The small two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea is lowkey and flying below the travel radar, but a trip to the island is an encounter with a destination that thrills as much as it renews the soul.

Here’s Why You Need to Visit São Tomé and Príncipe - the sooner, the better.

The small two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea is lowkey and flying below the travel radar, but a trip to the island is an encounter with a destination that thrills as much as it renews the soul.

Firstly, prepare to be blown away. São Tomé and Príncipe is beautiful beyond any singing of it, to borrow Alan Paton’s words, from the Savanna landscape that features quintessential big, blue African skies and baobab trees, to the tropical rain forests of the South and fields of palm trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. Add to these friendly and welcoming people and a social life fuelled by palm wine, and you have arrived at a hidden gem.

It’s peaceful

It’s peaceful, as San Tomeans love adding after hearing all platitudes praising the islands looks, affordability, vibrant social life, and a bold personality (for such a tiny country). No one looks over their shoulder or fears the next person. I spent several weeks here without being catcalled, harassed or on alert for danger. It makes STP a great destination if you want to travel solo for the first time or if you want a gentler introduction to travelling in Africa. I’ve lost many phones; São Tomé is the only place it’s returned to me. I’ve lost many gadgets from forgetting to pick them up when I leave a place, Príncipe is the only place where I find my camera bag where I left it. Beyond just its existence, the peace is as natural as breathing.

It’s affordable

One Dobra is around $20 to €26, and around R19. I stayed in three and four-star hotels, alone and with my partner. On average, we paid less than €40 per night at hotels and breakfast was always included. The average price when I was alone was €30. There is a range of transport options including public taxis, cabs, private transfers, car hire, and motorcycles for local trips. The island has a rather long list of things to experience, from water sports to cultural and gastronomy tours - many available through tours that can be as low as €20 or as high as your budget allows.

The stunning natural beauty is unmatched.

Ever wondered what it’s like to constantly pick your jaw from the ground? It happens 24/7 in São Tomé and Príncipe, and because the island is small - the second smallest country in Africa - it’s easy to make a return trip to places that blow you away. The South features the country’s most distinct landmark, Pico Cao Grande, seaside towns São João dos Angolares, famous cuisine and nature trails, and villages like Porto Alegre, where sea turtles nest. Ilhéu das Rolas on the Equator crown it, you realise that the beauty is indeed endless. Then there’s the interior, home to São Nicolau waterfalls, coffee farms and an introduction to plants endemic to the island. The North counts Lagoa Azul among its best features. This being an island, the beaches will render you speechless.

Meet Príncipe

The country is made up of twin islands, São Tomé and Príncipe. They are one country, one culture, landscape and similar warmth, gentleness and ease about people and being in Príncipe - only, it’s even smaller and twice as beautiful. Maybe even one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. It also offers hiking, snorkelling, diving, turtle nesting trips, and waterfalls. The beaches? Unforgettable. The hotels? Former cocoa plantations have been turned into high-end hotels that will break your bank balance but are worth experiencing, even if it’s just for a weekend. Check out HBD Principe’s Bom Bom Island, Sundy Praia, Roça Sundy or Roça Belo Monte.