OVERVIEW

With picturesque Sao Nicolau waterfall cascading in the background, follow a series of trails through the forest looking for some of the rare species of birds found on Sao Tome. Depart from the pier and drive south toward the center of the island, a land of tropical forests and volcanically formed mountains. The farther you go, the fewer the people and the greater the chance of seeing the abundance of birds found on Sao Tome. Birders have reported spotting more than 135 species on the island, including many from the West African mainland. Sao Tome is even more revered for its endemic bird species, which are equal in number to those found in the more renowned and extensive Galapagos Islands. Sao Nicolau waterfall, an idyllic setting in the heart of the forest, is one of the best places on the island for birding. Upon arriving, you will spend well over two hours in the area, accompanied by an expert guide that will point the many indigenous and migratory species. While there is no telling what you will spot, you might expect to see endemic species such as the Bronze-naped Pigeon, Giant Weaver and Sao Tome Paradise Flycatcher. The Sao Tome Sunbird, formerly known as the Giant Sunbird because of its size, is another species only found here. A supporting cast of birds from Africa also lives here, including Harlequin Quail and Velvet-mantled Drongos. After the bird-watching expedition, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Search for many of the approximately 135 avian species sighted around the island’s center.
• Delight in approximately two hours of bird-watching near the enchanting São Nicolau waterfall.
• Look for endemic species such as the bronze-naped pigeon, the giant weaver and the São Tomé paradise flycatcher.
• Spot a São Tomé sunbird, formerly called the giant sunbird, which is unique to the area.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the culture and history of Sao Tome and see its marquee attractions, including the National Museum, Presidential Palace and lively city market. Depart from the pier and begin driving through Sao Tome, which is noted for its colonial architecture and brightly colored buildings. Founded by the Portuguese in 1485, the capital city is by far the nation’s largest, yet still compact and easy to walk. You will get a glimpse into the island’s rich past at the National Museum, which is housed in a Portuguese-built fortress from 1576 that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the items on display are religious in nature, attesting to the fact that Sao Tome is predominately Catholic with several cathedrals, including one from the 16th century. Continuing on, you will visit the nearby Pantufo fishing village, where you will watch a traditional dance performance that lends even greater insight into the culture. Some of the dances are historically enlightening and tell the story of the Portuguese settling here to operate sugar-cane plantations. Returning to the city center, you will see the Presidential Palace along Independence Avenue and several popular squares. Still, the city market provides the best insight into life in Sao Tome. As you negotiate the narrow walkways, between stalls of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, you will become immersed in the rhythm of daily life. Watch for vendors tugging their ears, a signal that means their merchandise is extra-good. Following the market experience, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover São Tomé’s history at the National Museum, located in a 16th-century Portuguese fortress.
• Enjoy a folkloric dance performance in the fishing village of Pantufo.
• Wander among stalls selling fresh vegetables and aromatic spices at the busy city market.
• Notice the ear-tugging used by the market’s vendors to advertise their best goods.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse a museum and a gallery with eclectic collections of art and artifacts before dining on traditional Santomean cuisine. The São Sebastião Museum is housed in a Portuguese-built 16th-century fortress that later served as a prison. Although the exterior is rather austere, the artwork displayed inside is inspiring, especially the religious works from the colonial period. Other highlights include rooms devoted to agriculture, porcelain, slavery and the country’s independence from Portugal. CACAU – an acronym whose translation means the House of the Arts, Creativity, Environment and Utopias – is an art gallery and cultural center as it also contains a craft shop, theatre and restaurant. The guide will describe the contemporary paintings and sculptures, the majority of them by local artists. Live music as an accompaniment will make the experience all the more memorable. After browsing the gallery, you will settle in for a delightful lunch in the on-site restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the creative side of São Tomé by browsing a museum and an art gallery.
• Gain an understanding of the flourishing local art scene in São Tomé.
• Enjoy a lunch of Santomean cuisine at a restaurant in the art gallery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore plantation life and island traditions along the eastern shore of Sao Tome, an idyllic setting of verdant forests and gorgeous beaches. Depart from the pier and head down the picturesque eastern side of Sao Tome. Along the way, you will pass several colorful villages, although much of the rocky, heavily forested coastline is undeveloped. Upon arriving at the working cocoa plantation Roca Aqua Ize, you will watch how the raw product is processed. The Portuguese introduced cocoa around 1822 and it now dwarfs all other agricultural exports on the island, so it’s vital to the economy. Sao Tome is also known for its natural beauty in places such as the seaside Blow Hole, where you will stop to drink coconut water before continuing to the Sao Joao Plantation. You’ll discover the history of the plantation, referred to locally as a “roca,” on an enlightening walking tour given by Isaura Cavalho, who co-manages the property. Unlike plantations that grow a single crop, Sao Joao has diversified into raising cattle, culinary endeavors and promoting local artists. You will enjoy the delightful result of the efforts firsthand over a lunch of Santomean cuisine, accompanied by Bulawe drum music. The return to Sao Tome presents other alluring perspectives of the island, first at beautiful Seven Waves beach where you will have a bit of free time, and then at Pantufa fishing village, where you will watch a dance performance. Afterwards, you will drive back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Understand the importance of cocoa production to the island’s economy during a visit to the Roça Água Izé, a working cocoa plantation.
• Delight in a revitalizing coconut water during a stop at a blowhole named Boca de Inferno, or Hell’s Mouth.
• Appreciate a guided tour of the marvelous Roça São João, a rural ecotourism plantation.
• Partake in a traditional Santomean lunch accompanied by joyous Bulawe drum music.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This all-encompassing excursion leaves little to the imagination, as it showcases the island’s highlights, including a waterfall, coffee plantation, folkloric shows and a tour of Sao Tome. Depart from the pier and drive south toward the center of the island, a land of tropical forests and volcanically formed mountains that are ideal for growing coffee. Here in the dense forest, you will find Sao Nicolau waterfall, an idyllic setting with an abundance of colorful endemic birds chirping and flitting among the trees. Later, at the Monte Café Plantation, an old plantation house, you will visit its facilities and have an explanation on how coffee was processed in Sao Tome and discover the factors that affect the taste, aroma and quality. It’s fascinating to understand the many steps involved as the green coffee beans are transported from the fields, dried, roasted and sorted, before export. After a buffet style lunch, you will explore more of the capital, a city that the Portuguese founded in 1485 on the Bay of Ana de Chaves. The diversity of attractions is remarkable, ranging from a nearby fishing village where you'll be treated to a folkloric performance to the National Museum, which is housed in a Portuguese-built fortress from 1576. Other highlights include the city cathedral, Presidential Palace, several colonial-style plazas, and a gallery that showcases local artists. Finally, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Thrill to the riot of birds chattering and flying about at the photogenic São Nicolau waterfall.
• Tour the facilities at the aromatic Monte Café Plantation to understand the production of their delicious coffee.
• Sit for a typical Santomean lunch served at a downtown restaurant in the bustling capital.
• See São Tomé’s rose-pink Presidential Palace, several colonial-era squares and a gallery that features local artists.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.