Sao Tome and Principe Nature and Birding Tour - 8 Days with Ashanti African Tours
An 8-day Ashanti African Tours birding and nature itinerary across Sao Tome and Principe, focused on Monte Carmo forest, Principe island endemics, Antena Macambrara, Lagoa Amelia, Bom Sucesso and the northern beaches of Sao Tome.
About this tour
This 8-day Sao Tome and Principe Nature and Birding Tour with Ashanti African Tours is built around focused island birding across both Sao Tome and Principe.
The route combines two days around Monte Carmo forest, a flight to Principe for island birding, Antena Macambrara, Lagoa Amelia and Bom Sucesso, and a final morning in the northern beach, savannah, grassland and woodland habitats of Sao Tome.
Public enquiries are routed through BirdWatch.info so Ashanti African Tours can confirm current dates, group size, accommodation level, price and final joining details before booking.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive at Sao Tome international airport, meet the Ashanti African Tours guide and driver, transfer to the hotel and settle in. The evening includes a welcome dinner and time to prepare for the birding route.
Head south after an early breakfast toward Monte Carmo forest, with a stop around Rio Grande for Sao Tome Kingfisher, Giant Sunbird, Common Moorhen, Little Egret, Striated Heron and Long-tailed Cormorant. Continue toward Ribeira and trek through forest habitats for Sao Tome endemics.
Dedicate a second full day to Monte Carmo, from lowland forest to higher reaches. Main targets include Sao Tome Olive Ibis, Sao Tome Short-tail, Giant Sunbird, Sao Tome Grosbeak and Newton's Fiscal, with Sao Tome Weaver, Sao Tome Oriole, Sao Tome Paradise Flycatcher, Newton's Sunbird, Sao Tome Scops Owl and other island species also possible.
Fly to Principe for two nights. After arrival and transfer to accommodation, spend the afternoon birding the grounds and nearby habitats for the first Principe endemics and island specialties.
Set off to forest locations on Principe for Principe Drongo, Principe Kingfisher, Principe Speirops, Principe Golden Weaver, Principe Sunbird, Principe Glossy Starling, Dohrn's Thrush-Babbler and Sao Tome Spinetail, with other island birds possible through the day.
Bird around the hotel road before breakfast, fly back to Sao Tome, then spend the afternoon birding Antena Macambrara for Giant Sunbird, Maroon Pigeon, Sao Tome White-eye, Emerald Cuckoo, Sao Tome Oriole, Sao Tome Weaver and other species. The day may include a short waterfall excursion before returning to accommodation.
Travel through villages and cocoa plantations toward Bom Sucesso and Lagoa Amelia. Bird forest trails, hill forest boundaries and surrounding farmlands for Sao Tome Oriole, Sao Tome Thrush, Sao Tome Green Pigeon, Sao Tome Spinetail, Newton's Sunbird, Giant Sunbird, Sao Tome Olive Pigeon, Sao Tome White-eye, Black-capped Speirops, Bronze-naped Pigeon and Sao Tome Scops Owl.
Spend the morning birding the northern beaches, savannah, grassland and woodland habitats for species such as Harlequin Quail, Red-necked Francolin, Blue Waxbill, Whimbrel, White-winged Widowbird, Western Reef Heron, Sao Tome Prinia, Southern Masked Weaver, Common Sandpiper, White-tailed Tropicbird, Sao Tome Weaver and Bronze Mannikin. Return to freshen up and transfer to the airport for departure.
Locations & map
- Sao Tome and Principe - Gulf of Guinea islands Sao Tome and Principe (Tropical island birding habitats across Sao Tome and Principe.)
- Principe - Principe Island Sao Tome and Principe (Island birding excursions and endemic species habitat.)
- Monte Carmo forest - Sao Tome Sao Tome and Principe (Remote forest birding for Sao Tome endemics.)
- Obo National Park and botanical gardens - Sao Tome Sao Tome and Principe (Key forest and botanical garden habitats for island endemics.)
Included
- Guided birding and nature itinerary - Ashanti African Tours guiding and local route operation, confirmed in the final quote.
- Accommodation by selected budget level - Accommodation level is confirmed before booking and can vary by budget.
- Meals - Source information states standard tour prices include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Mineral water - Source information states unlimited mineral water is available to participants on tours.
- Tour transportation - Ground, domestic flight and boat logistics are confirmed in the final itinerary and quote.
Not included
- International flights - International flights are not included unless explicitly quoted.
- Visas and health requirements - Visa, vaccination and medical preparation requirements depend on traveller nationality and current regulations.
- Travel insurance - Travel insurance is recommended and not included unless explicitly stated in the quote.
- Personal expenses and optional extras - Personal items, optional extras and items not confirmed in the final quote are excluded.
Transport & stays
- Ground transport, domestic flight and possible boa The source itineraries include Sao Tome transfers, a flight to Principe and boat or remote habitat access on some days. Exact logistics are confirmed by Ashanti African Tours for the selected departure. | Meet: Sao Tome international airport or confirmed hotel meeting point | Pickup: Airport and hotel pickup details confirmed after enquiry.
Accommodations
- Sao Tome and Principe accommodation by budget level (days 1-8)
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How are dates and prices confirmed?
Dates, group size, accommodation level and pricing vary by departure. Send an enquiry through BirdWatch and Ashanti African Tours can confirm the current quote.
Is this suitable for specialist birders?
Yes. The source itinerary is a specialist birding and nature program for travellers who want focused field time, Gulf of Guinea endemics and island biodiversity.
Does the route include Principe?
Yes. The Sao Tome and Principe birding routes include Principe with dedicated island birding for local specialties and endemics.