We will start our São Tomé and Príncipe Travel tips by talking about this region. The official name of Sao Tome and Principe is the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. This is an archipelago of volcanic origin near the equator, in the Gulf of Guinea.
It is situated on the interior of Africa about 320 km (200 mi) west of Gabon. Principe Island is situated in the west of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria share maritime boundaries with this island country. The total area is just 964 sq km of this country.
The population of Sao Tome and Principe is 178,700 people. São Tomé is the capital and the largest town in the nation. São Tomé is best known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Sao Tome and Principe
- Ilhéu das Rolas
- Pico de São Tomé
- Pico Cão Grande
- Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé
- Ilhéu Bom Bom
- São Sebastião Museum
- Roça Sundy
- São Nicolau Waterfall
- Praia Jale
- Praia das Bananas
- Lagoa Azul
- Praia Inhame
- Praia Piscina
- Equator Landmark
- Chocolate Factory
- Praia dos Tamarindos
Languages
Portuguese is the primary & main language of Sao Tome and Principe. Forro, Principense, Cape Verdean Creole, and Angolar are another language commonly spoken in São Tomé and Principe. The two top international languages taught in school are English and French.
English is popular in between of tourism Industry People. According to São Tomé and Príncipe Travel tips, it is advisable to hire a guide for your trip while you are traveling to this country. You might face language problems if you are traveling alone but google translator might help you.
Currency & Banking
The São Tomé and Príncipe official & main currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra. The currency code is STD. Bank issues notes in denomination of 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 dobra. Whereas, Coins come in the denomination of 100, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000.
Credit cards are accepted in a very limited number of places like the hotel, restaurant, etc. There are no ATMs. Cash is accessible via a Visa Card from the main bank in Sao Tome. Foreign exchange is normally done through informal brokers or through a bank or a hotel.
Sao Tome and Principe Tourist Visa
Indian needs a Visa to Travel Sao Tome and Principe.
Documents Required for Sao Tome and Principe Visa
- Valid Passport
- Visa Application form
- Travel Itinerary
- Sufficient Funds
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe is from June and September. These are the driest months in this country. However, These Two beautiful islands have two dry seasons. The first is from December to February and the second is from June to September.
The best time to go to São Tomé and Príncipe for bird watching is October to March and there is a lot to watch. February to May is when the heavens will open, but then, from time to time, paradise needs watering. Throughout the year temperatures rarely waive too far from the 27 ° C.
Time Zone
Time zone in São Tomé and Príncipe is GMT.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency numbers in São Tomé and Príncipe is 112.
Internet
Internet speed in São Tomé and Príncipe is fast and rates are affordable. You need to buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over São Tomé and Príncipe. However, All you need is the passport to get the sim card in this country.
While CST and Unitel are main internet service providers in this country. According to São Tomé and Príncipe Travel Tips, Places with free Wi-Fi connection are airports, pubs, restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses, cafes, pizzerias.
Electricity
The Normal voltage is 220 V and the maximum frequency is 50 Hz. The electronic plugs and sockets are of form C and F. While Type C is also popular as the normal Euro plug. This plug also works with type E and type F. Type F is also famous as Schuko.
This plug also works with type C and type E. However, You can use your electric equipment in Sao Tome and Principe, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 240 V. Although it is advisable to carry a travel adapter to stay connected with the world.
Climate
The atmosphere is the tropical equatorial type of this region. The temperatures vary slightly, with daily precipitation between 25 and 30 ° C. The year is broken down into four seasons, two dry and two rainy. The main dry season called Gravana starts in May & ends in September.
While There a small wet season between October and December. Gravanito the small dry season Starts in January & ends in February. However, The main wet season that gives heavy precipitation and intense heat starts in March & send in April.
Reasons to Travel Sao Tome and Principe
- Bom Bom Island
- Obo National Park
- Island Resort
- The amazing underwater world
- Mountains and rainforests
- Crowded serene beaches with crystal waters
- Blue Marlin fish
- Birdwatching
- Hells Mouth
- Lovely waterfall
- White sand and clear blue water
- Delicious food
History
The history of Sao Tome and Principe goes far enough. It starts in the late 15th century, Portugal finds and claims Sao Tome and Principe. In the 19th century, the sugar-based economy of the islands gave way to coffee and cocoa. All grew up with plantation slave labor, a process that lasted into the 20th century.
Although They got freedom in 1975, institutional changes were not implemented until the 1980s. However, The first free elections took place in 1991. While The political atmosphere was under uncertainty, with regular leadership changes, and many failed.
In 1995, 1998, 2003 and 2009, peaceful coup attempts were made. The recent oil discovery in the Gulf of Guinea will surely affect the economy of the nation.
Packing Tips for Sao Tome and Principe
- Passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Power Adapter
- Insect Protection
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Swimsuit
- Medicine Kit
- Miscellaneous
- Shirts that breathe
- Raincoat
- Waterproof hiking shoes
Is it safe to Travel São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe is a safe country to travel. All you need to worry about is limited medical facilities and petty crime. While The crime rate is very on the very lower side than other African Countries. Pickpocketing is not so common in this country.
However, you need to take caution, no matter how safe is the place you are in. You might be facing scams like overcharged by a taxi driver or change given by a local shop or restaurant is less. Roads are known to be in poor condition, especially outside of the capital city.
Natural disasters like earthquakes were occurring quite frequently until 2015 but now the situation is far better. While there is no risk of terrorism in this country. It is also a good country for Solo Women Travelers. Kidnapping, rapes & other violent crimes are nearly don’t exist in this country.
You can travel with a Free mind in this country. However, You should dress appropriately and avoid visiting any unknown areas. You should also remain careful while visiting bars & Clubs alone in the night.
Conclusion
However, If you need more information about São Tomé and Príncipe Travel Tips ??? Call us at +918860284198 or contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
Good Things about Sao Tome and Principe?
1. Beaches 2. Natural wonders 3. Some of the best chocolate in the globe.
Bad Things about Sao Tome and Principe?
1. Bad infrastructure 2. Poverty 3. So expensive
Weird Things about Sao Tome and Principe?
1. One of the smallest capital city. 2. The nation is part of an inactive volcanic range 3. Forest have no harmful animals
Sao Tome and Principe Travel Restrictions?
You need to bring negative Covid 19 report & need to stay in quarantine for 2 weeks on arrival.
How many islands in Sao Tome and Principe?
There are only 2 main islands in this nation.
