Guest Blogger Anne-Floor van Nunen from travelwith.nl wrote a guest blog for us about the unknown destination São Tomé.
My name is Anne-Floor and in 2017 I got the chance to temporarily move to an unknown destination São Tomé for my graduation research. An incredibly great opportunity that I took with both hands and I have not regretted it for a moment. After visiting many destinations, I’m still convinced to say that the African island São Tomé is the most unique and beautiful destination I’ve ever visited! Why? Because it’s such an unknown destination! This unknown island is not yet affected by tourism and that makes it extra special. In this blog article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know when you go visit São Tomé yourself!
General information about São Tomé
1. The unknown destination: São Tomé
Whenever I tell people about my São Tomé adventures, I usually get a questioning looking face, followed by the question: Where is São Tomé? Tell me, had you heard of the unknown destination São Tomé, before reading this blog article? When I first came across this island during my studies, I had never heard of it either! So, preparing myself for an unknown destination was the first challenge, but I will share my experiences here with you!
2. Where is São Tomé?
First, I’ll give you some information about this unknown destination. São Tomé is one of two islands that together form the smallest African country: São Tomé and Príncipe. These two islands are located off the west coast of Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea. São Tomé is the largest island of this unknown archipelago. On this unique unknown destination regular tourism like we know it, let alone mass tourism, is still rare. The purity and authenticity of the unknown destination are also what appeals to me that much. The island consists of 30% tropical rainforest and is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and a clear blue sea where sea turtles, rays, and various species of sharks live.
3. An old Portuguese colony
As an old colony of Portugal, there are still many Portuguese influences to be found on the island. For example, Portuguese is the spoken language by the locals. Also, it is possible to visit old plantations that are still scattered around this unknown destination. During my stay, I noticed that many events surrounding the colonial past are still very recent. This is not surprising given the fact that São Tomé and Príncipe only became independent from Portugal in 1975. The old plantations are now often an important element in the villages of communities and provide a good representation of the past. Despite the loaded history associated with these plantations, they are well worth visiting. And, because São Tomé is such an unknown destination still, you get a real sense of what that history means nowadays.
The 4 most beautiful plantations on São Tomé
During my stay in São Tomé, I visited many different plantations. I’ve compiled a list of my four favorites that made a big impression on me:
1. Roça Agostinho Neto
Agostinho Neto is the largest plantation I visited during my stay. The old plantation is no longer in use, but the main buildings and places can still be visited. I found the large road leading up to the old hospital particularly impressive. On the plantation, there is a little restaurant run by a helpful and friendly family. It’s not every day you can say you had a soda on the terrace of an old plantation on São Tomé! These unique moments make the difference between the known travel destinations to the unknown destinations.
2. Roça Bela Vista
My experience at Roça Bela Vista is definitely one to remember while visiting this unknown destination. This old roça is no longer in use but still in good condition. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a group of children who gave me a tour of the plantation. I also got a tour alongside the houses and through the daily life of this very hospitable community. Upon departure, I was given a special, freshly picked fruit to take home, which I later discovered was called soursop fruit. A wonderful experience that I will never forget!
3. Roça Sao Joao de Angolares
This roça is certainly unique because it has been turned into a restaurant and accommodation. The owner of this plantation is Chef João Carlos Silva. He is a great cook and uses many ingredients that grow on São Tomé in his dishes. São Tomé food is also a good reason to visit this unknown destination! The dinners he prepares are between nine to eleven courses, are a feast for both the eyes and real taste sensation. Besides the delicious food, the old plantation is also a very nice place to just spend some time.
4. Monte Café
At Monte Café I had the most delicious cup of coffee ever! On the plantation of Monte Café coffee is still grown and sold. It is possible to buy this delicious coffee in bags as a souvenir from this unknown destination. Also, as I did, you can taste the coffee in the restaurant. Believe me, that is something you want to do!
Releasing turtles on the beach
São Tomé is a popular nesting ground for as many as five different species of turtle. However, many street dogs on São Tomé dig up the nests with eggs. Because of this, many turtles don’t get a chance to survive on this unknown destination. Therefore, a special program was started called Programa Tatô. With this program, the eggs are excavated and buried again in special, safe areas. As soon as the eggs hatch, the baby turtles are released on the beach where they were found. Thanks to this special initiative, more turtles survive!
