FAQ
Questions travellers ask us
Short answers to the questions we hear most. Each links to the full guide where there is one.
01
Working with us
What exactly do you do?
We plan trips to São Tomé & Príncipe and arrange the parts that happen on the ground: driver-guides, private guides, transfers, boat trips and activities, matched to your dates and interests. We also publish free planning guides.
Are you a local company?
No. We plan remotely from Europe. The guides, drivers and operators who deliver your trip are local, and we coordinate with them.
Do you book flights and hotels?
No. We advise on flights and accommodation and plan around them, but you book those yourself.
Does asking for a plan cost anything?
No. Planning conversations and quotes are free, and nothing is booked until you accept a written quote.
How do payments work?
You pay a deposit to us to confirm. The balance is either paid to us before travel or directly to your local guide or operator, as stated in your quote. See pricing.
Who will guide us?
Local guides, drivers and boat crews we choose for your route, your languages and your pace. Your quote names each of them. See the people who show you the islands.
02
Planning
How many days do I need?
About seven for São Tomé alone, ten for both islands, fourteen for a slow trip with hiking or wildlife. See how many days.
When is the best time to go?
June to September is driest and best for hiking, with whales from around July. December to February is a good second option. See when to go.
Do I need a visa?
Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US and Canadian citizens, can visit for up to 15 days visa-free. Check your nationality with an official source. See entry requirements.
Is São Tomé & Príncipe safe?
It is generally regarded as a calm, low-risk destination; the US State Department rated it Level 1, exercise normal precautions, when we last checked. Normal care with valuables applies, and the bigger practical risks are roads at night, sea conditions and limited healthcare.
03
On the islands
Do I need a 4x4?
Not for the capital and main coastal roads; yes, or high clearance, for the far south and inland after rain. Most visitors use a driver-guide. See our 4x4 guide.
Is English widely spoken?
In higher-end hotels and with tourism-focused guides, yes. Elsewhere Portuguese is the working language. See guides and language.
How much cash should I bring?
Most of your local spending, in euros. Cards work mainly in hotels; ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards, especially on Príncipe. See money.
Can I visit Príncipe as a day trip?
It is technically possible on some days but we do not recommend it. Plan at least two nights. See getting to Príncipe.
Plan with a person
Question not here?
Send your dates and what you want from the trip. We reply with practical options, the guides we would choose for you, what is confirmed and what is not, and a clear total price.
No payment to ask. Nothing is booked until you confirm a written quote.