Terrestrial activities
A large amount of the island is covered by primary forest, particularly in the south, which has a dramatic mountainous landscape formed from the solidified magma chambers of the extinct volcanoes. The forest, protected by Príncipe biosphere reserve, has a rich diversity of plants, insects, reptiles and birds many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The island offers visitors several interesting walks, varying in difficulty, distance and duration, which you can access by quadbike, or 4×4 vehicle provided by the hotel. Nearer to Belo Monte, there are several shorter walks through the forest with spectacular views of the ocean below.
The other special aspect of the island is the people, culture and Roças (plantations). Cocoa, coffee and coconuts were grown and cultivated on the island, and many old plantations are still present, in various states of disrepair, displaying colonial Portuguese architecture. Trips into the smallest capital in the world Santo Antonio are available, to walk around, get lunch and experience island life as it is for the locals. In August the cultural festival of São Lorenço begins, demonstrating the bright colours of the costumes and masks unique to this occasion along with tradition music and dances. The cultural excursions can also be combined with some of the nature hikes.
Helicopter
Different possibilities for conservations tours with a helicopter including a scientific presentation to showcase the island and the conservation projects that Roça Belo Monte supports.
€ on request
Hiking excursions
Ribeira Ize
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 4.13 km
Difficulty: medium
Santa Joaquina
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 8.69 km
Difficulty: easy
Pico Papagaio
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 10.3 km
Difficulty: difficult
€ 60.00 pp
Hikes from Roça Belo Monte € 35.00 pp
Vehicle excursions
Cultural vehicle trips € 60.00 pp
São Lorenço Celebration mid August € 60.00 pp
Waterfall and Roça excursions
Oquê Pipi and Claudio Corallo
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: moderate
€ 60.00 pp
Monte Alegre and Roça Sundy
Distance: 4 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate
€ 60.00 pp
Conservation presentations
Join us in the Roça Belo Monte auditorium for scientific presentations about the conservation projects we support.
Nature
São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest African country – larger only than the Seychelles in terms of population. São Tomé is 50 kilometers (31 miles) long and 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide and the more mountainous of the two islands. Its highest peak reaches 2,024 meters (6,640 feet).
Wildlife
The geographic isolation from Africa has resulted in high levels of endemism. Overall, São Tomé and Príncipe has 143 birds, 15 mammals, 14 reptiles, and 9 amphibians.
Climate
You can visit the islands of Sao Tome and Principe all year around. The climate is tropical with average yearly temperatures of about 27°C (80°F) and little daily variation.
People
São Tomé and Príncipe is a place with a rich cultural heritage where people are happy to meet you. The lack of tribal, ethnic or religious conflict adds to the friendly “leve leve” (as the locals say, “easy-easy”) atmosphere.