Middle Africa
Middle AfricaSão Tomé and PríncipeTravel guide
São Tomé and Príncipe is a country of two main islands in the Gulf of Guinea, off Central Africa. It has rainforests, beaches, cocoa plantations and a culture shaped by African and Portuguese influences.
Why go
Explore rainforests, waterfalls and mountain trails.
Visit old coffee and cocoa plantations, known as roças.
Enjoy quiet beaches on Príncipe.
Dive or snorkel among coral reefs and colourful fish.
Visit Ilhéu das Rolas, where the Equator crosses the island.
Getting there
By air
- The only way to enter the country is by plane, through São Tomé International Airport.
- Listed international connections include Lisbon in Portugal, Luanda in Angola, Accra in Ghana and Libreville in Gabon.
- Príncipe Airport receives only domestic flights from São Tomé International Airport.
Customs
- You cannot bring local currency into the country or take it out.
- You can bring unlimited foreign currency, but you must declare it. You may take out only as much as you brought in.
Getting around
Taxis on São Tomé
There are many taxis, including shared taxis. Shared taxis leave for other towns when enough passengers have gathered.
Rental car or scooter
Visitors commonly rent a car or scooter to explore São Tomé. Roads are paved but often in poor condition. Road traffic can be hazardous.
Flights between the islands
Commercial flights are the most common choice for tourists travelling to Príncipe. The route uses small propeller planes with 19 seats.
Boats between the islands
The overnight cargo boat journey takes about 10 hours and is not considered particularly safe. Faster charter boats can make the journey in about 3.5 hours.
What to see and do
Obo National Park
Explore the forested interior of São Tomé with a local guide. Look for waterfalls, birds and orchids.
Boca do Inferno
Waves enter an underwater cave and force water upwards through this blowhole on southern São Tomé.
Príncipe's beaches
The island has beautiful, isolated beaches with very few visitors.
Fort São Sebastião
Built in 1575, the fort now houses the São Tomé National Museum. It is especially attractive at night.
The roças
These old plantations range from forest-covered ruins to restored guesthouses. Monte Café has a coffee museum in a cool mountain setting.
Eddington's Plaque at Sundy Plantation
This site on Príncipe marks Arthur Eddington's 1919 observations, which provided early evidence supporting Einstein's theory of relativity.
Food and drink
Fish with breadfruit and bananas
Fish is a staple, often served with breadfruit and mashed, cooked bananas. Flying fish is available at certain times of year.
Tropical fruit
Locally grown fruit includes papaya, mango, pineapple, avocado and bananas.
Snails
Large land snails, called buzios, provide protein for some inland residents. Sea snails are also common along the coast.
Roça São João dos Angolares
This restaurant in Angolares serves meals with several courses for a set price. Reserve as far ahead as possible.
Sum Secreto
A popular grill restaurant serving meat and fish. It can handle large groups without a reservation.
Local beer
Beer is widely available. Local brands include Creolla and Rosema.
Money
New dobra, written as nDb; its currency code is STN.
- Bring enough cash in euros or US dollars. Cash machines do not accept overseas cards.
- Cash withdrawals with a Visa card may be available at the main bank in São Tomé.
- Larger shops and restaurants commonly accept euros, and sometimes US dollars.
- Travellers' cheques are no longer accepted.
Typical costs
- A one-litre bottle of local rum is listed at US$3–7, depending on the price of sugar.
- Rooms at Roça São João dos Angolares were listed from €60 in December 2017.
Language
- Portuguese is the official language and is spoken by about 95% of residents.
- Forro is a language based on Portuguese and is especially common in southern São Tomé.
- French is taught in schools and is spoken by many people.
- English is spoken in tourist areas, but knowing Portuguese, Forro or French is important for getting around.
- Principense Creole and Angolan Creole are spoken by small minorities.
Staying safe
- Violent crime in public is very rare, but crime against tourists has increased.
- Roadblocks have been reported near Santana, and scams targeting tourists have been reported in São Tomé city.
- Take care on the roads, as traffic can be hazardous.
- Black cobras occur in southern and eastern São Tomé. Stay alert while hiking and watch where you put your hands.
Staying healthy
- Do not drink untreated tap water. Boil it or use bottled water.
- Use insect repellent and bed nets to reduce mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can spread serious illnesses.
- Malaria has been greatly reduced in populated areas, but isolated outbreaks remain possible.
- If you also visit mainland areas with malaria, remember that malaria medicine may need to be taken for several weeks before or after the visit.
Where to stay
- The capital has a small number of hotels. Near Santana, there is a bed and breakfast with attractive views.
- Santo António, Príncipe's main city, has several small guesthouses called pousadas.
- Resorts are found at the northern and southern ends of the country, on Ilhéu das Rolas and at Ilha Bom Bom off Príncipe.
