Explore remote Atlantic islands where colonial cocoa plantations, equatorial jungle, and pristine beaches reward curious travellers on a 10-day circuit.
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Imagine travelling to tropical islands with white palm fringed beaches, crystal clear water, unexplored jungle and a friendly people who rarely see tourists. Welcome to São Tomé and Príncipe, a remote archipelago off the coast of central Africa that few people have even heard of, let alone been to. On our São Tomé and Príncipe tour we explore the colonial heritage of the islands by staying in restored plantation houses, walk through unspoiled forests in the interior and relax on pristine beaches. Explore a truly undiscovered destination.
São Tomé and Príncipe Islands Explorer
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
The highlights
After a welcome briefing, the group explores São Tomé on foot, taking in the Post Office, Tourist Office, Independence Square, and National Museum. Lunch is taken at the C.A.C.A.U art space, giving a taste of the city's creative culture.
The afternoon of the city tour concludes with a chocolate presentation and tasting at the Corallo Chocolate Factory. This hands-on visit connects directly to the island's cocoa heritage.
The group visits the Valúdo coconut factory, then explores Nova Moka and Monte Café coffee plantations set in lush rainforest surroundings. The day also includes a stop at Roça Saudade and a sand cards workshop with local artist Guilherme Carvalho.
A short domestic flight transports the group to the island of Príncipe, where accommodation is at Roça Belo Monte. Optional activities such as plantation visits, kayaking, walking excursions, and diving can be arranged directly through the accommodation across two full days of independent exploration.
Travelling along the east coast back toward São João, the group stops at the dramatic Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth) rock formation and the Voice of America site. Optional ocean swimming is available at 7 Ondas Beach.
A boat transfer from Ponta Baleia carries the group to Rolas Island for a one-hour hike via the real equator to the equator mark viewpoint. The excursion ends with a beach lunch at Praia Café before an afternoon boat trip of approximately 2.5 hours up the west coast to Mucumbli.
Trip highlights for São Tomé and Príncipe Islands Explorer
Full itinerary · 10 days
Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
Every one of our São Tomé and Príncipe journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Before travelling, consult the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice at foreign travel advice - sao tome and principe. The FCDO currently has no advisory against travel to the islands. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance before departure.
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Make São Tomé and Príncipe Islands Explorer your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Join a small-group departure, or let our São Tomé and Príncipe specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
The next available departures are 7 February 2027; 9 May 2027; 20 June 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
This tour visits São Tomé and Príncipe. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
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