SAO-TOME A FAIRY TALE ISLAND STATE
Sao Tome is a Portuguese speaking island nation situated in the Gulf of Guinea. It consists of two islands Sao Tome and Principe which is both part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. These two tiny islands comprise Africa’s second smallest nation infecting the travelers with their leisure nature meaning’ it’s all good, take it easy’. Travelers can enjoy the palm fringed beaches with crystal clear waters, explore endless bio diverse jungles and visit the sleepy fisherman’s villages at your own laid-back pace away from the hustle and bustle.
Sao Tome derived its name from honourable Saint Thomas which was named by Portuguese explorers who arrived at this island on his feast day. It is located at just north of the equator off the equatorial coast of Africa. The name Sao Tome is Portuguese as it’s the smallest Portuguese speaking country in the world. This island was first discovered by the Portuguese explorers around 1470 and later in 17th century became a prime transit point for ships engaged in slave trade. In 90s, Sao Tome became one of the first African nations to adopt democracy and has been functioning as a multi party system since then. It has a tropical climate mostly dry from June to September and humid from October to May.
ECONOMY
The economy of Sao Tome is mainly based on plantation agriculture where cocoa is the main crop contributing 95% to the exports. Coffee, palm kernels and copra are other main exports. The other main economic activities apart from agriculture are fishing and small scale industries mainly engaged in processing local agriculture produce. Tourism has great potential and the government is trying to build infrastructure for it. About 11% of the population is employed in government sector jobs. The government of Sao Tome has taken foreign assistance from various international donors like the World Bank, IMF, UN Development Program, European Union and the African Development Bank. Portugal is one of major trading partners of Sao Tome and is a main source of imports. The discovery of oil has led to petroleum exploration giving an opportunity to earn significant revenues. The official currency is Dobra though US dollars are also accepted. Banco International de Sao Tome e Principe is the oldest and the largest bank of Sao Tome responsible for all monetary policy and bank supervision.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The population of Sao Tome consists of various ethnic groups which have migrated to the islands since 1485. The main groups of these are Mesticos also called ‘sons of the land’. These are a blend of Portuguese colonists and African slaves brought to the island from Gabon, Benin and Congo. The other groups are Forros (free slaves descendants), Angolares (Angolan slaves), Tongas, Europeans, Asians and Chinese in the minority. There are four national languages in Sao Tome mainly Portuguese which is spoken by 95% of the population. Another popular language is French mainly taught in schools as Sao Tome is a member of Francophonie. Christianity is the main religion but there is a growing population of Muslims too.
The culture of Sao Tome is a mixture of African and Portuguese influences. Portuguese ballroom dancing plays a significant role in the development of ussua and socope rhythms. Tourists must watch Tchiloli which is a musical dance performance narrating a dramatic story. There is also danco-congo which is again a mixture of music, dance and theatre.
SAO TOME
The name of the capital is same as that of the island covering 90% of the total surface of the country. This is a picturesque town comprising of attractive parks along with colonial Portuguese architecture having fading pastel buildings along the sea shore. The blue lagoon called Lagoa Azul is ideal for snorkelling. Tourists can also hike through the dense rainforests, catching glimpses of fascinating and varied bird watching on the way. Sao Tome town has its own charm delighting the tourists with the mellow life and numerous activities of its own. Tourists can trek the endless bio diverse rainforests and dive and snorkel in clear waters. They can even explore the lazy fishermen’s villages and relax in the leisure pace which is far away from the hustle and bustle. It is a perfect destination to make further plans of day and overnight tours.
ATTRACTIONS
• Cocoa plantations
The Island is famous for many rocas which are the cocoa plantations. The largest plantation in the country, Agostinho Neto is an ideal example of the colonial past of Sao Tome. Agua Ize plantation can be toured by train which is an amazing experience. The other popular plantations are Monte Café and Ribeira Peixe.• Bom Bom Island
This Island renowned for its deep sea swimming is situated off Principe’s northern coast. Tourists can enjoy on the beautiful resort on the island and bathe in the amazing sun.• Sao Joao dos Angolares
This remote fishing town also has a fortress of Sao Sebastiao housing a museum displaying a collection of religious and colonial art.• Praia Jale
This ecotourist haven is the southern most point of the country where the tourists can witness the nesting sea turtles and explore the under water world.• Waterfalls
Sao Tome has some stunning waterfalls like the Boca de Inferno also called Hell’s Mouth, Cascada Sao Nicolau and several in Ilheu da Rolas. Tourists can also witness special humpback whales coming to the waters near Sao Tome from July to October. • Banana Beach
Get spoiled in swimming, diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of this deserted beach. There are more white sand and black sand beaches for tourists to relax and enjoy.• Pico de Sao Tome
Visitors must visit this highest mountain of the archipelago providing spectacular view of the island. • Ilheu da Rolas
This islet also known as Turtledove Island is anotherFavoured tourist destination famous for its diving white sand beaches. The equator passes through this island making it significant in its geographical location giving a chance to the visitors to straddle the equator.
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
Most of the travellers reach Sao Tome by air via Portugal or Gabon. Angola, Ghana and Cape Verde also provide service of direct weekly flights to Sao Tome now. The national carrier Air Sao Tome has direct flights from Lisbon and Libreville having reasonable prices. Transportation by sea is also possible through Port Mole in Libreville from where the cargo ship leaves for Sao Tome. It is not much advisable as it is a tiring and expensive journey. To travel within, panoramic and charter flights are available on demand though they are expensive. Travelling by road is convenient although the roads are in a bad shape along with the animals and potholes on the road causing problems to drive. There is a decent bus network and tourists can also travel by sharing yellow taxis. Miramar hotel located in the capital provides the car hire facility. There are also frequent ferry services between Sao Tome and Principe.
The communication system on this island has been fairly developed with the advent of technology. There are several internet cafes available though the connectivity may be slow and the rates can be high. The mobile network coverage is good at most of the places on the island. There is freedom of press in the country although the present TV and radio stations are state owned. There is also a newspaper published daily in Portuguese.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Although Sao Tome has several restaurants in the capital serving all cuisines but the roadside eating establishments are more encouraged by the local inhabitants. The local dishes are very spicy out of which the national specialities are grilled fish and chicken, fried fish and cooked bananas. Large land snails called buzios is another local delicacy and can be enjoyed with the tropical fruit and palm wine. Tourists should make a reservation in the restaurants in order to notify the owner about the amount of food required to be prepared.
There is a range of accommodation available especially in the capital city. Miramar Hotel is one such renowned hotel providing many facilities and comforts. Many other activities can be found in the vicinity of the hotels such as car rentals, boat charters, travel agency and walking tours in the tropical jungles of the high mountains. There is also a chain of inns run by the state government with basic standard facilities and reasonable prices. Tourists who want to experience local culture can also opt for bed and breakfast. Outdoor travellers can stay in the luxury resorts or can do camping and caravaning on several deserted beaches.
Tourists must visit this nature rich unique island and explore Africa according to their own whim with thrilling sea world, volcanic mountains and exotic jungles. One can enjoy the breath taking scenery on this island which is far from mass tourism. It is an island about which many tourists have not heard of but when they visit they certainly don’t want to leave soon.
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