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The most scenic drive in Sao Tome is that to the Equator

My second day in Sao Tome was Crazzzzzzyyyyy! Believe me I do not use this words for nothing.  I doubt I have actually ever used it. On day 2, partly for cost reasons and partly because I had heard enough portugese conversations to last me my entire trip. I decided to do car pooling with some Ghanaians who were headed to the South of Sao Tome. To sum it up, It was lit.

Sao Tome and Principe

This day, we went on one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on. It is till date, my best group adventure ever. From vibing to Nigerian and Ghanaian songs, to gist about all the things you can imagine, it was a nice time out and I really rook forward to a next time. Anyways back to the story. The scenic drive was through the south of Sao Tome and all the way up to the equator.

South of Sao Tome

We set out at about 9am, had breakfast, got gas and headed to the South of Sao Tome. Just as we were out of town, we were greeted by some of the most amazing scenery and architecture I have seen. We stopped almost every 15minutes to take pictures.

South of Sao Tome

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With landscape so gorgeous, we were never tired.

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We made a quick stop by at  Hell’s mouth.

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Further South we found one of the most impressive rock formations on the island – the Pico Cao Grande. The needle shaped volcanic plug, located in the South of Sao Tome Island in São Tomé and Príncipe is an over 2,175 feet extinct volcano. I had seen pictures on Instagram but it looked nothing like seeing the real thing. We made several stops just to have a nice view but the haze, clouds and vegetation kept messing with us, we took some pictures and left.

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Just when we were about giving up, we saw the whole peak in all its might albeit a distance away and as usual we made a stop promising ourselves that this was the last.

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After about 30 Minutes away from our last stop, We got to Ponta Baleia Pier where we were to take a boat to Ilheu das Rolas – the islet where the Equator is located. After making enquires, we were informed that it would cost us €35 each for a return trip to the island, we thought this was expensive and decided to explore the other option. We drove 5 minutes down to Porto Alegre from where we were transported to the islet by a fisherman boat. We were charged €10 each which could have been less if we bargained. After being handed a life jacket, we got on board and headed to Ilheu das Rolas.

Porto Alegre Sao Tome

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Touch down Ilheu das Rolas, we were approached by a local who offered to take to the equator. Let no one device you, the journey from the bank to get up to the equator is by no means a small feat, it was pretty much a bit of hiking and a tiring one. All I can say is brace yourselves! After about 20 Minutes of walking through the village ,encountering more pigs than I have ever seen and a bit of hiking, we were faced with the equator – one of the thirteen points where the earth is divided into the northern and the southern hemisphere.

Ilheu das Rolas

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Ilheu das Rolas

The route to the south of Sao Tome is one with a lot of curves and sharp bends. I would recommend that you be careful if you are unfamiliar with this route or rather hire a driver. A friend who was there before us hired a motorbike to do the trip and paid 20.

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I totally enjoyed my time in to the South of Sao Tome and it is highly recommended.

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10 Comments

  • Reply Viktor September 9, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    When next are you travelling please? I have to tag along!

    • AE
      Reply AE September 9, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      Lol…Hi Victor! I’m looking at December. Most likely a French speaking country

  • Reply Patric September 9, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    Looks like a nice place to visit.

    • AE
      Reply AE September 9, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      It’s a really really nice place!

  • Reply KennyKing DT September 10, 2018 at 6:14 am

    I love the green lush flower and the amazing landscape. You should take me on some of your trips o ?

    • AE
      Reply AE September 22, 2018 at 11:37 am

      Lol…I should

  • Reply Sele September 10, 2018 at 6:43 am

    Cool..
    But the location of the equator? I’m sure gonna be there soon.

    • AE
      Reply AE September 22, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Yeah! The equator goes through about 8 countries in the world and Sao Tome is one of them.

  • Reply Tochukwu September 30, 2018 at 5:05 pm

    It’s not fair oooooo, this got me all excited and I so much want to catapult myself to those scenes right away.
    I am usually a solo traveler but it’s obvious STP trip won’t be fun if not in company of others.

    • AE
      Reply AE September 30, 2018 at 5:35 pm

      Lol…I wish I could also catapult to my favourite destinations. I’d definitely recommend going with a group unless you’re extremely extroverted and good at getting acquainted with other travelers and locals

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