Ecotourism in the Obo National Park : Suggested programmes

Suggested programmes

There is many possible itineraries on São Tomé island. See below the ones recommended by ECOFAC.

Walk to Lagoa Amélia (3 hours)

D1 : Bom Sucesso - Lagoa Amélia - Bom Suces
Walk from Bom Sucesso (1.115 meters asl) to reach Lagoa Amelia, strange volcanic crater deep in the forest of the Obo National Park.

On the way back , visit of the Bom Sucesso botanical garden where it is possible to see more than 100 different orchids from São Tome.

Walk between Bom Sucesso and Bombain

D1 : Bom Sucesso - Bombain
Morning departure from Bom Sucesso (1.115 m. asl) to reach Lagoa Amelia; . 6 hours walk on a trail which passes through the old roças of Nova Ceilão and Zampalma. Follow the Rio Abade to reach the roça of Bombain .

Observation of marine turtle nesting

The beaches on the north, east, and south east of the island are used by nesting marine turtles. Five species can be seen in Sao Tomé : the green turtle, the leatherback, the olive riddley, the hawksbill and the caouanne. The nesting period is between October and February. It is possible to see females at night digging theirs nests and laying eggs.

Bird watching

São Tomé is also an ornithologist's paradise : 143 species are known for the archipelago with a high degree of endemism. Several rare endemic species can be observed : Principe white-eye, São Tomé short tail, giant weaver, São Tomé giant sun bird, Maroon pigeon, Dwarf olive Ibis, São Tomé fiscal shrike, etc…
For bird lovers we highly recommend the guide book : "Oiseaux de São Tomé et Principe" written by Patrice Christy and edited by Ecofac.

Good birding areas are : São João dos Angolares, Lagoa Amélia (mountain forest) ; São Miguel, Xufexufe and Quija (lowland forest) ; between Diogo Nunes and Lagoa Azul (north coast savannahs).

Ascension of Monte Pico

D1 : Bom Sucesso - Monte Pico (7 hours walk)
Departure from Bom Successo to begin the climb through primary forest on the slopes of Monte Pico. Passing through Calvario (1.525 m), after a difficult exposed section camp at 1.875 meters. Night under canvas.

D2 : Monte Pico - Neves (6 to 7 hours walk)

Early morning final climb of one hour to reach the highest point of São Tomé (2.024 m). If no clouds, spectacular view of the island before the descent to Neves in the north part of the island.

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	*Suggested programmes* There is many possible itineraries on São Tomé island. See below the ones recommended by ECOFAC.
	Walk to Lagoa Amélia (3 hours) D1 : Bom Sucesso - Lagoa Amélia - Bom Suces Walk from Bom Sucesso (1.115 meters asl) to reach Lagoa Amelia, strange volcanic crater deep in the forest of the Obo National Park. On the way back , visit of the Bom Sucesso botanical garden where it is possible to see more than 100 different orchids from São Tome.
	Walk between Bom Sucesso and Bombain D1 : Bom Sucesso - Bombain Morning departure from Bom Sucesso (1.115 m. asl) to reach Lagoa Amelia; . 6 hours walk on a trail which passes through the old roças of Nova Ceilão and Zampalma. Follow the Rio Abade to reach the roça of Bombain .

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