Things to Do in Saotomeandprincipe

About Saotomeandprincipe

Rising from the Gulf of Guinea like emeralds scattered across sapphire waters, São Tomé and Príncipe remains one of Africa's most enchanting secrets—a twin-island nation where volcanic peaks pierce tropical clouds and time moves to the rhythm of crashing waves. This Portuguese-speaking paradise, untouched by mass tourism, offers something increasingly rare in our modern world: the genuine thrill of discovery in a place where nature's grandeur still outshines human intervention. Here, the equator doesn't just mark a line on a map—it defines an entire world where African, Portuguese, and Creole cultures have melded into something entirely their own.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring euros or US dollars to exchange locally, as the dobra (STN) is not available outside the country and ATMs are scarce and unreliable, especially outside the capital São Tomé city.

• Transportation: Hire a local guide with a 4WD vehicle for exploring the islands, as public transport is limited to shared taxis (called "clectivos") that mainly serve routes between towns, and many plantation roads are in poor condition.

• Language: Learn basic Portuguese phrases before arrival, as Portuguese is the official language and English is rarely spoken outside of high-end hotels and tour operators.

• Health Precautions: Take malaria prophylaxis seriously and bring insect repellent, as São Tomé and Príncipe is a malaria zone; also ensure your yellow fever vaccination is up to date as proof may be required upon entry.

When to Visit

São Tomé and Príncipe's equatorial location means year-round temperatures hover between 25-30°C, but the dry season from June to September offers the most reliable weather with minimal rainfall (often under 50mm monthly) and calmer Atlantic seas ideal for diving, snorkeling around Ilhéu das Rolas, and hiking Pico Cão Grande without muddy trails. The gravana (main rainy season) from October to May brings intense afternoon downpours, high humidity above 85%, and swollen rivers that make reaching remote beaches like Praia Jalé difficult, though February's Independence Day celebrations (July 12th) and the August cocoa harvest season provide cultural immersion opportunities when you can tour working roças (colonial plantations) at their most active. Budget travelers should note that July-August coincides with European summer holidays, driving up limited accommodation prices by 30-40% and requiring advance bookings on Príncipe Island, while visiting in shoulder months like May or October offers discounted lodging despite occasional showers. Bird watchers specifically target the drier months of July-September when endemic species like the São Tomé ibis are most active and forest trails in Ôbo Natural Park remain accessible, though the lush post-rain period of March-April transforms the islands into a verdant paradise for photographers willing to brave humidity that can make even short walks exhausting.