São Tomé

São Tomé is the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, and the largest city, travel hub and main commercial center in the country. It had a population of almost 72,000 in 2015, or over a third of the total population of the country. As it has the only international airport in the country, it plays an important role in the country's small tourism industry.

Understand
The city was founded in 1485 in the northeast of the island of São Tomé by Portuguese colonists, who wanted to explore the cultivation of sugar cane. Sao Tome retains much of the colonial architecture, with buildings dating from the 16th century, such as the Fort of São Sebastião, now the National Museum. It is in the city center that the main commercial activities take place.

When to go: December and January are the best for birding as birds adopt their bright breeding plumage. From mid-November to early February turtles nest on the beaches, and you can watch the eggs hatching 45 days later. Humpback whales, killer whales and dolphins can be seen off the northeast coast from August to October. Trekking is best in the dry season from June to September.

Climate
The city has a tropical humid climate, with temperatures between 27-31 ºC, and frequent precipitation.

During the dry season from June to September, be prepared for clear skies and a very strong, equatorial sun. There are two rainy seasons – the short rains in October and November and the long rains from February to May.

By plane


STP Airways is on the list of carriers banned from operating into the European Union, so its flights are operated by the Portuguese airline EuroAtlantic Airways.

Get around
Motorcycle, bicycle and car hire is available in the city center. The main taxi rank is next to the Municipal Market.

Shared yellow minivans ply multiple routes. These collectivos are usually 9 seats but the drivers will overpack to seat 12 passengers along with vegetables, luggage and other market produce.

The main routing being the highway on the East coast of the island from São Tomé city in the north to Porto Alegre in the far South tip of the island. You can stop one anytime by raising your hand as they pass.

The full 2.5-3–hour trip in either direction is quoted as 100 Dobra for the full trip to tourists. You can negotiate with the driver for shorter trips, and can stop anywhere along the route by shouting to driver.

Hire a scooter from the locals! They are friendly, and hotel staff will assist you with this. Cost is about US$20 per scooter.

See

 * The coast of Ana Chaves Bay
 * Avenida de 12 de Julho
 * the Holy See Church
 * The court building
 * Independence Square
 * Independence Square

Buy

 * Visit the Municipal Market

Money can be exchanged on the street outside the Hotel Central - the vendors who approach are honest and the set rate is 25 Dora for €1.

Splurge

 * Agosto Neto, either a large B&B or a small boutique hotel. This quiet hotel is on a side street a couple of blocks from the Presidential Palace.  The hotel is relatively new, spotlessly clean, and will open the kitchen upon request. Full breakfast is included.  Internet access in the lobby, and the desk tries to speak English. A partner company, Netu Services, rents cars here. +239 222 6728
 * Agosto Neto, either a large B&B or a small boutique hotel. This quiet hotel is on a side street a couple of blocks from the Presidential Palace.  The hotel is relatively new, spotlessly clean, and will open the kitchen upon request. Full breakfast is included.  Internet access in the lobby, and the desk tries to speak English. A partner company, Netu Services, rents cars here. +239 222 6728
 * Agosto Neto, either a large B&B or a small boutique hotel. This quiet hotel is on a side street a couple of blocks from the Presidential Palace.  The hotel is relatively new, spotlessly clean, and will open the kitchen upon request. Full breakfast is included.  Internet access in the lobby, and the desk tries to speak English. A partner company, Netu Services, rents cars here. +239 222 6728

Stay safe
Safety is not an issue in São Tomé, though the roadway traffic is hazardous as in other parts of Africa. Violent crime in public is almost unheard of. However, with an increase in tourism there has been an increase in crime against tourists.

The Typhoid fever vaccine is not required of foreign visitors, but is advisable.

Cope
As a rule, establishments are open M-F 08:00-12:30 and 15:00-17:30. On Saturday they work from 08:00 to 13:00. The public sector operates from M-F from 07:00 to 15:30.

Go next

 * Pico de Sao Tome: climbing this peak will take 2 days and require physical fitness. The ground is tough and you need to be capable of about 8 hours hiking a day to complete it.
 * The Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell) blowhole on the south side of São Tomé island: waves enter an underwater cave and, with nowhere to go, shoot straight up.
 * Micondó, Inhamé and Jalé are some the island's finest beaches, and are usually inhabited only by the kingfishers and the giant crabs. Piscina offers calmer swimming where lava has created natural infinity pools lined with white sand.
 * Ilhéu das Rolas, an island of beaches, straddles the Equator, and is the nearest land mass to 0°N 0°E.
 * Principe