Seychelles

Seychelles Flag

Why visit Seychelles?

Ideal for the luxury traveler seeking to enjoy art, birdwatching, fishing, folk music, granite rock formations, hiking, natural scenery, rare birds, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, water sports, white-sand beaches, and windsurfing.

Photo Credit: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay 

 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Batiks, gold  jewelry, liqueur, paintings, pearl jewelry, perfumes, pottery, rum, sarongs, spices,  stamps, tea, and woven coconut palm goods. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bouyon Bred (fish soup). Breadfruit Chips (snack). Bringel (fired eggplant). Caris Masala (creole). Kari Sousouri bat curry). Kat-Kat Banane (fish dish). Ladob (dessert). Poison ek Diri (fish dish). Salade de Palmiste (salad). Santini (salad). Shark Chutney (delectable). Tru lu lu Crabs (crabs).
• Local Drink to Try: Bakka (rum). Eku (beer). Kala (coconut juice). Kalou (wine). SeyBrew (beer).

Fun Facts

• Consists of of 115 islands (Indian Ocean).
• Mahé Island is the largest. 
  
• Three largest islands are La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin.
• Sainte-Anne Marine National Park (Moyenne Island) is known for buried treasure and ghosts. 
  
• No hotel or resort may be taller than the palm trees.
• Divided into 26 regions.
  
• Home to the protected and rare Seychelles Black Parrot. 
• Eight districts make up the capital of Seychelles and referred to as Greater Victoria. 
• Most popular sport is basketball. 
  

A Closer Look of the Islands...

Aldabra Island "Living Natural-History Museum"

• Second-largest coral atoll in the world.
• Where giant tortoises are naturally found.
• Home to the rare white-throated rail.
• Offers no tourist facilities.
• According to the Island's Warden, any shorings must be accompanied by an Expedition Leader.

Aride Island

• Offers no tourist facilities.
• Overnight stays not permitted.
• Home to a seabird breeding colony.
• Scheduled Tour Boats depart from Praslin Island Monday - Friday.
• Leased and managed by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles. Formerly purchased (1973) by the late, Christopher Cadbury (1908 - 1995), English Conservationist & Chocolate-Manufacturing Company, Cadbury Brothers.

Cousin Island

• Formerly a coconut plantation.
• Nature Reserve protected under Seychelles Law as a Special Reserve (1975).
• Southern coast area is rocky.
• Has 3 small freshwater swamps.
• Where Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest.
• One of 4 islands home to the Seychelles Fody (bird).
• Often used by international research organizations as a research base.
• Ecotourism Program won several awards, the Condé Nast Ecotourism Award and Tomorrow Award.
• Accessible by sea from Praslin Island in the mornings, Monday - Friday. Closed on holidays and weekends.

Curieuse Island

• Home to the famous Coco de Mer tree.
• Offers red colored soil.
• Home to over 300 Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
• Second island to find the rare Seychelles Black Parrot.
• Satellite Camp for Global Vision International, a volunteer group focused on conservation.
• Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.

Denis Island

• A 375 acre private island owned by Kathy & Micky Mason.
• Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.
• Offers 25 guest chalets.
• Along the northern edge stands a lighthouse (1910).
• Chapel St Denis is prefect for Destination Weddings or Vow Renewals.
• A nature retreat without cellular connectivity or television.
• Family friendly.
• Ideal for birdwatching, fishing, open air spa services, relaxation, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.  

Fregate Island

• Known for the Oetker Collection's secluded private luxury resort (5 Stars).
• Reopening in 2024.
• Oetker Collection funds conservation and environmental programs.
• Voted "The World's Best Beach" (Anse Victorin) by The Times. 
• Where Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest.
• Central west highest point, Mount Signal (410 feet).
• Renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling.
• Island can privately host up to 79 guests.
• Island means of transportation is by bicycle, foot, or golf cart.
• Has its own harbor.
• Boat are required to present a Rat Free License to access.
• Has as a helicopter landing pad.
• Dirt runway, Frégate Island Airport (FRK).

La Digue Island

• Third most populated island. Population of approximately 2,800.
• Known for their beaches.
• Granite boulders are along the west coast.
• Anse Bonnet Carré Beach & Anse Cocos Beach are only accessible by foot.
• Most visited beaches are Anse Source d'Argent and Grand Anse.
• Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.
• Island means of transportation is by bicycle, foot, or ox-cart.
• Heaviest rainfall is from October - March.
• Most healthcare services are on Praslin Island or Victoria Island.
• Home to the rare bird, Black Paradise Flycatcher.
• Tallest peak (980 ft), Belle Vue (Eagle's Nest Mountain).
• Popular for guided hikes, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
• Ferry Pier offer bicycle rentals.
• Majority of vehicles are owned and operated by hotel/resort companies. 

Mahe Island

• Capital city is Victoria. 
• One of the world's smallest capitals (Victoria).
• Was largely a plantation owned by the Frichot Family.
• Largest and most populated of the islands.
• Seychelles Golf Club (Anse Aux Pins) offers a nine-course golfing.
• Tallest peak (2,969 ft), Morne Seychellois (Morne Seychellois National Park).
• Home to tuna fishing and canning industry (Port of Victoria).
• Known for art galleries, beaches, hiking, Hindu temple, open-air market, snorkeling, and tourist facilities.
• Great fishing for bonito, dogtooth tuna, marlin and/or wahoo.
• Snorkeling is best at Port Launay Marine National Park (Cap Ternay).
• Offers Tour Boat Tours to/from Cerf Island, Long Island, Moyenne Island, Round Island, and Sainte Anne Island.
• Casinos are found at the  Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort (Beau Vallon) and Plantation Club (Baie Lazare).

North Island

• Purchased (1997) for $5USD million by Wilderness Holdings Limited. 
• A luxury private island resort.
• Offers 11 private villas.
• Has 4 beaches; Dive Beach, East Beach, Honeymoon Cove, and West Beach (aka: Grande Anse).
• Where the Duke (Prince William) & Duchess (Catherine) of Cambridge spent their honeymoon (May 2011) after their Westminster Abbey nuptials (4/29/11).
• Permanent staff reside near the island's center.
• Popular activities include: deep sea fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and scuba diving.
• Upon arrival, the Resort Chef discusses guests' likes and dislikes further basing available ingredients.
• All food is either caught fresh from the sea, grown in an organic vegetable gardens, or reared on the island.

Praslin Island

• Formerly a hideaway for Pirates (1744).
• Second largest island.
• While Anse Volbert-Côte D’Or is their main beach, Anse Lazio is the best beach.
• A cruise ship port stop.
• Known for their unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids. 

Silhouette Island

• Third largest granitic island.
• Consists of 3 villages.
• Estimated population of 200.
• Mountainous island with 5 peaks.
• Offers 5 Star lodging, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

Photo Credit: pascal OHLMANN/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon, Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria, (March) International Deep-Sea Fishing Competition, International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), Semaine de la Francophonie, (April) Carnaval International de Victoria, National Fishing Competition, (May) Festival of Underwater Images, FetAfrik, Seychelles Arts Festival, (June) Festival of Classical Music, (July) Seychelles Fashion Week, (August) Beau Vallon Regatta, Festival de la Digue, Festival of the Assumption, La Digue Island, Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta, (September) Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta, Windsurfing Race, (October) Creole Festival, SUBIOS Underwater Festival, (November) World Championship of Fishing, and (December) Seychelles Ocean Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Liberation Day, Independence Day, Festival of the Assumption, All Saints, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• VISA not required but a Visitor’s Permit is obtained upon arrival.
  
• Seychelles is not for budget conscious travelers.
  
• Popular place for destination wedding, honeymoon, romance, and vow renewal.
• Credit cards are not necessarily widely accepted.
  
