Africa's Best Kept Secret: Sao Tome & Principe
- Ankitha
- Jan 18, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 1
This isn’t the Maldives, Seychelles, or Mozambique. This is São Tomé — and it lives up to its slogan of “a well-kept secret.” Tucked away in the Gulf of Guinea, this island offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
A volcanic island rich in biodiversity, São Tomé is a dream come true for nature lovers. From lush rainforests and crater lakes to rare birds and marine life, it’s a paradise for eco-adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
As one of the 20 least visited countries in the world, São Tomé remains untouched by mass tourism — and that’s exactly what makes it so magical. Here, you’ll find raw beauty, authentic culture, and the peaceful charm of a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Itinerary: How We Spent 6 Days in Sao Tome
Day 1: Arrival and rest
Day 2: South Tour – Pico Cão Grande, Praia Inhame, Ilheu das Rolas
Day 3: North Tour – Lagoa Azul
Day 4: Central Tour – Coffee plantation, Obo National Park, Vegan lunch, Cascata Sao Nicholau
Day 5: Santa Catarina Bridge, Black Beach, Chocolate Factory
Day 6-7: Boca do Inferno & Praia Sete Ondas
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Flights, Visa, and Entry Requirements
Flights: There are limited flights to Sao Tome, mostly from Portugal and West Africa. We flew TAP Portugal via Ghana. Be prepared for delays or cancellations.
Visa for Indian Passport Holders: You’ll need an entry authorization and later get a visa stamped (€30). A Yellow Fever card is mandatory. If you hold a US visa, entry may be easier.
Language
Portuguese is the official language in Sao Tome, and English is not widely spoken outside major hotels or tourist spots. Be sure to download Google Translate or a similar app before you go—it’ll come in handy for everything from reading menus to asking for directions.
Best Time to Visit
Sao Tome is a year-round destination with a tropical climate. Even during the rainy season, showers are usually short and scattered. We visited in December and only experienced a few hours of rain the entire time—plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beaches, hikes, and island life.
Currency & Payments
Both US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted, but cash is essential. Most smaller lodges, restaurants, and markets do not accept credit cards. It's also a good idea to exchange some money into the local currency (Sao Tome and Principe dobra) for tips, small purchases, and local donations.
Costs & Budgeting
Let’s get one thing straight: underdeveloped doesn’t mean cheap. West Africa, including Sao Tome, can be surprisingly expensive for travelers, especially backpackers. Flights to the island tend to be pricey, and because it's a remote island with limited resources, costs can add up quickly.
Tourism infrastructure is minimal—there are just over 200,000 people living in Sao Tome and fewer than 1,000 in nearby Principe. Don’t expect big hotel chains or typical tourist conveniences. Accommodation and food options range from basic to boutique, and while there are some premium eco-lodges, Sao Tome can still be done on a moderate budget.
You can expect to backpack comfortably on around $60–$70 per day, including meals, transport, and accommodation. That said, if you’re looking for a meaningful and immersive stay, lodges like Eden Valley Lodge offer great value without compromising on experience.
Where to Stay in Sao Tome
Eden Valley Lodge – An Eco Stay with Purpose
This three-cottage eco-lodge is run by a passionate local host. Surrounded by rainforest and even a waterfall on-site, it was peaceful, ethical, and deeply immersive. The vegetarian food was a standout, and the staff were lovely.
Only three cottages make this place feel truly exclusive. Veggie-friendly, ethically sourced local food, kind staff, a rainforest view, and even a waterfall on the property—what’s not to love?
Before booking, I spoke with the owner, Erikson, who's poured his heart into creating sustainable tourism on this magical island. If you're after a slow, meaningful getaway that supports the local community, this is the place. A perfect 10/10 from us.
Vegetarian Food at Eden Valley
Being vegetarian in African is no easy task, add to it the complications of not speaking Portuguese. After speaking to the owner of Eden Valley, I was confident our dietary requirements will be no hassle.
We opted for half board. Breakfast spread was homemade bread, jam, organic fruits, juice from the island. Dinner was just as fresh and served hot every evening. It was a three-course meal. There was so much variety too.
Choosing a guide vs renting a car
While this may be an island, this is NOT Bali or Seychelles. You are perfectly welcome to land, rent a car and wing in. In countries with poor roods, language barriers, we are never comfortable doing this since we are usually on a timeline. If you are backpacking your way through Africa, and have unlimited time to wing it, by all means, you can rent a car here.
This is a trip I have been planning since 2021. I got in touch with the owner of Ban Be Non Tours to tell him exactly what I was looking to do. He was so patient and helpful and had all the right connections to get our approval sorted before arrival. Our driver was Simpson, who spoke impeccable English, was insightful and had much knowledge about his country. If you ever plan a trip to Sao Tome, these are the guys to go with.
Highlights
Arrival in Sao Tome
We took the evening flight from Ghana. It’s just a short two-hour hop from Accra, but the experience felt worlds apart.The views from the plane were incredible. The evening sky lit up with streaks of gold and purple, a beautiful welcome to Sao Tome. Once we landed, the first thing we noticed was the darkness. No streetlights, no traffic signs, barely any cars on the road.
