Wildlife havens with their lush rain forests and deserted beaches.
The little-known African country of São Tomé and Príncipe is a former Portuguese colony comprised by two islands, the smaller of which – Principe – is eager to build itself a reputation as a destination firmly committed to sustainable practices: a biosphere reserve attracting environmentally conscious, discerning travelers from around the world. With the active participation of locals and the regional administration, the small African island south of Ghana and to the west of Angola, Príncipe earned the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, recognizing its commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.
What Sao Tome and Principe offers?
The islands of Sao Tome and Principe lie a hundred miles apart off the west African coast. Half-forgotten by the outside world, they see only 13,000 tourists a year. Those who visit learn to expect the unexpected. Primeval rainforest gives way to abandoned townships or mountains of fang-like rock. The islands have hundreds of endemic species, and each scientific expedition uncovers new ones. Unsurprisingly, the islands are attractive destinations for ecotourism, with several luxurious and environmentally friendly accommodation options. São Tomé City has been described as a “miniature Havana”, with its colourful colonial buildings, Portuguese-style churches and turquoise ocean views. The island of Príncipe is wilder, greener and less densely populated than that of São Tomé, with only 7,000 inhabitants. The entire island is a UNESCO biosphere, with spindle-like mountains, lush rainforests populated with birds and spectacularly deserted beaches. The island’s cuisine is unique, thanks to its profusion of flora. Try fruits such as the scarlet, triangular- shaped mangongo – which has a sweet aniseedy taste – and azagão, a stew flavoured with over 100 different plants.
Boca do Inferno (Portuguese for “Hell’s Mouth“) is a natural blow-hole near Água Izé, a small town about 17 kilometres south from Sao Tome, São Tomé e Principe’s capital. A small and narrow passage funnels the waves under a bridge of basaltic stones and comes out roaring and spraying.
Ilhéu das Rolas is a small island straddling the equator off the southern tip of São Tomé in Caué District 73 kilometres south from Sao Tome. This beautiful little island is a great place for diving and the main activity here is tourism with approximately 200 people directly employed.
Pico Cao Grande (Great Dog Peak) is lofty needle-shaped volcanic tower, 300 metres tall made of treacherous volcanic rock and surrounded by a thick jungle of giant ferns infested with snakes which thrive in the humid climate. It is found 56 kilometres south of Sao Tome on São Tomé Island in Obo National Park.
Obo National Park, Sao Tome e Principe’s only national park covers about 30% of the country’s surface 26 kilometres from Sao Tome.
The park includes all the different biotopes – the lowland and mountain forests, mangroves and a savanna area. There are sea turtles and about 143 bird species in the park.
Pico do Príncipe is the highest peak in São Tomé e Príncipe at 948 metres, about 156 kilometres from Sao Tome. It is located in Príncipe, São Tomé e Príncipe.
This montane rainforest is very rich in endemic species, including several species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and subspecies of shrew Crocidura poensis.