Day 121 of 148 - SAO TOME, SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

Date: 5/05/2024     Day 121    Port Day: SAO TOME, SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

Description: Off the beaten path, São Tomé is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, bird watching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the tiny volcanic island offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Creole culture rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Planned Excursion: BIRD WATCHING & SAO NICOLAU WATERFALL

3.5 Hour     Moderate Activity    #TMS-002

Search for many of the approximately 135 avian species sighted around the island’s center.  Delight in approximately two hours of bird-watching near the enchanting São Nicolau (Saint Nicholas) waterfall.  Receive valuable information and helpful guidance from an expert guide.  Look for endemic species such as the bronze-naped pigeon, the giant weaver and the São Tomé paradise flycatcher.  Catalog sightings of African birds such as the harlequin quail and the velvet-mantled drongo.  Spot a São Tomé sunbird, formerly called the giant sunbird, which is unique to the area. 

Today's Update: I was able to change to the above excursion and my wife Cathy remained onboard.  It was reported and proved true that none of the tour buses had air-conditioning.  It was a hot and humid day and Cathy has been suffering from the heat when on tour.  We crossed the equator overnight for the 4th time on this World Cruise.  

My excursion today was longer than planned.  We went high into the mountains over 3,000 feet up to a botanical garden to look for the birds.  The birds are attracted to the gardens to feed (mostly in the morning).  We were delayed in getting off the ship and the rugged hour and half bus ride to the botanical garden, we did not arrive until midday.  Many of the birds were done feeding and laying low, roosting now in the building heat of the day.  So unfortunately we saw few birds and those we did find were high in the trees.  It was a bit cooler that this elevation and it was a nice walk in the woods viewing trees and plants of the garden.  

Our bus trip up to the botanical garden area was an adventure of it's own.  When we turned off the main paved road, we started up a rough cobblestone road.  It took another 45 minutes riding this narrow road traveling higher into the mountains.  We past through some small villages and the road was broken up or washed out in places.  There were many sharp rocks in the road and I was a bit worried we might get a flat tire.  I was amazed we navigated this road in both directions without getting one.  On our way back from the botanical garden we stopped at the waterfall.  It was impressive and were told it was the largest on the island.  

Click Here --> SAO TOME PICTURES

Click Here --> SAO TOME Saint Nicholas Falls VIDEO