11 days
Sao Tome, PrincipeTrip Itinerary
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Get the family together in tropical paradise, with an off-grid family vacation to Sao Tome & Principe
This Family Vacation to Sao Tome & Principe is all about variety because even in the smallest of families, we understand that people have differing interests. This exotic and adventurous family break has been designed for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents who maintain a keen adventurous spirit.
Given that Sao Tome & Principe is Africa’s second smallest country after the Seychelles, you will be in awe at its wonders, even after a short trip. Ideally, you’ll have a two-week window to travel, but we can arrange a family vacation to Sao Tome & Principe for one-week Easter breaks or a half-term vacation too.
The tiny islands mean that travel time is kept to a minimum and its all about action packed days of fun activities for all energy levels and abilities. Hiking trails are dotted around both islands, plus scuba and snorkel adventures to fill your entire trip.
We appreciate rainforest jungle trekking is not suitable for everyone, and for those who prefer more tranquil activities we can include art, cookery, jewelry treasure, medicinal plant and dance classes, as well as plantation visits with gardens that are home to exotic birds.
What's Included:
- Private airport transfers
- Domestic flights Hire Car (Mitsubishi Pajero) as stated
- Accommodation as stated
- Board basis at accommodations as stated
- Transfers between all properties
- Tourism taxes
Trip Itinerary
Days 1 - 4: Sao Tome
Day 1 - Arrival in Sao Tome Island
On arrival at Sao Tome International airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a team of Club Santana staff, and make the 30-minute transfer to your hotel by coastal road. You’ll stay at Club Santana for four nights, in a Bungalow Suite suitable for 2 adults and 2 children under 17, with breakfast included. There are also plenty of places to head out for lunch on day trips or visits to town.
Days 2, 3 & 4 - Collect Hire Car & Explore Sao Tome
After breakfast at Club Santana, you’ll collect your Mitsubishi Pajero hire car for up to 6 people, meaning you have the independence and ability to explore the island. If you prefer, we can easily a personal driver for your adventures. The Equator Line is to the south of the island and this makes for a wonderful day trip excursion, with the option of taking a boat across to Isla das Rolas which is a small island off the coast of the southern shores of mainland Sao Tome.
The road you’ll travel along will see you passing Água Izé plantation, Boca do Inferno, Ribeira Afonso town, São João plantation, Angolares town, Pesqueira beach waterfall, Malanza river and Porto Alegre where the boat departs from. On a different day or rather than going to Isla das Rolas you could visit Jalé beach and Piscina beach.
The high number of species found on Sao Tome has led to it being known as the African Galapagos. Driving along the coastal and inland roads means you can see the contrasting habitats including rainforests, mangroves, savannahs and plantations. Club Santana has superb diving spots just off their shores so you can walk in rather than rely on speedboat excursions. The Atlantic Dive Centre is PADI certified and you’ll be swimming amongst flying fish and friendly dolphins.
Days 5 - 9: Principe
Day 5 – Fly to Principe Island for Bom Bom Beach
Today you’ll return the hire car at the airport and depart with STP Airways for your flight to Principe Island. It’s a 35-minute flight and if you have the option, try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane to get the best views flying in.
On arrival in Principe, you’ll be warmly welcomed by local staff who will drive you to Bom Bom Island Resort, where you’ll stay for five nights in two Pool View Rooms on a half board basis with breakfast and dinner. After settling into your rooms, kick off your shoes and walking along the beaches barefoot.
Day 6 - 9 - Beaches, Dolphins & Waterfalls
You have another four full days to explore Principe island and it’s up to you how you spend your days. We can add more activities in advance, or you can book extra trips with the lodge staff after arriving.
You may like to quad bike along dirt roads then follow a small hiking trail through the rainforest to O Quê Pipi Waterfall. A tropical climate means this lodge is built amongst lush rainforests inhabited by interesting small wildlife and birds, including some of the world's rarest species.
Included in your family vacation is a six-hour day trip which is a great way of getting to know the island’s culture and incredible scenery in just one day. It includes a visit to the secret corners of Santo António, the smallest capital of the world, and you can observe the beauty of organic farming and experience different aromas and tastes, before enjoying a local traditional meal. Snorkel and scuba excursions can be arranged and depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to see turtles or whales.
Days 10 - 11: Sao Tome
Day 10 – Transfer back to Sao Tome Island
Today you will say goodbye to the team at Sundy Praia and transfer to Principe airport for the flight back to Sao Tome. Arrive on the main island mid-morning to meet a representative driver for your 15-minute road to Omali Lodge. You will stay at Omali Lodge for one night, where you can relax before your return flight home tomorrow.
Day 11 - Departure from Sao Tome Island
After breakfast, you can head into town to buy some last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a final afternoon by the tropical swimming pool and gardens. You will have a day use room at Omali Lodge, before transferring to the international airport for your evening flight home. After 11 magical days of exploring Sao Tome & Principe, we’re sure your family will be leaving with many special memories and stories to look back on together.
Interested in this trip?
Call us on +1 (312) 690 4489 to start planning your perfect vacations
Enquire OnlineWhy Wayfairer
Wayfairer is committed to responsible values, which are echoed in all elements of our tours and vacations. We work with accommodation providers and local suppliers who share this dedication to responsible travel by focusing on environmental, conservation and community initiatives.
This Family Sao Tome & Principe vacation features eco-friendly accommodation, as all properties on Principe island are built within a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve and must follow strict ecological principles. You’ll enjoy a traditional meal in the smallest capital of the world and get to know the local culture of this beautiful nation.
We encourage you to get to know the culture of Sao Tome & Principe by making trips to local villages and buying authentic souvenirs or making your own artwork and jewelry with locals to provide income for those communities. We believe all of this reinforces the importance of responsible tourism and means that you will have a more authentic and meaningful travel experience.
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