Nature and Adventure Activities

Obô Natural Park

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are home to a wide variety of plants, and everything is harvested there. The Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden, the gateway to Obô Natural Park, is a protected area covering 300 km² spread across the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. This park is a sanctuary for flora and fauna where many rare species can be observed, some of which are endangered. The high level of endemism found in the São Tomé forest and its importance led the international scientific community to classify this site in 1988 as the second most important for biodiversity conservation among 75 African forests. In São Tomé and Príncipe, 895 plant species have been recorded, 400 of which are endemic. São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of endemism.

Príncipe Island Natural Park

Law 7/2006 established the “Obô” Natural Park on Príncipe to protect the representative ecosystems (8,500 ha) of Príncipe Island (forest, coastal, and marine). The Autonomous Region of Príncipe includes the following Protected Areas: A Natural Park covering two geographically distinct zones (the southern third of the island and the Azeitona Forest), the Buffer Zone, which is not included in the Park but may be extended to cover the remainder of the island (roughly the northern two-thirds). However, there are several **D’OVYÔ** trails that you can explore during your stay on Príncipe Island. These trails will allow you to observe endemic species of fauna and flora found on this magnificent island.

Northeastern Savannas

The northeast of São Tomé presents a human-altered habitat that is completely distinct from the rest of the island, in an area stretching from the airport to Lagoa Azul. There, tree density is low and grasses dominate; along the coast, there are also some marshy areas, remnants of mangroves, and small lagoons. While not a prime location for observing endemic species—except for the most common ones—this area is ideal for spotting species typical of open habitats, as well as some less common migratory birds. Some species that can be observed there include the partridge, São Tomé quail, canary, field bunting, yellow-breasted bunting, white-winged widow, red-headed sparrow, and little widow. The tour, which takes place mostly on unpaved roads, can be done on foot or by car; an all-terrain vehicle and the guidance of a qualified guide are recommended. In this area, some of the best places to explore are the surroundings of the airport, Fernão Dias, Tamarindos Beach, or Conchas Beach.

Bom Sucesso Mountain Forests

The best way to visit the island’s mountain forests is from the Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden, located about 7 km from Monte Café. From there, you can set out on hikes along trails ranging from moderate to difficult in difficulty leading to Obô Natural Park; it is advisable to be accompanied by a qualified guide. In these mountain forests, you can observe various endemic species, notably the pombo-do-mato, celelê-mangotchi, and quitoli. Others, such as the papafigo, cécia, tchin-tchin-tcholó, and tomé-gagá, are abundant there and can be easily spotted. Along the hike, before entering the forest, you’ll cross farmland where the canary is abundant; you may also spot the thick-eyed warbler, the white-bellied swallow, or hear the song of the partridge.

Lowland Forests of Monte Carmo

Located in Ribeira Peixe, near the Agripalma plantations, these low-altitude forests are the island’s main birdwatching hotspot, ideal for spotting endemic species, from the most common to the rarest and most endangered. Notable species include the woodcock, São Tomé woodpecker, anjolô, Obô sui-sui, quitoli, and celelê-mangotchi. As part of the Obô Natural Park and an area of extreme importance for threatened species, visiting this site requires strict adherence to best practices for birdwatching. To visit Monte Carmo, you must be accompanied by a qualified guide who is familiar with the area and the species found there. The visit involves hiking on trails ranging from moderate to high difficulty. After visiting Monte Carmo, it is recommended to stop by the Caué River or Iô Grande to observe some aquatic species such as the conóbia, tchonzo, water duck, or moorhen.

