Wild São Tomé & Príncipe: Endemics Birding Tour

Gain A Huge Count Of Endemics In Just 11 Days

Wild São Tomé & Príncipe: Endemics Birding Tour

per person

This birding tour in São Tomé & Príncipe targets 29 endemic species plus 6 potential endemics, including rare species like São Tomé Ibis and Giant Weaver. These dramatic, pristine islands offer an extraordinary opportunity for remarkable endemic birding.

The islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea, are situated approximately 180 miles from the African mainland. This tour focuses on observing the 29 currently recognized endemic bird species found on these islands, as well as six additional species that are likely to be classified as endemics soon.

 

The primary targets include the Critically Endangered São Tomé Ibis, the unique Giant Weaver (which resembles a tree creeper), the sought-after Giant Sunbird, São Tomé Fiscal, São Tomé Grosbeak, and two peculiar species of Speirops. These are among the most notable endemic birds we aim to encounter during this exploration.

 

São Tomé & Príncipe offer a dramatic and pristine environment for birding. Despite being an often overlooked destination in Africa, these islands provide an extraordinary opportunity to observe remarkable endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Join us on this tour to experience the captivating avian diversity of this island paradise.

Sao Tome Scops Owl © Pete Morris

Príncipe Thrush © Daniel López Velasco

Blue-breasted Kingfisher © Daniel López Velasco

São Tomé Paradise Flycatcher © Daniel López Velasco

Bird count: Over 200

 

Speed: Relaxed and Thorough – This tour is designed to proceed at a leisurely pace, allocating ample time at each destination to maximize our chances of observing the target species..

 

Tour difficulty: Moderate – While some on-foot birding activities can be challenging due to humidity, we have structured the tour to avoid overly strenuous or enduring tasks. Periods of high winds provide a welcome respite from the humidity. Overall, the physical demands are moderate and should be manageable for reasonably fit individuals.

 

When to visit: The peak birding season is from October to March. This is the drier period when many migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa visit the islands, providing an opportunity to see a greater variety of species.

If you’re interested in witnessing breeding behaviors and observing resident bird species, the best time to visit is from July to September. This coincides with the breeding season for many endemic and native birds, such as the Sao Tome Fiscal and Sao Tome Grosbeak.

 

The rainy season runs from October to May, with the heaviest rainfall between March and May. While birding is still possible during this time, the wet conditions can make it more challenging. However, the lush vegetation and increased insect activity can attract certain bird species.

 

Due to this narrow window for optimal visits (September through early December), accommodations often fill up quickly. Planning individual trips can be challenging due to Madagascar’s complexities, leading many to opt for an organised birding tour rather than navigating the island independently, despite potential cost savings.

 

Sustainability: At Wild Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip! 

São Tomé and Príncipe Birdwatching Holiday
São Tomé Ibis

Birding highlights

  • São Tomé Thrush
  • São Tomé White-eye
  • São Tomé Scops Owl
  • São Tomé Prinia
  • São Tomé Paradise Flycatcher
  • Black-capped Speirops
  • São Tomé Olive Pigeon
  • Giant Sunbird
  • São Tomé Oriole
  • Giant Weaver
  • Island Bronze-naped Pigeon
  • Chestnut-winged Starling
  • Red-headed Lovebird
  • Newton’s Sunbird
  • São Tomé Shorttail
  • Príncipe Speirops
  • Príncipe Golden Weaver
  • Príncipe Starling
  • Príncipe Thrush
  • Príncipe Sunbird
  • Príncipe White-eye
  • Príncipe Weaver
  • São Tomé Spinetail
  • Dohrn’s Thrush-Babbler
  • Black Noddy
  • Bridled Tern
  • Príncipe Scops Owl
  • Harlequin Quail
  • Golden-backed Bishop
  • White-winged Widowbird
  • São Tomé Green Pigeon
  • São Tomé Seedeater
  • Departure
    Príncipe
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Birding Telescope
    Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    Handpicked Top Accommodation
    Led by our Professional Bird Guide & Tour Leader
    Mineral Water
    National Park Fees
    Professional Driver
    Updated Bird Checklist
    Vehicle
    WiFi

TOUR LOCATION

Sao Joao dos Angolares, Monte Carmo Forest, Principe Island & São Tomé

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