São Tomé and Príncipe

The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is an African island nation that lies close to the equator in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Gabon. It is often referred to as the African Galapagos for its diverse flora and fauna. Formally a Portuguese colony, São Tomé and Príncipe is part of an extinct volcano chain and features striking rock and coral formations, as well as rainforests and beaches.

While São Tomé and Príncipe may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, they are a paradise begging to be explored. The Ôbo Natural Park in São Tomé is a biodiverse jungle preserve, distinguished by a skyscraper like volcanic rock known as Pico Cão Grande. You will be able to explore sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees, crystal clear waters, and spot abandoned plantation manors that once defined the country’s cocoa production past.

While São Tomé and Príncipe do not have a large number of native mammals, they do support some rare species that are dependent on the small forests including the world’s smallest ibis, the world’s largest sunbird and the rare São Tomé fiscal. This unusual biodiversity has earned Príncipe the status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.