The Galapagos of Africa, these
two islands treasure over 25 striking endemic bird species. However,
few birders have ventured to São Tomé e Príncipe,
this friendly, laid-back and unusual country.
São Tomé is much larger than Príncipe.
It has more bird species and 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, in search of the enticing
Dwarf Olive Ibis, São Tomé
Short-tail, Giant Sunbird, and, if we
are very fortunate, the critically endangered São
Tomé Grosbeak. Príncipe is smaller
and more laid back. Its six endemics include the unusual Dohrn’s
Thrush Babbler.
Our 8 day tour moves 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.
This trip may run before our 14 day birding tour to
Gabon or after our 18 day Comprehensive Tour to Ghana.
For practical information,
please see below.
Probably the best guide in
Africa, U. Toresson, 2011
Birding with Michael is as
good as it gets, K.D., 2011
Excellent guide, S.
Lowe, 2011
Is an excellent guide and
his hearing and knowledge about vocalisations is exceptional..!,
B. Sjölinder, 2011
It was a very successful
trip. ... Our guide was marvellous and extremely knowledgeable.
... We saw 31 of the 43 "most wanted" birds and a new species record
for Sao Tome' ( Grey-rumped Swallow) ... Thanks for all your help L. F., Canda, 2010
For comments from participants
on earlier tours, please have a look at our client
comments page.
Sao Tome's volcanic highlands on a Birding Africa tour.
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
Various times, please enquire.
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.
Booking
Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.
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.