• Most visited beaches are: Anse Georgette (Praslin Island), Anse Intendance (Mahé Island), Anse Lazio (Praslin Island), Anse Soleil (Mahé Island),  Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue Island), Anse Takamaka (Mahé Island), and Petite Anse Kerlan (Praslin Island).
• Topless sunbathing is tolerated on resort beaches. Nudism is not permitted.
  
• Rainy Season is November - January.
  
• Prevalent Diseases include: Chikungunya. Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Typhoid.
• Snorkeling is best from April - May and October - November due to water clarity.
  
• Local Customs require Permits for alcohol, fruits, pharmaceuticals, radio equipment, tobacco, and/or vegetables.
• Most islands lie outside the Cyclone Belt, Season is May - November.
  
• Turtles nesting is from October - April. 
  
• International Driving Permit required.
• Bus Services are crowded and infrequent.
• Vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
• Bird watching is popular from April - October.
  
• Spear fishing is illegal.
  
• Scuba Diving is best between March - May and September - November.
• Ferry Service connects the islands of La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin.
• Well known for barracuda, bone fishing, marlin, milkfish, pompano, sailfish, swordfish, trevally, tuna, and wahoo.
• Have minimal street lights.
• Fishing Season is ideal from September - May.
  
• Amongst the Islands there's only one 18-hole golf course Praslin Island (Constance Lemuria Resort).
  
• Be aware of strong currents and rip tides.
  
• The Anse Major Trail at Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé Island) is popular for picturesque hiking.
• Sun is very strong.
  
• Flash photography at the Special Reserve (Cousin Island) is forbidden.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Photo Credit:Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - November
• Coolest Months: July - August 
• Hottest Months: December - April
• Peak Season: May - August & December - January

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aldabra and Vallée de Mai.

Eden Island, Seychelles. Photo Credit: Devadasu Gorrela/Pixabay 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

Serbia

Serbia Flag

Why visit Serbia?

Ideal for experienced European traveler seeking off-the-beaten path to experience architectural styles, bicycling, churches, culture, fishing, folk art, golf, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, monasteries, picturesque scenery, river cruises, rolling hills, ruins, skiing, spas, squash, and waterfall.

Belgrade, Serbia. Photo Credit: Djordje Jovanovic/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ajvar, art, Bermit (dessert wine), embroidery, handmade carpets, lace, leather boxes, licitar heart cookie, local honey, pottery, silver jewelry, tapestries, wines, wood carvings, and woolens.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Burek (stuffed pastry). Cevapcici (sausage). Gljeskavica (cheese pie). Kajmak (cheese spread). Leskovacka Muckalica (stew). Moussaka (casserole). Musaka (casserole). Peceno Prase (pig roast). Pljeskavica (meat patty). Sarma (stuffed cabbage).
• Local Drink to Try: Lozovaca (cognac). Rakia (spirit). Sljivovica (brandy). Vinkak (brandy).

Fun Facts

• The Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) is one of the oldest theatre festivals in the world (1967).
• Danube is the longest river passing through.
• Largest waterfall, Jelovarnik (Kopaonik).
  
• Home to 8 venomous snakes.
• Only European languages to use both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
  
• Wines are produced in 22 different geographical regions.
  
• One of the largest providers of frozen fruits to the European Union (EU).
  
• Second largest producers of plum and raspberry in the world.
• Has 3 opera houses: Madlenianum Opera (Belgrade), Opera of the National Theatre (Belgrade), and Opera of the Serbian National Theatre (Novi Sad).

