São Tomé and Príncipe
Sao Tomé and Principe: Excursion to the coffee plantage of Monte Café
Experience coffee culture at Sao Tomé's highest plantation estate and learn about the coffee process still done in the traditional manner.
This trip takes you up into the mountains where the air is fresh and clear. Here we will visit the old plantation of Monte Café to see the old buildings of what was once the biggest and most prosperous coffee plantation of Sao Tomé.
From this plantation some of the highest quality coffee in the world was exported.
We will be able to follow the process of treating the coffee and our guide will explain the history and present of the complex plantation estate, the 'roça', underway.
We will end the trip with a cup of coffee at Cascata de Sao Nicolau (Saint Nicolas' waterfall) passing by the modern plantation of Nova Moca.
Sao Tomé and Principe: Observation of Whales and Dolphins
During the months from July to October, we organize boat trips with the aim to spot whales and dolphins. We will travel down along the Eastern coast of the island of Sao Tomé and back again, following the whale-trail, while taking our time to enjoy the sights of the trip.
We leave the city of Sao Tomé early in the morning, heading Southeast along some of the famous beaches of the East Coast.
After about 40 minutes, we will pass by Boca do Inferno, which is a natural blow hole, and from here onwards, we will move eastwards to get into the track of the hump back whales, identified as going between the city of Sao Tomé and the islet of Rolas.
The dolphins have been observed many different places around the island and it is therefore the whales that determine our itinerary.
Nature highlights Sightseeing (max. 1 day),
Africa São Tomé and Príncipe
Sao Tomé and Principe: Sail around the island of Sao Tomé
Sail around the island of Sao Tomé passing by the different climatic zones and step on the Equator line after lunch.
This is about the only way to get to wild South-Western coast of Sao Tomé with waterfalls plunging directly into the sea.
We sail around the island clock-wise starting from the North in the city of Sao Tomé, down South along the semi-humid zone of the East Coast.
On the way we pass by Ilhéu de Santana, the famous Sete Pedras, as we will be able to appreciate the typical views of the beaches surrounded by tropical forest of the East.
We stop for lunch at the most Southern point possible, Ilhéu das Rolas and after lunch, we will visit the mark of Equator.
Our return to city is made along the otherwise inaccessible and rocky West Coast that also hosts some of the best beaches of the whole island of São Tomé.
Sao Tomé and Principe: Climbing Pico de Sao Tomé
Let's take you to the top of Sao Tomé which, in colonial times, was the highest mountain in the Portuguese empire.
Climbing Pico de Sao Tomé, the highest mountain in Sao Tomé (2024 m) will take you 2 days. During the trek you will have to climb several smaller mountains before you get to Mesa where you stay overnight.
The following day you climb the last section to the summit. This time of the day is ideal to stand on the very top of the island, as the evaporation from the forest is less likely to cover the island in clouds, leaving a clear view of the island.
In clear weather you will sometimes even be able to see Principe (150 km from Sao Tomé) !
It may be possible for experienced hikers to do this trip in 1 day only.
Do bear in mind that this hike is to be considered very strenuous and that the forest can be very tricky underfoot.
This trek should not be undertaken by people that are not very physically fit and capable of trekking about 8 hours a day
Trekking & Walking Nature highlights Adventure & Special travel Sightseeing (max. 1 day),
Africa São Tomé and Príncipe
Sao Tomé and Principe: Hiking to Lagoa Amélia
One of the lightest rain forest treks we can offer. Gets you in touch with the primary forest's fauna and flora and you will still back in time for lunch.
Go trekking through the high altitude Atlantic rainforest to the volcanic crater of Lagoa Amelia.
The crater has accumulated centuries of rainwater and on top lies a thick tapestry of vegetation which has made it possible to walk on top of this 'lake', although it may wobble a bit...
The main attraction of this trek is, however, the virgin rain forest that surrounds you during the 4 hours it takes to get to Lagoa Amelia and back.
Our guide will explain the use of different plants in traditional medicine and cooking and you will be able to taste the wild cinnamon, wild raspberries and others along the walk.
Do bear in mind that it may rain and that the trail may become slippery.
Not recommended for children or for people that are not physically fit.
Trekking & Walking Nature highlights Adventure & Special travel Sightseeing (max. 1 day),
Africa São Tomé and Príncipe
Sao Tomé and Principe: Excursion along the East Coast of Sao Tomé
A full day dedicated to exploring the West Coast's beaches, plantations and waterfalls with a modern Santomean lunch.
We'll take you down along the East Coast by Santana to enjoy the view of Ilhéu de Santana.
In Água Izé we stop at the viewpoint, Miradouro d'Água Izé, and visit the cocoa plantation of Água Izé.
From here we continue to the natural blow-hole of Boca do inferno.
Next stop is Ribeira Afonso to visit the fishermen's village here and then Ribeira Peixe to see the waterfall.
