This two-island nation is covered with lush greenery, rainforests and boasts stunning beaches.
São Tomé and Principe, located just off the coast of West Africa, has been named an ‘underrated and underappreciated travel destination’.
Analysis of statistics from Budget Your Trip and Hello Safe uncovered some of the hot, premium destinations.
Dubbed the ‘African Galapagos’ guarantees an eco-luxury trip that won’t break the bank in the same way other extravagant locations might.
Though it might be Africa’s second-smallest country, it has an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.
It has a range of endemic species of birds, amphibians and reptiles.
On average, a tourist might spend around £197 a day exploring the island, but cheaper trips can work out at £86 a day.
Travellers wanting to splurge on a more luxurious holiday could shell out up to £376 a day, too.
São Tomé and Principe, located just off the coast of West Africa, has been named an ‘underrated and underappreciated travel destination’
It’s a relatively safe spot to visit and the crime rate is ‘generally low’ according to the Foreign Office.
However, it warned ‘burglaries and armed robberies can happen’ and urged tourists to avoid wearing expensive jewellery, not to carry valuables and large quantities of cash.
There are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy across the two islands.
The Baía das Agulhas is worth a visit, and is home to towering granite stacks jutting out of the sea.
Local seafood in northern São Tomé is available at a range of spots and visitors will be able to tuck into fresh food packed full of Portuguese flavours.
Visitors can also look at the architecture of Roca Agua-Ize, in São Tomé, where one of the island’s first cocoa plantations sits.
São Tomé and Principe is also home to the mighty Pico Cao Grande – a 1,200ft-tall snake-infested needle-shaped rock.
Dubbed the ‘African Galapagos’ guarantees an eco-luxury trip that won’t break the bank in the same way other extravagant locations might
Located in Obo Natural Park, the huge rock is technically a volcanic plug.
These are created when magma hardens within the vent of an active volcano, with surrounding cinder removed by erosion.
The volcano that created Pico Cao Grande is now São Tomé – the entire island is one big shield volcano that rose from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean 10,000ft below sea level.
The last eruption was over 100,000 years ago.
Share or comment on this article:
Inside Africa’s ‘Galapagos’: The small island paradise where eco-luxury costs half what you’d expect
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
