Practical Info
Flights
International flights arrive at São Tomé Airport. From there it is a 35 minutes flight to Príncipe.
From Libreville, Gabon is a direct flight to Príncipe with Afrijet.
Private charters can fly directly to Príncipe. It has an airport of entry with custom and immigration facilities. For further information, check FPPR or contact the hotel at
Guests of Belo Monte can benefit from the hotel plane, a Dornier 228, flying in the region that provides charter services between the islands and regional capitals like Douala, Libreville, Luanda and Accra.
For more info:
Inter Island
STP Airways
Flights between São Tomé and Príncipe
6 days per week
www.stpairways.st
Afrijet
Flights between São Tomé and Príncipe
1 day per week
www.flyafrijet.online
From Libreville, Gabon
Connects with many African Countries among which South Africa – Johannesburg and with Paris (France)
From Lisbon, Portugal
(Connects with Europe and United States)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Lisbon – Accra – São Tomé – Accra – Lisbon
www.flytap.com
STP AIRWAYS
Lisbon – São Tomé – Lisbon
www.stpairways.st
From Luanda, Angola
(Connects with South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique)
TAAG Angola
www.taag.com
From Accra, Ghana
(Connects with Western African Countries most European Capitals, United States - Denver and New York)
Accra- S. Tome-Accra
www.flytap.com
When to go
The islands in the Gulf of Guinea have a typical oceanic equatorial climate, with average annual temperatures between 24⁰ and 30⁰C and high humidity throughout the year. The island’s climate knows two main seasons:
The rainy season runs from March to May and from mid-September to November. During In this period temperatures are higher, with average values around 30ºC and brief rain spells most of the days. The skies range from dark clouds to bright blue, and misty forests give the island its Jurassic Park views. The perfect period for amazing photos! Ocean surface waters are warm (27-30 °C).
The dry season, known as Gravana, runs from mid-June to mid-September and the short dry season ‘Gravanita’ from mid December to mid February. Rain is almost absent. The sky is usually overcast and temperatures are more moderate, with temperatures between 26⁰ and 28⁰C. Likewise, water temperatures can be a bit lower.
There are highlights all year round in Príncipe.
- Hiking is best in the dry seasons, but possible all year if you don’t mind to get a little wet every now and then…
- Beach best in the dry season
- Car excursions all year
- Cultural excursions all year
- Quad bike excursions best during the dry season but possible all year.
- Whale watching: July-October
- San Lorenzo: 15th August
- Turtle watching: October-February watch the females lay eggs; January-May watch baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea
- Bird watching: all year
- Diving and snorkelling all year but best period December-March and in the rainy seasons. Sea temperatures range from 26⁰ - 29⁰C
- Kayaking all year
- Boat tours all year
- Relaxing all year
What to pack
Throughout the year, bring tropics-friendly, loose-fitting clothing, light shirts and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen) or other breathable fabrics; a light raincoat or umbrella for the rain showers; and good walking shoes. From June to September you can add a light sweater for the evening. Don’t forget swimwear, sunscreen and mosquito repellent!
Malaria
Thanks to an intensive fumigation program malaria has been reduced, however not eradicated. It’s recommended to take anti-malaria prophylaxis and to protect with repellent.
Vaccinations
Recommended travel vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (if travelling from or through a region with yellow fever) Rabies: moderate risk country.
Visa
Please check: www.handyvisas.com
Any other questions?
Please contact us!