Classic Sao Tome & Principe Escape

After landing at Sao Tome International airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local representative who will make the 15-minute transfer to Omali Lodge, where you’ll stay in a classic room with breakfast included for the next three nights. This is the most reputable lodge on the island, very conveniently located for onward travel to Principe, and a lovely location to explore. Separated from the beach by a road and line of palm trees, you can head down to sample the fresh coconuts or make the most of the swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, gym, restaurant and bar within Omali Lodge.

Omali Lodge is the perfect base for getting a feel for Sao Tome. Day trips can be arranged upon arrival with the reception and activities staff, or through Wayfairer in advance. We recommend a full day trip to the South of the island (bearing in mind the island is just 50km in length), where you can see the varied and rugged topography.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, hike towards Pico Cao Grande, a remarkable, finger-shaped mountain in south-central Sao Tome. It's the world’s tallest volcanic plug and is listed as one of the world's 200 most important sites of biological significance. Alternatively, enjoy lunch in the South on Islet das Rolas, at the Pestana Equador Hotel with a vast swimming pool, or as a picnic on the Equator Line.

After the land explorations on Sao Tome yesterday, today’s focus is on the turquoise waters and a snorkel excursion to a secluded bay called Blue Lagoon, or Lagoa Azul in the north west. It’s possible to scuba and snorkel here with an easy entrance from the shore. You could choose to travel to this lagoon by road or arrive by speedboat.

Home to a mixture of tropical marine life, with some particularly rare species, this bay is famed for its seahorses. Aside from the multitude of seahorses, you can also spot moray eels and one or two electric rays. In the afternoon, head south of Omali Lodge on the west coast to Club Santana and the Atlantic Dive Centre for more phenomenal scuba diving.

After breakfast at Omali Lodge, you’ll be transferred to the Sao Tome airport for your morning flight departing to Principe Island. It’s a 35-minute flight and if you have the option, try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane to get the best views flying in.

After landing in Principe, you’ll be warmly welcomed by local staff who will drive you to Bom Bom Island Resort ,where you’ll stay for four nights in a Pool View Bungalow on a half board basis with breakfast and dinner (you can also opt for full-board basis).

How you choose to spend the next three days is entirely dependent on your interests and the time of year, as some activities like whale watching are only possible between August to October, as they are migrating through the area. Turtle nesting walks along the beaches near Bom Bom are also possible with guides from Fundação Príncipe Trust, the guardians of Principe, especially from November to February each year.

Hiking up Parrot Peak is going to be best in the driest months of June through September. For those who simply want to spend a few days on the beach enjoying the relaxed pace of life, the Bom Bom beach is known as the best on Principe.

Today you’ll say farewell to the team at Bom Bom and transfer to Principe airport for the morning flight back to Sao Tome. You’ll arrive on the main island and meet your representative driver for your transfer back to Omali Lodge. You’ll have a day use room here so that you can make the most of your day and feel fresh for your international flight home this evening. After a week of exploring the best of Sao Tome & Principe, we’re sure you’ll be leaving with a trove of incredible photos and special memories to share back home.