




Discover São Tomé & Príncipe on a journey to ‘Africa’s Eden’ , a two island tropical archipelago, sitting on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea
Day 1 - London / São Tomé
Day 2 - São Tomé
Day 3 - São Tomé/Príncipe
Days 4 - 7 - Príncipe
Day 8 - Príncipe / São Tomé /London
Day 9 - London
Filled with inconceivable landscapes and an undulating rainforest of green, broken only by spires of primordial rock, it comes as no surprise that this nation has earned the moniker Africa’s Eden. With its towering magma columns, and golden orioles and African grey parrots darting through the canopy, the panorama is almost Jurassic. Step back in time and visit the “Roças”, old cocoa plantations houses, explore crumbling Portuguese vestiges from the colonial-era and meet local artisans. Stay at the Plantation house where Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was proven and at a luxury tented-villa camp on the ocean’s shore. Walk through primeval rainforests where there are more endemic species per square mile than anywhere else on earth, feeling the incredible force of nature.
Chauffeur Driven Transfers*
Forest Walks & Boat Safaris
Meet Local Artisans
Conservation & Park Fees
Guaranteed Departure
Price Guarantee
Group Size: 2 – 14
Day 1 Depart from London travelling via Lisbon to São Tomé. On arrival transfer to Omali for a two night stay. (D)
Day 2 Full day exploration of the plantations of the north. Visit the historical landmarks of Fernão Dias and the estate of Boa Entrada, established in 1870, continue to the plantation Agostinho Neto, Roça Rio do Ouro in colonial times, and one of the biggest of its time, now part of a thriving village community, visit the botanical garden and see remnants of the grand architecture of the time. Descend along the West Coast to Anambô where the Portuguese first set foot on San Tome. Continue to the estate of Monteforte, an old cocoa plantation, enjoy a traditional lunch between the sea and mountains. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Take the short flight to Príncipe (35-minute). Lying in perfect isolation some 130 miles off the West African coast, Principe’s forests shelter an abundance of endemic birds and plants, reptiles and amphibians – little wonder the island is sometimes referred to as Africa’s Galapagos. Transfer to Roça Sundy for a two-night stay, this lovingly restored old plantation house, whose grounds are shared with local villagers, will give you a real feeling of the character and history of Príncipe Island. It was here on May 29, 1919, the young English astronomer Arthur Eddington catapulted Albert Einstein into celebrity by proving the general theory of relativity. We will remain slightly more grounded and set off on the trail walk to Ribeira Izé (approx. 2.5 km.) with decaying palm leaves and almond husks underfoot, the trail emerges at the ruins of a church and home, the remains of the first settlement of the Portuguese seafarers in 1471. Enjoy a beach picnic before returning to the plantation house. Explore the grounds and visit the new chocolate and small bread factory, (B, L, D)
Day 4 Full day exploration of Príncipe visiting the smallest capital in the world, Santo António, and its loveliest corners. What is lacking in scale, it compensated for in pocket-sized grandeur. See the dilapidated buildings of the bay, in elegant pastels: a powder-blue school, pink government building and yellow post office discover old Portuguese tiles that surround the central square of weathered murals. Later visit Roça Paciência to observe the secrets of organic farming and experience different aromas and tastes, as well as enjoying a marvellous traditional local meal. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Explore the biosphere trails with some early morning bird watching, looking out for the many endemic species. Return to the plantation for breakfast transfer to Praia Sundy for your three nights stay where you can enjoy an intimate experience with nature, on the very edge of the ocean, surrounded by tropical forest. Free time to enjoy the lodge and time to explore the nearby beaches and trails. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit the Mambos da Terra workshop in the village of Santo Antonio, watch the local artisans and participate in the workshop to bring back your own memento of Príncipe Island. Lunch at a local restaurant before we head to the South of the Island, visit the traditional fishing village of Abade beach, stopping at the Nova Estrela (New Star) viewpoint and enjoy a panoramic view of Islet Boné do Jóquei (Jockey’s Cap). (B, L, D)
Day 7 Príncipe is famous for its towering volcanic features, the best can be seen from the water on our morning boat excursion to Baía das Agulhas, the Bay of Spires. Here you can really appreciate the spire-like phonolite towers that dwarf the surrounding area of Principe and you can’t help but feel you’re being transported back to pre-historic times. On our return, if we are lucky we may spot some marine mammals. Afternoon free on Príncipe. Sea turtles gather in this tropical paradise to breed and the local communities are joining the fight to protect sea turtles. During the months November - April, hatching season, turtle tours take place on Praia Grande During this period an excursion to see this marvel and to participate in the conservation initiative is included. (B, D)
Day 8 Transfer to the airport and short, morning flight to São Tomé. Enjoy a city tour visiting the Fortress of Saint Sebastian, the fishermen’s village of Pantufo to taste some smoked fish and hear about the traditional methods of fishing, the Cathedral, an important landmark in the history of Catholicism in Africa and Independence Square. Later transfer to the Omali where we have lunch and time to relax before we transfer to the airport for our return flight via Lisbon.
Day 9 Arrive London.
Notes
Nov - April, turtle hatching season, an excursion to see this marvel is included.
*Private VIP chauffeur driven transfer are provided for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those that live outside of this radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Located by the beach on Sao Tome Island in the Gulf of Guinea, 4-star Omali hotel is a hidden gem. Features include a restaurant, two bars, lounge, pool, gym and tennis court. Using a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, our Chefs offer you an unforgettable gastronomy experience. Wi-Fi in public areas. 30 air-conditioned guest rooms with TV, mini fridge and safety box.
5-star Roca Sundy on the remote island of Principe are two beautifully and sustainably restored plantation and colonial houses in the heart of the African rainforest. Features include a restaurant and a bar. All produce is organically grown on site or from local producers.. Wi-Fi in public areas. 15 air-conditioned guest rooms with TV, mini-bar and safety box.
5-star Sundy Praia merges seamlessly with the forest surrounds among a scattering of tropical almond and banana trees. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool. Principe is blessed with an abundance of natural produce, inspired by this natural larder, our international chefs refine the best of the island’s produce and traditions, creating seasonal menus bursting with original flavours and fresh, organic ingredients. Wi-Fi throughout. 15 spacious tented air-conditioned villas with TV, mini-bar, safety box and a private terrace.
Príncipe Extension
Relax and extend your stay for a further 2 nights in Príncipe. Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily, and a massage.
(1 massage per person and airport transfers.)
5-star Sundy Praia merges seamlessly with the forest surrounds among a scattering of tropical almond and banana trees. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool. Principe is blessed with an abundance of natural produce, inspired by this natural larder, our international chefs refine the best of the island’s produce and traditions, creating seasonal menus bursting with original flavours and fresh, organic ingredients. Wi-Fi throughout. 15 spacious tented air-conditioned villas with TV, mini-bar, safety box and a private terrace.
2021
per person in a twin/double room
TAP Air Portugal from Heathrow, via Lisbon
2022
per person in a twin/double room
TAP Air Portugal from Heathrow, via Lisbon
per person in a twin/double room
TAP Air Portugal from Heathrow, via Lisbon
per person in a twin/double room
TAP Air Portugal from Heathrow, via Lisbon
A Jules Verne Limited Edition
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1395
Flight Options
Business Class from £1650
Extension Options
Extension Options - Príncipe
Sundy Praia
2 nights £695
Single supplement £460
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, VIP return transfers*, Air Travel, taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, local expert guides and representatives. Breakfast daily, 7 dinners and 5 lunches. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, overseas airport taxes, optional excursions, visa procurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
*On all of our Great Journeys, we provide a VIP chauffeur driven transfer for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers that live outside of this 70-mile radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm