Discover Interior Spaces in Windhoek, Khomas - A Guided Interior Tour You’ll Love

Summary: I’ve always been attracted by unusual destinations, the places people can’t quite locate on the map. So many of the places we visit are overshared on social media, so I make it my mission to discover the ones which are more under the radar. There’s something especially alluring when those places happen to be remote islands and far flung archipelagoes, unique microcosms stark against the sea. That’s why I chose to visit São Tomé & Principe Islands. It’s one of the least visited countries in the world. Throughout my 10 days there I only bumped into a couple of dozen other travellers. I often found myself to be the only person hiking in the forest or swimming at a totally deserted beach. It’s known as the African Galapagos. The remoteness of this archipelago has helped preserve its lush, biodiverse wilderness - definitely one of the biggest highlights of the destination. São Tomé and Príncipe is home to more endemic species per square mile than the Galapagos Islands. If you thought São Tomé was remote, wait until you approach tiny Príncipe. As you fly there from São Tomé on a small propeller plane, the vastness of the ocean highlights how isolated this second island is. Seen from the sky, Príncipe is almost totally covered by lush wilderness plunging into the sea, with a magnificent topography of volcanic features and towering spires. All the beaches are wild and truly pristine. Praia Bateria, Praia Banana, Praia Boi are without doubt some of the best beaches I have seen in the world. Imagine smooth white sand, massive boulders, a backdrop of virgin forest and palm trees and crystal clear equatorial waters -  certainly rivalling (and even beating) more iconic tropical paradises such as the Seychelles or Philippines. It’s not every day that you stand on the equator, with one foot in the northern and the other in the southern hemisphere. But it’s possible when exploring the paradisiac Rolas Island, a tiny islet off the southern tip of São Tomé. Rolas Island  is located a mere 6 degrees longitude of the Prime Meridian line, making it the nearest landmass to the coordinates 00N 00E - this means you are almost standing in the centre of the Earth. The boat ride across to Rolas from São Tomé takes just 20 minutes, but the views of the vast Atlantic and pristine beaches make for an exciting sailing adventure. The Archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe is an important breeding and feeding area for five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, including hawksbill and leatherback. Sea turtles usually start arriving on the beaches of São Tomé around November, and can be seen laying eggs through to February. Do not forget to save her the islands delicious cuisine! Local fish and seafood is the island’s staple, and served every day on the menu, accompanied by jackfruit, fried bananas and rice. I tasted the best stewed octopus (*polvo*) of my life in a tiny local eatery in the island of Príncipe - home-cooked and served by Margarita, the local owner. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time on the islands so there’s no need to worry about that. Highly recommend a visit if you get a chance, this is definitely a bucket list item!

Summary: Luís Afonso provided us with 7 wonderful days, everything was very well organized, always available at any time of the day. The tours were always carried out with the greatest of tranquility and great professionalism, we must also thank your collaborator Haymany, who was our driver and guide on most days. Regarding food, some meals were already included in the tour, the others we left to their discretion, which once again, they did not disappoint us, taking us to typical restaurants well known to them. The accommodation chosen was fantastic, nothing to write home about. We were always well received by the Staff. Always concerned about helping, simple and wonderful people we met. Once again we would like to thank Luís Afonso and Haymany for the time we spent together and it was a pleasure to meet them. I highly recommend Ban Bé Non Tours.

Summary: It was a interesting tour with a nice and good driver guide. I learnt something abourt coffee-plantages and slavery.