Pelorus Expands Destination Offering to São Tomé and Príncipe

Tailormade travel specialist Pelorus Travel announces that São Tomé and Príncipe – often referred to as the ‘West African Galapagos’ – is the newest destination to be added to its pioneering portfolio. This remote archipelago promises a wealth of endemic wildlife, rich cultural encounters, and extraordinary opportunities for exploration. The result of extensive research and reconnaissance, Pelorus’ new experiences align with the brand’s commitment to high-value, low-impact travel, working in partnership with local experts, conservationists, and communities to immerse travellers in the islands’ culture and natural beauty.

Photo credits: Pelorus Travel

For those in search of the rare and unspoiled, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a window into Africa as it was decades ago—wild, authentic, and blissfully free of mass tourism - while actively contributing to its preservation by ensuring local communities benefit directly from tourism, while supporting conservation initiatives.

Accessed via Lisbon or through Ghana, this rare gem offers an exciting alternative to frontier destinations such as Papua New Guinea, blending exploration, cultural immersion, and hands-on conservation for true, off-grid luxury.

Geordie Mackay-Lewis, Co-Founder of Pelorus comments “There has never been a better time to travel to this beautiful nation and immerse oneself in the rich cultural history and natural beauty. Having sent a number of travellers to São Tomé and Príncipe in 2024, we are excited to formally launch this as our destination of 2025 following a number of years of dedicated governmental focus on preserving its biodiversity, to showcase the plethora of experiences Pelorus can arrange to explore pristine rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse marine life. We have seen a 200% increase in conservation-led experiences, with Pelorus clients requesting more purpose from their trips, and 42% of bookings in 2024 included an element of immersive cultural experience so São Tomé and Príncipe is spot on to deliver this to our guests.”

Photo credits: Pelorus Travel

Pelorus highlights in São Tomé and Príncipe include:

• Bespoke Mobile Camps: Settle into private camps in truly remote locations, combining comfort with total seclusion in raw, unfiltered nature.

• Authentic Community Encounters: Whether foraging or fishing with local communities surfing with local women from SOMA, sharing a relaxed meal in a family home, or uncovering the history of the islands’ cacoa plantations, expect to engage deeply with the heartbeat of island life.

• Wildlife Expeditions in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Join marine biologists for hands-on turtle conservation, explore UNESCO-listed biosphere reserves, and witness the annual whale migration. Boasting around 120 bird species (28 endemic) and four turtle species, the islands’ pristine rainforests (making up 90% of the island of Príncipe) and marine reserves are sanctuaries for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Adrenaline Adventures: Abseil through jungle waterfalls, hop on a motorbike to cross the island stopping at hidden foodie spots, or explore untouched coves by private boat.

• Culinary Discoveries: Discover the islands' rich culinary heritage, including cacao and vanilla plantations, and experience Portuguese-African fusion cuisine. Enjoy a private sunset dinner amid the fragrant vanilla plantations, and experience a bespoke tasting of locally crafted gin, infused with flavours unique to this equatorial paradise.

More detail can be found here.