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Alistair
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Island Trekking to find São Tomé Ibis (Dwarf Olive Ibis)
The Holy Grail for Birdwatchers as told by Owen & Lavinia
Owen
Traveller
Published on
03 Dec 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
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Owen & Lavinia travelled to São Tomé and Principe islands with Far & Wild Travel in November 2018. Their stay at Omali Lodge on São Tomé involved a golden opportunity… spotting 3 Dwarf Ibis, nesting and jumping from tree to tree in Primary Rainforest in the heart of the island, with the incredible Brice Primo, “The Birdman” Guide from Omali Lodge.
Thought to be extinct for more than 100 years due to loss of habitat to palm plantations and hunting for their meat, the Dwarf Ibis is declared Critically Endangered on the ICUN Red List. There are between 50 and 250 surviving, but the last survey didn’t count a single one. They are extremely shy, perhaps due to the trend of increasing opportunistic hunting, though not allowed, due to increased access to the Primary Rainforest.
Increased Access?
Saying that – Owen & Lavinia had to first reach São Tomé, an island about 40km off the West Coast of Equatorial Africa, near Gabon, then their trek began with a 4x4 drive into Southern São Tomé, towards Cão Grande, a dramatic volcanic peak, where they drove for miles through a plantation until the road was too difficult to navigate, at which point they set out on foot.
“It was the hardest trek we’ve ever done, and we’ve trekked to see Mountain Gorillas. It was lethal, absolutely pouring with rain, hot and you could lose your footing in the slippery red mud at any time. Indeed, we saw a hunter, armed with a shotgun, searching for monkeys, wild pigs and pigeons for his livelihood.”
Local Delicacy?
Whilst it’s difficult to imagine shooting these endangered birds for their meat, the locals in São Tomé have a unique perspective on delicacies! Owen & Lavinia definitely did not try this, but one of the nation’s favourites is São Tomé Fruit Bat Soup. There are 2 fruit bats on the island, but the São Tomé Fruit Bat is now Critically Endangered like the Dwarf Ibis. Owen believes that by increasing Nature Tourism to the country, it can help protect their existence.
When to go?
Owen & Lavinia chose to do this on Day 3 of their 4 night stay at Omali Lodge before they headed to Principe Island for 6 nights at Bom Bom Island Resort, in mid-November 2018. Being on the Equator Line, the temperatures stay fairly constant year-round at 23-30 degrees Celsius and it’s humid year-round. Rain, however, peaks between October & November plus from April to May, so it’s no surprise they experienced some exciting showers!
Bit of Mystery
There’s a bit of mystery about the Dwarf Ibis that makes it especially exciting and since they are so shy, much of their behaviour is not well understood. However, Brice “The Birdman” Guide who took Owen & Lavinia into the forest knows where best to look for them. Seeing three Dwarf Ibis and hearing a fourth was still remarkable because Brice has taken other enthusiasts on a 3 night camping trip in the forest without a successful sighting.
If you would like to venture into the Jurassic World of São Tomé, contact us to start planning today, but keep your expectations realistic as this is truly rare!
Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe.
Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.
Call us today on 01768 603 715 to find out more and start planning your dream holiday.
