Overview

For the independent and more adventurous travellers, our São Tomé Fly-Drive is a great way to discover the island.

Having your own car is a great way to explore – stop anywhere you want, explore idyllic and deserted beaches and it’s also a great opportunity to meet with the locals.

Roads are generally OK, though they do deteriorate at the southern end of the island and little more care is needed. From the islands small capital, drive along the coast to Inhame and Jale, where you can leave the car behind when visiting the equator at Ilheu de Rolas.  After spending a day or two in the south, you’ll head back north to explore thje islands varied interior.

The north coast takes you to various planations and the small town of Neves, where you’ll spend the last few days at the nearby Mucumbli.  The road around the north of the island takes you to the ‘Roads End’ and the Obo National Park.

If you love to explore under your own steam, then this Archipelago trip is a great way to explore this remote and delightful island.

Itinerary

Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival walk (5 mins) to your Tryp Hotel
Walk to the airport and fly to São Tomé. On arrival pick up your car and drive to Club Santana. Please note that at certain times of the year you will be staying at Omali Lodge instead of Club Santana.
Boat trip to Santana Island. Free snorkelling and canoes
Drive to Porto Alegre along the coastal road, via Boca d'Inferno and Cete Ondas staying at Inhame Eco Lodge
Day trip to Rolas - visit the equator
Return to the mainland and drive to Sao Joao dos Angolares and stay at the former plantation house of Roca Sao Joao
Free day. A rainforest walk or cookery lesson can be organised through the roca. If you are interested in doing one of these as it is best to pre-book.
Drive to Bom Successo and visit the Botanical garden and overnight at Roca Bombaim
Walk to Lagoa Amelia (3 hrs) and then drive to Mucumbli Eco Lodge
Free day. You could visit Roca Monte Forte and a sustainable Cocoa Cooperative
Free day. Opportunity to hire bikes and visit nearby villages
Morning free until transfer to the airport. Fly home on overnight flight

From £3300 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: International flights from the UK (guide price). Accommodation in twin share, en-suite rooms on a half board basis. Return airport transfers São Tomé. Car hire (Suzuki Jimmy or similar) includes unlimited mileage, standard and CDW (collision damage waiver- subject to excess) insurance but not optional PAI (personal accident insurance) or fuel. Support from our local team when in the islands. EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.

Accommodation

You'll stay in everything from small comfortable hotels to Eco Lodges to former plantation houses (Rocas) that have been tastefully renovated.

Activities

Our 'São Tomé fly drive holiday' will give you a wonderful insight into this island and allows you to travel from north to south and almost east to west. The accommodation in each part of the island you stay is local in style, not luxurious yet comfortable.

Location

Discover the main island of São Tomé on your own fly drive holiday. The scenery is spectacular, the people charming, the beaches deserted and much of the natural world is pristine. And most importantly where life is not rushed and everything has its own very slow pace.