São Tomé & Príncipe: Your Guide to the Top 5 Outdoor Activities

You know, planning a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe? It’s like stepping into this other place, a completely untouched paradise just waiting to be explored. These two little islands off the coast of Africa, they are offering, in a way, scenery that’s very eye pleasing and possibilities that will certainly allow a travel experience to occur for those wanting it to.

1. Trekking to Pico Grande

Okay, let’s chat about Pico Grande. Actually, it’s this incredible rock structure that, often, just is present in the middle of São Tomé. So, you are up for what it takes to climb? What awaits at the peak is very rewarding. As a matter of fact, you are going to see landscapes and vistas you’ve got to see to believe it.

The path can be a little rough, pretty rugged, yet it adds to the experience really. So, basically, expect to navigate across terrain that feels basically untouched. Honestly, I find a trip to Pico Grande so appealing, due to the difficulty in getting to it.

Here are some facts: This, actually, requires a local guide and usually, like your strong, durable hiking boots. You know, you wouldn’t want to wear those sneakers here. Now, if the conditions should ever get to be extremely dangerous or unpredictable, remember to not carry on forward in dangerous weather conditions.

Read our full review: Pico Grande Trekking Full Review and Details

2. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Ilhéu das Rolas

Ilhéu das Rolas, pretty remote, that is a small island not too far from São Tomé. So, it’s a prime spot, too, for seeing what the ocean has. Well, snorkeling here is an experience on its own. As I was saying, the reefs are filled to the top with schools and sorts of tropical fish. You get into the water and you suddenly see that you have entered another, like your new universe.

Are you a diving type of individual? Anyway, the clear, safe seas around Ilhéu das Rolas have great visibility, this will attract both new and advanced divers. So, as you get deeper, you discover interesting rock landscapes plus the sort of rare marine species found across the region. You know, sea turtles tend to visit frequently.

Oh! And, for people in Rolas! To get an experience, the water, honestly, is clear, there’s a few hotels as I remember, and many guided diving operations offered by tour operators who are available.

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3. Exploring Obo National Park

If nature and wild lands are more of your, kind of, cup of tea, Obo National Park, rather, is what needs checking. In some respects, this location consists of thick rainforest that protects nearly thirty percent of both islands. It is one location that is more preserved within São Tomé and Príncipe.

So, hiking here may allow individuals to experience some special experiences. That means lots of species, from plants to colorful birds, will, typically, exist across Obo park’s parameters. Okay, so take this seriously: Hire a well-experienced guide. And stuff, so that they’re there so the tour may be enjoyable plus one to be super educated on everything that Obo, pretty much, offers to nature lovers.

Important Note: The park’s eco balance must always be preserved; that said, pack lightly, leave any rubbish behind, and make sure that anything dangerous to nearby species is just not permitted. Very easy to maintain.

Read our full review: Obo National Park Hiking Full Review and Details

4. Beach Hopping on Príncipe Island

Okay, speaking of beaches… Principe Island, pretty small as far as its footprint, actually provides several bays for those wanting that kind of scenery. By the way, each place on this coast does, typically, hold what it may offer you.

The Playa Banana? Actually, very well photographed. You see that white sand beach along a shore filled with greenery, which will cause travelers to fall in deep adoration over that image. That’s actually a place for an excellent swim.

Basically, here are some spots you could explore for activities: Praia dos Rosegães, for the surfing lover who seeks larger waves; and Praia Grande, typically, offers turtle watching possibilities depending upon any tour or the location itself. Any and stuff like this, a day of sunshine, calm waters and untouched sandy spots can really bring a person closer to relaxation!

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5. Bird Watching Expedition

Are there bird lovers around? Often, these little islands are a dream setting for birders. I mean, thanks for its areas and habitat that range between open grassland plus super closed rainforest landmasses. So, too, there exist some species across these areas, where most won’t appear anywhere around this area elsewhere. So, unique!

So, you may hire some tour guides who focus directly on allowing bird sightings. Anyway, these peeps often know the very best lookouts and birding tips that provide views for rare specimens within São Tomé plus Príncipe. The sort of equipment I could suggest packing are like binoculars and a field guide with checklists so each thing seen could be well cataloged.

Important place of awareness? To see a large population that’s present in both parks and local ecosystems, respect must exist at all opportunities in this particular wildlife habit that’s there!

Read our full review: São Tomé Birdwatching Full Review and Details