São Tomé Vacations

Floating just two kilometres north of the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé may be compact at 48 km long, but it’s bursting with character. Formed by a vast shield volcano rising from the ocean floor, this island’s terrain is wild and beautiful, dominated by the dramatic spike of Pico Cão Grande. Towering 663 metres above the rainforest canopy, it’s a surreal sight and a highlight of any visit, best viewed from within the lush Obo National Park. São Tomé is also a haven for wildlife lovers, home to rare species found nowhere else on Earth. Birders in particular are drawn to its endemic gems, including the giant sunbird and the critically endangered São Tomé fiscal.

The island’s cultural roots are just as rich. With a blend of Portuguese and Creole heritage and a past shaped by plantations and trade, São Tomé offers an intriguing glimpse into a lesser-known corner of Africa. The rhythm of life is gentle here, with fishing villages and cacao farms dotting the coast and countryside.

With only a trickle of tourists each year, the islands remain refreshingly under the radar. From forest hikes and diving to laid-back beach days and turtle nesting, it’s a place that feels truly special.