beach and rainforest.

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Roca Sundy £££££

  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Boutique

Formerly a colonial farm, Roca Sundy has been lovingly restored as a boutique hotel. It is made up of two Portuguese-style buildings – Colonial House and Plantation house – with the 12 rooms split evenly between the two. These sit within the grounds of the former plantation, which itself perches on a hillside, high above the island’s coast.

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A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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