This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
On São Tomé, the main island, you’ll find the iconic Pico Cão Grande — a needle-shaped volcanic tower, rising through the rainforest. It’s often hidden by thick clouds in the morning, which clear by midday. Christoffer Åhlén
Rivers run down the slopes to the Atlantic, meeting beaches where the tide leaves small crabs tracing lines across the sand. Christoffer Åhlén
Image caption override. Christoffer Åhlén
Local fisherfolk emerge from the sea wearing flippers and wetsuits, and with octopus and fish strung from their lines. Christoffer Åhlén
At lunchtime, that same morning’s haul will pass through the streets of São Tomé town, carried on the heads of local women to sell at market. By the end of the day, the catch has all been sold and the tide has come back in. Christoffer Åhlén
A 40-minute flight by small plane north of São Tomé lies the less-explored island of Príncipe. Christoffer Åhlén
Its capital, Santo António, was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and many of the colourful buildings from that era remain, including ‘Capitania’, the coastguard’s office. Christoffer Åhlén
Away from the town, you’ll find pigs walking freely on the beaches of picturesque fishing villages, waterfalls tumbling through the rainforest and plenty of spots for swimming. Christoffer Åhlén
Water activities used to be something only boys did, and household duties were reserved for girls, but that has changed in recent years. Christoffer Åhlén
In part, this is thanks to SOMA, an initiative that aims to combat gender inequality by teaching local girls to swim, surf and paddleboard. Christoffer Åhlén
In part, this is thanks to SOMA, an initiative that aims to combat gender inequality by teaching local girls to swim, surf and paddleboard. Christoffer Åhlén
Between July and August, humpback whales appear offshore to mate and calve. With the seas a refuge for marine life and endemic flora and fauna on land, the islands have earned a new nickname: ‘Africa’s Galápagos’. Christoffer Åhlén
Published in the May 2026 issue by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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