Downtown São Tomé

Nestled among mountains, valleys, and impressive waterfalls, Roça Monte Café is one of the oldest plantations in the archipelago, having been founded in 1858. It is home to the country’s largest Arabica coffee plantation as well as a coffee museum. The Casa Museu Almada Negreiros is located very close to Roça Monte Café (within Roça Saudade); it chronicles the life and work of José Almada Negreiros, a unique figure in 20th-century Portuguese art, who was born on the island of São Tomé in 1893. Guided tours offer a glimpse into his life. The museum also serves as an exhibition space for the works of São Toméan artisans and visual artists. The S. Nicolau Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region and throughout the archipelago, standing approximately 60 meters high. The Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden is the gateway to Obô Natural Park, a 300-square-kilometer protected area spanning the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe; it is a sanctuary for flora and fauna, home to many rare species, some of which are endangered. Lagoa Amélia lies at the bottom of one of the craters of the volcano—extinct for several million years—that formed the island of São Tomé. Hiking trails are available there.

Coffee Museum

The Coffee Museum is located at Roça Monte Café, in the Mé-Zóchi district. A region known for coffee cultivation, Roça Monte Café is characterized by its cool, humid climate. The museum aims to take visitors on a journey through the history of coffee cultivation, from planting to harvesting, through drying, all the way to the final product. The museum is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week, including Sundays by prior appointment.

Casa Museu Almada Negreiros

Located at Roça Saudade, this house museum has been in existence for several years. Thanks to recent renovations, it now features a recreational area with tourist accommodations, a restaurant where visitors can sample the region’s traditional cuisine, the historic colonial house, and an art gallery.

Coffee Trail

A tour blending history, culture, and tradition that will take you on a journey through the coffee plantations of the communities between Bemposta, Novo Destino, and Monte Café, while transporting you back in time through the stories of the Monte Café community.

Spice Route

A simple yet surprisingly rich journey. Discover the island’s variety of spices and let yourself be enveloped by their aromas and flavors.

Recommendations

• Although the trails are marked, you must be accompanied by a certified local guide.

• Leave no trace of your visit other than your footprints.

• It’s recommended that you bring binoculars for birdwatching.

• Choose local products to support the local economy.

• Always bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

• Adapt to the pace and customs of the local people.

• Always ask the guide before taking photos within local communities.

• Avoid handing out candy or gifts; instead, make donations to social organizations.

Obô Natural Park

On the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, plants abound and everything is harvested. The Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden serves as the gateway to this 300-km² park. It is a sanctuary where many rare species can be observed. In 1988, the international scientific community ranked this site as the second most important for biodiversity conservation among 75 African forests. It is home to 895 plant species, 400 of which are endemic.

Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden

Located in Bom Sucesso (formerly part of Roça Monte Café), it is home to more than 400 species of endemic flora. The garden and its herbarium were created to educate younger generations about biology, preserve endangered species, and support scientific research and tourism.

Bombaim Waterfall

Located in the center of the island in a secluded spot amid a dazzling forest, the combination of birdsong and the sound of the waterfall makes this place an enchanting and inspiring world.

São Nicolau Waterfall

The best known and most admired, with a drop of about 20 meters (depending on the flow). It is located past Roça Saudade, with lush vegetation that contrasts with the coolness of the water.

Guegue Waterfall

Located in Trindade, this is a place of pure pleasure and relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.

Bom Sucesso Mountain Forests

The best way to explore these forests is to start from the Botanical Garden. From there, you can embark on a moderate- to high-difficulty hike toward Obô Park. There, you can spot many endemic species, such as the São Tomé pigeon. Along the way, you’ll pass through farm fields teeming with birds.

Lagoa Amélia Trail

One of the island’s easiest hikes for exploring the high-altitude primary forest. The crater is the main source of the rivers that flow across the island. Here you’ll discover giant begonias, tree ferns, and medicinal plants.

"Fugitives’ Trail" (Caminho dos Fugidos)

A hike offering the best vantage points for spotting birds in the primary forest. The trail runs along the ridge of the Lagoa Amélia crater and offers magnificent views of the lush green valleys and São Tomé Peak.

Hike to São Tomé Peak (2,024 m)

A challenging hike that requires good physical conditioning. The trek can be completed in 1 or 2 days (with an overnight camp at Pico Mesa at 1,900 m). The hike traverses the primary forest of Obô Park, a true sacred temple of nature.

São Tomé Peak

Reaching the summit is a demanding challenge that requires favorable weather conditions. At an altitude of 2,024 m, you’ll enjoy magnificent views with the clouds hundreds of meters below. The hike usually starts from the capital at 4 a.m., arriving at the Botanical Garden around 5 a.m. to begin the ascent.