A remote island paradise with unspoiled landscapes, endemic wildlife and unique luxury lodges

Saotome_principe_walking
Hike picturesque forest trails, lounge on deserted beaches and float in quiet waterfalls

Sao Tome & Principe are two tropical islands separated by a short 35-minute flight, located on the equatorial line off the coast of West Africa. Perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track beach break, with pristine landscapes and peaceful towns. 

The country remains under the radar on the international tourist map, so you’ll never have to worry about crowded beaches. There's also a host of unique experiences to add colour to your trip. Why not learn to drum in the moonlight with villagers, hike through unspoiled rainforests to find endemic plants and animals, or taste chocolate at a restored cocoa plantation house in the rainforest interior? 

Sao Tome is the larger island of the two and the main entry point, with the country’s only international airport. It’s a great place to relax and discover the rich history and agricultural fields of the country, with cocoa, coffee and copra plantations to explore. 

Move on to the island of Principe; small yet impressive in terms of rare wildlife and untamed wilderness, the entire island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012, and you’ll spend your days soaking up its phenomenal nature. 

Go hiking in tropical rainforest, with eight hiking trails of various grades on Principe, or see the 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. 

You can even venture up Pico de Sao Time, the highest point on Sao Tome at 2,024 metres. The highest point on Principe is just 948 metres but you can scale it along the Parrot Peak walk, a demanding yet rewarding trail. 

Those interested in marine wildlife can enjoy Humpback or Sperm whale watching from July to August or September to October, or see turtles coming ashore to lay eggs around the end of the year. The turtles nest on beaches near Bom Bom Island Resort from as early as September, but normally from November to February each year. The eggs hatch 45 days later so the best time to see hatchlings return to sea is December, January, February and March. 

Travel in Sao Tome & Principe has a dreamy laid-back quality, while touches of luxury are easily found in some of our hand-picked lodges. Sleep amidst lush rainforest, turquoise waters and towering mountain swirling in mist, or even discover the incredible Praia Sundry, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. 

Featured Sao Tome & Principe Trip Ideas

Wayfairer’s selection of luxury Sao Tome & Principe itineraries are crafted to suit all travellers and can be easily customised to create the perfect Sao Tome & Principe holiday. The Classic Sao Tome & Principe Escape covers both islands for a week and is ideal for those who want to make the most of their short break. The Luxury Sao Tome & Principe Journey will take you to Principe Island for pampering and exploration in lavish beach lodges.  

Experience secluded romance with our Sao Tome & Principe Honeymoon or opt for something more family oriented with a 3-bedroom villa and plantation houses on our Sao Tome & Principe Family holiday. Time your trip for turtle or whale watching or go hiking through the rainforest to waterfalls and private coves. 

 

Sao Tome & Principe Family Holiday
Maggie Asbury
Maggie Asbury Luxury Travel Specialist

Where to go in Sao Tome & Principe?

Explore both islands, either independently or with the help of English-speaking local guides who know all the hidden nooks of the islands. They’ll share stories with about their history and cultural traditions or talk about the wildlife of the islands. You will likely stay in the north of both islands, and you can head to explore the rainforest, waterfalls, secluded bays and surroundings islets on day trips by road or boat.

Your Luxury Accommodation Options

quotes

Read what our customers say about their trip with Wayfairer

“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".

"This was a dream trip I had thought about for years and somehow they managed to exceed what I had hoped for. Could not have asked for more."

"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"

"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"

"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."

"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."

"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."

"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."

"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."

"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."

"We just returned from a fabulous Kenya vacation for our family..ages 3 thru 70. Jess gave us great advice, offered wonderful accommodations, was really flexible, was willing to work with our budget. June helped us implement the trip. Thanks to both of them."

"Wayfairer organised our trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. From initial contact Leonie and the team were very professional & informative. They listened to our requirements and put together an amazing itinerary within our budget. We were kept informed every step of the way. The holiday was amazing and all went smoothly. We felt confident that Wayfairer were only a call away should an issue arise. We wouldn't hesitate to use Wayfairer for our next holiday!"

5 star rating 99% of reviewers recommend Wayfairer. (4.9* rating & 335 reviews on Reviews.IO)

More Africa inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists