Things to Do in São Tomé

About São Tomé

Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea where the equator slices through the Atlantic, São Tomé rises from volcanic depths as one of Africa's best-kept secrets. This Portuguese-speaking island capital marries colonial elegance with equatorial wilderness, where time moves to the rhythm of crashing waves and the whisper of cacao plantations that once made these islands legendary. Here, authenticity isn't a marketing promise—it's simply the way of life on an island that has somehow escaped the well-worn tourist trail.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring euros or US dollars to exchange locally, as ATMs are scarce outside São Tomé city and often unreliable. Many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards, so carry sufficient cash in dobras for daily expenses.

• Transportation: Hire a local guide with a 4WD vehicle for exploring the island's mountainous interior and cocoa plantations, as roads are poorly maintained and poorly signed. Shared yellow taxis (táxis de colectivo) are the cheapest way to get around town, but negotiate fares for private trips before departing.

• Language: Learn basic Portuguese phrases before arrival, as English is rarely spoken outside of hotels and tour operators. Even simple greetings in Portuguese will significantly enhance your interactions with locals and help in markets and restaurants.

• Timing and Malaria Prevention: Visit during the dry season (June-September) for better road conditions and easier access to beaches and hiking trails. Take malaria prophylaxis seriously and use mosquito repellent consistently, as the country has year-round transmission risk.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit São Tomé is during the gravana (main dry season) from June to September, when temperatures hover around 25-28°C with dramatically reduced rainfall, though you'll face higher humidity levels (80-85%) and should book accommodations months ahead as this coincides with European summer holidays and peak prices. The gravanito (short dry season) from mid-December through February offers an excellent alternative with slightly cooler temperatures (23-26°C), lower tourist numbers, and the chance to experience São Tomé National Day on July 12th if you extend into that period, though occasional brief showers still occur. Avoid October and November entirely, as these months bring the heaviest rainfall (up to 250mm monthly), with persistent downpours making coastal roads treacherous and shuttering many outdoor activities including whale watching and plantation tours. Budget travelers should target March through May when the transition from wet to dry season brings unpredictable weather (expect rain 15-20 days per month) but hotel rates drop by 30-40%, and the lush, rain-soaked landscape makes chocolate plantation visits particularly spectacular as cacao harvesting peaks. Serious birdwatchers and nature photographers should brave the April-May shoulder season when endemic species are most active during breeding season, though you'll need quality rain gear and patience as afternoon thunderstorms roll in predictably around 3-4 PM.