EXPLORE SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE ISLANDS
STEP INTO THE WONDERS OF A NATURE LOVER'S HAVEN

Portuguese navigators discovered the uninhabited island in the late 15th century. It was annexed 100 years later and became a slavery hub and transhipment centre. In 1875, when slavery was abolished, contract labour was introduced. There were large numbers of rebellions over the years against Portuguese colonists. In 1975, after President Salazar’s fall in Portugal, the nationalist movement gained importance. The movement forced the Portuguese government to retreat and the country gained its independence. 

Sao Tome and Principe continue to maintain relations with other Portuguese colonies and their neighbours, Gabon, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. The country was also used as a Soviet satellite until President Manuel Pinto da Costa declared that the country would not align. After mediating talks were successful, the civil war in Angola came to an end.

In March 1990, a new constitution was introduced and a crucial election followed in 1991. PCD won control of the national assembly and presidency. Democratic politics saw ups and downs when rebels took control in 2003 for several days. With the recent discovery of oil fields in Sao Tome’s territorial waters, the economic stakes of the country improved. The government benefited from commercial drilling and promises to take the country out of a debt-ridden situation. Efforts are being made to modernize the country's services.

Sao Tome and Principe islands are situated about 200 and 150 miles respectively off the northwest coast of Gabon. They are part of the Cameroon volcanic mountain line or the Guinea line, giving rise to a major oceanic topographical feature. The country has varied landscapes, beaches, tropical forests and a few natural resources.

In addition to Sao Tome and Principe, the islands of Bioko to the northeast and the island of Annobon to the southwest are also included in the archipelago. Principe is considered older than Sao Tome geologically.

Sao Tome is 50 km long and 32 km wide. It consists of more mountainous peaks than Principe. Principe is 30 km long and 6 km wide. The island consists of beautiful streams, lush forests and stunning mountains. The capital also named Sao Tome is located on this island. South of the island lies the equator and the country is considered the smallest in Africa.

Sao Tome and Principe cultures have strong Portuguese influence. The music also is mixed with Portuguese styles and traditions from across Africa. The ussua and socope rhythms are famous in Sao Tome. Principe is known for its dexa beat that is popular on the island. Listen to Angolan-style pop music and other African rhythms and beat while on your visit. The art and craft scene is also vibrant in the country. Mask-making, wood carving, landscape painting and more are popular art forms in the nation.

Seafood, cooked bananas, beans, fish, maize and several tropical fruits are consumed in the country. Santomean cuisine has influences of African and Portuguese cuisines. Grilled fish, prawns, okra, calulu, pork dishes and more are filled with a variety of spices.

Calulu (smoked fish or prawn with tomato, okra, onion and eggplant), Cachupa (green beans and corn), Banana Pap (porridge), Arroz Doce (sweet corn and coconut), Omelettes, Boiled Pork (pork with onion, garlic, tomato and spices), Flying Fish (cooked or dried fish with spices)

Coconut Water, Coffee, Carioca de limao (lemon peel and water), Tea, Aquardente (distilled beverage from sugar cane), Nacional (national beer), Palm Wine, Gravana Rum (from sugarcane), Pnche (cocktail)

The locals are friendly, casual and easy-going. It is important to dress conservatively when visiting government buildings. Social encounters are friendly and it is customary to ask about the other's health and family. Elders are given great respect. It is considered a privilege to be invited into a person's home as acquaintances are always greeted on the road. On important occasions, locals prepare a lavish meal and the table is set in the Portuguese manner. Feel privileged to be invited to eat the traditional luso-African-Brazilian feijoada, a Sunday lunch made of a rich bean stew. The townspeople are very respectful of visitors. Hear the greeting “A vida é bela?” that means “life is beautiful”, commonly asked. To which you reply “E intermo” which means “that`s right!”

• To witness amazing sandy beaches with clear water, ancient architecture and natural beauty.
• Walk to the top of extinct volcanoes on the island of Sao Tome Mountain.
• Witness the amazing Pico de Sao Tome, another extinct volcano and take pictures of the ‘natural high-rise’.
• Have a great holiday at Seven Waves Beach, one of the top attractions.
• Swim in the warm waters and watch the turtles lay their eggs.
• Stay in one of the luxe Sao Tome and Principe resorts for a perfect romantic and secluded time.
• Enjoy a tropical marine climate that is warm and comfortable especially between June and September.
• A perfect ecotourism country with green valleys, coffee plantations, waterfalls, jungles and more.
• Create fishing stories at the fishing village of Ribeira Afonso.
• Witness dense tropical forest, lush mangroves and uplands and lowlands at the Obo National Park.
• Be among the diverse flora and fauna of Africa.
• Be a part of the Sao Tome and Principe culture of music and dance styles such as samba, puita, sokope and more.
• Bite into delicious chocolate in the “chocolate” country known for its cocoa plantations.

May and October are considered the two best months to visit. It is best to avoid April and November, which are the wettest months. Enjoy the tropic climate all year through with an average daytime temperature of 27°C. The islands are hot and humid with very little variation in temperatures. The mountainous interior is cooler with temperatures that can drop to 20°C. Rainfall is concentrated on the southwest slopes with the rainy season being between October and May.

• Visit the beautiful Bom Bom Island and view humpback whales in the ocean.
• Spend time at the Obo National Park amid dense rain forests and cascading waterfalls.
• Discover many bird species in Lagoa Azul also called Blue Lagoon.
• Snorkel in the waters of under crowded beaches on the island of Principe.

• Indulge in a fishing expedition for Blue Marlin Fish, a popular Sao Tome and Principe thing to do.
• Appreciate the serene environs of Sao Tome, a pleasant place with over 135 species of birds.
• Watch giant sea turtles lay their eggs in Praia Jale Beach and spend the night in small huts here.
• Watch the amazing sight of Boca de Inferno, also called “Hell’s Mouth”.

• Experience a gush of water from the Cascate Sao Nicolau Waterfall.
• Visit the National Museum, Sao Tome housed inside a 16th-century colonial fort.
• See an amazing geological formation called Pico Cao Grande, a volcanic peak in the shape of a needle.
• Take a city tour to explore Sao Tome Island, an unforgettable excursion.

• Learn about the protection of sea turtles at the Sea Turtles Observation in Morro Peixe.
• Relax and enjoy glistening clear water at the beaches in Praia Micondo.
• Go dolphin watching in the blue waters of Sao Tome and Principe.
• Spend a night at an Eco Lodge in Praia Jale and discover wildlife, flora, and fauna.

• Claudio Corallo Chocolate
• African-inspired Furniture
• Textiles
• Woodwork
• Painting
• Jewellery
• Lamos
• Baskets
• Finest Cocoa Beans

The out worldly natural park covers 230 sq km of the island of Sao Tome. The park is an important bird area recognised by BirdLife International. It is a paradise for bird lovers with more than 230 birds found here. Parrots, lesser grey shrike, dwarf olive ibis, Sao Tome grosbeak and many other birds are found in the park. Wander amid mangroves, savannah grasslands, lush forests in this amazing attraction in the country.

Best Time to Visit: May and October
Entry Price: Free

Vacation in the islet that lies off the southern tip of Sao Tome Island. This paradisal little island is a boat ride away from Sao Tome Island organised by the only resort on the island, Pestana Equador. Witness the equator landmark and explore the deserted island with beautiful ocean views from the coastline. The sparkling white sandy beaches make this teardrop-shaped island inviting. Visit for long stretches of sun-splashed romantic tropical surrounds, a romantic getaway.

Best Time to Visit: May and October
Entry Price: Based on the tour

The Cao Grande Peak is a needle-shaped volcanic plug peak in Sao Tome and Principe. The landmark attraction was formed when the lava from an active volcano solidified. Its summit is 663 m above sea level and can be seen from the Parque Natural Obo de Sao Tome. Climbing the peak is considered difficult due to moss on the rocks and the presence of snakes. Quintessential photographers can have a great time capturing gorgeous views from the park.

Best Time to Visit: May and October
Entry Price: Free

Witness the huge greenery that displays rare virgin forests and mist topped canopies. The Matterhorn-Esque mountains emerge straight from the jungle with cloud forests that cascade down. The shimmering Atlantic Bay waters have whales that swim past and the hinterland is a tropical haven much like the Obo National Park.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Tour the abandoned coffee plantation located on the island of Principe. This is where an independent British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington proved Einstein’s theory of relativity by watching an eclipse. The Sundy Plantation was once a cocoa and coffee farm that was used as a vacation home by the royal family of Principe. Look out for old farming and processing equipment still found on the plantation grounds.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Saint Nikolaus Waterfall is a sight to behold. It is located a few miles into the mountains. Hear the gush of waters as it appears to fall from a wall of the jungle. This scenic spot is worth visiting located in Sao Tome. Make this a centre point of your Sao Tome itinerary for a relaxing time blending with nature. The pristine waterfall on a tropical island is usually crowd-free and a must-see attraction.

