National Geographic Traveller Food

It may be the second-smallest country in Africa, but
São Tomé and Príncipe has much to offer visitors. The
archipelago, located 150 miles off the west coast of Africa,
was once the world’s biggest cacao producer, earning itself a
name as the ‘Chocolate Islands’. In 2012, Príncipe became a
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, promoting efforts to preserve
the island. And there is plenty here worth preserving.
Tiny Príncipe is known for its unspoilt rainforest and, along
with its bigger sibling São Tomé, is still largely untouched
by tourism.
An unusual safari
Chocolate-lovers can experience a taste of São Tomé and
Príncipe’s rich cacao-producing history as part of the
Tropical Chocolate Safari, a week-long programme taking
place from 3-10 September. It’s an immersive line-up, with
writing workshops from Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat;
truffle-making classes from chocolatier David Greenwood-
Haigh; and chocolate tastings and visits to a historic cacao
plantation. Meals include a themed dinner at the OKA
restaurant at Sundy Praia Lodge, which was awarded the
‘Special prize Exterior’ by Prix Versailles in 2019 for its
architecture and bamboo dining area. Guests can stay at the
elegant Omali Lodge on Lagarto beach; the beachfront Bom
Bom resort; Roça Sundy, set within a restored plantation
house; or Sundy Praia Lodge, with its luxury tented villas.

Hotels

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  Bom Bom Principe

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  Omali

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  Roça

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  Sundy