Five Times Regional Tour Operator of the Year
EXCELLENT
5.0
Trustindex
São Tomé & Príncipe Tours
São Tomé and Príncipe: Islands of Cocoa, Culture and Nature
Uninhabited until discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 1470s, São Tomé and Príncipe became vital colonial outposts.
Settled in the late 15th century, the islands developed into major sugar, coffee, and cocoa producers, with cocoa still the leading crop today. Gaining independence in 1975, the islands now welcome visitors with warm hospitality, rich culture, and an intriguing colonial history.
These volcanic islands offer pristine rainforests, dramatic peaks, and some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa. Hiking trails reveal waterfalls, remote villages, and unique wildlife. With up to 29 endemic bird species, including the São Tomé Grosbeak and Príncipe Kingfisher, the islands are a paradise for dedicated birders and nature lovers.
Cultural tours take you through São Tomé’s colonial capital, Independence Square, the Fort of São Sebastião, and lively local markets. Diving, fishing, and walking holidays add to the experience. Tailor-made tours blend history, culture, wildlife, and adventure in one unforgettable island journey.
If you’re unable to find a tour that meets all of your requirements, don’t worry, we can design a tour thats perfect for you. Allow our team to design your trip of a lifetime – Tailor-Made Tours
- Capital: São Tomé
- Population: 219,275
- Language: Portuguese
- Currency: STP dobra
- Time Zone: GMT
São Tomé Nature, Culture and Beach Tour
From rainforest treks to surf and island charm
São Tomé and Príncipe Nature and Birding Tour
A focused birding journey across two beautiful islands
São Tomé and Príncipe Nature and Birding Tour
Target endemic species across two islands
São Tomé Culture and Adventure Tour
From city streets to rainforest peaks and beaches
Award-Winning Local Guides
Tailor-Made São Tomé & Príncipe Tours
Exceptional West African travel experiences that have a real sustainable impact in the locations and communities we visit
Travel Tips For São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe Visas
São Tomé and Príncipe Tourist Visas
If you are European citizen or from the following countries UK, US, Brazil, Canada, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Russia, Qatar, Vatican City, Turkey and most (not all) African nationals then you do not require a visa to enter Sao Tome and Principe for the first 15 days, however you need to return home within 15 days of arrival and have proof of accommodation, a valid return ticket and proof of funds when entering Sao Tome and Principe. If you wish to stay longer than 15 days, then you would need to apply for an e-visa prior to arrival.
Very few countries have embassies or high commissions for Sao Tome and Principe, so it may be necessary to apply online for your visa. Please check – www.ivisa.com – to see if your country qualifies for an e-visa if your country does not qualify then it may be possible to obtain a visa at the airport on arrival in Sao Tome, please check this before booking your holiday and be aware this method could be more expensive.
São Tomé and Príncipe Weather and Climate
São Tomé and Príncipe Weather and Climate
The climate in São Tomé and Príncipe is tropical, hot, and humid all year round with the driest and warmest months being from January to March where temperatures can average between 30°C and 32°C. The main rains start in May and the temperature is cooler during the rainy season from June to October dropping below 30°C with the rains easing in November. Seasonal changes are different from those of North America and Europe, due to its proximity to the Equator and São Tomé and Príncipe’s temperature is reasonably consistent. From December to mid-January, the Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara Desert, which can cause very dry and hazy conditions, but this has little or no effect on visitors.
Guest Houses and Homestays
Guest Houses and Homestays
On some of our more adventurous Eco, Wildlife, Voluntary, Educational and Cultural tours in the more remote areas, local guesthouses are used and in some unique cases village homestays. Although these are more basic than hotels in larger communities, they are comfortable, clean, and safe. Staying in these types of accommodations brings us into closer and more intimate contact with the locals, their ways of life and fascinatingly, their wonderful unity.
Equipment and Clothing
Equipment and Clothing
Due to the wide variety of tours we offer, this information will be forwarded upon confirmation of your booking in your pre-trip information pack.
