Praia Vanha bay seen through palm trees in the south of São Tomé

SIGNATURE TOUR 04 · THE GRAND EXPEDITION

The 14-Night Two-Island Grand Expedition:São Tomé & Príncipe

Clifftop Eco-Lodges · Independent 4x4 Circuit · 7 Nights on Príncipe

Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Price from
From €4,690 total for two guests sharing (€2,345 per person)
Destinations
7 Nights São Tomé + 7 Nights Príncipe

Your Journey at a Glance

Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations
7 Nights São Tomé + 7 Nights Príncipe
Price from
€4,690 total for two guests sharing (€2,345 per person)
Transport
Daihatsu Terios 4x4 on São Tomé (Self-Drive or Optional Private Chauffeur) · All Lodge Transfers & Guided Experiences on Príncipe
Format
Land-only luxury expedition including boutique accommodation, 4x4 hire, ground logistics, and private motorboat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas
Flights
International and domestic inter-island flights booked separately

The Definitive Two-Island Journey

Two weeks is the golden window for São Tomé and Príncipe. It allows you to settle into the unhurried local rhythm of leve-leve without ever rushing a check-out.

Spend your first week on São Tomé with complete road-trip autonomy. Behind the wheel of your own 4x4, trace volcanic coastal tracks, explore remote southern beaches, walk through organic vanilla plantations, and watch the Atlantic breakers roll in beneath your clifftop chalet at Mucumbli.

Then fly to Príncipe for a full seven nights. Staying at your chosen Príncipe Collection sanctuary, whether high above the coast at historic Belo Monte, on the golden sands of Bom Bom, or immersed in rainforest luxury at Sundy Praia, you experience the remarkable protected landscapes of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Four Distinctive Bases

1 Night · Arrival Base · Bed & Breakfast

Omali Lodge (São Tomé Town)

Set in tranquil gardens just moments from the capital and airport, Omali provides a refined coastal soft landing after your international flight. Unwind beside the pool, enjoy fresh Atlantic seafood at the terrace restaurant, and recharge before picking up your 4x4 the following morning.

3 Nights · The Wild Southern Coast · Bed & Breakfast

Delícias das Ilhas (Praia Vanha, South)

Nestled on the quiet beach of Praia Vanha in the deep south, Delícias das Ilhas offers off-grid wooden bungalows overlooking the Atlantic. The property is home to Bastien's certified organic vanilla estate and craft distillery. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated and cured on-site, alongside artisanal Vim Pema Gin and wild fruit liqueurs. Three nights here give you ample time to cross to Ilhéu das Rolas, explore hidden coastal tracks, and experience true southern seclusion.

3 Nights · Clifftop Ocean Retreat · Bed & Breakfast

Mucumbli Ecolodge (Ponta Figo, North-West)

Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic surf near Neves, Mucumbli is an architectural masterclass in sustainable timber design. Ocean breezes flow through your private wooden chalet, while the Italian-Santomean restaurant serves line-caught fish and organic vegetables from the lodge's private farm. It is the ideal launchpad for exploring the wild north-west, mountain coffee estates, and coastal fishing communities.

7 Nights · UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve · Bed & Breakfast

Your Choice of Lodge on Príncipe

A full week on Príncipe allows you to truly decompress. Choose the sanctuary that fits your style:

  • Hotel Belo Monte (Heritage Elegance): A restored 19th-century cocoa plantation set high on a promontory with panoramic coastal lookouts, swimming pool, and direct access to renowned Praia Banana.
  • Hotel Bom Bom (Barefoot Beachfront Luxury): Oceanfront bungalows fringed by golden beaches, tropical gardens, and emerald forest on Príncipe's tranquil northern shoreline.
  • Hotel Sundy Praia (The Flagship Luxury Experience): Exquisite tented rainforest villas where primary jungle meets secluded Atlantic coves, featuring OKA fine dining and bespoke wellness.

The 15-Day Detailed Itinerary

The São Tomé week is independent and flexible. On Príncipe, the daily shared experiences follow the activity programme of the lodge you choose.

Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Welcome

  • Land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS).
  • Met on arrival by our local representative and transferred to Omali Lodge.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or taking an introductory stroll along the coastal promenade.
  • Overnight: Omali Lodge (Classic Room)

Day 2: Central Highlands to the Deep South

  • Breakfast at Omali, followed by vehicle handover and orientation of your Daihatsu Terios 4x4.
  • If time permits, take an optional detour inland towards the lush mountain region of Monte Café to explore historic coffee drying floors and sample high-altitude Arabica.
  • Continue down the eastern coast past the sea-surge chasm of Boca do Inferno and beneath the sheer granite needle of Pico Cão Grande.
  • Arrive at Praia Vanha and check into your beach bungalow.
  • Overnight: Delícias das Ilhas (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3: The Equator Line & Deserted Beaches

  • Short morning drive to Ponta Baleia for your included private motorboat charter to Ilhéu das Rolas.
  • Walk up to the Equator Monument where the northern and southern hemispheres divide.
  • Explore Praia Café or Praia Bateria, with swimming dependent on local sea conditions, and enjoy fresh grilled fish prepared by local fishermen if available, at additional cost.
  • Late afternoon boat return to the mainland.
  • Overnight: Delícias das Ilhas (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 4: Organic Vanilla, Craft Gin & Southern Tracks

  • Morning private walk through Bastien's organic vanilla and spice plantation, learning the intricate art of hand-pollination and curing.
  • Exclusive tasting of Vim Pema Gin and small-batch tropical fruit liqueurs distilled on the estate.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the remote southern coastline, tracking red-earth roads to Praia Inhame, Praia Piscina, and the wild sands of Jalé.
  • Overnight: Delícias das Ilhas (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 5: Northward Across the Island to Mucumbli

  • Depart the south after a leisurely breakfast, driving north along the eastern shoreline.
  • Suggested stop in São Tomé town for a light lunch or to visit the historic São Sebastião fortress.
  • Follow the western coastal road past fishing villages to Neves and wind up to Mucumbli Ecolodge.
  • Settle into your clifftop chalet and enjoy sunset drinks over the crashing Atlantic breakers.
  • Overnight: Mucumbli Ecolodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 6: The Wild North-West & Santa Catarina Tunnel

  • Follow the coastal road south-west where the asphalt punches through the volcanic rock tunnel into the remote fishing village of Santa Catarina, the gateway to the roadless south-west.
  • Stop at Roça Diogo Vaz, where cocoa plantation visits and demonstrations may be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
  • Afternoon spent exploring secluded black-sand coves or relaxing on your chalet deck with sweeping ocean views.
  • Overnight: Mucumbli Ecolodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 7: Obô National Park & Mountain Waterfalls

  • Spend the day exploring the volcanic interior and the landscapes around Parque Natural Obô.
  • Walk through dense rainforest surrounded by giant tree ferns to Cascata de São Nicolau.
  • Stop for lunch in the hills or explore the heritage roças of Trindade and Madalena.
  • Final evening at Mucumbli dining on fresh Italian-Santomean cuisine.
  • Overnight: Mucumbli Ecolodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 8: Flight to Príncipe

  • Morning drive from Mucumbli to São Tomé Airport. Return your 4x4 at the agreed collection point.
  • Board your scheduled domestic flight to Príncipe.
  • Met on arrival at Príncipe Airport by your lodge team and transferred to your chosen property (Belo Monte, Bom Bom, or Sundy Praia).
  • Unpack, unwind, and settle in for a full seven nights of unhurried island luxury.
  • Overnight: Your chosen Príncipe Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Days 9 to 14: Six Unhurried Days in the Biosphere

With six full days on Príncipe, you have the luxury of time. Participate in your lodge's daily shared guided experiences, curated to showcase the island's biodiversity and history, according to its activity programme:

  • The Lost Beaches: Discover Praia Banana or Praia Burras on excursions arranged according to your hotel's programme, or relax on the private coves of Bom Bom if staying there.
  • Rainforest Biosphere Trails: Join local naturalists on forest walks to spot rare endemic birds, including the Príncipe kingfisher, thrush, and sunbird, according to the available guided programme.
  • Colonial Heritage: Stroll the sleepy streets of Santo António, Príncipe's historic capital, crossing colonial timber bridges and browsing local markets.
  • Marine & Turtle Conservation: Depending on the season, guided turtle-watching or snorkelling experiences may be available by separate arrangement, subject to local conditions.
  • Estate Gastronomy: Dine on line-caught tuna, tropical fruits, and estate-grown organic produce while soaking up the tranquillity of an untouched African island.
  • Overnight: 6 Nights at your chosen Príncipe Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 15: Return Flight & Homeward Journey

  • Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the ocean or tropical gardens.
  • Included lodge transfer to Príncipe Airport for your scheduled domestic flight back to São Tomé.
  • Connect to your onward international flight according to the confirmed airline schedules for your travel dates.

Why Choose the Grand Expedition?

Dinner-Party Bragging Rights

You are not booking a packaged tourist circuit; you are embarking on an independent overland journey through ancient volcanic landscapes, staying on organic vanilla plantations, and unwinding in world-class rainforest sanctuaries.

