Sao Tome & Principe

Beach Oasis – São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe is made up of a chain of islands, that has fused Portuguese and Creole cultures together. São Tomé and Principe is a twist on your classic beach getaway, with a flair of Africanness to it. Thriving rainforests cover the land and white sands stretch on forever. São Tomé and Principe is your next travel destination.

http://www.traveltourxp.com/10-places-to-visit-in-sao-tome-and-principe/ – Image 01 (Lagoa Azul)

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), located near the quiet beaches of Praia da Conchas and Praia dos Tamarindos. Dotted with towering baobab trees, chattering birds and calm waters open to an exhilarating snorkelling site. Warm and clear, this is an idyllic snorkelling adventure as there are several species of fish, stunning coral and rock formations and turtles. It is a whole other world underwater and quite a mesmerising dive. Find yourself a cosy spot, buy a coconut from a local vendor and then slip into another world.

http://afrotourism.com/tag/island/ – Image 02 (Food)

São Toméan food is based on a diet of fresh seafood, fish and tropical fruit. Starches include beans, maize and cooked banana. Due to Portuguese influences, São Toméan food is spicy and interestingly enough, coffee is used as a seasoning in many dishes. Try an authentic Barriga de peixe from local spots, it’s a dish of grilled fish and cassava or rice.  5 Sentidos in São Tomé City brings together African and Portuguese tastes to create delectable fusion dishes. Think upmarket cuisine with the flair of home-cooking. Xico’s Café is also a popular hive of activity as the sun sets on São Tomé City. Lighter meals, with the menu changing every day but still bringing together of African and Portuguese flavours. And if you find yourself with a sweet tooth, find a stall that sells freshly made Açucarinhas – smashed coconut and sugar fried in oil.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/12639178@N07/9468206032 – Image 03 (Pico de São Tomé)

The staggering tall Pico de São Tomé is an attraction you simply cannot miss. Located in Obo National Park, lush with fauna and flora and endemic animals, birds and insects. Towering above the rest of São Tomé and Principe is a sight you ought to see due to size alone. But climbing up it is a strenuous hike and you should take a local guide. Locals know how to climb up the steep banks of the mountain and can caution you about poisonous insects, snakes as well as find suitable camping spots for you. Pack light, take a pair of comfortable but sturdy shoes and a whole lot of persistence. The hike should be split over the course of at least two days.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/383509724491181103/ – Image 04 (Traditional dress)

São Toméan women wear headwraps, tunics and brightly printed skirts that are shorter than maxi skirts. It is not uncommon to see women wear sashes covering most of their hair as well. Men wear trousers and loose fitting shirts. Most clothing in the country is in fact made from cotton due to the heat. Traditional wear is still quite popular in urbanised areas because of the poverty in the country. Western styles are hard to come by, but you can occasionally spot someone wearing a t-shirt or jeans.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/254312710185055981/ – Image 05 (Dancers)

Music in São Tomé and Principe has incorporated African and Portuguese sounds. Listen out for the native ússua, dêxa and socopé notes. Rhythmic beats that are often accompanied by the Tchiloli dance, a dance that is a story-telling performance. Danco-congo is another type of folk dance that is often seen performed at special occasions or religious events. Wooden flutes, recorders and sticks make up the unique sounds of the music of São Tomé and Principe. In recent years, youth are becoming more normalised listening to music from other countries and are also starting to appreciate other African sounds as well.

Palm trees swinging in the distance and the cooling sand underneath your feet as you look at the sun rising in this beautiful paradise is a moment not often experience in their lifetimes. Make the most of your trip to this beach oasis and do not forget to say “Obrigado” when you leave.