Organized Trip to São Tomé and Príncipe: Nature, Culture and Paradise Beaches
Discover São Tomé and Príncipe, a true African treasure where lush nature join a fascinating culture. On this unforgettable journey, explore breathtaking tropical landscapes, dive in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters, and relax in paradisiacal and deserted beaches.
The islands offer unique experiences for discerning travelers: trails through green mountains, local markets bursting with colors, exotic aromas and flavors, and a historical heritage reflected in the Portuguese colonial architecture.
São Tomé culture is marked by the spirit “light-light”, captivating traditional music, and infectious dance. Feel the vibrant energy of the people and immerse yourself in local traditions.
Optionally, the trip may include an extension to the Príncipe Island, a true diamond in the rough, with almost untouched beaches and paradisiacal landscapes.
São Tomé and Príncipe is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure, culture and relaxation in a natural setting stunning.
Arrival on São Tomé Island. Assistance from the LEVA-ME tour leader and a local guide. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel and free time until late afternoon. The entire group meets with the tour leader for a brief introduction to the trip and to answer any questions. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for a visit to the city of São Tomé. Departure from the hotel around 9:00 a.m. We'll take a guided tour of São Tomé and see some of its most important sites, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace of São Tomé, the first Catholic cathedral in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, built in the 16th century and visited by Pope John Paul II in 1992, the city market, gardens, and more. Later, we'll visit a fishing village and have lunch.
After lunch, you'll visit local craft shops, which sell local products transformed by local artisans. Return to the hotel to enjoy the pool and the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
Starting the morning with energy, we depart from the hotel around 9:00 a.m. and embark on a fascinating journey through the central part of the island. We head towards the city of Trindade, the second largest in the country, which boasts a rich and striking colonial history.
Our first stop is at a beautiful waterfall, where we are enveloped by its beauty and invigorating energy. We continue our journey to a coffee plantation, where we are transported back in time as we explore the coffee museum. We learn about the fascinating history of this bean that shaped the region and finish with a delicious coffee tasting, savoring its unique aromas and flavors.
Lunch will be a memorable experience at the Almada Negreiros House-Museum, a place that combines gastronomy and culture, providing a meal full of authentic flavors.
After lunch, we've planned visits to other places to lose ourselves in nature. After a day full of discoveries and wonders, we'll return to the hotel. We hope you still have time for a dip in the wonderful pool. Free evening.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
On the fourth day of our trip, we'll depart the hotel around 9:00 a.m., heading north along the Cocoa Route. Our first stop will be at Roça Bela Vista, where we can admire the beautiful Portuguese colonial architecture and learn about the history of cocoa.
Next, we'll visit Roça Agostinho Neto, formerly known as Roça Rio do Ouro. Here, we'll have the opportunity to learn more about cocoa production and its historical significance. We'll also pass through the charming town of Guadalupe and enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters of a magnificent beach.
Stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit another Roça and a cocoa plantation, learning about the cultivation and harvesting process up close. A must-see stop will be at the chocolate factory, where we'll have the opportunity to taste different varieties of chocolate, enjoying a truly sensory experience.
We continue our tour, visiting the Monument to the Discoveries, the historic site where the first Portuguese explorers, João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar, landed in 1470. To end the day on a high note, we'll pass through São Tomé's largest tunnel, the Santa Catarina Tunnel, a place we know you'll want to take plenty of photos of. This is one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Finally, we'll return to the hotel, taking with us enriching memories of this journey along the Cocoa Route in northern São Tomé. Free evening.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
After enjoying a peaceful night at our hotel, we'll have breakfast, check out, grab our backpacks, and head out. Get ready for an exciting journey to the south of the island to discover São Tomé's beautiful beaches.
Today we'll also embark on a boat adventure to Ilhéu das Rolas, a paradisiacal island with breathtaking beaches. There, you'll have the opportunity to explore the famous "Equator Landmark" monument, a unique experience of being in both hemispheres at once.
After this incredible visit, we'll return to the island of São Tomé and explore a few more beaches. We'll have lunch with our feet in the sand on one of them, right by the sea. Enjoy the local flavors while admiring the stunning scenery around you.
We head to our accommodation, which is on the beach. Enjoy every moment and experience the tropical paradise this country has to offer. We have dinner and socialize.
Accommodation: Ecolodge on the beach
Free day to relax on the hotel beach.
Accommodation: Ecolodge on the beach or similar.
Breakfast and check-out. Today we'll change hotels, but along the way we'll visit some beaches and the Malaza Mangrove. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch.
Note: The extension to Príncipe Island costs €1105 per person and will only take place if there are at least 10 interested travelers.
Today is the day to pack your bags and head home (or head to the incredible island of Príncipe), but first, have a nice breakfast and enjoy the pool until it's time for your transfer to the airport.
Those heading to Príncipe Island will need to wake up early. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner included.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
After breakfast, we'll explore the charming Príncipe Island. Departure time is around 9:00 a.m. This will be a full-day experience, including a lunch break.
This day's itinerary includes essential points that will enrich your visit. We begin with a pleasant stroll through the city of Santo António, the island's capital. Next, we'll visit Roça Porto Real, where we'll have the opportunity to see the old farm hospital, which operated for 20 years and is now almost completely gone, covered in lush vegetation.
We will continue to the “Waste Valorization Cooperative” (CVR), where we will learn about local efforts to promote sustainability and environmental preservation.
