Day 1: Arrive São Tomé
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport. Transfer to a restored roça guesthouse on the outskirts of the capital. Afternoon walk through the old town’s backstreets — discover hidden courtyards, colonial mansions in various states of repair, and local bars where palm wine flows. Welcome dinner at a family-run restaurant. Overnight São Tomé city.
Day 2: Northern Highlands & Hidden Waterfalls
Drive into the northern highlands to the village of Nova Moca. Hike through secondary forest to a series of waterfalls known only to local guides — swim in emerald pools beneath cascading water. Visit a remote cocoa-growing community where farming methods haven’t changed in a century. Afternoon at Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), a protected cove ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Overnight São Tomé city.
Day 3: Obo National Park — Deep Rainforest Trek
Full-day trek into the interior of Obo National Park. This is the real rainforest — not the manicured trails near hotels. Your guide will lead you to the Lagoa Amélia crater lake, a volcanic lake surrounded by old-growth forest. Look for endemic birds, orchids, and strangler figs. Picnic lunch at the lake. Afternoon descent through coffee-growing communities. Overnight São Tomé city.
Day 4: South Coast — Boca de Inferno & Remote Beaches
Drive south along the eastern coastline. Stop at Boca de Inferno blowhole when seas are high — the spray can reach 30 meters. Visit the abandoned hospital at Roça Água Izé. Continue to Praia das Sete Ondas (Beach of Seven Waves) for a swim. Arrive at São João dos Angolares. Evening at the village’s famous restaurant for a meal prepared with ingredients harvested that day. Overnight São João dos Angolares.
Day 5: Pico Cão Grande & Palm Wine Country
Hike through the forest to the base of Pico Cão Grande. Visit a community of palm wine tappers — learn the traditional art of climbing 30-meter palm trees to collect sap, then taste the freshly fermented wine. Afternoon at Praia Inhame, a pristine beach where sea turtles nest. Overnight São João dos Angolares.
Day 6: Fly to Príncipe — Remote Paradise
Drive back to São Tomé city. Morning flight to Príncipe. Transfer to a community-run guesthouse — basic but authentic, with ocean views and home-cooked meals. Afternoon exploration of Santo António’s backstreets — this tiny capital feels frozen in time. Overnight Príncipe.
Day 7: Príncipe — Jungle & Ocean
Morning trek into the Principe forest, following trails used by local hunters and farmers. Learn about medicinal plants and traditional forest use from your guide. Afternoon boat trip along the coast to a remote beach accessible only by water — snorkel, swim, and enjoy a beach barbecue. Evening at the guesthouse with local musicians. Overnight Príncipe.
Day 8: Departure
Morning flight back to São Tomé. Connect to international departure.
