Overview

If you’re an independent traveller, our Sao Tome Overland Explore holiday is the perfect way to discover the island.

Exploring Sao Tome Overland in your own car is a great way discover what this African Island country is all about.  You can stop anywhere you want, explore idyllic and deserted beaches, and meet with the locals.  For the most part, the roads are pretty good, though they do deteriorate at the southern end of the island. This just means that a little more care is needed.

This is a 13-day adventure takes you on a varied tour of the island, heading deep into the interior and along the coast. From charming luxury bungalows with private beaches, to old plantation houses, and off-grid huts, we’ve hand-picked some great accommodation options for you.

From the island’s small capital, you drive south for 30 minutes to Club Santana, where 31 individual bungalows are nestled in lush green forest. There’s a lovely private beach and the resort will lend you snorkels and masks. Head into the tropical waters, or relax by the infinity pool. There are kayaks and paddle boards that are free to use and we can arrange a boat trip out to Santana Island. There’s also a dive centre on site. Enjoy BBQ’s, Sao Tomean cuisine, and a la carte dining.

Club Santana is a great starting point, after which you will head to the southern tip of the island, the interior and the north. You’ll even get to stand on the equator! If you like being active, we can arrange a variety guided walks, snorkelling boat excursions, and bike rides. You can also visit some wonderful cacao plantations to visit and taste their world-class chocolate. Enjoy a cookery course and visit villages to meet the locals. Depending on when you visit, you may get to see the nesting turtles.

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

Itinerary

Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival walk (5 mins) to your Hotel.
Walk to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. 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 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 £3,300 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 Sao Tome. 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 'Sao Tome fly-drive holiday' will give you a wonderful insight into this island, and allows you to travel from north to south, and east to west. The accommodation in each part of the island you stay is local in style, comfortable, and characterful.

Location

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