At the viewpoint, we'll enjoy a wonderful view, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the island's landscape. Next, we'll visit Roça Sundy, where we'll see the preserved manor house and the site where, in 1919, astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington proved Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Lunch will be at our local guide's home, where we can savor the island's delicious cuisine and recharge our batteries to continue our journey. Finally, we'll visit the ancient town of Ribeira Zé, exploring its history and charms. We'll return to our hotel. Dinner is included, and the rest of the evening is free.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
After breakfast, we set off for an incredible day exploring the stunning east coast of Príncipe Island. This full-day tour promises to reveal why Príncipe Island is one of the most beautiful in the world.
We'll begin our journey at Roça Paciência, where we'll witness cocoa, vanilla, and coffee plantations. Learn about the cultivation of these excellent products and enjoy the delicious aroma that lingers in the air. Next, we'll explore some of the island's most beautiful beaches. Marvel at the colorful fishing boats and immerse yourself in the rich local culture, interacting with the fishermen and learning about their customs.
We'll continue to Roça Belo Monte, where we can enjoy the stunning views from the Banana Beach Viewpoint. Admire the crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation while enjoying the tranquility of this tropical paradise.
After a lunch break at Casa do Guia, we'll enjoy a delicious and authentic meal, savoring local cuisine.
Next, we'll discover new and incredible beaches where you can practically dive alone. Marvel at the white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and refreshing yourself. We'll return to the hotel, dinner included, and the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to pack your bags and return to your roots. We'll transfer you to the airport to catch your flight to São Tomé and then on to Portugal.
Note: The extension to Príncipe Island costs +€1105 per person, and will only take place if there are at least 10 interested travelers.
Flight prices may vary depending on the season, number of stopovers, airline promotions, etc. On average, the approximate prices are:
Payment is made by entity and reference (multibanco) in two parts. One of 30% (non-refundable in case of traveler's withdrawal) to secure the reservation, and a second payment of 70% by bank transfer up to 70 days before the start of the tripYou can also choose to pay for the entire trip in one payment. If the reservation is made less than 70 days before the travel date, payment must be made in full.
This trip is for people who like to have fun and make friends, regardless of age. We're sure that if you come with a relaxed mindset, you'll have an unforgettable week. It's important to understand that this is an adventure trip, and therefore there are always unexpected surprises. We like our travelers to stay in quality hotels, but traveling in São Tomé and Príncipe isn't like going to the Four Seasons in Paris...
LEVA-ME strives for the quality of the hotels we stay in, but situations can still happen, such as: encounters with animals you don't have at home, the internet being weak or not working, the air conditioning being broken, the shower water not coming out with as much pressure and hot as your shower, the food not being as good as your mother's, etc... but thankfully everything is different, if it were the same it wouldn't be worth leaving home.
Also, unfortunately, we don't promise good weather. Sometimes it rains, the seas are rough, and it's important to be aware that there may be changes to the itinerary, but what would a trip be without adventure?! If you invite a friend to join the tour, it's crucial that you inform them of this information. We don't want a grumpy traveler who's been "dragged" by their friends; this can ruin the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the group.
We will be staying in double/twin rooms. If you are traveling alone, you will share a room with another traveler. of the same sex (it is possible that in some situations you may have to stay in a triple room or share a double bed). If you're traveling as a couple or with a friend, you'll have your own private room.
Single room not possible.
The country doesn't have a large selection of hotels. Staying in a good hotel, as we're used to on LEVA-ME trips, is more expensive, especially on Príncipe Island, which is a virtually untouched island. Hotel prices are above average, and the fact that it's an expensive destination is perhaps the reason the island remains so paradisiacal and with very little tourism. It is indeed an exclusive destination, and this is reflected in the price for those seeking quality accommodations. On the other hand, being a difficult-to-access destination, getting some products to the island can be particularly expensive.
You should only purchase your flights after paying for the tour and confirming with LEVA-ME that your reservation is finalized and after LEVA-ME confirms the trip.
We will give you recommended flights.
We confirm the trip when all the necessary conditions are met, including reaching the minimum number of travelers and finalizing all organizational issues (reservations, transfers, activities, etc.). Confirmation usually occurs several months before the trip, but it can take up to 20 days before the date. Once the trip is confirmed, we will send you an email so you can purchase flights and send us the flight details/schedules. If the trip is canceled for reasons beyond LEVA-ME's control, we will refund the amount paid to LEVA-ME, but we are not responsible for the flights purchased by the traveler.
First of all, you will be there throughout the trip with the LEVA-ME trip leader. Then you will spend a week with other travelers, just like you have a common taste for travel, for adventure, for discovery… and who seek new emotions and unforgettable moments with this trip. Our travelers range in age from 20 to 70. We guarantee that the atmosphere is great fun and that you will end the trip with a new group of friends.
No, as some travelers depart from various parts of the world, the group meeting point is at São Tomé airport or at the hotel. However, it's common for travelers to meet the group leader at Lisbon airport.
We'll keep track of all participants' flight details and schedules. We'll meet you upon arrival at your destination.
Of course you can, but you'll be on your own until we meet at the hotel.
No, just bring your clothes, comfortable sneakers, flip-flops and a bikini.
Of course! We don't like tours that have every minute scheduled. Our tour will be quite full, but there will also be plenty of time for you to explore on your own! We'll be the first to encourage it!
That's why we like to give you some time to be alone and enjoy every second your way. That's why some meals are free, so you can go wherever you want. On average, you should spend €210 on meals that aren't included.
All seats are bookable. The maximum number of travelers in a group is 28.
Visit our page frequently asked questions or send us an email: info@leva-me.com
| Date | Trip Leader | Price | Availability | Reserva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2026 - August 7, 2026 | Susana Ribeiro | 1.970€ | Available | Trip Leader: Susana Ribeiro
Price: 1.970€ Availability: Available | Book | ||
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