13/09/2026
29 birds, two islands, one obsessed zoologist
The first bird you'll likely spot is a yellow-billed kite, circling São Tomé city's Ana Chaves Bay on the hunt for fish scraps. That's just the welcome party.
São Tomé and Príncipe has stayed largely untouched, so its rainforests and volcanic mountains remain what the birds need: undisturbed and thriving. That's exactly why it's known as the African Galápagos, home to 29 endemic species, including the world's largest weaver and sunbird, and a local prinia whose name literally translates to 'Greetings to God' because it claps its wings at first light. A grosbeak once written off as extinct for 100 years reappeared in 1991 and was only photographed in 2006.
Our managing director Alice Gully has been fascinated by birds since her zoology days at Newcastle University, and that passion sent her out to find these species herself. She mapped out exactly where to look on each island (São Miguel alone has 20 endemics), and she carefully crafted two inspirational holidays from the trip: 14 days across both islands, or eight for those strapped for time. Read the full guide on where to spot each species, find the link in the comments below.
Our experts are on the ground in Africa and the Indian Ocean twice a year, so the advice is fresh and first-hand. Chat with Alice to find out why these two lesser-known islands have captured her heart.