Best Time to Visit: May and October
Entry Price: $5.49 (adult)

• National Museum
• Praia Piscina
• Praia dos Tamarindos
• Lagoa Azul
• Ana Chaves Bay

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome is the capital city with some wonderful Portuguese colonial architecture. Life here is very laid back with some top attractions to see. Explore the National Museum, Presidential Palace and more. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals make it a worthy stop.

Visit For: Independence Square, National Museum, Presidential Palace, Sao Tome Cathedral

Take a day tour in the sleepy fishing village. There are good photo opportunities of interesting decaying buildings such as the old army barracks. Blend with the coastal communities to find out about life here as a local.

Visit For: Army Barracks, Historical Ruins

This is the smallest capital city in the world. Located in the east of Principe this is where you will hardly encounter vehicles or people. Stroll along the Parrot River that runs through the town. Sample delicious local cuisine in one of the homely restaurants, visit the central market and imbibe the vibes.

Visit For: Parrot River, Central Market

This is a tiny village just 1 km north of the Nova Estrela viewpoint. Find an abandoned cocoa plantation that was restored in the 1990s. The plantation was bought by Claudio Corallo and now produces some of the best chocolates in the world.

Visit For: Cocoa Plantations, Nova Estrela Viewpoint (1km away)

The ancient long-lost settlement was the former capital of the island. See the remains of the first church and the house of Maria Correia, a black princess. Take a hiking trail from Bom Bom through the forest that leads to Ribeira Ize ruins.

Visit For: House of Maria Correia, Ruins of the Ribeira Ize Church

• Bom Bom Island
• Praia Abade
• Nova Estrela 
• Baía das Agulhas
• Roca Belo Monte
• Ilheu das Rolas
• Roca Sao Joao dos Angolares

The day of freedom from Portugal colonial rule is celebrated as Independence Day. Each year on July 12th the country commemorates independence from Portugal in 1975. This National Day in Sao Tome and Principe is celebrated with fanfare, open-air concerts and parades.

Location : Sao Tome and Principe
Date : 12 July

The annual event brings plenty of visitors to the archipelago. The fabulous cultural street theatre is held in mid-August. The epic attraction in Principe involves the population of the island. Re-enactment of the battle between Christians and Moors happen on the island on the streets of Principe.

Location : Principe
Date : Mid August

Christmas is celebrated in the island-nation that consists of a majority of Christians. The day is marked by mass and feasts. Friends and family enjoy the festivities to celebrate the birth of the Christian messiah, Jesus.

Location : Sao tome and Principe
Date : 25 December

Sao Tome celebrates the national holiday of Argel Accord Day. It falls on 26th November when the Argel Accords were signed in Portugal. The accords helped in actions against the dictatorial government and is an event that happened before the nation’s independence. The historical day commemorates the historical documents.

Location : Sao Tome and Principe
Date : 26 November

May 1st is locally known as the International Workers Day. It celebrates the historic International Labor Movement. The contribution of every worker and the protection of workers’ rights is marked by events on this day.

Location : Sao Tome and Principe
Date : 1 May

• New Years Day
• Good Friday
• Armed Forces Day
• Martyr's Day

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe visa. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of twelve months upon entry. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

Sao Tome and Principe visa-free entry for stays of 15 days or less for tourism and business purpose is allowed to the citizens of the following countries;

• EU
• Andorra
• Angola
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Guinea-Bissau
• Iceland
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Norway
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Russia
• Rwanda
• San Marino
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• Turkey
• UAE
• UK
• USA
• Vatican City

Other country citizens can avail of a visa online facility through the eVISA.ST system or visit one of the diplomatic missions of Sao Tome and Principe before arrival. Visa on arrival is available for normal passports issued by China, Macau and Hong Kong for a validity of 15 days upon the arrival.

A tourist and business evisa allows a single entry stay of up to 30 days. For longer periods of stay and to get a work visa, student visa or resident visa approvals from the embassy is required.

Schengen area member state visa holders and holders of a visa or resident permit issued by the United States of America do not require visas for a stay up to 15 days. They are provided with substitute visas. A transit visa is provided for travellers with onward journey tickets for a flight on the same calendar day. They can access the international transit area with relevant documents.

There is a short flight between the islands of Sao Tome and Principe via STP Airways. You can travel in a comfortable two-propeller plane. The flights are scheduled Monday to Saturday and are 45 minutes long. It is a good idea to book early as the flights fill up quickly.

There are currently no boat services that are regular or reliable. It is advised not to use the intermittent ferry that is a six-hour open ocean voyage. This is both unsafe and uncomfortable.

