The Ôbô Rainforest

Much of São Tomé and Príncipe is cloaked in dense, dripping equatorial rainforest, protected within the Ôbô National Park, a lush green wilderness of towering trees, tree ferns, waterfalls and mist-wreathed volcanic peaks. Long isolated in the ocean, the islands have evolved a remarkable array of unique species found nowhere else, including many endemic birds, orchids and giant begonias, earning the nation the nickname the African Galápagos among naturalists. Hiking the jungle trails, past cascades and through the humid, primeval forest, in search of rare birds and plants, or up toward the peaks, is a superb adventure for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

What you actually see

• The rainforest - the lush, dense equatorial jungle and peaks.
• The endemic birds - the many unique bird species of the islands.
• The orchids and plants - the rare endemic flora and giant begonias.
• The waterfalls and trails - the jungle cascades and hiking routes.

When to go

June to September, the drier gravana season, is the best time for hiking and birdwatching, when the trails are more manageable, though as an equatorial rainforest it is humid and rain is possible any time; early morning is best for spotting the endemic birds. Guides are essential for the jungle trails and greatly enhance wildlife sightings.

Honest expectations

The rainforest is dense, humid, wet and largely trackless, so exploring it means guided hikes on rough, muddy trails rather than easy sightseeing, and the rare endemic birds and wildlife take patience, a good guide and some luck to find; facilities are basic. For naturalists, birdwatchers and lovers of pristine jungle, though, the chance to explore the biodiverse forests of the African Galápagos, alive with species found nowhere else, is a genuine and rewarding adventure.

Nearby

Pico Cão Grande, the beaches and the old plantation houses are within reach.