Sao Tome and Principe

Quick Facts

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Local name

São Tomé e Príncipe

Capital

São Tomé

Government

Republic

Nationality

Santomean

Population

187,000

Languages

Portuguese

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD)

Calling Code

+239

Time Zone

UTC

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Introduction

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Located a few hundred kilometres west of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe have been blessed with a relatively peaceful independence, thus avoiding the stigma of tension and a bloodstained past worn by most countries of mainland Africa. It adds infinitely to the relaxed, calm appeal of the islands - who wants to be thinking of war and bloody coups while trying to take it easy by the warm Atlantic waters?

The volcanic origin of the islands grants them a magnificent look and makes them perfect for hiking. The Portuguese also left a handful of treats for tourists when they hurriedly departed the islands' shores in the 70s: attractive (though somewhat rundown) colonial architecture graces the streets of São Tomé, adding that little bit of Portuguese style to the islands' Afro-Latin vibe.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into 2 provinces, which corresponds to the two major islands.

• São Tomé, or Ilha de São Tomé, is the larger island.
• Príncipe, or Ilha do Príncipe

Cities

• São Tomé
• Santo Antonio
• Neves
• Santa Cruz

Sights and Activities

Ilhéu das Rolas

Ilhéu das Rolas is a small island on the equator close to the southern tip of the island of São Tomé. It is a marvellous island and is a great place to go and enjoy the beaches, snorkelling and diving. There is even a fancy diving resort but you can also just come for the day and have a great time. Porto Alegre on Sao Tomé is the place to try and find transport to this fantastic place.

Obo National Park

Obo National Park is a protected nature park on Sao Tomé, part of it being the remains of what used to be plantations. The park consists of tropical forests on higher land. There are many walking trails bringing you to waterfalls, lakes and animals like treefrogs and special snakes. For more details, check the Ecofac website, which has several other national parks in the region to be visited.

Cascadas de São Nicolau

The Cascadas de São Nicolau are best visited from the town of Trinidad. It is a relatively small waterfall but the lush green surroundings make up for that. In the area you can also visit a cacao plantation and if you still have enough energy you can climb the Pico São Tomé, the highgest mountain on the island at 2024 metres above sea level.

Lagoa Azul

Lagoa Azul is located close to some secluded beaches near Praia das Conchas and Praia dos Tamarindos. It has absolutely fantastic opportunities to go out snorkelling. The beaches here are less impressive though. In the area are giant baobab trees which are home to numerous bird species as well.

Principe

When you have enough time left in the country after a visit to the main island Sao Tomé, you can go to Principe. It has a spectacular landscape of volcanic mountains covered in thick virgin forest. The island is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water and palm fringed beaches. Snorkelling, dving and fishing are excellent and locals can provide boats to go out. Biking around the island is good way of seeing the interior.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Located along the equator, Sao Tome and Principe has a climate typical for this region. The islands have high temperatures, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and much cloud around the year. Annual rainfall is around 2000 mm. June to September is the driest period of the year with only a few days with some showers. During most of the rest of the year, rainfall is high, with two rainy seasons: one from March to May, the other in October and November. December to February is fairly dry as well, but with some more showers compared to June-September. The northern parts of the islands are less wet compared to the southern areas, where influence of the southwesterly winds is greater.
Temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius year round during the day, and around 20 degrees at night with extremely little variation.

Getting There

By Plane

To São Tomé there are flights with TAP Portugal to and from Lisbon and with TAAG Angola Airlines to and from Luanda in Angola and to Cape Verde. Air Luxor flies to Lisbon once a week. Aero Contractors serves Lagos in Nigeria.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

Sao Tome and Principe Airways has several flights a week between Sao Tome and Principe.

By Car

Roads on Sao Tome are mostly paved, but some parts are potholed and some back roads really require a 4WD vehicle. Rental cars are available at the airport or in Sao Tome city, including a few hotels. You can also rent a car with a driver that doubles as a guide. Some guides only speak Portuguese though. Traffic drives on the right and you need a national driver's licence or international driving permit.

By Bus

There are minibuses and shared taxis on Sao Tome which cover the main roads between Sao Tome city and the main towns and villages to the south. On Principe there is only one red minibus that covers the 12 kilometres of road.

By Boat

Ferries ply the waters between Sao Tome and Principe several times a week.

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See also: Portuguese phrasebook

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