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Culture and tradition on Sao Tome and Principe
Overview
Introduction
Sao Tome was discovered by Portuguese explorers on 21 December 1470, whilst Principe was discovered on 17 January 1471. Once discovered, the islands were then populated with Europeans and workers from west Africa. During the late 16th century, slave ships on their journey between Africa and America would dock and refresh their supplies on Principe Island. Due to the island’s strategic location they were often visited by the English, Dutch and French, with the English becoming constant visitors between the 17th and 19th centuries. The 1940’s and 1950’s saw many Cape Verdeans emigrating to Sao Tome and Principe, to work at the cocoa plantations, with the majority remaining and settling after the island’s independence. Many of these nationalities have left their mark but it is the culture and traditions, created over the centuries mainly by the slaves and workers from Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique and the Congo basin, which remain evident today.
To truly immerse yourself in local culture and tradition Sunvil recommends travelling during August, which is known as the month of culture on the island of Principe. During this month the island hosts music events such as Dêxa (music and dance from the island); Puita, whose origins are credited to slaves from the African coast; Bulawé and Txabeta which originate from Cape Verde. August 15th sees Principe celebrate its biggest festival ‘Auto de Floripes’ with the entire population of the island getting involved. Celebrating the feast of St Lawrence, this street show re-enacts the battle between the Christians and Moors and takes place in the capital, Santo Antonio. Commencing with the theft of sacred relics carried out by the Moors, the story tells of the battle between the Moors and the Christian Knights and the love story between the maiden Floripes, daughter of the Moor Admiral Balaam, and a Christian.
Guide price based on 2-sharing includes:
- Return TAP Portugal flights from London Heathrow via Lisbon (Portugal) and Accra (Ghana) to São Tomé
- Return STP Airways inter-island flights from São Tomé to Príncipe
- 23kg per person luggage allowance with TAP and 15kg per person luggage allowance with STP Airways
- All airport transfers
- 1 night at Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon (BB)
- 3 nights at Omali on São Tomé (HB)
- 2 nights at Roca Sundy on Principe (HB)
- 4 nights at Bom Bom on Principe (HB)
- São Tomé City Tour
- Traditional Dance Workshop on São Tomé
- Traditional Medicine Workshop on São Tomé
- Baia das Agulhas (Bay of Needles) Boat Trip on Principe
- Cocoa Route Excursion
- Explore Principe Tour
Note: 1 night will be spent on board the flight from São Tomé via Accra to Lisbon (night flight)
Board Basis: Half BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Lisbon Airport, you will be transferred to the Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel. A beautiful 18th century building, the hotel is ideally situated within walking distance of the lively Rossio Square and many of the city’s main attractions.
Overnight at the Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon
Day 2 - Flight to Sao Tome
This morning you will be transferred to Lisbon Airport for your flight to Sao Tome, via Accra (Ghana). On arrival on Sao Tome you will be met and transferred to the Omali.
A short drive from the airport, the Omali is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Located on the coastal road, opposite a sandy beach, here you will discover, within the hotel grounds an inner garden area with a lagoon-style swimming pool and poolside bar where evening meals can be taken.
Overnight at the Omali on Sao Tome (Half Board)
Omali Lodge, Sao Tome
Day 3 - Sao Tome city tour and traditional dance workshop
This morning, after breakfast, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will head to the capital of the island – the city of São Tomé. Named after the island itself, the capital is a short drive from the Omali. During the 4-hour tour of the city you will discover the Fort of São Sebastião, which houses the National museum; the National Library; Nossa Senhora da Graça Cathedral (Our Lady of Grace) which is one of Africa’s oldest cathedrals; Independence Square; the Holy Lady of Conception Church; the Presidential Palace (Palácio Cor de Rosa), the official residence of the President of the Republic of São Tomé and Principe as well as the local market, all of which are of importance to the city. The city is filled with the fading pastel colours of colonial Portuguese architecture, allowing the visitor to become acquainted with its history. Lunch (excluding drinks) at a local restaurant is included. During the evening you will attend a 4-hour traditional dance workshop, where you will learn a variety of African dances such as Kizomba, Socopé (using just your feet), Ussua, Puita and Rumba. Comfortable footwear and loose-fitting garments are recommended for this fun and energetic experience. Transfers from/to the Omali are included.
Overnight at the Omali on Sao Tome (Half Board)
Sao Tome
Day 4 - Traditional medicine workshop
(Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only) Traditional medicine has been practised by São Toméans for many years, with knowledge and wisdom passed down from generation to generation. The rainforest is a natural pharmacy, with many of its plants, barks and roots used by herbalists to treat various conditions – the root of wild ginger is known to treat ailments such as colic and asthma whilst papain, which is extracted from papaya, can aid digestion. The island is filled with natural remedies and during today’s 4-hour workshop you will learn about the use of herbs, barks and roots to treat several diseases.
