Sao Tome & Principe-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in São Tomé e Príncipe

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of São Tomé Island

  • Morning: Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries, including the US, Canada, EU, and UK, don’t need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 30 days. Check with your embassy for specific requirements.
  • Transportation: Taxi or shuttle services are available from the airport. You can also rent a car for the duration of your stay.
  • Places to Go:
    • São Tomé Cathedral (Catedral de São Tomé): A beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city.
    • Fortaleza de São Sebastião: A historic fort that now serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of the island.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the city’s markets for local crafts, fruits, and vegetables.
    • Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.
  • Things to Know:
    • The official currency is the Dobra (STD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s a good idea to have some cash with you.
    • Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak French and English as well.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Forests of São Tomé Island

  • Morning: Visit the São Nicolau Falls (Cachoeira de São Nicolau): A stunning waterfall located in a beautiful forest.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation to the waterfalls. You can also rent a car for the day.
  • Places to Go:
    • The Forests of São Tomé Island: Explore the island’s lush forests and spot some unique wildlife, such as birds and monkeys.
  • Activities:
    • Hike through the forest to reach the waterfalls.
    • Take a dip in the nearby pool or simply relax on the rocks.

Day 3: Principe Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry from São Tomé Island to Príncipe Island. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the weather.
  • Transportation: Once you arrive at Príncipe Island, you can rent a car or take a taxi to your accommodation.
  • Places to Go:
    • São Antonio Falls (Cachoeira de São António): A beautiful waterfall located in the heart of the island.
    • The Forests of Príncipe Island: Explore the island’s lush forests and spot some unique wildlife, such as birds and monkeys.
  • Activities:
    • Hike through the forest to reach the waterfalls.
    • Take a dip in the nearby pool or simply relax on the rocks.

Day 4: Beaches and Wildlife of Príncipe Island

  • Morning: Visit the Praia de Santa Isabel: A stunning beach located on the western coast of Príncipe Island.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation to the beach. You can also rent a car for the day.
  • Places to Go:
    • The Beaches of Príncipe Island: Explore the island’s stunning beaches and spot some unique wildlife, such as turtles and birds.
  • Activities:
    • Relax on the beach or take a dip in the ocean.
    • Spot some of the island’s unique wildlife.

Day 5: Return to São Tomé Island

  • Morning: Take the ferry back from Príncipe Island to São Tomé Island. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the weather.
  • Transportation: Once you arrive at São Tomé Island, you can take a taxi or shuttle back to your accommodation.
  • Places to Go:
    • São Tomé Cathedral (Catedral de São Tomé): A beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city.
    • Fortaleza de São Sebastião: A historic fort that now serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of the island.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the city’s markets for local crafts, fruits, and vegetables.
    • Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.

Other Things to Know:

  • The official language is Portuguese, but many locals speak French and English as well.
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s a good idea to have some cash with you.
  • São Tomé e Príncipe is a tropical island nation located off the coast of Gabon. It has a unique culture that reflects its history as a Portuguese colony.

Accommodation:

There are several options for accommodation on both São Tomé and Príncipe Islands, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Safety:

São Tomé e Príncipe is considered a safe country to visit. However, as with any travel destination, it’s always a good idea to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.