To say that the islands of Sao Tome and Principe are off the beaten path is an understatement. This two-island African nation 160 miles off the coast of Gabon, welcomes just 13,000 tourists a year. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, with some even calling the country “the forgotten paradise islands.”
Featuring jungle exploration and volcanic towers, Sao Tome and Principe is an incredible destination for ecotourists. Often described as the “African Galapagos,” the nation allows visitors to explore a truly “untouched” natural world. Since these islands have never been connected to the mainland, they have their own ecosystem. Although you won’t find big mammals here, there are incredible animals to see, such as insects, frogs and over 27 bird species, including the extremely rare Sao Tome fiscal.
Tourism came to a complete standstill because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Sundy Praia and Roca Sundy hotels on Principe Island have both announced they will reopen June 28. The hotels have implemented strict health and hygiene protocols, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the World Travel & Tourism Council and Clean & Safe certification.

Mountains and forests on Principe. Photo Credit: Xinovap/Shutterstock.com
Sundy Praia features 15 tented villas in a tropical forest overlooking the sea. With weathered wood paneling and timber decks, the distinctive villas echo the style of the fishermen’s huts that are characteristic of the island. Each tent has spacious indoor and outdoor areas, including private terraces and pools.
Sundy Praia prides itself on its conservation model. The hotel provides a model of sustainable, responsible tourism, with the people of Principe involved at its core. Nearly 60% of the hotel’s staff come from the island itself, and the remaining 40% from Sao Tome. The beauty products in the rooms are all produced at a local organic farm. Similarly, most of the food at Sundy Praia has been sourced from and grown and on the island.
There are a number of hands-on experiences on Principe that can be arranged at the hotel. Travelers can make their own artwork under the guidance of a group of artists, Mambos da Terra, or they can make jewelry from recycled glass. More adventurous travelers will enjoy the many walking trails on the island. Pico Papagaio, for example, is one of Principe’s most famous mountains. During a walk through the national park and the rainforest, you’ll be able to climb to the top of the volcanic mountain where you’ll see monkeys, birds, orchids and medicinal plants.
Those who prefer to delve into the culture and history of the island can visit one of the many plantation houses. The islands were uninhabited until the 1500s when the Portuguese began using them as bases for the slave trade. They later farmed cacao, coffee and sugar here; today’s inhabitants are the descendants of the plantation workers.
Although most of the plantations, or rocas, have been absorbed back into the local communities, the quaint Roca Sundy is an old plantation house that has been transformed into an affordable guesthouse. Among the many points of interest here is the location of the first cacao tree planting in the archipelago in 1822. An exciting experience organized by the guesthouse is the discovery of the secrets of cacao. Guests can enjoy a full day on the plantation and understand the process from planting and harvesting the fruit to its transformation into chocolate.
It was also at Sundy that in May 1919, Arthur Eddington, on an expedition to observe a solar eclipse, was able to confirm Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. His observation was based on the curvature of light rays, or the deflection of light, which proved that space and time were not absolutes as Newton had claimed. Thus, Sundy and Principe island became forever associated with one of the most important scientific discoveries in the history of science.
It is easy to fall in love with Sao Tome and Principe. If you’re adventurous and looking for a safe and untrod holiday destination during these Covid times, these islands are definitely worth your attention.