The Galapagos of Africa, these
two islands host a treasure-chest of striking endemic birds; more
than 25 species are found here only. Few birders have ventured to
São Tomé e Príncipe, a friendly, laid-back
and rather unusual country.
São Tomé, by far the larger of the two islands,
has a more diverse avifauna with most of the endemics. In the beautiful
volcanic highlands, we will search for São Tomé
Olive Pigeon, São Tomé Speirops
and a host of other endemics. We will also launch a mini-expedition
to the remote southern lowlands, where enticing species include
Dwarf Olive Ibis, São Tomé
Short-tail, Giant Sunbird, and, if we
are very fortunate, the critically endangered São
Tomé Grosbeak. Príncipe, still more
laid back, has six of its own endemics, including the unusual Dohrn’s
Thrush Babbler.
Our 7-night tour is run at a relaxed pace, although the expedition
to the south of São Tomé is quite demanding. In addition
to seeing most of the endemics, there will also be the opportunity
to soak up some of the relaxed atmosphere.
For more information on our Sao Tome and Principe birding tour itineraries,
please contact
us.
Featured
Leaders: Callan Cohen
Callan recommends: This tour
is well suited to world listers, and keen birders with a sense of
adventure.
Callan
Cohen founded Birding Africa 12 years ago and has
written two books, including the birding site guide to southern
Africa and Madagascar. Callan has over 20 years of birding
experience in the region.
'Special thanks must be credited to Marje Hemp of Birding
Africa who worked tirelessly in answering our many queries and requests
and also to Callan Cohen for all the additional bird-finding help
and advice so freely given; without Birding Africa's input the trip
would surely not have been the smooth-running success which it turned
out to be and we would urge anyone who follows in our footsteps
to do so with the assistance of this first class company.'
IM, Leicestershire
'Many thanks for such a comprehensive set of information...
but then I'd expect nothing less after all of your previous hard
work and attention to detail!
Sao Tome's volcanic highlands, seen on a Birding
Africa tour
* Price per person sharing a
room, ** Single room supplement.
* Included in the above price: Birding Africa tour leader, Birding
Africa printed booklet with species lists, boat trips as indicated
on the itinerary, road transport, guide fees, entry fees for the
parks, reserves and botanical gardens, full board accommodation.
Not included: international flights, drinks, optional tips, and
items of a personal nature.
* Price per person sharing a
room, ** Single room supplement.
* Included in the above price: Birding Africa tour leader, Birding
Africa printed booklet with species lists, boat trips as indicated
on the itinerary, road transport, guide fees, entry fees for the
parks, reserves and botanical gardens, full board accommodation.
Not included: international flights, drinks, optional tips, and
items of a personal nature.
Practical tour information
Focus
For keen birders and mammal
enthusiasts. Designed to see as many as possible endemic birds,
but while on the walks we spend a lot of time looking for other
aspects of wildlife such as mammals. We can also customise any
itinerary to suit to the keen birder, the wildlife enthusiast
or both.
Photography
Many participants on our trips are amateur wildlife photographers.
And when we get excellent views of a bird or mammal, some time
is usually spent watching and photographing it. However, this
is not a photographic tour and once the majority of the people
have felt that they have absorbed the animal or bird to their
satisfaction, then we move on in search of the next encounter.
Thus, while the photographic opportunities
are very good, the group will only occasionally wait for somebody
who wants to spend even longer getting better photos.
Fitness
A moderate degree of fitness is required. The walks are generally
in relatively flat areas with occasional small inclines. A few
walks with steep inclines are also included.
Timing
Climate
Warm to hot in the lowlands; can be cool in the forests and
highlands
Comfort
Basic to moderate comfort in local small hotes and guest houses.
Transport
We travel by minibus or four wheel drive vehicle.
Group Size
This depends on the specific tour. Please enquire.
Top birds
Unusual endemics such as Giant Sunbird, Dohrn's Thrush Babbler,
Sao Tome Speirops and Sao Tome Short-tail.
Top mammals
Booking
Please email
us if you wish to book. You will receive the booking form
and conditions and a tour information pack.
About Birding Africa
Birding Africa is a specialist birding tour
company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies,
botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's
and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides'
knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength
and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations
with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home
continent. We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.