Novi Sad. Photo Credit: Petar Ubiparip/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Kobasicijada, (March) Belgrade Dance Festival, Belgrade Design Week, Belgrade Fashion Week, (April) Resonate Festival, Serbia Fashion Week, Serbian Air Show, (May) Mikser Festival, (June) Bean Festival, Cinema City Film Festival, Pančevački Carnival, (July) Book Talk, EXIT Festival, Kosidba na Rajcu, (August) Belgrade Beer Fest, Guča Trumpet Festival, Lovefest, Tešnjar's Night, (September) Belgrade International Theatre Festival, Cabbage Festival, Festival of Street Musicians, Leskovac Grill Festival, Ljubičevo Equestrian Games, Nisville Internacional Jazz Festival, Roštiljijada Festival, Smederevska Jesen, and (October) Belgrade Music Festival.
• Holidays: Christmas Day, Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Day, Easter Monday, Labor Holiday, and Armistice Day.

Good to Know

• Travelers cannot enter using a passport previously reported lost or stolen. 
  
• Required to register with local police within 24 hours of arrival.
• Landmines are known around the borders Bosnia, Croatia and and Herzegovina.
  
• Entry from Kosovo without first having previously entered from another recognized entry point and obtaining a Serbian entry stamp will not be granted permission to enter.
  
• Most tourist visited areas are Belgrade and Novi Sad.
• Requires an International Driving Permit.
• Serbian liquors tend to be strong.
• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country.
  
• Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
• Blood alcohol level, 0.02% or higher is considered intoxicated; punishable by arrest and/or fines.
• Spa towns are  Banja Koviljača, Soko Banja, and Vrnjačka Banja.
• Avoid conversations about politics and religion.
• Buses are often crowded.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Vojvodina Region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border is prone to winter fog.
  
• Year round evenings require a light sweater.
• Most popular Mountain Resorts are Kopaonik, Stara Planina, and Ziatibor. 

Smederevo Fortress, Smederevo, Serbia. Photo Credit: Petar Ubiparip/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

Subject to droughts, earthquakes, floods, and storms.

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Months: November - March 
• Hottest Months: May - September
• Peak Season: June - August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gamzigrad-Romuliana Palace of Galerius, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, Stari Ras and Sopocani, Studenica Monastery, and Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards.

Photo Credit: Stevan Aksentijevic/Pixabay 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Senegal

Senegal Flag

"Bulge of Africa"

Why visit Senegal?

Known for beaches, birdwatching, culture, fishing, music, historical sites, and villages.

Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Beads, drums, glass paintings, masks, metal sculptures, musical instruments, printed fabrics, shell jewelry, wicker goods, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Banana Glacé (dessert). Bassi-Salté (stew). Chere (couscous). Footi (vegetable sauce). Maafe (stew). Thiakry (pudding). Thieboudienne (fish dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Attaya (tea). Bissap (juice). Dakhar (tamarind juice). Flag (beer). Gazelle (beer). Gingembre (ginger brew).

Fun Facts

• West African country.
  
• Exports calcium phosphate, chemicals, cotton, fabrics, fish, and groundnuts.
• The story-telling profession (griots) is passed down by generations; it requires years of apprenticeship training in genealogy, history and music. 
  
• African Renaissance Monument (Dakar) is the tallest statue in Africa.
• First African country to host an Olympic event, 2026 Summer Youth Olympics (Dakar).
  

Photo Credit: François BENOIS/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Abéné Festival, (February) Festival of Foundiougne, (April) Rites & Initiation Ceremonies, (May) Dak’Art Biennale, Exhibition & Festival Gorée Island, Kaay Fecc, St Louis Jazz Festival, (September) Kankourang Exit Festival, (October) Festival of the King, (November) Dakar Big Carnaval, Dakar Music Festival, Gorée Diaspora Festival, (December) Abéné Festivalo, Festival International du Film de Quartier, and Le Fanal.
  
• Holidays: New Year, Independence Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Korité, Day Off for Korité, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Tabaski, Tamkharit, Assumption of Mary, Grand Magal de Touba, Maouloud, All Saints' Day, and Christmas Day.
  

Good to Know

• Not the ideal destination for budget conscious travelers.
  
• Considered one of the best developed tourist industries in Africa. 
  
