The Magical Islands of São Tomé & Príncipe
Tour Introduction
Full Itinerary
Arrive São Tomé. Transfer to Omali
Staying at Omali. Includes Breakfast.
Journey from the north of the island down to its southern tip. Transfer by road along the island's east coast, stopping at some beauty spots along the way, including the Boca do Inferno blowhole and Sete Ondas beach. In the evening you may choose to join a guided nocturnal tour with Programa Tatô to see turtles nesting on the beach.
Staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Boat tour out to the island of Ilhéu das Rolas, famed for lying right on the Equator. Walk some of its trails or relax on the beach, and enjoy lunch on the island. Return to Praia Inhame in the late afternoon.
Staying at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast, drive back to São Tomé. Stop for a relaxing lunch en route at Roca Sao Joao - famed for its local tasting menu.
Staying at Omali. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to São Tomé Airport this morning. Fly to the island of Príncipe, 160 km to the north east. Met by your guide on arrival and transfer the short distance by road to your hotel.
Staying at Roça Sundy. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
This morning join a guided excursion or activity (one included per day with your stay). Afternoon completely at your leisure. Guests of Roça Sundy have day use of the facilities and amenities at the nearby sister hotel, Sundy Praia, just a 30 minute walk away.
Staying at Roça Sundy. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Day at your leisure. Perhaps take a morning trek through the rainforest of Parque Natural do Príncipe to Oque Pipi waterfall and natural pool, where you can look for rare birds and other wildlife.
You may wish to join the 'Discover Príncipe' guided tour, and learn about the the history of the cacao plantations.
Staying at Roça Sundy. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before perhaps heading to San António for lunch and a look around the island’s tiny capital. Afternoon transfer to your beach hotel.
Staying at Bom Bom. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Full day at leisure. Partake in your included, daily excursion or activity, from a choice of: Bird watching, turtle watching, forest and waterfall hiking trails, paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving or a San António tour.
Staying at Bom Bom. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Full day at leisure. One daily activity included to choose from as you please.
Staying at Bom Bom. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Morning at leisure. Transfer to Príncipe airport to board your short flight back to São Tomé. Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Staying at Omali. Includes Breakfast.
Full day to explore the north of the island with a private guide. Visit the savannah region containing large baobab trees and good birdlife. Afterwards head to Lagoa Azul for a swim. Take lunch at Mucumbli restaurant (included). Return to your hotel.
Staying at Omali. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure with late check out of your room. Time for exploring Sao Tome town independently, perhaps visiting the Chocolate Factory, market, fort and government buildings. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Includes No Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Omali
Overview
Omali is, in our opinion, the best hotel in Sao Tome town. It enjoys a beachfront location on the outskirts and very close to the airport. The air-conditioned suites are built around the swimming pool, all set within well-kept gardens which attract many birds. Snacks and drinks can be enjoyed at the Leve Leve pool bar and main meals taken in the restaurant or outside on the verandah. The restaurant serves dishes which are varied and appetising and the bar has a good range of international spirits.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, beachfront location, Wi-Fi in the common areas, 24-hour reception with safe deposit boxes and currency exchange, souvenir shop, laundry facilities, tennis courts, gym, satellite TV, swimming pool with snack bar, airport transfers, free guest car parking.
Local Wildlife
Many species of birds visit the hotel gardens.
Optional Activities
A wide range of guided tours and excursions, including boat trips, can be booked at the hotel for exploration of Sao Tome island.
Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
Overview
A quality, rustic beachfront lodge which lives up to its eco billing, Inhame is entirely off grid, harnessing wind and solar power and a waste-wood burner for all its energy requirements and growing much of its food on site.
The lodge owners support an old people’s home in nearby Porto Alegre and other benevolent projects.
The charmingly decorated timber chalets come in various permutations, from small studios to a two bedroom family unit, all with en suite bathrooms with hot water showers, ceiling fans and decks with views to the sea. The food is particularly good and can be washed down with a fine selection of wines.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, beachfront location, WiFi, ceiling fans, PADI dive centre.
Local Wildlife
Mona monkey, rainbird and other bird species. Turtles are often found nesting on the beach, including leatherbacks. On request, a guide will wake you in the night if one is spotted, usually between November and March.
Optional Activities
Guided and independent hiking on forest trails. Boat trips are available for diving, dolphin watching and snorkelling and to visit Ilheu das Rolas.
Roça Sundy
Overview
Built in 1921, the colonial plantation house of Roça Sundy has been converted into one of the country’s best loved hotels. The estate, which grew coffee as well as coco, is the largest on Principe.
The main building, once the owner’s house, holds the restaurant and bar as well as six spacious rooms, while the annex contains nine more. In the grounds stands the huge derelict hospital, and there are trails leading through forest and farmland for birdwatching and sea views. It’s a 20-minute walk down through lush vegetation to the sandy Sundy beach where the roça’s fabulous sister hotel, Praia Sundy, is found. The roça is also of historical importance. In May, 1919, the British scientist, Sir Arthur Eddington, visited the plantation to observe a solar eclipse which helped him to prove Einstein’s theory of relativity, a trip which was widely reported around the world.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, trail to beach, Wi-Fi, reception, laundry facilities.
Local Wildlife
Various bird species, lizards, butterflies and mona monkeys can be observed from the breakfast terrace.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching, nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach, various excursions on Principe island including a visit to Roça Paciencia.
Bom Bom
Overview
The original, pioneering beach hotel in Sao Tome & Principe, Bom Bom Island Resort opened more than 30 years ago and kickstarted tourism to the small island nation.
Located on the northern tip of Príncipe Island in São Tomé and Príncipe, the hotel features 18 bungalows that blend seamlessly into the lush tropical surroundings. Guests can choose from hillside, beachfront, garden, or sea view bungalows, each designed with local materials and equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Bom Bom offers a private beach, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant serving delectable local cuisine, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and indulgence.
Beyond its luxurious accommodations, the hotel provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Príncipe Island. The resort is committed to sustainability and offers various guided experiences to help guests discover the island’s rich flora and fauna, both above and below the water. Activities such as snorkelling, diving, and nature walks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant ecosystem.
There are two gorgeous beaches found here: Praia de Coco with firm sand suitable for jogging, and Praia Rita, good for swimming and snorkelling.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant and bar situated on a smaller island accessed via a walkway, snack bar, access to two beaches, WiFi, laundry facilities, toiletries, spa, dive centre, swimming pool with bar.
Local Wildlife
Various bird species including African grey parrot. Marine life such as dolphins, reef fish and mudskippers.
Optional Activities
Tours and excursions are available including boat trips for diving, dolphin watching and snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking and inland excursions.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Thank you for sending us on the most magical holiday. I can hardly believe there are two islands, of such beauty, almost untouched by modern tourism and commercialisation, left on the planet. They must be similar now, to how the Seychelles were 70 years ago.