- Bom Bom Island Resort has bungalows with private bathrooms, air conditioning and verandas. A wooden walkway leads to its restaurant, bar and marina.
Outdoor adventures in São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe offers rainforest walks, mountain climbs, quiet beaches and reefs rich in sea life. Local guides lead forest and birdwatching trips, while the waters around São Tomé offer diving, fishing and boat tours.
Pico de São Tomé
TrekSão Tomé Island
Find a local guide to take you up the mountain in Obo National Park.
- Stay alert for black cobras while hiking and watch where you put your hands.
- Nights in the higher interior are generally cool.
Obo National Park birdwatching and orchid walks
WildlifeSão Tomé Island
Find a local guide for birdwatching and forest walks in the park.
- Stay alert for black cobras, especially in southern and eastern São Tomé.
- Watch where you put your hands while hiking.
Papagaio Peak
HikeObo do Príncipe National Park, Príncipe Island
Climb Papagaio Peak within Obo do Príncipe National Park. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.
Banana Beach
BeachePríncipe Island
Visit Banana Beach on Príncipe for time by the sea. Transport details are not specified.
Burra Beach
BeachePríncipe Island
Visit Burra Beach on Príncipe for a relaxing beach stop. Transport details are not specified.
Offshore reef diving
Scuba divingWaters around São Tomé and Príncipe
Explore the offshore coral reefs on a dive outing. No specific operator or departure point is given.
- Underwater cave exploration is described as an option for experienced divers.
Offshore reef snorkelling
SnorkellingWaters around São Tomé and Príncipe
Snorkel around the offshore coral reefs. No specific access point, equipment provider or operator is given.
Cascata de São Nicolau
HikeSão Tomé Island
Use a 4x4 vehicle to reach São Nicolau Waterfall.
- Wear footwear with good grip for slippery surfaces.
- Bring a raincoat.
Cascata Angolares waterfall visit
More to doSão Tomé Island
Access and guide arrangements for this waterfall are not specified.
Príncipe birdwatching
WildlifePríncipe Island and surrounding waters
Book a birdwatching outing through a tourist operator. Operators arrange trips on the island and at sea.
Príncipe forest walks
HikePríncipe Island
Explore the island’s forests on foot. No specific route or walking operator is given.
São Tomé boat tours
More to doWaters around São Tomé Island
Join a boat tour around São Tomé. No operator or departure point is specified.
São Tomé fishing
More to doWaters around São Tomé Island
Fishing is available in the waters around São Tomé. Booking arrangements and operators are not specified.
Boca do Inferno blowhole
More to doSouthern São Tomé Island
Visit the blowhole on the south side of São Tomé Island. Transport and access details are not specified.
Airports, metros and trains in São Tomé and Príncipe
Airports with scheduled flights
- TMSSão Tomé International AirportSão ToméMain international airport
People and safety in São Tomé and Príncipe
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mixed.
- Christian82%
- No religion13%
- Muslim3%
- Folk religions3%
- Other2%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #124 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
56% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 59 of 198 countries can visit São Tomé and Príncipe easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required57
- Visa on arrival2
- eVisa137
- Visa required2
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe36 of 46 countries
- Asia10 of 50 countries
- Africa9 of 53 countries
- Americas4 of 35 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
Questions
Where is São Tomé and Príncipe?
It is in the Gulf of Guinea, west of Gabon in Central Africa. Its two main islands are about 259 km apart.
What is the weather like?
Coastal areas are hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of about 27°C. The rainy season runs from October to May, and higher areas are cooler.
How do I reach the country?
You must arrive by plane through São Tomé International Airport. Listed connections include Lisbon, Luanda, Accra and Libreville.
How can I travel between the two main islands?
Tourists most commonly fly between São Tomé and Príncipe. Charter boats take about 3.5 hours, while the overnight cargo boat takes about 10 hours and is not considered particularly safe.
Can I get cash with my overseas bank card?
Cash machines do not accept overseas cards, so bring enough euros or US dollars. A Visa cash withdrawal may be possible at the main bank in São Tomé.
Can I manage with English?
English is spoken in tourist areas, but Portuguese, Forro or French is important for getting around. French is taught in schools and is spoken by many people.
What local food should I expect?
Fish is common, often served with breadfruit and cooked bananas. Tropical fruit is plentiful, and hot spices feature in local cooking.
Can I drink tap water?
No. Boil tap water before drinking it, or use bottled water.
What wildlife can I see?
The islands have more than 135 bird species. In the sea, you may see dolphins, green turtles and colourful fish.
What can I buy as a souvenir?
Local products include coffee, chocolate, rum, baskets and carvings. Ossobbo, opposite Fort São Sebastião, sells local crafts and food products, with profits supporting craftspeople or charitable work.
Reviewed by @snuck