Malanza Mangrove Forest

Located in the south of the island, this is the country’s largest mangrove forest and part of the Obô Natural Park. It is a good spot for observing waterbirds, especially at dawn and in the late afternoon. Species such as the ossobô, parakeet, conóbia, spotted river heron, or red heron can be found there. Birdwatching can be done from the bridge over the Malanza River, but it is possible—and recommended—to explore the area further by canoe. After visiting the mangrove forest—to add to your list of observed species—you can also explore the entire coastal area of Porto Alegre, from the rocky shores to the beautiful sandy beaches.
In Vila Malanza, don’t miss the traditional canoe trip up the Malanza River, home to the country’s largest mangrove area. Protected by the Obô Natural Park, this ecosystem stands out for its distinctive vegetation, consisting of semi-aquatic trees with aerial roots. Endemic and migratory birds are common, as are monkeys. It is also home to the famous cucumbas, a bizarre fish that can live out of water, hopping from root to root. The tour lasts two hours and begins at the bridge over the Malanza River in Porto Alegre.
For more information and to make reservations, contact Mr. Vadu at 9917602.

São Nicolau
Waterfall The São Nicolau Waterfall is the best known and most admired, standing about 20 meters high. It is located in the center of the country, past the Saudade plantation, surrounded by lush vegetation that contrasts with the cool air coming from the water.

Bombaim
Waterfall The Bombaim Waterfall is located in the central region of São Tomé, in a secluded spot amid the stunning forest, where the combination of birdsong and the sound of falling water creates an enchanting and inspiring world.

Guegue
Waterfall Located in the center of the country—more specifically in Trindade—Guegue Waterfall is a place of pure pleasure and relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery. This is the most beautiful waterfall in São Tomé; there’s no better place than this paradise.

Angolar
Waterfall The Angolar Waterfall, located in the northern part of the country, is reached via a trail that winds through a series of tunnels, each darker than the last—known as the “Kingdom of the Bats.” The waterfall itself is hidden on a cliff between two tunnels.

Praia Pesqueira
Waterfall The Praia Pesqueira Waterfall is one of the widest on the island; it’s located in the south of the country, more specifically in the Ribeira Peixe area. It flows into the sea, offering a marvelous landscape and a blend of fresh and saltwater.

Oquepipi
Waterfall The Oquepipi Waterfall, located in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, is the most beautiful waterfall in the region; its freshwater lake, with its crystal-clear water, invites visitors to enjoy a natural “hot tub” experience and relax.

Rio do Ouro
: It originates at Lagoa Amélia on Pico (just like the Manuel Jorge River), flows through the Agostinho Neto plantation (formerly Rio do Ouro) and Conde (upper section), and empties into Fernão Dias Beach. Its flow rate is 1,248 m/s, and its watershed covers 48 square kilometers. Its waterfalls offer a view well worth seeing. The Rio do Ouro is one of the most picturesque rivers in São Tomé, and there are some rather curious legends associated with it. After receiving water from the Esperanças and São Pedro plantations (part of the Monte Café plantation), it flows northeastward, where it is joined by its Água tributary and other smaller streams.

Iô Grande
River The Iô Grande River is a watercourse in the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago, located in the Caué district on the island of São Tomé. This river flows westward until it meets the sea at Iô Grande Beach, where visitors can go surfing.

Caminho das Águas
Trail: A tour that combines natural surroundings with agricultural activities that explore the social and cultural environment of villages that produce organic cocoa. We’ll travel through beautiful landscapes to the Contador River valley and on to the hydroelectric plant, enjoying views of lush vegetation and native birds. Passing through a series of tunnels carved into the mountain during the colonial era—home to hundreds of bats—we’ll discover the picturesque Angolar Waterfall, hidden in a cliff that forms a natural amphitheater. On the way back, we’ll follow the cocoa trail, starting in Generosa, whose population is primarily of Cape Verdean descent. We’ll hike up Monte Careca, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the west coast and the city of Neves. The hike will conclude at Monte Forte, where we’ll learn about cocoa processing at the headquarters of the CECAB Cooperative, producers of organic cocoa.