Tipping
Tipping
All our company drivers, assistants and expert local guides are employed on full time contracts with Ashanti African Tours and receive a basic salary and daily bonus when on tour. Ashanti African Tours also have a company policy to tip all local site guides and hotel staff. Therefore, if any of our clients would like to tip any of our guides, site guides, drivers, or staff at hotels we use, it is at the client’s own discretion.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible Tourism
When you travel with Ashanti African Tours you can be assured that all trips are ethical and sustainable, as we put the environment and the communities at the heart of all that we do. As such, this policy draws on the criteria set out by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and tries to recognise many of the principles within the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. All Ashanti African Tours trips aim to have a positive impact on the countries, communities, and environments we visit. Our policy of operating low-impact, ethical tours allows us to create authentic, cultural connections, which not only enhances the traveller experience, but also creates economic opportunity and social development, whilst preserving local cultures for future generations. For full detailed information on our company responsible travel policy please visit the Ethical Travel page of our website.
We Offset Your Trips Carbon Footprint
We Offset Your Trips Carbon Footprint
We plant 3 indigenous forest tree species for every person that travels with us. The main aim for this project is carbon offsetting – guests choosing to travel with us would offset their flights to/from West Africa by more than 15 times if the trees live to their expected lifespan. This is based on projected carbon dioxide generated on a return flight for the average guest (approximately 900kg/1980 lbs). The average tropical tree can absorb approximately 48lbs of carbon per year (when mature) and in West Africa it takes 30-50 years for a tropical tree species to grow to maturity, with an average life expectancy of 200-300 years. If the trees we plant for each guest are continued to be protected, then we are confident that we will be making a big difference in carbon offsetting: 3 trees planted would each absorb approximately 10,080 lbs of carbon, totalling 30,240 lbs/13,745 kg for all 3 trees (per guest).
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance cover for your trip. It is a compulsory requirement for all our trips in São Tomé and Príncipe and other African destinations and it is your responsibility to take out a suitable policy. You will not officially join our tours until evidence of your insurance has been provided to our office. This must include personal accident, medical expenses, and repatriation to your country of origin. We also strongly recommend that your policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please note that free insurance cover offered by some credit cards does not cover repatriation expenses.
Hotel Accommodation
Hotel Accommodation
As most of our tours are customized tailor-made tours then your budget will determine the standard of accommodation at each location. São Tomé and Príncipe has a limited selection of hotels however there are some good standard establishments in the main cities and towns most are mid-range and there is a wider selection of clean and more basic hotels. Our experienced tour planners will identify the best hotel to fit your budget in the right location. If you have booked onto one of our scheduled São Tomé and Príncipe tours, then we usually use quality mid-range hotels when available and all with private en suite facilities and air-conditioning. In some remote locations where these hotels are not available, we will use the best standard alternative.
Camping
Camping
On occasions during some of our more adventurous expeditions in more remote areas, we will camp. This is not for the duration of your entire tour, but for a couple of days where accommodation is unavailable. Camping is usually on a shared basis, but single occupancy tents are available when requested. Our experienced camping team are on hand to make the experience special. All meals are cooked by our team and are usually a mixture of ample and delicious Western and salivating authentic Ghanaian dishes eaten around an open fire, the Ghanaian way for a memorable evening. Some of our permanent camps have electricity, toilet and cold shower facilities, a permanent chef and backup generator.
Immunisations and Vaccinations
Immunisations and Vaccinations
You need to consult your doctor or travel clinic six to eight weeks prior to departure for extensive up to date information on foreign travel to West Africa.
Below is a guideline only:
Polio
Tetanus
Typhoid
Anti-malaria tablets (consult your chemist)
Hepatitis A
Meningitis
Yellow fever (you must carry a valid certificate with your passport)
Spending Money
Spending Money
The amount of spending money you will need is determined by the type of tour you have booked with us. The majority of our standard scheduled and customized tours are all-inclusive, so you only need to budget for the following: snacks, soft (not mineral water as this is always included) and alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature. If you have booked a budget tour, then some aspects of the tour may not be included in the tour price and you will receive this information during your enquiry process.
Building schools, protecting rainforest, having a sustainable positive impact locally
Building schools, protecting rainforest, having a sustainable positive impact locally
Ashanti would like to think most international travellers coming to West Africa care about the locations they visit and about having a positive impact during their time here. Booking with a responsible travel company goes a long way to achieving this. Many companies state they benefit locals and conservation when they do extraordinarily little and are more focused on their profit margins. Ashanti are West Africa’s leading travel company putting their profits back into building schools, protecting wildlife, rainforest, biodiversity and connecting communities to the conservation of their environment through community development initiatives connected to eco-tourism. Click to learn more about where our profits go.
Award Winning Tours Across West Africa
Ethically arranged, locally guided, authentic tours that benefit locals and the environment
EXCELLENT