Overnight at the Omali on Sao Tome (Half Board)
Tropical landscape of Sao Tome
Day 5 - Flight to Principe
Today you will transfer to São Tomé Airport for the domestic flight to Principe Island (35 minutes). On arrival in Principe you will be met and transferred to the Roça Sundy.
In 1975 São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal and saw the colonists leave the islands and plantations. Once thriving with cocoa production, the plantations became abandoned and dilapidated. The Roça Sundy hotel, where a local community of around 500 live, work and study, has been carefully restored using locally sourced and sustainable materials, bringing back to life the old Colonial house and the plantation house. Whether outside on the wrap-around veranda of the old Colonial house, or inside admiring its tiled floors and high ceilings, here you will gain insight into living during Colonial times. Sunvil recommends taking a stroll around the former plantation buildings which includes a small chocolate factory.
Overnight at Roca Sundy on Principe (Half Board)
Cocoa plantation
Day 6 - Cocoa Route Excursion
Today Sunvil have included a 6-hour excursion which teaches you about the cocoa transformation process, from tree to table. During the tour you will learn how cocoa was harvested and dried at the plantations and view the old dryers used, ending with a tasting of the cocoa product.
Overnight at Roca Sundy on Principe (Half Board)
Cocoa Route Excursion
Day 7 - Transfer to Bom Bom
Today you will transfer by car from Roca Sundy to Bom Bom Resort on the north coast of the island (40 minutes). Camouflaged by the tropical forest and set between two golden sand beaches, a stay at the Bom Bom provides you with the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life. Your free time at the resort can be spent as you wish – reading a book on the veranda of your bungalow, swimming, enjoying the pool bar vibe or treating yourself to a massage at the Spa. The Spa at Bom Bom, in keeping with tradition, provides treatments inspired by the plants of São Tomé and Príncipe. Knowledge which has been gained and passed down over the years are demonstrated here, with natural products such as mango, coconut oil, coffee, hibiscus and beach sand used in the body and beauty treatments that are on offer.
Overnight at Bom Bom on Principe (Half Board)
Bom Bom Resort, Principe
Day 8 - Explore Principe Tour (Full Day)
After breakfast, depart on a 6-hour exploration of Principe which delves into the cultural history of the island. This excursion is a great way to get to know more about the island’s fascinating culture whilst enjoying outstanding scenery along the way. Along with an English-speaking guide, you will explore former plantations, the smallest capital in the world ‘Santo Antonio’ and rural communities. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the local food products as well as visit the waste recycling co-operative in Roça Porto Real, where Bela and her team have been transforming glass into jewellery since 2016. A stop for lunch (traditional meal excluding drinks) is also included.
Overnight at Bom Bom on Principe (Half Board)
Principe
Day 9 - Boat Trip to the Bay of Needles (Baia das Agulhas)
Free morning at Bom Bom. Early afternoon (14:00) depart from Bom Bom pier on a 3-hour boat trip to the Bay of Needles. Onboard a rigid hull boat (seating either 8 or 16 people), you will depart along the north-west coast, down along the west coast to one of the most spectacular views of the island. Along the way, your guide will point out highlights of the island, its natural rugged beauty viewed from out at sea. At the Bay of Needles, so called because of the phonolite towers rising up out of the skyline, you will experience nature in its purest state. Principe is around 31 million years old and these amazing towers, also known as volcanic plugs, are what have remained after the erosion of the softer surrounding rock. Important: Pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on the RIB boat.
Overnight at Bom Bom on Principe (Half Board)
Bay of Needles (Baia das Agulhas), Principe
Day 10 - Free time on Principe
Free time at Bom Bom. Spend your last day relaxing at the resort; by the pool or on the beach. For a more active day why not experience snorkelling and paddle-boarding (book and pay locally). This is also the perfect opportunity to add on another excursion or activity. Principe has a coastline dotted with golden sand beaches, a few of which are inhabited by fishing communities (some seasonal and some permanent) and two of the largest fishing communities can be found at Burras beach and Abade beach. In Colonial times it was very common for the plantations to be served by a coastal location, a place where ships could dock in order to supply products to the plantation and to whom the local fishermen would sell their fish.
Overnight at Bom Bom on Principe (Half Board)
Gardens and pool, Bom Bom Resort, Principe
Day 11 - Day of departure
After breakfast, transfer to Principe Airport for your domestic flight to Sao Tome. Upon arrival on the island of Sao Tome, you will be transferred to the Omali to wait in comfort for your flight home to the UK, via Accra (Ghana) and Lisbon (Portugal). Please note that the flight from Accra to Lisbon is an overnight flight.
