"Sü prior and sugary-sweet: São Tomé and Príncipe"
Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is a fascinating island nation that offers a unique blend of tropical beauty, rich history, and exceptional chocolate.
With fewer than 35,000 tourists visiting annually, this remote destination remains relatively untouched, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a genuinely authentic African experience.
Getting There
TAP Portugal is the only airline that flies directly from Germany to São Tomé, with STP Airways offering inland flights between São Tomé and Príncipe. For those travelling from other parts of the world, connections may be available via Lisbon, Portugal.
Accommodation and Activities
The luxurious tented villas of the Sundy Praia Resort blend into the rainforest near the beach, while the Bom Bom Príncipe Resort is enclosed by two palm beaches further north. Both resorts offer visits to Mark Shuttleworth's social and animal protection projects, rainforest trekking, boat trips to dream beaches like Macaco or Banana, and learning about the life of a fishing village at Burra Beach.
Praia Inhame beach offers romantic wooden bungalows and is a nesting site for sea turtles from November. For a more adventurous stay, consider Tiziano Pisoni's Mucumbli Eco Lodge, near Roca Diogo Vaz, which offers viewing of humpback whales and access to the Obo Nature Park.
Exploring the Chocolate Islands
São Tomé and Príncipe were once known as the "Chocolate Islands" due to their historical dominance in cocoa production. Claudio Corallo, a renowned chocolate maker, operates one of his cocoa plantations in the south, reviving the islands' legacy of high-quality cocoa production while focusing on organic cultivation, careful processing, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Corallo's chocolates, made with old cocoa varieties no longer grown elsewhere, are considered some of the best in the world. His unique terroir, coupled with an artisanal and organic approach, has earned him multiple accolades and a reputation for producing chocolate with a deep connection to a unique African cocoa terroir.
Tourist Essentials
Tourist infrastructure is limited, and road conditions can be poor. For tours and excursions, consider operators like Eventur Ecotravel or Mucumbli Explore. It's recommended to bring cash, as only upscale hotels and restaurants accept euros and credit cards. There are few ATMs, so it's best to plan accordingly.
The climate is tropical warm all year round, with the dry season from June to September and from December to February being the most pleasant. Ilha das Rolas, lying exactly on the equator, allows swimming or walking from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere.
A passport valid for six months is sufficient for entry, and a visa is required for stays of more than 15 days, which can be obtained from the country's embassy in Brussels.
Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, São Tomé and Príncipe offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover this hidden gem in Africa's cocoa terroir.
[1] https://www.claudio-corallo.com/ [2] https://www.worldchocolateguide.com/chocolate-makers/claudio-corallo-chocolates/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/17/dining/a-chocolatier-with-a-passion-for-the-terroir.html [4] https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/claudio-corallo-chocolate-s-tom%C3%A9-pr%C3%ADncipe
- The luxurious tented villas and resorts in São Tomé and Príncipe offer various activities, such as visits to animal protection projects, rainforest trekking, and boat trips to dream beaches.
- Claudio Corallo, a renowned chocolate maker, revives the islands' historical dominance in cocoa production with his emphasis on organic cultivation and exceptional craftsmanship.
- The Sundy Praia Resort and Bom Bom Príncipe Resort in São Tomé and Príncipe offer access to unique experiences like Mark Shuttleworth's social projects and the life of a fishing village.
- For a more adventurous stay, consider Tiziano Pisoni’s Mucumbli Eco Lodge, which offers viewing of humpback whales and access to the Obo Nature Park.
- The unique terroir and artisanal approach of Claudio Corallo's chocolate have earned multiple accolades and a reputation for producing exceptional, deeply connected African cocoa.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and sometimes poor road conditions call for careful planning, bringing cash, and utilizing tour operators like Eventur Ecotravel or Mucumbli Explore.
- The climate in São Tomé and Príncipe is tropical warm all year round, with the dry season from June to September and December to February being the most pleasant.
- A passport valid for six months is sufficient for entry, and a visa is required for stays of more than 15 days, which can be obtained from the country's embassy in Brussels.
- Discover the hidden gem in Africa’s cocoa terroir through exploring the charming islands' tropical beauty, rich history, and exceptional chocolate.
- A trip to São Tomé and Príncipe not only delivers a unique travel experience but also opens doors to cultural, adventure, and personal growth opportunities.
