Lush vegetation

On these wonderful islands, you can explore unique hidden corners. Rich in endemic flora and fauna, anyone who visits us will have the privilege of discovering more than 26 endemic bird species that can be observed from north to south. Our forests boast an astonishing variety of plant life, ranging from medicinal plants to endemic flowers such as the giant begonia. With a humid equatorial climate, there’s so much to enjoy.

Located exactly on the Equator, the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago is home to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Its geographic location creates a rare balance between climate, biodiversity, and culture, characterized by:

• Endemic biodiversity: The combination of the islands’ isolation and the equatorial climate has given rise to plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. The tropical forests are considered true “natural laboratories.”

On the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, plant life is diverse and abundant. The Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden, the gateway to Obô Natural Park, is a 300-km² protected area spanning the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe.

This park is a sanctuary for flora and fauna where visitors can observe many rare species, some of which are endangered. The high rate of endemism in the São Tomé forest and its significance led the international scientific community to rank 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. It is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of endemism.

The best way to explore the island’s mountain forests is to start at the Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden, located about 7 km from Monte Café.

From there, you can set out on a hike along trails ranging from moderate to difficult in difficulty to Obô Natural Park; it is recommended that you be accompanied by a qualified guide. In these mountain forests, several endemic species can be observed, including the São Tomé pigeon, the São Tomé sunbird, and the São Tomé oriole.

Other species, such as the São Tomé oriole, the cencia, the tchin-tchin-tcholó, and the São Tomé gagá, are abundant there and easy to spot. During the hike, before entering the forest, you’ll cross farm fields where the serin is abundant, and you can also spot the white-eyed nectarinia, the white-bellied swallow, or hear the partridge singing.

In the village of Malanza, don’t miss the traditional canoe ride up the Malanza River, home to the country’s largest mangrove area. Protected by Obô Natural Park, this ecosystem is distinguished by its characteristic vegetation, consisting of semi-aquatic trees with aerial roots.

Endemic and migratory birds are common here, as are monkeys. It is also home to the famous “cucumbas,” a bizarre fish capable of living out of water by hopping from root to root. The hike lasts two hours and begins at the bridge between the Malanza River and Porto Alegre.

São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world.

Highlights:

• Obô Natural Park: Dense tropical forests, numerous endemic species.

• Ilhéu das Rolas: Equator marker.

• Pico Cão Grande: A rock formation and national icon.

• Beaches: Praia Jalé, Praia Inhame, Lagoa Azul.

The archipelago is considered a “natural laboratory of evolution” due to its unique flora and fauna.