1. Visit Casa Tatô
In Morro Peixe you’ll find a very nice museum about the marine life around this unknown destination São Tomé, called Casa Tatô. This museum explains in a fun way what takes place in the deep waters around the tropical island of this unknown destination. By visiting the museum, you also support the locals. Lower your expectations though, because it is really small, but nevertheless worthwhile a visit! The museum also serves as a base for Programa Tatô.
2. Release turtles yourself
I think the work that Programa Tatô does is really good, and you can also help with the release of the turtles yourself! If you pay a donation of approximately € 20, you join the locals to release the newborn turtles on the beach. I didn’t hesitate for a moment to do this. It also gave me the opportunity to really blend in with the locals of this unknown destination. The amount you pay helps support the program to continue their work and it is also an incredible experience. I was able to help release over 100 turtles! Truly an experience never to forget!
Bounty island llhéu das Rolas
Who doesn’t enjoy those crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches? I don’t think there is a better place to discover those, than on this unknown destination São Tomé.
São Tomé is already a great paradise bounty island in itself, but for the real bounty feeling you should definitely go to the small island llhéu das Rolas that lies near the southern tip of São Tomé. From São Tomé’s capital it’s about a two-hour drive south. The island is not large but thanks to the often-unpaved roads, you can’t drive too fast. Despite spending two hours in the car, you’ll really enjoy the beautiful route. With views over a clear blue sea and several roads right through the green rainforest, you will get to know the island at its best. Some of the highlights you can visit while going to this incredible unknown destination:
1. Drive to Pico Cao Grande
If you drive to the south of the island, it is certainly recommended to stop at the impressive volcano Pico Cao Grande. This futuristic-looking volcano is a São Tomé landmark and well worth seeing. You’ll practically pass it, so you won’t have to deviate far from the route to get the perfect shot. You do really want to capture this unique unknown destination, I promise.
2. The boat ride from Porto Alegre
There is still a lot of poverty in São Tomé. This is also clearly visible when you arrive at the end of the road at the fishing village of Porto Alegre. There are small wooden houses, the road consists of mud and stone and people mainly live on the streets. However, they do earn some money in this village from fishing, and from the crossings they organize independently towards llhéu das Rolas. It is possible to book a fully organized tour at one of the resorts in the capital, but I can assure you that this is less fun, compared to my boat trip from Porto Alegre. A crossing here costs the equivalent of €8-, and the money goes directly to the community.
3. llhéu das Rolas
The 20-minute boat ride is nothing compared to the splendor of llhéu das Rolas. The island has light sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees and extremely clear blue water. A day relaxing on these beaches is a must when visiting the unknown destination São Tomé. Another great activity is the hike to the equator line, which is located on a hill. The view of the bright blue sea from this monument is definitely worth the climb. On the ground is a mosaic of the globe symbolizing the equator that runs exactly over this point. It gave me goosebumps overlooking this unknown destination from this viewing point.
Why São Tomé should definitely not be missing from your bucket list
I could go on endlessly about the unknown destination São Tomé, but I want to address a few things that stood out during my stay on this unique island:
1. The locals are incredibly friendly and helpful
From the moment I arrived at the destination, I felt at home on São Tomé. This is entirely due to the friendly people living at São Tomé. The Santomans, as they are called, are cheerful and extremely helpful people. On the first day, I got a flat tire and was immediately helped by someone passing me by. Despite the fact that the population is poor, they are very generous. Something we can all learn a lot from.
2. Life São Tomé is cheap
Airline tickets to São Tomé are quite pricey, but life on São Tomé is incredibly cheap. The country is not yet touristy (there is a reason I call this an unknown destination) focused, and therefore only a few places require an entrance fee. The old plantations are all free to visit and for none of the beaches, you’ll be asked to pay an entrance fee. Also, going out for drinking and eating is very affordable!
3. São Tomé is a safe island
There are many judgments that travel to Africa is unsafe, but this is certainly not true when we look at the unknown destination, São Tomé. During my stay of several months, I didn’t feel unsafe once and, in every place, I visited I felt extremely welcome.
4. São Tomé offers a pure experience away from the crowds
Something that’s incredibly rare these days, but on São Tomé you’ll find almost no other tourists. It truly is an unknown destination. The island is not a mass tourism destination and has yet to explore tourism itself. The island is pure and unspoiled, which makes it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited!
Hopefully you, like me, will one day have the chance to visit this amazing unknown destination! I promise you that São Tomé will not disappoint you!
Written by: Anne-Floor van Nunen (from Travelwith.nl)
