Easter Holidays 2027 in São Tomé and Príncipe: Small Group Tour of Africa's Unspoilt Islands
From 24 to 31 March 2027: Holy Week and Easter on an African island almost nobody has heard of, with an optional extension to Principe
The trip
Easter holidays 2027 from 24 to 31 March, on an African island almost nobody has heard of.
Looking for an exotic holiday this Easter that isn't Zanzibar or the Canaries? São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the least-visited African islands and a genuine off-the-beaten-track holiday: rainforest tumbling into the sea, old cocoa and coffee plantations called roças, empty beaches and a pace of life locals sum up in two words — leve-leve (slowly, slowly).
This tour was designed by Luciano Baetz, who has spent years exploring the island and knows the people who will open their doors to you: the cook at an inland roça, the chef who reinvented São Tomé cuisine, the guides who know where the turtles nest.
You travel in a small group of 4 to 12, with an English-speaking local guide, a 4x4 with driver and hand-picked stays: historic roças, a beachfront eco-lodge and a hotel in the capital. Just land at São Tomé airport — we take care of the rest.
Still deciding? Read our São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide: when to go, flights, visas and safety.
Easter holidays 2027 in São Tomé: why go
- Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays mean fewer days of annual leave.
- It's the end of the sea turtle season (September to April).
- The island is at its greenest: tropical warmth, full waterfalls and short afternoon showers.
- One of the most unusual holiday destinations in Africa — no safari, no crowds, ideal for a first trip to the continent.
Optional extension to Principe island (31 March to 3 April)
If you have a few more days, add 3 nights at the Bom Bom Resort on Principe island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: domestic flight included (subject to availability), dinners included and one experience a day among trails, waterfalls, beaches and plantations. Extension price: €1,200 per adult, €800 per child and a €500 single supplement.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Holy Wednesday, 24 March · Arrival in São Tomé and a night on a cocoa plantation
Airport pick-up and a drive into the heart of the island. First night at Roça Santa Luzia, where Dona Maria de Jesus cooks traditional São Tomé dishes.
Day 2
Maundy Thursday · The Coffee Route: Monte Café, Roça Saudade and Cascata Milagrosa
Trindade, Roça Monte Café and its coffee museum, Roça Saudade (birthplace of painter Almada Negreiros) and the Cascata Milagrosa waterfall, deep in the rainforest.
Day 3
Good Friday · The Southern Route: Boca do Inferno and Pico Cão Grande
The riverside wash-house at Foz do Rio Abade, Roça Água Izé, the Boca do Inferno blowhole and Pico Cão Grande, the country's most photographed volcanic spire. Overnight at Praia Inhame eco-lodge, right on the beach.
Day 4
Holy Saturday · Ilhéu das Rolas and the Equator
Boat to Rolas islet to stand on the Equator with a foot in each hemisphere. After dark, a chance to see sea turtles on the beach (nature permitting).
Day 5
Easter Sunday · Free day in the south: Praia Piscina
Swim at Praia Piscina, a natural volcanic rock pool, or simply enjoy hammock and jungle.
Day 6
Easter Monday · Waterfalls and a chef's lunch in Angolares
Rio Cauê viewpoint and Cascata Ribeira Peixe. Gourmet lunch with chef João Carlos Silva at Roça São João dos Angolares. Overnight at Hotel Omali.
Day 7
Tuesday, 30 March · The Cocoa Route
The chocolate island: a cocoa cooperative, the baobab route, Lagoa Azul, Praia dos Tamarindos and Roça Agostinho Neto, setting of the novel Equator.
Day 8
Wednesday, 31 March · São Tomé city and departure
São Sebastião Fort Museum, Independence Square and the giant baobab of Boa Morte, the "Árvore Sagrada". Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 8
Optional extension · Wednesday, 31 March · Flight to Principe island
If you continue to Principe, you leave the hotel at 07:00 for the 09:00 STP Airways scheduled flight (included, subject to availability): just 35 minutes separate the two islands. Arrival on Principe island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and transfer to the Bom Bom Resort, set over the sea. Free afternoon on the beach. Dinner and overnight at Bom Bom.
Day 9
Optional extension · Thursday, 1 April · Principe island: trails, beaches and boat trips
Breakfast. One experience a day is included during your stay on Principe, run with the HBD Príncipe Collection team: trails, waterfalls, beaches, plantations, rivers or a boat trip. Excursions usually leave at 09:00 and may move to the afternoon if the weather or the sea is rough. Dinner and overnight at Bom Bom.
Day 10
Optional extension · Friday, 2 April · Nova Estrela, Roça Abade and Sundy Praia
Breakfast and a tour of the island: Nova Estrela viewpoint, Terreiro Velho, the local community and Roça Abade. In the afternoon, Sundy Praia and its facilities. Dinner and overnight at Bom Bom.
Day 11
Optional extension · Saturday, 3 April · Return via Sao Tome
Breakfast. Depending on your flight time to Sao Tome, there may be time for one more activity on the island. Transfer to the airport, flight to Sao Tome and connection with your international return flight (not included). End of our services.
What's included
- 7 nights' accommodation in historic plantations, a beachfront eco-lodge and a hotel in the capital
- Half board
- English-speaking local guide
- 4x4 with driver
- 5 excursions
- Boat to Ilhéu das Rolas
- Gourmet lunch with chef João Carlos Silva
- Airport transfers
- Optional Principe extension (€1,200): 3 nights at the Bom Bom Resort with breakfast and dinner, the Sao Tome – Principe – Sao Tome domestic flight (subject to availability) and one experience a day
What's not included
- Flights (from London via Lisbon — we'll help you find the best option)
- Tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid in cash on arrival
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
All your questions answered
Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027; Good Friday is 26 March and Easter Monday 29 March. This trip runs from Wednesday 24 to Wednesday 31 March, with an optional extension to Principe until 3 April.
It is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, with a famously warm welcome. Usual common sense applies, and our guides are with you throughout.
British passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 15 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Visit a travel clinic at least a month before departure. São Tomé is a malaria area, so ask about antimalarials.
Via Lisbon with TAP, or with STP Airways. The tour starts when you land in São Tomé.
For resort beaches and plenty of tourist choice, Zanzibar. For an authentic African island without the crowds — rainforest, cocoa and turtles — São Tomé.
Yes. The optional extension runs from 31 March to 3 April: 3 nights at the Bom Bom Resort with the domestic flight (subject to availability) and dinners included and one experience a day. It costs €1,200 per adult and €800 per child, with a €500 single supplement.