Raw, untamed and utterly gorgeous
Tropical, untouched, and wonderfully remote, São Tomé & Príncipe is ideal for adventurous travellers. Hike through rainforest, watch whales offshore, and unwind in soulful lodges.
These islands are so extraordinary, we’re almost tempted to keep them to ourselves. There are very few places left that feel this remote and untouched, but São Tomé and Príncipe are exactly that. Or rather, two remarkable islands forming Africa’s second smallest country, set off the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. For those in search of somewhere truly different, they offer a rare blend of raw nature, empty beaches, and a strong sense of place.
This is a destination for nature lovers, beach seekers, and curious travellers who value the feeling of discovery. You’re unlikely to encounter other tourists beyond your lodge. If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to stumble across a new world, this comes close.
Lush rainforest covers steep volcanic slopes, giving way to black-rock coastlines and golden beaches lined with palms. Rare birds call from the trees, while fruit bats wheel overhead in the early evening light.
On Príncipe, the world’s smallest capital, Santo António, leads into a landscape scattered with faded Portuguese-era plantations, some of which now host charming guest stays. São Tomé, the larger island, is your arrival point and ideal for waterfall hikes, cultural visits, and turtle watching. Then a 35-minute flight takes you to Príncipe, where diving, snorkelling, whale watching, and some of Africa’s most characterful beach lodges await. A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s even more pristine and remote than its sister island.
With a year-round tropical climate and just a one-hour time difference from the UK, this distant-feeling journey is surprisingly easy to do.
São Tomé and Príncipe is one of my favourite destinations - call me today to discuss your trip
Sao Tome and Principe Island Escape
- Sao Tome
- Principe
Discover the hidden island gems of São Tomé and Príncipe with us
São Tomé and Príncipe Trip Inspiration
Our São Tomé and Príncipe specialist, Otti, says:
“As a destination, São Tomé and Príncipe feels wonderfully undiscovered. It’s perfect for clients looking for something genuinely different – nature-rich, culturally fascinating, and beautifully slow-paced,”
When to visit São Tomé & Principe
Find out the best time to visit São Tomé & Príncipe 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.
Types of São Tomé and Príncipe vacations
Where to go in Sao Tome and Principe
Top places to go in São Tomé and Príncipe
Best places to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe
Speak to a São Tomé and Príncipe expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
