Full Description
Marooned off the coast of Gabon, the volcanic islands of Sao Tome & Principe are a largely undiscovered, uniquely rewarding and safe destination with an exciting blend of African, Portuguese and Caribbean cultures. Explore secluded beaches and colonial plantation houses; spot endemic rainforest birds and learn about medicinal plants; scale the Pico and dive in toasty waters; taste the world's best chocolate; watch turtles hatching and get into the laid-back, 'leve-leve' Santomean groove. This remains the only dedicated guide to this island paradise.
Contents
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1Chapter 1 Background Information 3Geography and climate 3, Natural history andconservation 4, History 16, Politics and society 22,Economy 26, People 30, Religion 32, Education 33,Culture 33Chapter 2 Practical Information 47When to visit 47, Highlights and itineraries 47, Touroperators 49, Red tape 53, Embassies and consulates 54,Getting there and away 56, Health 62, Safety 74, Whatto take 75, Money 76, Budgeting 77, Getting around78, Accommodation 78, Eating and drinking 79, Publicholidays and opening hours 85, Shopping and services 85,Activities 88, Arts and entertainment 94, Photography 94,Media and communications 95, Language 99, Business100, Buying property 100, Tourism 101, Cultural etiquette101, Travelling positively 102PART TWO SAO TOME 107Chapter 3 Sao Tome: the Capital 109Highlights 110, Getting there and away 110, Gettingaround 110, Tourist information and travel agencies112, Where to stay 114, Where to eat and drink 118,Entertainment and nightlife 121, Shopping 123, Otherpracticalities 126, What to see and do 131Chapter 4 The North and Northwest 137Highlights 137, Getting around 137, Northern beaches137, Guadalupe town 140, From Guadalupe to Neves 142,Neves 143, Neves to the end of the road 144 Chapter 5 The Interior 151Highlights 151, Getting around 151, Madre de Deus 151,West of Madre de Deus 153, Trindade 155, From Trindadeto Bombaim 156, Towards Bom Sucesso, Monte Cafe andNova Moca 158Chapter 6 The East and South 163Highlights 163, Getting around 163, From Sao Tome toSao Joao dos Angolares 163, Sao Joao dos Angolares andaround 168, From Sao Joao dos Angolares to Porto Alegre173, Porto Alegre 173, Ilheu das Rolas 178, Th e Southwest184PART THREE PRINCIPE 185Chapter 7 Principe 187Highlights 188, History 188, Culture and tradition188, Getting there and away 189, Getting around 191,Other practicalities 192, Santo Antonio: the capital 193,Exploring the rest of Principe 199, Activities 204, BomBom Island resort 207Appendix 1 Wildlife Glossary 210Appendix 2 Language 219Appendix 3 Further Information 233Index 246
