7-Day Adventurous Sao Tome Itinerary

  • Day 1: Pico Cao Grande
    45 minutes (25 miles) from Sao Tome city

    Pico Cao Grande is a volcanic mountain rising 800 meters above sea level. It offers a heart racing adventure for hikers who want breathtaking views and a challenging climb. It's a perfect start for an adventure-packed week in Sao Tome.

  • Day 2: Rolas Islet
    1 hour 30 minutes (43 miles) from Pico Cao Grande

    Take a boat ride to Rolas Islet, where you can enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches, explore the largest population of sea turtles in the region and marvel at the lighthouse built in 1861. You can also visit the Equator landmark and cross from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere in just a few steps.

  • Day 3: Obô Natural Park
    1 hour (25 miles) from Rolas Islet

    Obô Natural Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and as such, it's a biodiversity treasure trove. It offers several activities such as birdwatching, hiking to cascading waterfalls, bathing in natural pools, and observing primates in their natural habitat.

  • Day 4: Praia Piscina
    50 minutes (19 miles) from Obô Natural Park

    Praia Piscina is a paradise-like beach in the southern part of Sao Tome. Its crystal-clear water and natural rock formations offer a unique experience for visitors. You can snorkel around the rocks, swim in the natural pools, or sunbathe on the golden sand.

  • Day 5: Bom Bom Island Resort
    1 hour 30 minutes (38 miles) from Praia Piscina

    Bom Bom Island Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy week. The resort is located on its private island, offering stunning views of the Atlantic, unique hotel rooms, swimming pools, and delicious cuisine.

  • Day 6: Monte Forte
    50 minutes (31 miles) from Bom Bom Island Resort

    Monte Forte was a fortification built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to defend Sao Tome city from pirate attacks. Nowadays, the hill offers a stunning view of the city, the Atlantic, and the colonial historical center of the city.

  • Day 7: Roça Agua Izé Adventure Park
    40 minutes (18 miles) from Monte Forte

    Roça Agua Izé Adventure Park is the perfect spot to finish the trip with an adrenaline rush. The park offers ziplining, a ropes course, and a climbing area, all while enjoying the lush surroundings of the old colonial plantations.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Pico Cao Grande (4 hours, free)
  • Rolas Islet (5 hours, £50 boat trip)
  • Obô Natural Park (6 hours, £12 entrance fee)
  • Praia Piscina (5 hours, free)
  • Bom Bom Island Resort (24 hours, £200/night)
  • Monte Forte (3 hours, free)
  • Roça Agua Izé Adventure Park (4 hours, £20 entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £832

Transportation

The best way to get around Sao Tome is to rent a car or hire a driver. Some locations are not accessible via regular public transportation, so having a car would make it more convenient. Be sure to have international driving permits and valid insurance before driving in Sao Tome. It is estimated to cost around £60 for a rental car and £100 for a private driver for the week.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore more beaches in the region, visit the smaller islets of Santana and Ilhéu das Rolas, discover the colonial plantations, or take a boat trip to Príncipe island. If you have less time, reduce one day of adventure activities and spend more time relaxing at some of the beautiful beaches.

Airports

The airport in Sao Tome is Sao Tome International Airport (TMS), situated on the northeast coast of the island, approximately 10 minutes (5 miles) from the city center.

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