Instead, we saw small roadside stalls where locals gathered under the warm glow of candles. It was both humbling and surreal. Coming straight from the glitz of Dubai, it was quite the reverse culture shock. Sao Tome immediately felt raw, authentic, and different. Our lodge was about 30 minutes from the airport. The drive was quiet, with jungle silhouettes lining the road. When we checked in, we were welcomed with a decadent dinner before finally crashing for the night
South of Sao Tome
The next morning, we woke up to the most peaceful sunrise over the jungle that surrounded our villa. After a hearty breakfast, we set off to discover the southern side of Sao Tome.
Pico Cão Grande – The Icon of Sao Tome
This extinct volcanic plug is the most famous landmark of the island. Pico Cão Grande rises dramatically at 663 meters above sea level inside Obo Natural Park. The towering rock, often wrapped in fog, looked like something straight out of Jurassic Park.
As the day ended, we watched the sun set behind Pico Cão Grande, an unforgettable moment. Driving through this region of Sao Tome was equally rewarding, with stops along the way for stunning photo opportunities.
Praia Inhame & the Equator Crossing
Of course, no island trip is complete without some beach-hopping. Sao Tome has plenty of them.
One of our favorites was Praia Inhame, a remote stretch of sand with postcard-perfect views. From here, a short boat ride took us to a tiny islet with just 200 inhabitants.
The highlight was standing on the exact spot where the equator crosses the Earth – a rare and thrilling experience.
On our way back, we caught another dramatic sunset over Pico Cão Grande. Returning to the villa, we found dinner freshly prepared. It was the perfect close to our first adventure-filled day.
North of Sao Tome
The next morning, we drove north to explore a historic town that revealed Sao Tome’s colonial past.
The town felt frozen in time, with moss-covered hospitals, crumbling Portuguese buildings, and streets lined with stories.
Our favorite stop in the north was Lagoa Azul, also known as the Blue Lagoon.
Its striking turquoise waters made it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing while locals fished nearby.
Even the unplanned roadside pitstops here were picturesque, adding charm to the journey.
The African Galapagos
Sao Tome is often called the African Galapagos, and for good reason. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The dense jungles are home to endemic plants, orchids, begonias, and countless bird species in vibrant colors.
Walking through the botanical gardens and coffee plantations felt like stepping into a living museum of nature.
Sao Tome is also famous for its coffee and chocolate. Visiting the plantations, we watched women sorting beans and later sampled delicious treats at the chocolate factory.
We even stopped for a vegan-friendly lunch at Almada Negreiros, a charming local spot with hearty flavors.A visit to the botanical garden is a must when here. We spent a few hours walking through the forest, guessing the names of each of these unique plants around.
Cascata Sao Nicolau
Another gem was Cascata Sao Nicolau, a 60-meter waterfall hidden deep in the jungle. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it reminded us of Bali’s enchanting waterfalls but with far fewer tourists.
The sound of rushing water, the mist in the air, and the green forest backdrop made it a magical experience.
Santa Catarina Bridge & Black Beaches
We also explored the Santa Catarina Bridge, the only bridge in Sao Tome. It’s a striking landmark worth visiting.
Nearby, a pristine black sand beach lined with palm trees offered a perfect spot to relax with a coconut in hand.
It felt like time slowed down here, the perfect way to soak in island life.
Hell’s Mouth & Praia das Sete Ondas
On our final days, we explored Hell’s Mouth, or Boca do Inferno.
This dramatic coastal formation was shaped by centuries of erosion, where giant waves crash into volcanic cliffs and spill through sea caves.
Later, we visited Praia das Sete Ondas, or Seven Waves Beach, a long stretch of sand lined with volcanic boulders.
The drizzle, the empty shore, and the wild surf made it one of the most romantic spots we had visited on the island.
This immensely stunning long beach is lined with beautiful black boulders. We spent a few hours just getting drenched in the drizzle. Talk about romantic, eh?
Final Thoughts on Sao Tome
From volcanic peaks to deserted beaches, from rich coffee plantations to lush jungles, Sao Tome is a paradise for travelers seeking untouched beauty.
Every corner of the island felt raw, authentic, and rewarding – like discovering a secret world far removed from the tourist trail.
If you’re looking for an offbeat destination that combines nature, culture, and adventure, Sao Tome should be at the very top of your travel list.
By being that rare traveler who makes it here, you can help protect the country's unique yet delicate ecosystem while also providing economic opportunity for its citizens.
Sao tome, you were astonishing.
Drop your comments below and show some love. Feel free to shoot me an email with your feedback.
Cheers,
Anki
To explore more African destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.
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Wonderfully described. Planning to visit. Please share your mail id or mail me at venkatmuscat@gmail.com. thanks
Loved this write-up—it honestly feels like São Tomé and Príncipe might just be the last true paradise left on earth. You’ve captured the place beautifully, especially the slow, immersive rhythm of life there. I recently wrote a guide on African island escapes and couldn’t agree more with your take—São Tomé was a personal highlight for me too. If you’re curious, here’s the post: https://wanderlusttrails.africa/island-destinations-africa-sun-sand/ Would love to hear what you think of the others on the list!
Beautiful pictures and you described it so beautifully.