Tour Hidden Diamond | Visit Sao Tome and Principe

Transport

All land and sea transportation during the period of the experience, except personal transportation. Transfers from/to airport included.

Guide

24-hour follow-up and assistance from the levarTravel leader. This tour will be conducted in English. Accompaniment by local guide whenever necessary.

Accommodation

All rooms have air conditioned and offer private bathroom. Hotel breakfast is included. We will send you full hotel information after booking is completed.

Meals

14 meals: 14 breakfasts.

Others

Entrance fees to the specified places and/or activities described in the itinerary.

Not included:

Others

Drinks and food not specified (+/- 20€ per day).

Flights

Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is confirmed by levarTravel. Domestic flight to the island of Príncipe (approx. 200€) - To be booked by levarTravel.

Insurance

Full insurance required.

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Day 1 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Welcome to São Tomé and Príncipe! Dive into the ’light-light’ spirit, so characteristic of these people, and let yourself go. This day is reserved for travelers arriving in the city of São Tomé, the country’s capital. It is in this city that our adventure begins. The leader of levarTravel will be at the airport to welcome you, take you to your hotel, and help you with the check-in process. In principle, you will arrive in São Tomé at the end of the day, so we would like to invite you to have dinner in a typical restaurant in the city where we will talk about the next few days, answer any questions you may have, and get to know the group a little better. After dinner, we will stroll through the streets and have a first contact with this pearl in the middle of the Atlantic, or, if you are tired from the flight, you can rest at the hotel and gain strength for the next day.
Day 2 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Our first full day in this hidden paradise "lost" in the middle of Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of the African continent, will show us a little of the history of São Tomé and Príncipe, through its capital, São Tomé, and the city of Trindade. We will have an official local guide who will guide us on this cultural trip for a better understanding of the history of this wonderful country. We will start the tour in the “City” (a name given to the capital - São Tomé - by the locals), more specifically at the Market Square (where the old market is located, currently deactivated), we will go through the street 3 of February to feel the São Tomé bustle, we will enter the Municipal Market to see the locals bargaining, we will visit the National Museum by the port, we will pass by the Independence Square and finish at the Cathedral, next to the Presidential Palace. We will have a quick lunch break, looking forward to the second part of the day. During the afternoon, we will go up a little towards the central part of the island, more specifically to the city of Trindade, always accompanied by the levarTravel’s travel leader, as well as the official guide. Here we will visit the Trindade Church, the city center and we will have the opportunity to be dazzled by the luxuriant view of Monte Café. At the end of the day, we will return to the capital to enjoy a Rosema (the official name of São Tomé beer, but which the natives have nicknamed Nacional) by the waterfront. We will return to the hotel at the end of the day, with an impressive historical context as well as relaxed and fun time with the group and locals.
Day 3 Principe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Principe

Today is the day we get to know another wonder of São Tomé and Príncipe: the Island of Príncipe. The flight to Príncipe lasts approximately 35 minutes. Our journey will begin with a beautiful walk through green spaces until we reach BomBom Beach. A beach of fine sand and crystal clear waters, with indescribable beauty. Welcome to paradise! After lunch, we will go to the roça Sundy to visit its impeccably restored and preserved manor house. For the scientifically curious, this is where Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein’s theory of relativity. On a visit to the farm, we will have the opportunity to see the Senzalas where the community currently lives. We will see the ladies grating coconuts and breaking cocoa, and we will also watch the people participating in a "roda de puíta", a ritual where they dance and play drums almost in a trance. Authentic experiences provided by the incredible people of this paradise in the Atlantic. Our last stop of the day will be in the fishing community of Abade, where we will be toasted with many smiles and "hellos" from these wonderful people.
Day 4 Principe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Principe

We start the day exploring the roça Belo Monte, an imposing roça very well recovered and with a majestic view, where we will enjoy a nice feast. We will go to the viewpoint of the roça Belo Monte, where we will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape, with the Banana Beach as a background. Next, we will walk down the slope towards the same beach: Banana Beach, where we will spend the rest of the day. Here we will be able to dive into its warm, transparent waters and go snorkeling.
Day 5 Principe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Principe

Today’s day is reserved for exploring the incredible beaches of Prince Island. We start at Burra Beach, where one of the largest fishing communities on the island is located. The journey continues, and even before we reach the next stop, the locals who accompany us on the boat will dive into the waters to catch fish, octopus, and whelks, which will later be cooked on the last beach, where we will have our lunch. The next stop is Banana Beach, that paradise that we had the privilege of getting to know the day before. Next, we will stop at Macaco Beach, another paradise on the island that we will get to know, where there is an abandoned hotel nearby. The last stop will be at Boi Beach, where the locals will kindly cook us a nice feast (see note). With rudimentary means, they will make a fire on the beach to grill the fish, octopus, and whelks, fry the bananas and cook the rice. All together, we will make this an exciting moment, always accompanied by the famous African songs that make even the quietest people move.
Day 6 Principe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Principe

Today is a relaxed and smooth day. You are the owner of your own day. Have a great breakfast and enjoy the quietness of the region. Take the opportunity to rest, do some activities, visit nearby places, or simply pass the time while relaxing on the beach. Tour leader will be available to present you with several recommendations of activities to do and places to visit in the area.
Day 7 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Today marks our return to the island of São Tomé, after four incredible days exploring the small paradise of Príncipe Island. Our return flight will be in the morning. Upon arrival in town, we will have our jeep waiting to take us to the north of the island. Many consider that the north is where the true culture and essence of São Tomé and Príncipe lie, and because we want you to feel the authenticity of this region, we will take you there.

Among bumpy and twisted roads, quite uncomfortable but full of charisma, we start by visiting the fabulous beaches in the north, such as Praia dos Tamarindos and Praia dos Governadores, as well as the memorial where the names of the heroes of the Batepá Massacre are engraved, a tragic and sensitive event, but which is part of history, and for this reason we make a point of remembering and, above all, respecting it. Around lunchtime, we will go to the fishing village of Micoló, very close to these fabulous beaches. We will have the opportunity to taste the delicious olive oil fish and snack on octopus with a well-made sauce, always with fried (or grilled) bananas to accompany it. In the afternoon we will visit the Agostinho Neto plantation in Guadalupe. This roça, the largest in São Tomé and Príncipe, was called roça Rio D’ouro until 1975, the year of the national independence of São Tomé. Today it is abandoned, and its buildings are dilapidated, but for its imposing appearance and the role it played in the past in cocoa production, we consider its visit important.

We get back on the road towards Santa Catarina, the last community along the coastline in a northerly direction. We will be heading south down the west side of the island, but as there is only one main road, the locals refer to Santa Catarina as the northernmost point of the island. This road is considered one of the most beautiful along the Equator, where we will have the opportunity to take photos that seem to be taken from postcards. The highlight will be crossing through the famous "Santa Catarina Tunnel". Even before night falls, we will make the inverse route toward one of the favorite cities of our trip leader and the source of inspiration for developing this project because of the sentimental meaning it holds in her heart: we are talking about Neves, a place where Margarida has done several volunteer projects and that, without hesitation, we have chosen to develop the levarT Project, which will be revealed later on. Already in Neves, we will watch a fabulous sunset accompanied by a Rosema on the balcony of our accommodation with a privileged view.
Day 8 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

In the morning, and right after a nice breakfast on the balcony, we give you the option to rest during the morning in a small beach nearby the lodge, or accept our challenge and join us on an adventure through the forest of the Ôbo Natural Park. This adventure consists of a magical trail through mysterious tunnels that will take us to paradise. However, to reach heaven we will have to overcome mud trails, a lot of humidity, and the darkness of tunnels that were used as water pipes. We can promise that all the effort will be rewarded at the end of the adventure, as we will have a refreshing shower in the fabulous waterfall. Don’t forget your camera! We advise you to bring some snacks to maintain your energy until lunchtime and proper shoes to walk on the water. Be bold! It is lunchtime, and our bellies are starting to rumble. We will go to the center of the town of Neves where we will take our break in Santola restaurant, where, as the name suggests, we will enjoy a delicious and typical Santola accompanied by fried banana and, of course, a Rosema. São Tomé style.

In the afternoon, you can go to the beach or join us in the levarT Project to make your contribution to help the island to be even more positive! *** levarT Project: We intend with this project to appeal to all travelers for community solidarity. The levarTravel seeks to potentiate local development, whenever possible through volunteer work and monetary contributions, donating a percentage of the profits to a non-profit organization/foundation, or even a needy family of the region. In São Tomé and Príncipe, levarTravel has established a collaboration with the Irmãs Franciscanas Hospitaleiras, present in the island for over 20 years and working directly with the Portuguese Cooperation for the Development of Communities and with several local NGOs, which allows a wide and diversified collaboration network. *** By this time, a feeling of mission accomplished, and soul fullness warms our hearts, after an afternoon full of emotions and affection with children and adults who brighten up Irmãs Hospitaleiras’ house, marking one of the highlights of our trip. At the end of the day, we return to our accommodation to watch another sunset and where we will stay until dinner time. Note: Lunch is optional. Cost about 10 euros/per person without a drink.***

At the end of the day, we return to our accommodation to watch another sunset and where we will stay until dinner time.
Day 9 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

