Sitting calmly on the equator off the west African coast, São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s best-kept secret, and there’s none like it.
In the Gulf of Guinea lies São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa’s evergreen and diverse two-island nation. The region is home to dense rainforests, pristine white and black sand beaches, exotic trees and wildlife, delicious food, vibrant culture and chocolate.
Situated in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km off the Equatorial West coast of Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is a dual island nation comprised of 30 million-year-old volcanic islands. Despite being Africa’s second-smallest country and one of the world’s least-visited even before the Covid era, tourism arrivals steadily increased in the decade leading up to the pandemic. As global travel restrictions ease, the tourist board is eager to revive this trend.
Príncipe, one of the two islands, was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1470 and cultivated for cash crops using the fertile volcanic soil. Slaves were also brought from the African continent to work on the plantations.
The remnants of past agricultural activities such as banana, cocoa, coffee, and sugarcane plantations, locally known as “roças,” can still be found throughout the landscape of São Tomé and Príncipe. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, and currently, both islands are covered in lush, green jungles with picturesque beaches and secluded golden coves. Many unique plant and bird species on the islands have earned them the nickname “the Galapagos of Africa.”
Although they cover only 1001 sq. km combined, which is about three-quarters of the size of Greater London, the islands offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The islands also provide comfortable accommodations, including luxury-tented Eco villas, colonial plantation houses, and beachfront bungalows.
If you plan your vacation in 2023, here are seven reasons to consider Africa’s coffee and chocolate islands, São Tomé and Príncipe.
1. São Tomé and Príncipe are one of the least visited countries on earth.
In 2018, a little over 30,000 tourists visited the islands, which accounts for a significant increase in tourism numbers in the past years. Despite its striking beauty, Sao Tome and Príncipe remain a developing nation. The World Bank estimates that around a third of its 200,000 citizens survive on less than $1.90 daily. The moment visitors arrive at Sao Tome and Principe, the appeal of the islands becomes apparent. Despite being around 160 miles (260 kilometres) off the coast of Gabon, the island’s remoteness has helped preserve an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Both islands have vast stretches of lush rainforests, which are home to a variety of endemic plants and species, and an abundance of white sandy beaches and clear waters.
2. Remarkable Hospitality, Safety and Security
Out of the seven reasons why you should consider visiting São Tomé and Príncipe, the people and their warmth stand out as the most charming and motivating. Life on these islands is uncomplicated and astonishingly straightforward. Vintage cars are still a common sight on the dusty roads, and the wooden cottages and pastel-coloured old colonial buildings exude a heart-warming and nostalgic ambience. The locals of São Tomé and Príncipe are not only kind and helpful but also incredibly resourceful, living off the land and the waters.
Their way of life embodies the Leve Leve philosophy, meaning taking it easy. They are appreciative of their surroundings and content with what they have. You’ll never hear of extortions, crime or any such thing.
Interacting with the locals and experiencing their culture can help one feel centred and at peace. It’s a dream to spend time with such wonderful people in a pristine and idyllic island destination like São Tomé and Príncipe.
3. Sustainability and Ecotourism
Neighbouring Príncipe, situated approximately 140km away from São Tomé by air, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasting a plethora of endemic plants and birds exclusive to the island. Despite this natural wonder, tourism on the island is still in its infancy. However, a trio of hotels managed by Here Be Dragons (HBD) are the primary choice for many visitors.
HBD Príncipe is spearheaded by Mark Shuttleworth, a South African tech billionaire and environmentalist. In collaboration with the Príncipean government and NGOs, HBD has led a vast sustainable tourism initiative. The project has been funded by Shuttleworth, with a reported investment of nearly €100m, and has included the construction of schools and homes. HBD has also employed around 400 local residents, including guide Spencer, to work at its hotels on both Príncipe and São Tomé’s Omali Lodge.
4. Picturesque Resorts and Pristine Beaches
The São Tomé and Príncipe islands are a cluster of islands and islets surrounded by warm tropical seas, boasting an exceptional number of beaches. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly beach with all the amenities or a secluded stretch of sand, you’ll discover it here. The country’s beaches are some of its most alluring attractions, attracting visitors from far and wide.
However, São Tomé and Príncipe are not just any ordinary beach destination. It’s known for having the best beaches in the entire West African region, where pristine waters are fringed with stunning palm trees and set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Additionally, the ideal equatorial water temperature adds to the allure of the beaches.
5. Chocolate and Coffee
São Tomé and Príncipe, the birthplace of the world’s finest chocolate, are renowned for their cocoa and coffee cultivation. The islands feature vast cocoa plantations known in Portuguese as Roças that produce tons of cocoa each year, ensuring that the chocolate you sample is both delectable and directly from the source.
Visiting the Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory is a must-do if you’re in São Tomé. The factory offers tours that showcase the chocolate-making process, as well as experimentation with different flavours. During your visit, you’ll also indulge in a tasting session of the factory’s delicious chocolate infused with caramel, salt, pepper, and coffee. If you’re on Príncipe Island, visit Terreiro Velho, a Corallo plantation that cultivates cocoa, coffee, and pepper. Another plantation, Nova Moca, is located in São Tomé. These historic cocoa farms are a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts, as you can sample and observe growing, harvesting, and celebrating world-class coffee.
When it comes to chocolate and coffee factories, you can never go wrong. There are several cacao and coffee factories and roças scattered across the islands.
6. Experience the finest of African Island Culture.
São Tomé and Príncipe consist mainly of Forros (from the Portuguese for “free man.’’), who are the descendants of immigrant Europeans and enslaved Africans. Another group, the Angolares, descended from formerly enslaved Angolans shipwrecked in São Tomé in 1540 who have remained apart in the isolated southern zone of São Tomé.
São Tomé and Príncipe offer a fascinating mix of African and Portuguese cultures, where these two distinct cultures converge. Music and dance play a significant role in their culture, creating a lively, energetic, and enjoyable atmosphere.
The locals can be seen dancing the samba or dance-long and swaying to the rhythm of African instruments on any given day, showcasing the vibrant music scene and cultural diversity of the islands.
7. Excellent and Affordable Food.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s cuisine is known for its dishes made with fresh, organic, and locally grown ingredients. The islands are renowned for producing the world’s finest chocolate, as well as a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood delicacies. The culinary scene in São Tomé and Príncipe is a fusion of African, Arabic, and Portuguese influences, resulting in a unique island-centric cuisine. One can taste many tropical flavours from exotic fruits such as mangoes, breadfruits, pineapples, bananas, and avocados.
Baking is also a beloved tradition on the islands, and the bakeries are renowned for their Portuguese-style meat-stuffed rolls and baked banana dishes.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s meat dishes are known for their slightly spicy flavours. Locals marinate beef and chicken with aromatic spices, wild chillies, and a touch of lemon juice, resulting in delicious and tangy Santomean cuisine.
** Images courtesy of HBD Principe.
