Incredible African island completely ignored by tourists is 'heaven on Earth'
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Holiday-seekers looking beyond the well-trodden paths to Africa's beautiful islands often think of Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Zanzibar, with their sun-soaked beaches and azure waters. Yet, there's a hidden gem off West Africa's coast that remains off the radar for most: Sao Tome and Principe.
This equatorial paradise, part of a volcanic archipelago, boasts stunning beaches, expansive jungles, and idyllic weather. Despite its allure, it only sees around 15,000 visitors annually, standing as one of the world's most obscure travel spots. In 2017, a tour operator told the Telegraph, "It's not forgotten. It's never been discovered.".
Setting it apart from some of its neighbours, Sao Tome and Principe shines as a beacon of peace and democracy within Africa. Luis Miguel, a Sao Tome tour guide, described it to CNN in 2020 as "heaven on Earth." Lonely Planet has compared its splendour to the Seychelles, while others have dubbed it the "Galapagos of Africa.", reports the Express.
UNESCO recognizes its jungles as a biosphere reserve, teeming with exotic fruits and distinctive wildlife. The islands' secluded nature means tranquil, unspoiled beaches await adventurous travellers. However, despite the lack of tourists, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. These include hiking, diving, snorkelling, trekking, and a visit to the iconic Pico Cao Grande a towering volcanic rock that stands at 1,213 feet tall.
It comes as a ramped-up tourism effort hopes to encourage more visitors to three countries - and offers an alternative to crowded destinations. The new tourism initiative, named TRILAND, has been launched by three southern African countries - Mozambique, South Africa (Mpumalanga province) and Eswatini. The project aims to promote tourism and sustainable development within the industry.