There are no public buses and train services currently.

Shared yellow taxis can be hired individually or you could pay for a private taxi. There are few tarmacked roads and road travel is uncomfortable. Most tracks are dirt tracks and not well laid. You could hire a 4WD vehicle or a mountain bike for flexibility. Motorcycle taxis are available but used for in-town commuting. Rent car options are limited with only a few established agencies in Sao Tome.

TAP Air-Portugal provides flight services to Sao Tome and Principe. The flight offers great facilities and services. Sao Tome International Airport is the only international airport in the country. The second airport in Principe is used for one local flight a day from Sao Tome.

• Taking photographs of government buildings, Presidential Palace and other buildings are forbidden.
• STP is a small country with remarkably helpful people.
• Planning with a travel itinerary is a definite plus.
• It is important to protect yourself against malaria.
• Always carry travel documents safely and keep photocopies.
• Road accidents are common and refuse to be driven by anyone who has been drinking.
• Carry a travel guide which will be helpful to navigate the island better.
• LGBTQ travellers may face discrimination.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing at dawn and dusk to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Wear footwear with good grip as paths become slippery in wet weather.

• Remain alert at beaches and on the streets for petty crime.
• Daytime travel is safer than nights although violent crimes are rare.
• Stealing of mobile phones is common, especially targeting women travellers.
• Keep your valuables safe when travelling by car. Keep the car doors locked.
• Exercise caution in unfamiliar places and be aware of potential dangers.
• It is not advisable to wander into the jungle alone without a local guide.

• Several vaccinations are important to take as recommended by CDC and WHO such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Covid 19, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
• Tropical diseases are often a worry in far off destinations, so come prepared with travel insurance.
• Carry mosquito repellents and antimalarial drugs as the island is mosquito prone.
• Always drink from bottled water and be cautious of hygiene aspects while eating food.
• Don't eat raw salad or vegetables and unpeeled fruits.
• Carry with you a proof of Yellow Fever vaccination certificate along with a complete International Certificate of Vaccination.

• Travel Documents
• Medical Kit
• Weather-friendly clothes
• Health documents
• Contact Card
• Walking Shoes
• Ultralight Stuff Pack
• Scarf or Sarong
• Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
• Power Bank

• The dress code is casual except at government offices that prefer long pants.
• The country is easy going and laid back.
• Sao Tomeans are friendly and follow normal courtesy rules.
• Locals are direct and to the point.
• It is customary to give elders respect.
• It is a great privilege to be invited inside someone's home in Sao Tome.
• Lavish tables are set with a large array of dishes during weddings and festivals.
• Goat, chicken, rich bean stew and bottled soft drinks are consumed by the affluent, especially on ceremonial occasions.

This Central African country boasts splendid biodiversity and is home to the second-largest forest in the world. Explore the many parks, monuments and wildlife reserves. Equatorial Guinea is a tiny little country nestled between Cameroon and Gabon.

Lope National Park, Akanda National Park, Loango National Park and more are some of the top attractions to see. Gabon is famous for the natural nuclear fission reactor in the Oklo reactor zones. It is known as the "Last Eden on Earth".

Nigeria - 1015 km

• The country is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
• Waters at the beaches have a temperature of around 26°C throughout the year.
• The equator passes through the island.
• The country has extensive coffee and cocoa cultivation.
• Sao Tome is the capital of STP.
• The fertile volcanic soil is very good for cocoa production and gives the best tasting chocolates.
• The Sao Tome airport consists of only one runway and lies 10 m above mean sea level.
• Based on the census, the STP population contributes to 0% of the total world population.

CALLING CODE: +239

Emergency: 239112

Police: 239 222 2222

The Sao Tome and Principe currency are the Sao Tome and Principe Dobra and the currency code is STN. The Sao Tome and Principe currency symbol are Db. The Sao Tome and Principe Dobra are broken up into 100 centimos. The currency exchange rate for some of the most popular currencies are,

Symbol: Db

Code: STN

Few Currency Conversions (as of 30 June 2021)

1 STN = 3.59 INR (Sao Tome and Principe Dobra to INR)

1 STN = 0.04 USD (Sao Tome and Principe Dobra to USD)

1 STN = 0.17 AED (Sao Tome and Principe Dobra to AED)

1 STN = 0.04 Euro (Sao Tome and Principe Dobra to Euro)

Sao Tome and Principe Dobra currency banknote denomination: 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000

Sao Tome and Principe Dobra coin denomination: 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places. The ROE is subject to change based upon currency fluctuations.

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