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Discover São Tomé & Príncipe with Lisbon

Duration
14 days
Price from
£3,194 pp.
Location
São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa
Principe island

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Lisbon's historic streets
  • Snorkel in the clear waters of Príncipe
  • Hike through rich rainforests

What's Included

  • Guided island tours and nature walks
  • Eco-luxury accommodation
  • Culinary experiences in Lisbon & S. Tomé

Combine these destinations to create a wonderful action packed 2 weeks away

Unlike most tropical paradise islands São Tomé & Príncipe does often need not only an introduction but also someone to point out where these islands are. As they are an ex-Portuguese colony you have to fly via Lisbon to get there. So why not make the most of this amazing city as a decompression between the UK and these lush tropical islands? Enjoy the amazing food, super views and relaxed vibe.

Once you arrive on São Tomé you will have time to discover the tiny São Tomé City as well as trek the interior forests, discovering the remains of plantations from yesteryear.

After which we drive you down to the remote southern tip to stay at a locally family run eco lodge set on a beautiful turtle beach, offering a bit of laid back island living as well as the opportunity to get to the Ilheu das Rolas and stand on the Equator.

You then head to the north of the island to stay at another eco lodge, completely built from locally sourced materials. An Italian couple own and run it so expect an absolutely delicious fusion of Italian and São Toméan cuisine.

You then head to Príncipe and have 5 nights at a recently refurbished beach hotel, located on arguably the best beach on the island.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 Fly from the UK to Lisbon.

Lisbon Tram

Touch down in Lisbon and take a shared shuttle into the heart of the city, heading straight for the cobbled charm of the Alfama District - Lisbon's oldest quarter, full of character and atmosphere. You will spend the next two nights at the stylish Memmo Alfama Boutique Hotel, staying in a standard room with breakfast included. The hotel's rooftop terrace and plunge pool offer an unbeatable panorama over the terracotta rooftops and the mouth of the Tagus River - perfect for a sunset drink after a days exploring.

We recommend a visit to the Time Out Market near Memmo Alfama, where you can try everything from freshly grilled sardines to gourmet pastel de nata!

Day 3 Fly to São Tomé

Staying at Omali Lodge

Return to the airport by shuttle and catch your onward flight to São Tomé. You will arrive this afternoon and be welcomed by a representative from your hotel for a short transfer into town. Check into Omali Lodge, a relaxed yet stylish boutique stay just outside the city centre. Spend the next two nights here in a standard room, with breakfast included.

There is a lovely garden and pool if you fancy a quiet evening after your journey.

Day 4 Explore São Tomé

Day 5 Rainforest to ocean

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive down the spine of the island to its southern tip. This private transfer takes you through dense forest, misty highlands, and past colourful fishing villages. An amazing chance to soak up some of the island's most striking scenery.

You will reach Praia Inhame Eco Lodge, a eco-retreat of wooden bungalows raised on stilts, set right on a beach. This stretch of coast is a protected nesting area of turtles (November to March), and faces the tiny island of Ilhéu das Rolas, just across the water. Stay for two nights with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6 Ilhéu das Rolas

Day 7-8 Northern escape to Mucumbli Eco Lodge

Day 9 Off to Príncipe - barefoot luxury

Staying at Bom Bom

This morning, head to the airport for your short flight to Príncipe, São Tomé’s smaller and even more remote sister island. On arrival, a representative will transfer you to the beautiful beachfront hotel of Bom Bom,

Set below two palm-fringed beaches connected by a wooden walkway, Bom Bom is barefoot luxury at its best. You will stay here for the next five nights, with breakfast and a daily guided activity included.

Day 10-13 Discover Príncipe

Principe

Your time on Príncipe is adventurous or relaxed as you would like. Each day includes a guided experience - perhaps a boat trip to hidden beaches, a hike through virgin rainforest to a waterfall, or a visit to one of the island's cocoa plantations.

This is also the perfect place to unwind. The beaches are often completely empty, the sunsets are spectacular, and the birdlife is incredible (keep watch for the Príncipe kingfisher and flycatcher). If you have ever dreamed of feeling totally off-grid in comfort, this is your chance!

Day 14 Say your goodbyes

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Duration

14 days

Location

São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa

Price from

£3,194 pp.

Price Includes

  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as outlined
  • Meals & drinks as listed

Price Excludes

  • Air taxes
  • International flights
  • Single supplements

Price based on two adults travelling together and sharing double or twin room.

Accommodation is as follows:

  • 2 nights at Memmo Alfama Boutique Hotel with breakfast included
  • 2 nights at Omali Lodge with breakfast included
  • 2 nights at Praia Inhame Eco Lodge with breakfast and dinner included
  • 2 nights at Mucumbli Eco Lodge with breakfast and dinner included
  • 5 nights at Bom Bom with breakfast included
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When to visit São Tomé & Principe

Find out the best time to visit São Tomé & Principe with our month-by-month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

The short dry season continues through to March. This is a great time for exploring Obo National Park on Sao Tome, as well as scuba diving, hiking and seeing turtles nesting and hatching. Bird watching is superb for those who want to see the bright breeding plumage.

February

The dry weather continues throughout February, meaning hiking in Obo National Park on Sao Tome is particularly good, although the heat can be quite intense. Scuba divers will delight at the water clarity, whilst those down at the beach may catch the end of the turtle nesting season. Bird watchers will enjoy seeing the bright breeding plumage of local species.

March

The long wet season begins with daily rain showers and intense humidity. However the rain doesn't last all day, and the showers leave behind clear blue skies, making this an ideal time for photography. March is good for orchid spotting too.

April

The wet season continues with daily rain showers and high humidity. Hiking becomes tricky on the muddy terrain. April is actually a great time to visit as it's not quite as hot as in February and March, and the rain showers clear the clouds leaving sunny blue skies, which is ideal for photography. Orchids are flourishing at this time of year

May

May sees the end of the long wet season with daily rainfall showers and intense humidity. It's a good month for orchid spotting and photography, but hiking remains difficult on the muddy terrain.

June

The main dry season runs from June through to the beginning of September. It's the perfect time for hiking, exploring beaches and swimming in the turquoise sea. This is the hottest time of year, but the cloudy skies offer some protection from the sun.

July

July is the heart of the long dry period, defined by the absence of rain, and the presence of cloudy skies, which will give some respite from the heat. Hiking and swimming is particularly good at this time of year.

August

The dry season continues into August, an ideal time for beaches, swimming and hiking the trails around the islands. There's no rain, but no blue skies either. Humpback Whales, Killer Whales and dolphins begin migrating along the north east shores. August is a month of Saints' feast days with several cultural celebratory events where the streets come alive with open air food stalls, music and entertainment.

September

September sees the dry weather period drawing to an end. It's still a good time for hiking, walking along the beaches and taking a tip in the ocean. Temperatures are still soaring, but the cloudy skies offer some protection from the heat. It's a great time for whale and dolphin watching as they migrate along the north east shores.

October

October is a bit of a mixed bag, with the short wet season beginning in earnest. Hiking becomes more difficult but it doesn't rain all day, so it's still a good month for most island activities. The whale and dolphin migration continues along the north east coastline.

November

In recent years November has been the month with the highest rainfall, heralding the beginning of the short wet season. Skies are grey, but the bird nesting season begins which is good news for bird watchers, and from mid-November turtles start nesting on the beaches.

December

December sees the beginning of the short dry season. There's still a bit of rain around, but nothing to really disrupt activities. It's a great time for bird watching and seeing the bright breeding plumage, and the turtles continue to nest on the beaches.

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