Unrushed, Authentic Rhythm

Most itineraries rush guests across São Tomé in two or three frantic days. With seven nights on each island, you only unpack three times on São Tomé and once on Príncipe. You have real time to explore secret viewpoints, converse with local roça communities, and absorb the island lifestyle.

Self-Drive Freedom or Private Chauffeur

Your journey, your choice. Take the wheel yourself in a rugged 4x4 with comprehensive insurance and curated offline digital route maps, or add a dedicated, English-speaking Santomean driver on São Tomé to navigate while you sit back and take in the scenery.

Total Peace of Mind

São Tomé and Príncipe offers welcoming hospitality, quiet roads, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, with direct assistance from our locally based team throughout your journey.

International & Overseas Arrivals

Connections via Lisbon

Reaching São Tomé from North America, the UK, or Europe is possible via Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal serves Lisbon from a range of international departure cities, with onward connections to São Tomé depending on current routes, stopovers and flight schedules.

Check the visa and entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.

The Chocolate Islands is British-run and based permanently on the island. From vehicle handover and domestic flight coordination to emergency assistance, you have 24/7 direct English-language WhatsApp support throughout your stay.

Transparent Pricing & Seasons

Prices are land-only, based on two guests sharing, with the 10% multi-night discount on Príncipe already applied.

Low Season

01/03–19/03 · 06/04–30/06 · 01/10–30/11

  • With Belo Monte (Garden View Room)

    €4,690 total for two

    €2,345 per person

  • With Bom Bom (Pool Bungalow)

    €5,490 total for two

    €2,745 per person

  • With Sundy Praia (1-Bedroom Forest Villa)

    €6,990 total for two

    €3,495 per person

High Season

08/01–28/02 · 20/03–05/04 · 01/07–30/09 · 01/12–07/01/28

  • With Belo Monte (Garden View Room)

    €5,290 total for two

    €2,645 per person

  • With Bom Bom (Pool Bungalow)

    €6,190 total for two

    €3,095 per person

  • With Sundy Praia (1-Bedroom Forest Villa)

    €8,290 total for two

    €4,145 per person

For stays crossing two seasons, the quotation follows the accommodation dates rather than one whole-stay seasonal price. Final prices remain subject to your requested dates and accommodation availability.

What Is Included

Accommodation

  • 1 Night at Omali Lodge (São Tomé), Classic Room with breakfast
  • 3 Nights at Delícias das Ilhas (Praia Vanha), Bungalow with breakfast
  • 3 Nights at Mucumbli Ecolodge (Ponta Figo), Ocean Chalet with breakfast
  • 7 Nights on Príncipe at your chosen lodge (Belo Monte, Bom Bom, or Sundy Praia), with breakfast
  • Conservation & Communities Contribution (CCC) of €25 per person per night on Príncipe

São Tomé Arrangements

  • 7 Days Daihatsu Terios 4x4 hire on São Tomé, including unlimited mileage and fully comprehensive insurance
  • Private return motorboat charter to Ilhéu das Rolas
  • Private vanilla plantation tour and craft gin tasting at Delícias das Ilhas

Príncipe & On-Island Support

  • Daily shared guided experiences on Príncipe according to the programme organised by your chosen lodge
  • All airport transfers on both São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Local SIM card with mobile data and custom offline GPX digital route maps
  • 24/7 direct on-island WhatsApp concierge support

What's Not Included

  • International flights to São Tomé
  • Domestic flights between São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks except where specifically included
  • Vehicle fuel
  • Additional excursions not listed as included
  • Personal expenses

Optional Upgrades on São Tomé

Automatic 4x4 Upgrade (7 Days)

+€20 per day (+€140 total)

Private English-Speaking Chauffeur & Guide (7 Days)

+€50 per day (+€350 total)

Half-Board Dinner Package (14 Dinners)

Available on request

Optional extras are charged separately and are never part of the published package price.

Early booking offer

Book more than 90 days ahead, take 5% off

Reserve any Signature Tour more than 90 days before your arrival date and we take 5% off the published land-only price for two. Tell us your dates and the discount is applied to the quotation before anything is confirmed.

At 5% off: €4,690 becomes €4,455.50 for two (€2,227.75 per person).

No Signature Tour is fixed in stone. Add a night, swap a property, change the vehicle or bring the dates forward, and we requote it around you before anything is booked.

Alter any tour to suit

Request Your Dates & Quotation

Enquire About This Expedition

Tell us your preferred Príncipe lodge, your dates and whether you would like to drive yourself or be driven. We reply with your dates and a full quotation.

Low Season: from €4,690 for two

High Season: from €5,290 for two

Enquiry Form