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Travel Guide
Visiting Sao Tome and Principe
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Top Attractions in Sao Tome and Principe
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Pico Cao Grande
Rising approximately 370 metres above the surrounding rainforest floor, Pico Cao Grande is a needle-shaped phonolite volcanic plug that has become the defining natural image of Sao Tome Island. The formation sits within Obo National Park and is estimated to be around 3.5 million years old. Viewpoints and hiking trails through giant ferns and dense jungle allow visitors to appreciate its extraordinary scale.
Obo National Park
Covering roughly one third of Sao Tome Island and extending to a section on Principe, Obo National Park protects one of Africa's richest concentrations of endemic species, including 28 endemic bird species, all eight native amphibians, and approximately 148 endemic plants. The terrain ranges from Atlantic rainforest and mangroves at sea level to cloud forest and montane grassland approaching Pico de Sao Tome at 2,024 metres. Trails wind past rivers, waterfalls, and the volcanic peak of Pico Cao Grande.
Fort Sao Sebastiao and National Museum
Built by the Portuguese in 1566 to protect the port from pirate raids, Fort Sao Sebastiao is one of the oldest European fortifications in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1976 it has housed the National Museum, whose collections span religious art, colonial-era artefacts, traditional tools, and historical photographs that trace the archipelago from plantation era to independence. The fort occupies a promontory at the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay, with views across the water.
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4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Sao Tome and Principe.
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4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Sao Tome and Principe
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 222 22 22 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for São Tomé and Príncipe see where to get vaccines and whether y
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police113
Ambulance112
Fire112
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sao Tome and Principe
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Sao Tome and Principe page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the Dobra (STN), introduced in 2018 to replace the old Dobra at a rate of 1,000:1. Cash is the primary means of payment across the islands, and ATMs in Sao Tome City are the most reliable way to access local currency, as card acceptance outside the capital and larger hotels is limited.
Sao Tome and Principe consistently ranks among the lowest-crime countries in Africa, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as the Mercado Central in the capital, so standard precautions with valuables are advisable.
The main form of local transport on Sao Tome Island is the aluguer, a shared taxi or minibus that follows common routes and picks up passengers along the way. Motorcycle taxis are widely used for shorter distances, and car hire is available in the capital for independent exploration. Principe Island has limited minibus services, and the two islands are connected by domestic flights and an occasional ferry.
The islands have two dry seasons: a shorter one from December to February and a longer one known as the gravana, which runs from June to September. These periods offer lower humidity, more sunshine, and better conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and beach activities. The wetter months between October and May bring heavier rainfall and higher mosquito activity.
Portuguese is the official language and is spoken by virtually the entire population. Forro, Angolar, and Principense Creoles are also spoken as regional languages, reflecting the islands' African heritage. English is not widely spoken outside some tourist-facing businesses and larger hotels, so a basic knowledge of Portuguese is helpful.
Malaria is a high risk throughout Sao Tome and Principe and is chloroquine-resistant, so antimalarial medication (such as atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are advised for all travellers, and it is worth consulting a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure to review your full vaccination needs.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated, particularly in restaurants where a service charge is not included. Leaving around 5 to 10 per cent of a restaurant bill is customary if you are satisfied with the service. Small tips are also welcomed by hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers.