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

SIGNATURE TOUR 03 · TWO-ISLAND DISCOVERY

The 8-Night Eco-Heritage Circuit:São Tomé & Príncipe

Clifftop Eco-Lodges · Independent 4x4 Exploration · Historic Plantation Manor

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Low season price
Low season €2,890 total for two guests sharing (€1,445 per person)
High season price
High season €3,390 total for two guests sharing (€1,695 per person)
Enquire About This CircuitAsk on WhatsApp

Your Journey at a Glance

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations
4 Nights São Tomé + 4 Nights Príncipe
Low season
€2,890 total for two guests sharing (€1,445 per person)
High season
€3,390 total for two guests sharing (€1,695 per person)
Transport
Daihatsu Terios 4x4 on São Tomé, self-drive or optional private chauffeur.
Format
Land-only bespoke circuit including accommodation, 4x4 hire, airport transfers and private boat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas.
Flights
International and domestic inter-island flights booked separately.

Raw Adventure Meets Plantation Heritage

Experience both islands with a balance of independent freedom, natural beauty and historic plantation accommodation.

On São Tomé, take the wheel of your own 4x4 and discover the island at your own pace. Begin on the southern coast at Praia Vanha, where wooden bungalows overlook the Atlantic beside a working organic vanilla estate.

Then head north to Mucumbli, where clifftop accommodation, tropical vegetation and Atlantic views provide a completely different island experience.

After four nights exploring São Tomé, travel to Príncipe for four nights at historic Belo Monte.

Set within a restored cocoa plantation above Príncipe's northeastern coastline, Belo Monte combines traditional plantation architecture, tropical gardens, panoramic ocean viewpoints and access to the renowned Praia Banana.

Enjoy the freedom of independent travel on São Tomé, followed by the comfort of a historic plantation hotel and shared guided experiences within Príncipe's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Three Distinctive Stays Across Two Islands

2 Nights | Praia Vanha | Bed & Breakfast

Delícias das Ilhas: The Wild Southern Coast

Begin your journey in the deep south of São Tomé, where Delícias das Ilhas offers wooden bungalows overlooking the Atlantic amid tropical vegetation.

The property is also home to Bastien's organic vanilla plantation and artisan spirits operation.

Vanilla is cultivated, hand-pollinated and cured on the estate, while Vim Pema Gin and locally produced fruit liqueurs offer another introduction to São Tomé's tropical ingredients.

Two nights here give you time to explore the southern coast, visit Ilhéu das Rolas and experience the quieter rhythm of island life.

Read more about Praia Vanha

2 Nights | Ponta Figo | Bed & Breakfast

Mucumbli: Clifftop Retreat on the Northwest Coast

Overlooking the Atlantic near Neves, Mucumbli Ecolodge combines wooden accommodation, tropical greenery and dramatic coastal scenery.

Its elevated setting provides an atmospheric base for exploring the northwest, from cocoa plantations and fishing communities to the winding road through the Santa Catarina rock tunnel.

Mucumbli's restaurant combines Italian and Santomean influences, using fresh produce from the property's own farm.

Enjoy an evening meal overlooking the ocean before retiring to your wooden chalet.

Read more about Mucumbli

4 Nights | Garden View Room | Bed & Breakfast

Belo Monte: Historic Plantation Heritage on Príncipe

Belo Monte is a restored historic cocoa plantation overlooking Príncipe's spectacular northeastern coastline.

The hotel's traditional architecture, tropical gardens and historic estate setting create an experience quite different from a conventional beach resort.

Enjoy the swimming pool, restaurant, panoramic viewpoints and direct access to Praia Banana.

Your four-night stay includes breakfast, shared guided experiences organised by the hotel, airport transfers and the Conservation & Communities Contribution.

Belo Monte provides a comfortable heritage base from which to experience the natural environment and history of Príncipe.

Read more about Belo Monte

Your Nine-Day Itinerary

The São Tomé portion of this journey is independent. The suggested stops and activities are flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace. On Príncipe, the daily shared experiences follow Belo Monte's hotel programme.

Day 1: Coastal Arrival & Southward Journey

Arrival:

Land at São Tomé International Airport.

Meet our representative for your Daihatsu Terios 4x4 vehicle handover and orientation.

The Route:

Travel south along the scenic coastal road towards Praia Vanha.

Suggested stops include:

  • Boca do Inferno, where Atlantic waves surge through volcanic rock formations.
  • Viewpoints of Pico Cão Grande rising above the tropical forest.
  • Coastal villages and historic plantation landscapes.