Accommodation
Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel - Night 1 to 1
The hotel is situated on the majestic Avenida da Liberdade, from which the hotel takes its name. This charming property is located at the heart of the city and within walking distance of all the main sites and shops.
The hotel is situated on the majestic Avenida da Liberdade, from which the hotel takes its name. This charming property is located at the heart of the city and within walking distance of all the main sites and shops. Housed within a beautiful 18th century building, the hotel has been carefully restored and many features retained including the original exterior. Inside, the décor successfully combines the modern and the traditional - the result is a warm and homely environment.
Accommodation
- 41 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms and a junior suite
- The junior suite interconnects with a superior room.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Bar
- Lounge
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Fitness room with jet pool
- Lift
- Limited on street parking
- Parking (payable locally c.15 Euros per day)
Tourist Tax: There is a tourist tax for all visitors staying in Lisbon. The tax will apply to all hotels and pousadas and must be paid directly to the hotel at the end of your stay. Children under 13 years old are exempt. The amount payable is 2 Euros per person per night with a maximum payment of 7 consecutive nights.
Omali - Night 2 to 4
On the outskirts of Sao Tome (3km) and a stone’s throw from a sheltered bay, the Omali is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. You are greeted as a long-lost friend and, as soon as you step over the threshold, you feel your body and mind relax. The Sao Tomean moto ‘Leve-Leve’ (slowly-slowly) applies here; they want you to slow down and appreciate life on the island and embrace their culture and philosophies.
On the outskirts of Sao Tome (3km) and a stone’s throw from a sheltered bay, the Omali is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. You are greeted as a long-lost friend and, as soon as you step over the threshold, you feel your body and mind relax. The São Toméan moto ‘Leve-Leve’ (slowly-slowly) applies here; they want you to slow down and appreciate life on the island and embrace their culture and philosophies.
This 30 room hotel is built around a lush garden with palm trees, lawned areas and a lagoon-style swimming pool with poolside bar. Around its edge, pretty two-story cottages pleasantly sit admiring the view. There is little to disturb the peace except the sound of the local birdlife and the infrequent vehicle.
If you can tear yourself away from your terrace, there is a lounge - adorned with black and white pictures of the island - small gym, tennis court, a cocktail bar and another restaurant with terrace overlooking the coastal road to the beach beyond. A dive centre is 500m away and a 45 minute walk will take you to the centre of the capital.
Accommodation:
- 30 air-conditioned rooms including Classic rooms, Junior suites, Family suites, Business suites and one Honeymoon suite
- Junior suites are located on the first floor of the hotel. Please note that there is no lift - luggage assistance is available
Amenities / Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast including a selection of home-made pastries, cakes and juices. Additional hot menu iteams available at a local charge
- Restaurant with terrace overlooking the Bay of Praia Lagarto, across the coastal road. The restaurant serves traditional dishes as well as a fusion between São Toméan and Portuguese cuisine, making the maximum use of fresh and local ingredients
- Bar (open 10:00 to 23:00)
- Lounge
- Small shop selling local handicrafts and products
- Outdoor swimming pool with pool bar (open 10:00-23:00). A snack menu is served
- Well-maintained gardens with palm trees
- Tennis court (free of charge for hotel guests)
- Small gym
- ‘Lagarto’ public sandy beach (no facilities) across the road
- An activity programme is available locally including walking and hiking tours, a sightseeing tour of the capital, visits to a Cocoa plantation and gastronomic experiences.
- Complimentary transfers to the city centre available. Set times, week days only
Roca Sundy - Night 5 to 6
In the early 1900’s, Principe was the largest cocoa producer in the world, an industry introduced to the island by the Portuguese after Brazil gained independence from the colonial state. The nutrient rich soils and shaded canopies proved the perfect garden for the cocoa trees and plantations were established across the island.
In the early 1900’s, Principe was the largest cocoa producer in the world, an industry introduced to the island by the Portuguese after Brazil gained independence from the colonial state. The nutrient rich soils and shaded canopies proved the perfect garden for the cocoa trees and plantations were established across the island.
São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal on 12 July 1975 and, as the colonists left, so did the knowledge of the cocoa industry and the plantations fell into disrepair and were abandoned.
Roca Sundy Hotel is one initiative looking to breathe life back into the former plantations and provide employment in the process. Behind its walls, a community of around 500 locals live, work, study and play. On one side of the vast courtyard, the colonial house and plantation house have been carefully restored by the hotel group, using locally sourced and sustainable materials, all this under the watchful eye of specially-trained Principeans - empowered with new skills that can be used as they carve out their future career paths.
Climb the steps to the Colonial House and it is easy to imagine times gone-by. Inside, a large reception room with wooden ceilings, tiled floors and a balustrade staircase welcomes you. There is a restaurant and bar, and, to the rear, a covered veranda with views into the former plantation, now with Mother Nature as its gardener.
