Sao Tome and Principe Travel Insurance

São Tomé is the capital and largest city of the Central African island country of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its name is Portuguese for “Saint Thomas” and it is one of Africa’s oldest colonial cities, founded in the 15th century.

Here you’ll find beautiful Romanesque churches and ornate colonial buildings, palm-lined boulevards, and pretty plazas. Being the only real city on these islands, it is the economic hub, the political center, and the main marketplace of the nation. In addition, the Presidential Palace and Independence Square – mark the year that this Atlantic archipelago gained freedom from the powers of Europe.

The Obô Natural Park of São Tomé is a natural park in São Tomé and Príncipe, established in 2006, and covering 195 km².

The park has great wilderness ranging from salt-washed mangroves on the shore to virgin Atlantic rainforests in the highlands. The highlands are crowned by the needle-like bluff of Pico Cao Grande, soaring straight into the clouds, while along the coast, the mountains take the form of great square-cut escarpments. Safaris and treks here reveal beautiful tropical backcountry, along with grey parrots, mona monkeys, and oodles of uber-rare birds.

Praia Banana is a perfect slice of sand, often touted as one of the best beaches on Príncipe, once used to film a Bacardi advert in the 90s.

Often asked about what to do on Príncipe, and this is always a favourite. You can reach the beach on a Príncipe boat trip, or by 4×4 down the forest trail on the Belo Monte Estate. The iconic view below is taken from the viewpoint at Belo Monte, which visitors are allowed to access even if they’re not staying at the plantation hotel here. The beach itself actually seems a bit smaller when you’re standing on it, and isn’t quite as remote as you’d imagine, with a few wooden tables and a rustic café set back in the coconut glade.