Late Afternoon:

Arrive at Delícias das Ilhas and settle into your ocean-facing bungalow.

The southward drive is suitable for arrivals that leave sufficient daylight for the journey. For later flights, the first day's arrangements will be adapted to the confirmed arrival time.

Overnight:

Delícias das Ilhas / Praia Vanha (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 2: The Equator Line & Vanilla Estate

Morning:

Travel to Ponta Baleia for your included private motorboat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas.

Visit the Equator Monument, explore the island's volcanic coastline and discover its beaches.

Lunch:

Enjoy fresh fish or local seafood at Praia Café, purchased separately.

Afternoon:

Return to Praia Vanha for your included organic vanilla plantation walk and Vim Pema Gin tasting.

Discover how vanilla is cultivated, hand-pollinated and cured, followed by an introduction to Bastien's artisan spirits and local fruit liqueurs.

Evening:

Relax at your bungalow overlooking the Atlantic.

Overnight:

Delícias das Ilhas / Praia Vanha (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 3: Clifftops of the Wild Northwest

Morning:

Leave Praia Vanha and drive north towards the capital before continuing along the northern coastline.

Pass through the fishing port of Neves and follow the coastal road towards Mucumbli.

Arrival:

Check into your wooden chalet at Mucumbli Ecolodge, surrounded by tropical greenery and overlooking the Atlantic.

Afternoon:

Explore the surrounding coastline or enjoy time relaxing at the lodge.

Evening:

Enjoy dinner at Mucumbli's restaurant, where Italian and Santomean influences come together.

Overnight:

Mucumbli Ecolodge (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 4: Mountain Cascades, Highland Coffee & Coastal Villages

Choose how you would like to spend your second day in the northwest.

Option One: The Wild Northwest Coast

Explore the winding coastal road towards Santa Catarina.

Suggested stops include:

  • The historic rock tunnel near Santa Catarina.
  • The fishing community of Santa Catarina.
  • Roça Diogo Vaz, with cocoa plantation visits available by arrangement.
  • Neves and the surrounding coastline.

Option Two: Central Highlands

Travel inland towards the cooler mountain region.

Suggested stops include:

  • Roça Monte Café, known for its historic coffee plantation and processing heritage.
  • Cascata de São Nicolau, surrounded by mountain vegetation and giant tree ferns.

Enjoy lunch in the highlands before returning towards Mucumbli.

Both routes offer contrasting experiences. Choose one, or spend the day relaxing at the lodge.

Overnight:

Mucumbli Ecolodge (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 5: Flight to Príncipe & Belo Monte

Morning:

Drive from Mucumbli towards São Tomé International Airport.

Return your Daihatsu Terios at the agreed vehicle collection point before your domestic flight.

The included four-day hire period will be arranged around the confirmed vehicle handover and return times.

Flight:

Take the short domestic flight from São Tomé to Príncipe.

Arrival:

The Belo Monte team will arrange your included airport transfer to the historic plantation hotel.

Your Stay:

Check into your Garden View Room and explore the plantation grounds.

Discover Belo Monte's restored historic architecture, tropical gardens, swimming pool and Atlantic viewpoints.

Evening:

Enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

Overnight:

Belo Monte (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 6: Praia Banana & Coastal Lookouts

Enjoy breakfast at Belo Monte before exploring one of Príncipe's best-known beaches.

Morning:

Visit Praia Banana, accessible from the Belo Monte estate.

Discover its distinctive curved coastline, tropical surroundings and Atlantic scenery.

Afternoon:

Relax at the hotel or participate in one of Belo Monte's shared guided experiences, according to the hotel's activity programme.

Experiences may introduce guests to the island's cultural heritage, natural environment and plantation history.

Overnight:

Belo Monte (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 7: Forest Trails & Biosphere Wildlife

Spend the day discovering more of Príncipe's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Join one of Belo Monte's shared guided experiences, according to the programme available during your stay.

Possible activities include:

  • Guided forest exploration.
  • Birdwatching and wildlife observation.
  • Plantation heritage experiences.
  • Exploring Príncipe's coastal landscapes.

The day's activities are arranged by the hotel and depend on the programme and local conditions.

Return to Belo Monte for a relaxed afternoon or evening.

Overnight:

Belo Monte (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 8: The Heritage of Santo António

Explore Santo António, the historic capital of Príncipe.

Discover its streets, colourful architecture, churches, bridges and everyday island life.

Take time to enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere before returning to Belo Monte.

Alternatively, enjoy another hotel-organised experience or spend your final full day relaxing at the plantation.

Evening:

Enjoy your final night on Príncipe at Belo Monte.

Overnight:

Belo Monte (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 9: Return to São Tomé & Departure

Morning:

Breakfast at Belo Monte.

Take the included hotel airport transfer for your domestic flight back to São Tomé.

Your return flight and onward international departure will be coordinated according to confirmed airline schedules.

Domestic and international flights are booked separately.

Why Choose This Circuit?

Characterful Accommodation, Not Conventional Resorts

Experience three contrasting properties: wooden bungalows beside an organic vanilla estate, an ecolodge overlooking the Atlantic and a restored historic cocoa plantation.

Each accommodation base introduces you to a different aspect of island life.

Independent Exploration at Your Own Pace

Discover São Tomé with the freedom of your own vehicle.

There are no compulsory sightseeing schedules, tour buses or guides telling you when to leave.

Stop for coffee at a historic plantation, spend time exploring a village or simply enjoy an afternoon by the ocean.

Self-Drive or Private Chauffeur

Choose independent 4x4 travel with fully comprehensive insurance and offline GPS route information.

Alternatively, arrange an English-speaking Santomean driver for the São Tomé portion of the journey.

Local Knowledge & Coordinated Arrangements

The Chocolate Islands provides on-island assistance, accommodation arrangements, vehicle hire and coordination of airport transfers and inter-island travel plans.

Our team is based on São Tomé and is available through direct WhatsApp contact.

Travelling From the UK, US or Europe?

Connections via Lisbon

São Tomé can be reached through Lisbon, including services operated by TAP Air Portugal.

Connections and onward flight schedules depend on your departure city and chosen travel dates.

British, US, Canadian and EU passport holders can generally visit São Tomé and Príncipe visa-free for stays of up to 15 days.

With British-run management based on São Tomé, you have direct English-language WhatsApp support throughout your trip.

Package Pricing

Eight Nights Across Two Islands

Low Season

Low Season: €2,890 total for two guests

€1,445 per person, based on two sharing.

High Season

High Season: €3,390 total for two guests

€1,695 per person, based on two sharing.

These are land-only package prices, excluding international and domestic flights.

Seasonal Dates

Use the 2027 Príncipe Collection contracted seasons.

High Season

  • 8 January to 28 February 2027
  • 20 March to 5 April 2027
  • 1 July to 30 September 2027
  • 1 December 2027 to 7 January 2028

Low Season

  • 1 March to 19 March 2027
  • 6 April to 30 June 2027
  • 1 October to 30 November 2027

For bookings spanning two seasons, calculate the quotation according to the applicable accommodation dates rather than automatically applying one whole-stay seasonal price. Final prices remain subject to the customer's requested dates and accommodation availability.

What's Included

São Tomé Arrangements

  • 2 Nights at Delícias das Ilhas, Praia Vanha, in a bungalow with breakfast.
  • 2 Nights at Mucumbli Ecolodge, Ponta Figo, in an Ocean Chalet with breakfast.
  • 4 Days Daihatsu Terios 4x4 hire with unlimited mileage and fully comprehensive insurance.
  • Private return motorboat charter to Ilhéu das Rolas.
  • Private vanilla plantation walk and local gin tasting at Delícias das Ilhas.
  • Local SIM card with mobile data.
  • Custom offline GPX digital route maps.
  • Direct on-island WhatsApp support.

Príncipe Arrangements

  • 4 Nights at Hotel Belo Monte in a Garden View Room.
  • Breakfast each morning.
  • Daily shared guided experiences according to the hotel's programme.
  • Return airport transfers on Príncipe.
  • Conservation & Communities Contribution included in the accommodation rate.

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.
  • Tourism taxes payable on arrival, where applicable.

Optional Upgrades

Automatic 4x4 on São Tomé

€20 per day

€80 total for four days

Private English-Speaking Chauffeur

€50 per day

€200 total for four days

The chauffeur arrangement covers the São Tomé portion of the circuit.

Optional half-board arrangements at Belo Monte and dining arrangements on São Tomé can be quoted separately. Belo Monte's contracted dinner supplement is priced per person per night. The total cost of an eight-dinner package across both islands has not been established, so this option is provided by individual quotation.

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: €2,890 becomes €2,745.50 for two (€1,372.75 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

Your Two-Island Adventure Starts Here

Discover two contrasting islands with the independence of your own 4x4, carefully selected accommodation and the support of a locally based team.

Low Season: €2,890 for two

High Season: €3,390 for two

Enquiry Form