Lagoa Amélia
Trail One of the island’s easiest hikes for exploring the Obô de S. Tomé Natural Park and the high-altitude primary forest. From Bom Sucesso, the headquarters of the Obô de S. Tomé Natural Park, we’ll take the trail toward Lagoa Amélia (1,475 m). The crater is the main source of the rivers that flow through the island’s forest in various directions, and its depth is unknown. By the way, you’ll be delighted by the flora—giant begonias, tree ferns—as well as the species used in traditional medicine, which are renowned for their healing properties. Also keep an eye out for the birds endemic to the high-altitude forest.

“Fugidos”
Trail: A hike starting from Bom Sucesso, the base of the Obô de S. Tomé Natural Park, along the trail toward Lagoa Amélia. It offers the best spots for observing bird species typical of the high-altitude primary forest. During the hike, you can see giant begonias, tree ferns, and other distinctive local plants and birds of the high-altitude forest. A hike along the rim of Lagoa Amélia’s crater via the “Fugitives’ Trail,” the ideal spot for observing native birds. Enjoy the magnificent views of the green valleys that flank the trail and, above all, of Pico de São Tomé, the country’s highest peak.

Trekking to Pico de São Tomé
The trek to Pico de São Tomé, at an altitude of 2,024 meters, is a difficult challenge and requires good physical conditioning. The hike can be done as either a 1-day or a 2-day excursion. The 2-day excursion includes an overnight stay in a tent at Pico Mesa (1,900 m). Most of the hike takes place in the Obô São Tomé Natural Park, through high-altitude primary forest with its lush, dense vegetation of endemic trees, shrubs, and plants—some of which are medicinal. It is a triumph of magnificent and lush nature, highlighted by the presence of various bird species.

Pico de São Tomé
The hike to the summit is a stimulating yet demanding challenge for physically fit individuals. It requires favorable weather conditions. A day-long hike takes you to the peak of São Tomé, where, at an altitude of 2,024 meters, you can enjoy magnificent views with the clouds hundreds of meters below. Throughout the entire route, we are surrounded by dense vegetation, overflowing with the exotic beauty of lush greenery. The power of exuberant nature in its purest form is truly impressive—a veritable sacred temple of trees, plants, and birds. A world of mysteries waiting to be explored. We
depart from the city center at 4 a.m. and head toward the Botanical Garden, where we arrive around 5 a.m. We prepare for the hike by putting on appropriate clothing and checking our backpacks and equipment.

Cão Grande
Peak Not far from the Caué River, a gigantic monolith of volcanic origin rises vertically above the impenetrable forest. Shaped like a needle and standing 663 meters tall, Pico Cão Grande is an impressive natural monument in the most fertile region on Earth—not only because of its dramatic form but also because of the mysterious aura created by the mists that envelop its pointed summit.

Lagoa Azul
Lagoa Azul is the most iconic beach in the North. The view from the road is breathtaking. To get there, you have to walk down a steep slope, but it’s well worth the effort. The color of the sea immediately catches your eye, shifting between turquoise and emerald green depending on the light. Lagoa Azul is one of the best diving spots in São Tomé. It offers good visibility and a wide variety of corals.

Piscina
Beach Piscina Beach owes its name to a natural pool formed in the rocky outcrop that separates the sandy shore from the nearly warm sea and the emerald green of the tropical vegetation; it’s another must-see postcard-perfect spot on the island.

Boca de Inferno
This is another point of interest near Água Izé. At the water’s edge, there is a tunnel and two holes carved out by the force of the water, which crashes there with a roar and sends up multiple sprays. (Here you can see the seawater crashing against the ravine, which features a sort of cave with two holes, creating the effect of boiling water gushing out of the ground.)

Ilhéu das Rolas
The islet covers an area of just 3 km² and consists mainly of a tourist resort and a small adjacent village. With beautiful beaches and waters ideal for diving, one of the islet’s attractions is that it is crossed by the imaginary line of the Equator—it was Gago Coutinho who proved this through rigorous measurements and tests.

