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São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago located in the gulf of Guinea in western Africa, west of Gabon. The archipelago, discovered by Portugal in the 15th century, has a volcanic origin and is formed by the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, together with some islets.
Together with the island of Príncipe, São Tomé forms one of the smallest independent nations in the world, located some 220 kilometersoff the western equatorial coast of Africa, close to Gabon. This cone-shaped volcaninc island has dramatic landscapes of torrents and waterfalls, black and white sand beaches, sheer sea cliffs, tropical forest and extensive cocoa plantations.
Sao Tomé has a magnificent and varied landscape, resulting of an exciting mixture of sunlight, seaside, inland luxurious vegetation and plenty of amazing buildings and churches dating back from the colonial era.
Sao Tomé is of volcanic origin and the cloud capped volcanoes, thick jungle and empty beaches are stunningly beautiful. Principe is flatter but the beaches are somewhat better and the chances of meeting fellow foreigners are even slimmer.
REASONS TO GO
Practice ecotourism in the magnificent Obo national park, in the south-west part of the country.
Diving, fishing and boat touring in the clear and rich waters around Sao Tomé.
Tasting and shopping the local products like coffee, chocolate, rum, cinnamon and vanilla.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travellers to São Tomé and Príncipe from Europe with Africa’s Eden’s are recommended to fly directly to São Tomé with TAP Air or STP airways. An alternative way to get to São Tomé is via Luanda, Angola with TAAG or via Douala, Cameroon. From Douala, your connecting flight with Africa's Connection will directly leave for São Tomé.
GOOD TO KNOW
Capital: São Tomé
Currency: dobra (STD)
Area: 1.000 sq km
Population: 200.000
Language: Portuguese
Electricity: 220V/50Hz (European plug)
Calling Code: +239
Time Zone: UTC
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 Jan New Year's Day
3 Feb Heroes' Day
1 May Labour Day
12 Jul Independence Day
6 Sep Armed Forces Day
30 Sep Agricultural Reform Day
1 Nov All Saints' Day
26 Nov Argel Accord Day
21 Dec São Tomé Day (Catholic)
25 Dec Christmas Day
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