The bedrooms - divided between the two buildings - are surprisingly modern but with historical touches. Most have a private balcony and views to the plantation.
Roca Sundy is the perfect choice for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of island life. Be sure to ask Mr Paulino (a local resident) to introduce you to the local community, take a stroll around the former plantation buildings and watch starlings, butterflies and bats explore the dense woodland.
Accommodation:
- 15 air-conditioned rooms including Standard rooms, Deluxe rooms and two Master Suites (one in the Colonial House and the other in the Plantation House)
Amenities / Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals. Meals can be taken on the veranda to the rear of the property (weather dependent)
- Bar ‘Roca Sundy’ located in the Colonial house (open 10:00 to 22:00) serving refreshments and a light lunch menu
- Garden area and veranda
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Guests staying at Roca Sundy are able to use the facilities at Bom Bom Resort which has two exclusive beaches and a swimming pool (15 minutes' drive)
- Facial and body treatments, inspired by the plants of Sao Tome and Principe, can be arranged in your room on request (payable locally)
- Activities that can be arranged from Roca Sundy include 4x4 experiences exploring around the island or visiting one of the other former plantations; monitoring the spawning and hatching of sea turtles (October to April only); guided walks and hikes; whale and dolphin watching; boat trips and sport fishing
- Please note that this property does not have a lift (luggage assistance available)
Bom Bom - Night 7 to 10
On the north coast of Principe, camouflaged by the tropical forest, you will discover the Bom Bom resort. Set between two golden sand beaches, days here are spent lazily lounging on the veranda of your bungalow, enjoying a swim in emerald green waters, soaking in the local vibe at the pool bar or exploring the resort grounds. Amidst stunning scenery and hospitality that makes you feel welcome and at home, you are invited to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
On the north coast of Principe, camouflaged by the tropical forest, you will discover the Bom Bom resort. Set between two golden sand beaches, days here are spent lazily lounging on the veranda of your bungalow, enjoying a swim in emerald green waters, soaking in the local vibe at the pool bar or exploring the resort grounds. Amid stunning scenery and hospitality that makes you feel welcome and at home, you are invited to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
19 wooden bungalows, simple in style, are scattered around the resort, overlooking the pool, garden, sea or beach. Whether you are woken each morning by the waves gently crashing on to the beach outside your bungalow or by the parrots squawking in the gardens, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant is located on the islet of Bom Bom, from which the hotel takes its name, and which is accessed via a wooden bridge (242m).
A variety of land and sea activities are available from the resort and Sunvil recommend planning your excursions in advance so that your days are filled as you desire. A favourite of the team at Sunvil is a boat trip along the northeast coast to discover some of the most amazing beaches including Boi, Macaco, Banana (made famous by the Bacardi rum TV ad) and many more - the majority of which are isolated and can only be accessed by boat, while others are inhabited by local fishermen and their families.
This truly is a magical land, a place where you may cross paths at night with a wandering crab as you make your way to the restaurant; where you can indulge in a massage at the Spa, with its open air façade overlooking Santa Rita beach, whilst listening to the relaxing sound of the waves; perhaps witness a shooting star from the wooden bridge if you are lucky; be greeted by one of the two resident parrots on your return from a boat trip or enjoy an entire beach to yourself if you time it just right.
Remember the Leve-Leve philosophy, kick back, unwind and enjoy your time at Bom Bom.
Accommodation:
- 19 air-conditioned studio-style bungalows including Bungalow Pool, Bungalow Garden, Bungalow Sea and Bungalow Beach
- Bungalow Garden, Bungalow Sea and Bungalow Beach can accommodate an extra bed for a child
- Bungalow Pool can accommodate two extra beds for children
Amenities / Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals - Set menu using local ingredients including exotic fruits. Weather dependant, meals can be taken outside on the terrace. Meals can also be taken on your Bungalow veranda on request (bookable in advance at reception)
- Pool bar serving a lunch and snack menu
- Swimming pool
- Lounge area and Curio shop in the reception
- Small gym
- Bom Bom Spa offering massages and beauty treatments (payable locally)
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Access to three beaches – the best snorkelling can be found on the beach next to the restaurant and on Santa Rita beach
- Activity centre offering a variety of excursions: 4x4 experiences, visits to former plantations, guided hikes, boat trips, whale and dolphin watching excursions, beach trips and sport fishing. Private tours are available.
- Snorkelling and paddle-boarding - subject to availability and payable locally
- PADI certified Dive Centre – bookable and payable locally
- There is a marked walking trail on Bom Bom islet (c.1 hour)
- Safe deposit box available at reception
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT+0
Currency
Santomean Dobra
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
8 hours via Lisbon and Accra
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC