São Tomé & Príncipe
Dense jungle and deserted beaches
São Tomé and Príncipe is one nation consisting of two remote volcanic islands marooned 140 miles off the coast of Gabon. Never connected to the mainland and uninhabited until Portuguese explorers arrived in the 15th century, they present an isolated biosphere of unique creatures completely unafraid of humans and found nowhere else on earth. No wonder the islands are often referred to as ‘the African Galapagos’. New species are still regularly being discovered. The landscape is a lost world of dense jungle, spires of primordial rock and deserted beaches. São Tomé is the busier of the two islands while Príncipe is a UNESCO listed biosphere peppered with steep mountains blanketed in thick primary rainforest.
The Portuguese colonised the islands with immense cacao plantations and slaves, the descendants of whom remain today as modern ‘Príncipeans’. The legacy is a handful of beautiful plantation houses, which have been sympathetically converted into exclusive boutique hotels. Activities centre around the natural world with plenty of snorkelling, wreck diving, turtle watching and hiking to keep you occupied, but you will find equal pleasure in wandering the islands interacting with the friendly locals in a relaxed and genuine way. The history of this forgotten land is astonishing, and the people here have some fascinating stories to tell.
You will love
- A lost paradise
- Safe, relaxed and very friendly
- The fascinating stories of modern ‘Príncipeans’ and their ancestors
- Beautiful plantation house hotels
- New species waiting to be discovered
- Plane wreck diving
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
Unforgettable experiences in São Tomé & Príncipe
Conserve sea turtles
Conserve sea turtles
Between September and April, accompany a team of researchers and conservationists who monitor the female sea turtles as they lay their eggs on the beaches of Principe Island. You’ll learn about the Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill...
Hike biosphere trails
Hike biosphere trails
Hundreds of trails lace their way across São Tomé and Príncipe providing excellent hiking for every fitness level. Enjoy the breath taking lookout points, waterfalls and the vine entangled ruins of long forgotten churches. Stan...
Plunge into the ocean
Plunge into the ocean
The beaches that fringe Príncipe Island are sinuous stretches of soft white sand, studded with black volcanic rocks and backed by dense forest. Swimming from the beach you’ll enjoy warm, crystal clear water while dive sites inc...
Taste the islands’ bounty
Taste the islands’ bounty
With forests filled with fruits and nuts, and waters brimming with tuna and wahoo, Príncipe is blessed with an abundance of natural produce. Visit the grand plantations of former Portuguese outposts, learn the secrets of organic ...
A selection of our favourite places to stay in São Tomé & Príncipe
Sundy Praia – Príncipe Island, São Tomé & Príncipe
Roça Sundy – Príncipe Island, São Tomé & Príncipe
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
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Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
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The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
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Buckingham Family
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Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
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Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
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An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
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Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
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The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
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Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
