Príncipe Island

São Tomé & Príncipe: A New Itinerary to a Birders' Paradise!

The Portuguese country of São Tomé & Príncipe – often referred to as the ‘African Galápagos’ – is rarely visited by tourists and nature lovers alike, yet this 12-day holiday will enable us to view a rich diversity of wildlife whilst we enjoy some much-needed sun away from the British winter. Clothed in lush tropical forests, skirted by mangroves and adorned with white sandy beaches, the duo of islands situated due west of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea (in the Gulf of Guinea) support no fewer than 28 endemic species of bird, plus a host of other exciting wildlife which is only found here.

Principally a birdwatching holiday, this fresh itinerary sets out to see as many of the endemic land birds as possible, whilst maintaining a relaxed approach to our searching. The likes of Dwarf Olive Ibis, São Tomé Grosbeak and Black-capped Speirops, along with Giant Weaver and Giant Sunbird, are all iconic species we hope to find here, and our searches at both sea-level and within the densely-forested mountains should see us rewarded with views of these seldom-seen species.

The first five nights on São Tomé will be spent at two seaside hotels, both offering splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean and within easy walking distance of the – at times – deserted sandy beaches, with a midday swim being the most refreshing way to cool off from a morning of wildlife-watching.

We will begin at the country’s only national park; covering nearly 30% of land on the two islands combined, Obo National Park offers spectacular views of São Tomé. Rich in wildlife, especially birds, it is here we will be introduced to a fabulous array of endemics, namely Newton’s Sunbird, São Tomé White-eye and São Tomé Paradise Flycatcher, while commoner non-endemics may include African Emerald Cuckoos, Yellow-billed Kites and Southern Masked Weavers.

Our time on the largest of the two islands will see us navigating to its south-east corner, enabling us to visit the Monte Carmo highlands in the hopes of viewing what will no doubt be the trickiest of the island’s endemics, the Dwarf Olive Ibis, São Tomé Shorttail and São Tomé Grosbeak! These potential trip highlights will require patience as we quietly roam the understorey and dense thickets in which these species reside, but to lay eyes on these elusive birds will be a thrill. Those with an interest in amphibians may wish to keep an eye out for the São Tomé Caecilian – one of two caecilians found only on the island of São Tomé.

Mid-way through the holiday, a short flight will take us north to the smaller of the two islands – Príncipe. Like São Tomé, this island was formed roughly 39 million years ago through volcanic activity and supports an array of endemism.

White-tailed Tropicbird

Dwarf Olive Ibis (Kenny Ross)

Blue-breasted Kingfisher

As well as the numerous orchids, begonias and Mona Monkeys, this island again supports many birds which are only found here, and several walks through pristine habitat will provide views of Príncipe Kingfisher, Príncipe Starling, Dohrn’s Thrush-babbler and many Príncipe Weavers! With a mere human population of approximately 8,500, it will feel as if we have the island to ourselves, allowing us to enjoy the beaches during our downtime and walk along undisturbed forest trails.

Our relaxing time of enjoying winter warmth, on top of a host of excellent birds, mammals and reptiles, will soon be over and the trip will sadly come to a close with a short flight back to São Tomé and onwards to London. We hope you can join us! For more information you can view the tour page or direct your enquiry to Matt Eade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..