Stanley Johnson visits Sao Tome & Principe

An interview with Stanley Johnson about his holiday.

Eliza
Eliza
Marketing Manager
Published on
18 Sep 2020
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Sao  Tome  Principe

We talk to Stanley Johnson about his holiday to Sao Tome & Principe where he went birding and turtle watching.

Tell us about the islands

We spent most of our time on Principe which was a conservationist’s paradise. The whole territory has been designated by Unesco as a World Biosphere Reserve. The island is fringed with golden sands and palm trees which are the perfect place to relax, and in the centre are Príncipe’s forests which are ideal for hiking in. It is a bird-watchers paradise and Principe’s forests shelter no fewer than eight endemic bird species.

I strongly remember the sound of birds on the island as it was quite remarkable – we were staying right by the beach so you could hear the ocean, but at dawn and dusk, the birdsong was so vivid it almost drowned out the sound of the waves.

Did you see any special birds whilst there?

We were very fortunate, one afternoon as we trekked through the forest, we saw two of the seven endemics – the Príncipe glossy starling, and the Príncipe golden weaver.

Another time, we were stood on a cliff looking down at the pristine Banana Beach and we were treated to a magnificent display of the white-tailed tropicbirds spiralling and swooping far below us.

If you are a ‘birder’, I couldn’t recommend São Tomé and Príncipe highly enough, it is a real utopia.

What was the highlight of your trip?

It was undoubtedly the first night of our trip. We had an incredible stroke of luck whereby our arrival coincided with the hatching of hundreds of turtles.

We spent an evening on Praia Grande Beach watching these little hatchlings clamber out of their nests, which are laid at the top of the beach, sheltered by the palm trees. We watched as the hatchlings propelled themselves across the white sand with their flippers, making a beeline straight for the sea where they disappeared into the water and out of sight. It was a truly remarkable experience and unlike any I have had before.

Turtle Baby Principe
Baby turtle on Principe
Roca Belo Monte Banana Beach
Banana Beach on Principe
Praia Sundy Rainforest
Praia Sundy Rainforest

Tell us about the best meal you had.

We stayed at Sundy Praia Lodge which was an incredibly luxurious tented camp located right between the forest and the beach.

On the final night we had a memorable meal there. A couple of guitarists played whilst we enjoyed a delicious seven-course dinner that was inspired by traditional local dishes and complemented with some fine Portuguese wines. It was very special.

Have you any other tips of things to do?

Take some time in the evenings to lie back and stare at the stars. As the islands are located over 200 miles from the mainland, there is very little light pollution, so the star gazing was out of this world.

Describe the island in 5 words

Unspoilt haven with remarkable wildlife.

Praia  Sundy  Pool
Praia Sundy Pool
Praia Sundy Kingfisher
Kingfish at Praia Sundy
Principe Beach And People
Principe beach

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.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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