In the morning, we will leave the city of São Tomé towards the heart of the island, more specifically to Monte Café, on a jeep trip where we will go above 1,300 meters. We will stop at São Nicolau Waterfall, where we will have the opportunity to photograph this gem and, for those who want to refresh, swim. On our way back we will visit Botanical Garden of Ôbo Natural Park. Here we will get to know all the flora existing on the island, accompanied by an official guide of the park. Next, we will arrive at Saudade plantation. This place became famous for being the birthplace of the famous artist Almada Negreiros, giving the same name to the Museum House. A very pleasant space, where lunch will be served (see note), on a terrace with an indescribable view over a green mantle. After lunch, we will visit the museum to learn a little more about its history. In the afternoon, we will continue our way down the mountain, stopping at Monte Café plantation, the largest coffee producer in São Tomé, where we will have the opportunity to see the whole process of coffee and cocoa transformation and taste its authentic flavor. Before returning to the capital, we will have time for a stop at the fabulous waterfalls of Vale do Rio. After an intense day, we will return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Note: Gastronomic experience not included. Price 15 euros/person without a drink.
Day 10 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

In the morning, and right after a nice breakfast, we will leave for the South of the Island. A journey along the coastline, where those indescribable landscapes will accompany us along the way. The difference in its vegetation is another wonder of this island, where in the north it is drier and the slopes are more open, while in the south the forest is much denser and more humid. During the trip, we will make some stops that we consider relevant: the abandoned hospital of roça Água Izé; Boca do Inferno, a unique phenomenon where the force of the sea waves has sculpted the rocks; the magnificent Sete Ondas Beach; the Micondó Beach, a beautiful spot for that indescribable photo; the fabulous waterfall of the Pesqueira Beach; the vastness of palm plantation, where the locals harvest the seeds for palm oil production; and a privileged view of Pico Cão Grande. Around lunchtime, we will make a stop at roça São João dos Angolares, where we will taste the delicious lunch prepared by chef João Carlos Silva (see note) and the delicious flavors of São Tomé. It will not only be the gastronomy that will leave us in disbelief, as the view over the bay of Santa Cruz is simply fascinating. Right after lunch, we will take a walk through the beautiful farm, where we will have the opportunity to learn a little more about its history, as well as get to know the sustainability projects that have been developed. At the end of the day, we will arrive in the southernmost part of the island, named Porto Alegre. Here is the place where we will stay for the next couple of days. Note: The gastronomic experience at roça S. João dos Angolares, by Chef João Carlos Silva, is considered by most of our travelers a highlight of the trip. Lunch is not included and costs 25 euros/person without a drink. Amount paid locally.
Day 11 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

To start this day, we will have the breakfast by the beach. Then we will drive to the center of Porto Alegre, where we will take a small boat towards Ilhéu das Rolas. We will spend the morning exploring the islet, focusing on the Equator mark and the beautiful Praia Café. Lunch (see note) will be served on the beach, cooked by a family residing on the islet. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to swim at Bateria Beach and Joana Beach. Welcome to paradise! In the end of the day, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy a dinner by the moonlight listening the sound of the waves. Note: Optional lunch prepared by locals. Lunch costs 10 euros/per person.
Day 12 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

A short jeep ride will take us to the small pier of the fishing village of Malanza, where we will take a rowboat, called “pirogue”, sailing on the river with an official guide. During the trip, we will be sailing Malanza River through mangroves, an authentic ecological sanctuary with unique vegetation that is home to many species, such as monkeys, black snakes, fishes and birds. Children also often fish with a simple string on the edges of the river. At lunchtime, we will return to Porto Alegre - Piscina Beach - where lunch will be served (see note) specially prepared for our group by a local chef: crab curry accompanied by breadfruit and fried banana. We will spend the rest of our day in here, waiting for the fabulous sunset. Note: Optional lunch prepared by locals. Lunch costs 10 euros/per person.
Day 13 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Today will be the last day in the south of the island. We will have breakfast by the beach and enjoy the last morning in paradise. Mid-afternoon we will get back to São Tomé, where we will spend our last days.
Day 14 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Today will be a free day to enjoy the last hours in this wonderful country. Take the opportunity to buy the last souvenirs and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, contrasting with the quiet of the last days spent with the southern communities. At the end of the day, we will join the group for a farewell dinner for this incredible trip that is almost over. Optional activity: The more adventurous can start the day with a fantastic hike (about 4 hours) in the Amélia Lagoon, located in the crater of a volcano extinct thousands of years ago. The Amélia Lagoon is full of vegetation, where its roots form a kind of web, allowing you to walk on them, almost as if you were suspended. Delight yourselves with the trampoline sensation.
Day 15 Sao Tome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sao Tome

Our trip comes to an end! Depending on the airline chosen some travelers will leave paradise early in the morning, others only late in the afternoon. We wish you a great return to your home country after an incredible trip into the ’leve-leve’ spirit. Thank you for your trust! See you soon.

+12

15 days tour

Hidden Diamond

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Hidden Diamond

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Principe

Principe

Principe

Principe

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

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