São Tomé & Principe
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Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea all have consulates in Sao Tome.
The international airport tax is always US$20 or 20 euros plus a 2% service charge. This creates a lot of problems for the poor airport staff who don't know in which currency they must collect the service charge or how to give change. So keep 3700 dobras to pay with which seems to be the only solution.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
Travel Tips
Behind the Mercado Municipal in Sao Tome there are money changers during the day.
Sao Tome is one hour behind the rest of the Central African countries.
Architecturally speaking Sao Tome is prettier than the "Spanish" neighbor Malabo but the city becomes dead after dark. There is no comparison with the night life of Equatorial Guinea. It is probably quieter than Bangui in Central Africa. In general it is very clean except the areas around the market.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
The road running north of Sao Tome offers some stunning views and, if you're willing to walk, some beautiful beaches. The beaches around the village of Micolo are worth a visit and the market in the village is ideal for buying a picnic lunch.
Buses run from Sao Tome to Guadalupe every couple of hours but it is easy to get shared taxis at any time of the day. To the north of Guadalupe the beach Praia dos Tamarindos is an idyllic spot for a swim. Lagoa Azul (the Blue Lagoon) has a rocky beach but is great for snorkelling. The north of the island is dominated by giant baobab trees in which numberous species of birds nest - the lizard life is quite varied too!
Kate Bretherton, UK (Aug 02)
Moving About
Sao Tome is served by 4 airlines. TAP flies from Lisbon twice a week. The Sunday flight also stops in Cape Verde. Angolan Airlines flies once a week with a stop in Cabinda. Four times a week Air Gabon and Air Sao Tome e Principe fly between Sao Tome and Libreville. Also four flights a week are going to Principe.
There is a car rental company 200 metres from Mistral voyage towards the airport.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
Agua Ize is the most interesting village because it is built from stones not wood like the other villages of the island. South of Sao Joao dos Angolares the nature becomes even more impressive. The most spectacular sight is the rock of Cao Grande which soars 633 meters above the plain. There is no road leading there but there may be some locals to show you the path.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
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