• Dress conservatively.
• Required to carry copies of your government issued ID at all times.
• Official language is French. 
  
• Cuisine is influenced by North African, French, and Portuguese.
  
• Southern region experiences the most rain.
• Riptides are strong.
  
• Avoid swimming alone, on isolated beaches.
  
• Avoid Casamance region.
• Rainy Season is July - September.
• Due to Harmattan winds between January - February air pollution is effected.
  
• Dry Season is December - April.
• Outside of the major cities lacks luxury lodging options.
• Most picturesque fine sandy white beaches are in Petite Cot.
  
• Known for shark, swordfish and tuna fishing.
• Homosexuality is illegal, punishable 1-5 years in prisons and a fine of 1,000,000fCFA (approximately $2,000USD).
• Beware of pickpocketing, purse-snatchers, and street crime.
• Remote areas are known to have landmines.
  
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Lacks medical facilities and treatment centers.
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Sanitation does not meet western standards.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections do not commonly occur. 
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Zika.
• Avoid swimming or wading in still waters due to Bilharzia (parasite).
• City of Dakar beaches are considered polluted. 
  

Photo Credit: Pierre2424/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 

Prone to droughts and Harmattan winds.

• Best Time to Visit: October - June
• Coolest Months: January - May 
• Hottest Months: July - November
• Peak Season: June - August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bassari, Fula & Bedik Cultural Landscapes, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Island of Goree, Island of Saint-Louis, Niokolo-Koba National Park, Saloum Delta, and Stone Circles of Senegambia.

Photo Credit: Pierre2424/Pixabay 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Flag

Why visit Saudi Arabia?

For the traveler seeking to enjoy Arabic culture, archaeological sites, desert scenery, history, horse racing, markets, religious shrines, and ruins.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Camel chairs, carpets, coffeepots, gold, Hofuf pots, hookahs, and pearls.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kabsa (rice dish). Mutabbaq (stuffed pancake). Saleeg (rice dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Sobia (cold drink).

Fun Facts

• Customs and traditions that date back to the 7th Century (601AD - 700AD).
  
• Since 2018, women are empowered to have a Driver’s License and legally drive.
  
• Second largest oil producer and exporter in the world.

Photo Credit: SofieLayla Thal/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) National Festival of Janadriyah, The Saudi Cup, (March) AlUla Hot Air Balloon Experience, Historic Jeddah Festival, Riyadh Spring Festival, Symphony Under The Stars, (April) King's Camel Race, (June) Saudi Comic Con, (July) Grand Hajj Symposium, Summer Festival, (August) Al Qassim Date Festival, Sharqiah Season Festival, Souk Okaz, (September) Hala Jeddah Festival, Riyadh International Book Fair, (October) Davos in the Desert, Future Investment Initiative Institute, Riyadh Spring Festival, (November) Red Sea International Film Festival, (December) Jeddah International Book Fair, MDL Beast, and Winter at Tantora Festival.
• Holidays: The Feast of the End of Ramadan, The Feast of the End of Hajj, Founding Day, and Saudi National Day. 

Good to Know

• Do not consider visiting unless you're willing to adhere to conservative Islamic attire requirements. 
  
• Land border crossings with Qatar are closed.
  
• Avoid Yemen area travel.
• Dress modestly.
• Business travelers require a sponsor.
• Commercial or personal drone use requires approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).
  
• Has no taxes.
• Public display of non-Islamic religious items is not permitted.
• Horse Racing Season is October - May.
  
• Consumption, importation, manufacture, or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs is severe punishment.
  
• Women should avoid traveling alone.
  
• Tourist VISA are granted to select organized tour groups.
  
• The weekend constitutes Thursday and Friday.
• Criticism of Islam or Muslim is not permitted.
  
• Friday is considered a day of prayer.
  
• LGBTI relations is subject to severe punishment.
  
• Tour itineraries are closely controlled.
  
