Sao Tome and Principe Nature and Birding Tour - 9 Days with Ashanti African Tours
A 9-day Ashanti African Tours birding and nature itinerary across Sao Tome and Principe, focused on island endemics, Monte Carmo forest, Principe birding excursions, northern Sao Tome habitats, botanical gardens and Obo National Park.
About this tour
This 9-day Sao Tome and Principe Nature and Birding Tour with Ashanti African Tours is a focused island birding itinerary for travellers who want endemic birds, rainforest exploration and time on both Sao Tome and Principe.
The route combines Monte Carmo forest, a flight to Principe, island birding excursions, birding north of Sao Tome, Macambrara, botanical gardens and Obo National Park. It is suitable for birders and nature travellers looking for Gulf of Guinea endemics, forest habitats, coastal birding and locally guided field time.
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 from Sao Tome toward Monte Carmo forest, one of the key areas for the island's hardest endemic species. The route may include Rio Grande and forest access around Ribeira Peixe, with attention to Sao Tome Olive Ibis, Sao Tome Short-tail, Giant Sunbird, Sao Tome Grosbeak and Newton's Fiscal.
Continue birding Monte Carmo and surrounding forest habitats for Sao Tome Weaver, Sao Tome Oriole, Sao Tome Paradise Flycatcher, Newton's Sunbird, Sao Tome Scops Owl, Sao Tome Prinia, Red-headed Lovebird, Sao Tome Speirops, Giant Weaver and Sao Tome Seedeater before returning to Sao Tome accommodation.
Fly to Principe for island birding. After arrival and hotel transfer, spend the afternoon birding the grounds and nearby habitats for the first Principe endemics and island specialties.
Bird 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 species possible through the day.
Bird around the hotel habitat before breakfast, then fly back to Sao Tome. After arrival, continue to the hotter and drier northern habitats, with evening birding around secondary forest and accommodation grounds.
Spend the day around Macambrara, botanical garden and Obo National Park habitats. The route targets Sao Tome Scops Owl, Southern Masked Weaver, Sao Tome Paradise Flycatcher, Sao Tome Oriole, Sao Tome Speirops, Newton's Sunbird, Sao Tome Green Pigeon, Gulf of Guinea Thrush, Sao Tome Spinetail, Sao Tome Seedeater and other forest birds.
A final full day of Sao Tome birding, adjusted around species still needed for better views or photographs. The morning and afternoon can focus on productive forest, northern, coastal or accommodation-area habitats depending on conditions and target priorities.
Use the final day for any remaining checklist time, a meal and departure preparation before transfer to the airport after the Sao Tome and Principe birding and nature tour.
Locations & map
- Sao Tome and Principe - Gulf of Guinea islands Sao Tome and Principe (Tropical island birding habitats across Sao Tome and Principe.)
- Monte Carmo forest - Sao Tome Sao Tome and Principe (Remote forest birding for Sao Tome endemics.)
- Principe - Principe Island Sao Tome and Principe (Island birding excursions and endemic species habitat.)
- 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 and island 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 itinerary includes Sao Tome transfers, a flight to Principe and remote habitat access. 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 1-9)
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What makes this different from a standard island holiday?
The route is built around endemic birding, rainforest exploration, boat or remote habitat access, and time on both Sao Tome and Principe rather than a beach-only itinerary.
Does the tour include Principe endemics?
Yes. The itinerary includes Principe, with time in important habitats for Principe Thrush, Dohrn's Thrush-Babbler, Principe White-eye and other island specialties.
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.
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.