Equator
Monument The Equator is the imaginary line that separates the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere and runs through the center of the Earth at a latitude of exactly zero degrees; the monument is located on Ilhéu das Rolas, a tourist island in the archipelago south of São Tomé, which is accessible only by boat from Porto Alegre and whose main economic activity is tourism. The monument marking the position of the equator on Ilhéu das Rolas was built by the navigator Gago Coutinho, who led the geodetic mission in São Tomé between 1915 and 1918, Thus, the Equator Monument, erected in 1936, stands on a polychrome base depicting a world map, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia das Sete Ondas
: Despite its catchy name, Sete Ondas Beach offers only gentle conditions for playing in the surf. It’s ideal for beginners and children. However, be careful of the currents at this beach, which isn’t as calm as it seems. There are surf schools and surfboard rentals for all ages and skill levels at Sete Ondas Beach.

Jalê
Beach Jalê Beach is one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in southern São Tomé.

Sete Pedras
Islets The best way to observe seabirds in São Tomé is by boat, on a pelagic excursion, with a mandatory stop off the coast of the Sete Pedras Islets. There, species such as the cocozuco, malvaxi, caié, black caié, or palé. By exploring other areas of the sea off the island, we can try to spot more elusive species, such as the caniboto, white caié, or other less common birds. Information provided by BirdLife International.

Lagarto
Beach Lagarto Beach boasts the best location: it’s close to the International Airport, and its bay is home to several renowned hotels.

Banana
Beach Banana Beach is the most famous beach on Príncipe Island. The sea ranges from green to cobalt blue, always crystal-clear, and transports even the most hardened adult back to a carefree childhood.

Banana
Beach Lookout Located on the grounds of the Hotel Roça Belo Monte, here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the magnificent Banana Beach. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic.

Burra
Beach This beach is located in the north of Príncipe Island, between Banana Beach and Santa Rita Beach. It is home to one of the largest fishing communities on Príncipe Island.

Praia Grande
Praia Grande is a beach located on Príncipe Island, between the headlands known as Ponta Café and Ponta do Pico Negro and Praia Seca, near the mouth of the Bibi River and the village of Neves Ferreira, across from the Boné de Jóquei islet.

Boné de Jóquei
The islet of Boné de Jóquei lies next to Ponta Capitão and is located in the Príncipe Region, a wonderful place that captures the attention of everyone who visits it; it is an uninhabited islet of about 30 hectares, just 2.5 kilometers from Príncipe Island. Despite the short distance, it stands out because it is home to bird species with characteristics different from those found on the neighboring island. Around Príncipe, in addition to the usual fish found in these waters and sharks, you may be surprised to encounter large corvinas, turtles, and moray eels alongside hammerhead sharks.

Mucumbli
and São Tomé and Príncipe are two volcanic islands full of rock formations that are perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts. Although rock climbing is still a relatively unexplored activity on the islands, on Mucumbli you can climb routes ranging from grade 1 to 4. Experienced climbers can tackle the Cão Grande and Cão Pequeno peaks. The best time to visit the islands and go climbing is during the dry season (gravana), which runs from June through September. For more information, contact local agencies.

Santana
: Enter the water in front of the church and follow the coast southward behind the cliff. Arrange a session with Marlin, an experienced local surfer who knows this wave like no one else. Watch out for sea urchins

Ossobô Spa
At the Pestana São Tomé, what truly stands out is the Ossobô Spa—named in honor of one of the island’s most famous birds—where the list of treatments is so comprehensive and enticing that you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to visit the spa at least once a day. In addition to the excellent manicure and pedicure services featuring fantastic Essie nail polishes, you can also get waxed, so you’ll never have a reason to miss a dip in the pool.

Spa Encanto ISA
Beauty salon offering a variety of services, including hair care, hair removal, manicures, pedicures, highlights, hair restoration, haircuts, massages, waxing, and lymphatic drainage—with a highly professional team waiting to serve you. Services are available in-salon and at home. Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and on holidays); Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services are available for both men and women. Located on Rua de Angola, behind the Ministry of Health. Encanto Isa looks forward to seeing you.