• Photography of government buildings, governmental facilities, military bases, police, or security personnel is not permitted. 
  
• Electronic devices are subject to inspection upon entry and/or exit. 
  
• Religious shrines are only open to Muslims.
• Majority of spectator sports are only permitted to men. 
• Wearing lightweight cotton clothing is recommended.
  
• Air pollution is of concern in Al Jubail, Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh.

Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Photo Credit: GLady/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport  with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $16,000USD.

Prone to humidity and sandstorms.

• Best Time to Visit: April - May & October - November
• Coolest Months: November - February 
• Hottest Months: March - October
• Peak Season: October - February

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Al - Ahsa Oasis, Al - Hijr Archaeological Site, At - Turaif District in ad - Dir'iyah, Ḥimā Cultural Area, Historic Jeddah, and Rock Art in the Hail Region.

Photo Credit: ekrem/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Sao Tome & Principe

Sao Tome & Principe Flag

Why visit Sao Tome & Principe?

Ideal for the adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten tropical destination to enjoy enjoy beaches, birdwatching, camp on isolated beaches, deep-sea fishing, mountains, natural tropical scenery, rain forests, scuba diving, snorkeling, and waterfalls.

 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bead necklaces, postage stamps, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bobofrito (fried snack). Calulu (fish dish). Canjica (porridge). Estufa de Morcego (bat stew). Feijoada (fish stew). Moleo de Peixe (fish dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Aquadente (distilled). Criollo (beer). Gravana (rum). 

Fun Facts

• Islands formed approximately 30 million years ago.
• Volcanic soil dates back to 3 million years ago.
  
• Uninhabited until 1470.
• Home to the rare bird, São Tomé fisca.
  
• A part of the Cameroon Volcanic Mountain line.
• São Tomé is the most mountainous island.
• Pico Cão Grande (Great Dog Peak) is 2,175 ft above sea level (São Tomé).
  
• Largely exports cocoa and coffee.
• Coffee is often used as a seasoning or spice.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year, Day of King Amador, Commemoration of the Batepá Massacre, Labour Day, Independence Day, Armed Forces' Day, Nationalization of the Roças, São Tomé Day, and Christmas Day.
  

Good to Know

• Portuguese is the official language.
  
• Requires patience and time to get to the islands.
  
• Not considered touristy islands.
  
• Few carriers serve Sao Tome Airport (TMS).
• Prearranged transfers are highly recommended from Sao Tome Airport (TMS).
• Departure tax applies. Estimates around $20USD.
  
• Pick-pocketing is known to occur in tourist areas.
  
• Sanitization is considered below western standards.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Eastern Atlantic waters offer barracuda, black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, and yellow-fin tuna.
  
• Due to precipitation the southwestern region of the islands is the greenest.
  
• Medical care is limited.
• Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Rabies, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, and Yellow Fever. 
• Medication and pharmacies are limited.
• Strictly forbidden is photographing government buildings, military, or the Presidential Palace.
• Flights best connect the two islands.
  
• Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater due to Bilharzia (parasite).
  
• English is not spoken nor understood.
• Year-round humidity is approximately 80% - 90%.
• Rainy Season is October - May.
  
• Possession, trafficking, or use of illegal drugs is severe punishment.
• Evenings may require a sweater.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Backroads require four-wheel-drive vehicles. 
• Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes (São Tomé) is the only island hospital (São Tomé).
  
• Credit cards are not widely accepted.
  
• Legacy of Portuguese rule is visible in the country's culture, cuisine, customs, and music.
• ATMs only accept cards from local banks.
  
• Domestic Violence is a punishable crime with up to eight years in prison.
  
• Ferry Service between Sao Tome and Principe islands is limited. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required for longer than 15 days.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

Prone to droughts, flash floods, high humidity, hurricanes, landslides, and strong winds.

• Best Time to Visit: October - May
• Coolest Months: June - September
• Hottest Months: January - April
• Peak Season: April, June, & October - November

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.