Bradt's São Tomé and Príncipe is the only standalone guide to Africa's second-smallest country, considered by some to be the centre of the world as it is the site of the closest point to the intersection of the Greenwich Meridian and the Equator. In this comprehensively updated third edition, Kathleen Becker, regular tour leader for a major tour operator on São Tomé, and Sean Connolly, who first visited and fell in love with São Tomé in 2015 and has been raving about ever since, provide priceless insider information to the best spots for sleeping, eating and drinking, hiking, watersports, turtle-watching and rainforest hikes.Since the previous edition of this guide, a wider choice of accommodation has become available trendy guesthouses, a surf lodge, a homestay and new plantation tourism on Príncipe to name a few options and the country has gained an even greater reputation as a gourmet hiking destination, from the best chocolate in the world to the freshest fish straight from the beach alongside the equator mark. Meanwhile, Príncipe, São Tomés jewel sister island, is now a UNESCO Biosphere offering more watersports opportunities such as stand-up paddle boarding and surfing lessons.Bradt's São Tomé and Príncipe is the perfect companion for independent travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, foodies, anyone interested in colonial history and African developments, or in setting up in business there. This indispensable guide to the second-most important biodiversity hotspot in Africa offers sections on background and practical information, followed by four easy-to-follow chapters on São Tomé and a dedicated chapter on Príncipe. It shows the way to plantations lost in time and an organic cocoa cooperative and includes local expression, advice on cultural and medical issues as well as on how to get by on a budget in a destination without backpacker infrastructure. All budgets are catered for, from luxurious chic boutique resorts to city apartments and budget guesthouses. It also includes additional contributions by local experts on wildlife, politics and economy, controversies and tourism.

Bradt's São Tomé & Príncipe is the only standalone guide to Africa's second-smallest country, considered by some to be the centre of the world as it is the site of the closest point to the intersection of the Greenwich Meridian and the Equator. In this comprehensively updated third edition, Kathleen Becker regular tour leader for a major tour operator on São Tomé provides priceless insider information to the best spots for sleeping, eating and drinking, hiking, watersports, turtle watching and rainforest hikes. Since the previous edition of this guide, a wider choice of accommodation has become available: trendy guesthouses, a surf lodge, a homestay and new plantation tourism on Príncipe to name a few options. Maybe the biggest surprise to visitors is the gourmet food available here, from the 'best chocolate in the world' to the freshest fish, straight from the beach alongside the Equator mark. Meanwhile, Príncipe, São Tomé's jewel sister island, is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers watersports opportunities such as stand up paddle and surfing lessons. Bradt's São Tomé & Príncipe is the perfect companion for independent travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, foodies and anyone interested in colonial history and African developments. This indispensable guide to one of Africa's most important biodiversity hotspots offers sections on background and practical information, followed by four easy-to-follow chapters on São Tomé and a dedicated chapter on Príncipe. It shows the way to plantations lost in time and an organic cocoa cooperative, and also includes local expressions, advice on cultural and medical issues as well as on how to get by on a budget in a destination without backpacker infrastructure. All budgets are catered for, from luxurious chic boutique resorts to city apartments and budget guesthouses. It also includes additional contributions by local experts on wildlife, politics and economy, controversies and tourism.

Autorentext

By Kathleen Becker - With Sean Connolly

Klappentext

Bradt's São Tomé & Príncipe is the only standalone guide to Africa's second-smallest country, still home to the Voice of America, and considered by some to be the centre of the world as it is the site of the closest point to the intersection of the Greenwich Meridian and the Equator. In this comprehensively updated third edition, Kathleen Becker – regular tour leader for a major tour operator on São Tomé – provides priceless insider information to the best spots for sleeping, eating and drinking, hiking, watersports, turtle watching and rainforest hikes.

Since the previous edition of this guide, a wider choice of accommodation has become available: trendy guesthouses, a surf lodge, a homestay and new plantation tourism on Príncipe to name a few options. Maybe the biggest surprise to visitors is the gourmet food available here, from the ‘best chocolate in the world' to the freshest fish, straight from the beach alongside the Equator mark. Meanwhile, Príncipe, São Tomé's jewel sister island, is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers watersports opportunities such as stand up paddle and surfing lessons.

Bradt's São Tomé & Príncipe is the perfect companion for independent travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, foodies and anyone interested in colonial history and African developments. This indispensable guide to one of Africa's most important biodiversity hotspots offers sections on background and practical information, followed by four easy-to-follow chapters on São Tomé and a dedicated chapter on Príncipe. It shows the way to plantations lost in time and an organic cocoa cooperative, and also includes local expressions, advice on cultural and medical issues as well as on how to get by on a budget in a destination without backpacker infrastructure. All budgets are catered for, from luxurious chic boutique resorts to city apartments and budget guesthouses. It also includes additional contributions by local experts on wildlife, politics and economy, controversies and tourism.

Zusammenfassung
São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide - advice and expert travel tips, including São Tomé highlights; islands including Bom Bom and Ilhéu das Cabras; beaches such as Banana and Micondó; resorts and hotels; and activities such as diving, surfing and SUP. Also covering Príncipe, culture, wildlife, flora, hiking, and birdwatching.

Inhalt

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information

Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Politics and society, Economy, People, Religion, Education, Culture

Chapter 2 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Opening hours, Shopping and services, Activities, Arts and entertainment, Photography, Media and communications, Language, Tourism, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART TWO SÃO TOMÉ

Chapter 3 São Tomé: the Capital

Highlights, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and travel agencies, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around the city

Chapter 4 The North and Northwest

Highlights, Getting around, From Sao Tomé to Guadalupe, Guadalupe town, Northern beaches, From Guadalupe to Neves, Neves, Neves to the end of the road

Chapter 5 The Interior

Highlights, Getting around,…