Principe - '7 night Galapagos of Africa'

These remote islands lie approximately 200 kilometres off the west coast of Gabon, in the Gulf of Guinea and offer rugged beauty and isolation. The islands form Africa's second smallest nation and are comprised of two exquisite archipelagos surrounding two main islands. In the small island nation of Sao Tome and Príncipe, there is a popular expression ‘leve leve’ which loosely translates to 'take it easy’, which perfectly encapsulates the relaxed laidback atmosphere that permeates this unspoilt little piece of paradise. The extraordinarily diverse local fauna and flora range from the world's smallest ibis to the world’s largest sunbird. The landscape is equally as varied, with mountains blanketed in lush tropical forests and pristine golden-sand beaches which, despite their remarkable beauty, see surprisingly few visitors.

 
Currency 
Local currency: São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra 
Symbol: Db 
ISO code: STN 
Subunit: Cêntimo (1/100 of a Dobra) 
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dobros 
Coins: 10, 20, 50 cêntimos; 1, 2 dobros 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Limited acceptance 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 16:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: STP Airways 
International Airports: São Tomé International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Príncipe Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, between São Tomé and Príncipe 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is fully cooked 
Street food: Yes, choose well-established vendors 

Local cuisine: 
São Tomé and Príncipe's cuisine features a rich mix of tropical ingredients, prominently using fish, bananas, and coconut. Calulu de peixe (fish stew with vegetables), and arroz doce (sweet rice pudding) are local staples. The influence of Portuguese cuisine is also significant. 

Drinks: 
Sweet palm wine and various local fruit juices are popular. 
Tipping:Generally, not expected but appreciated, especially in tourist areas, around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Up to 3000 mm in the northern mountains 
Average temperature: 26°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 
The optimal time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe is during the dry season from June to September. This period offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the islands. 

 
Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, especially during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes, mainly in larger hotels 
Restaurants: Yes, in major areas 
Cafes: Yes, in main towns 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes