Pelorus adds São Tomé and Príncipe to destination portfolio

Luxury tailor-made operator Pelorus has added the African island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe to its destination portfolio.

 

The remote archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea is often referred to as the ‘West African Galápagos’ thanks to its extensive rainforests and marine reserves, which house 120 species of bird – 28 of which are endemic – and four species of turtle.

 

Pelorus said the addition of São Tomé and Príncipe was the result of “extensive research and reconnaissance”, adding that the destination aligned with the brand’s commitment to “high-value, low-impact travel”.

 

As well as wildlife encounters, which range from witnessing the annual whale migration to joining marine biologists in turtle conservation projects, Pelorus said guests travelling to São Tomé and Príncipe could expect authentic community experiences, including foraging and fishing with locals; adrenaline adventures such as abseiling through jungle waterfalls, motorbike tours and boat trips to remote coves; and Portuguese-African fusion cuisine.

 

Guests travelling with Pelorus will be accommodated in bespoke mobile camps in remote locations. 

 

The operator said the destination – accessed via Lisbon or Ghana – was an “exciting alternative” to frontier destinations such as Papua New Guinea and offered a “window into Africa as it was decades ago – wild, authentic and blissfully free of mass tourism”.

 

Pelorus co-founder Geordie Mackay-Lewis said: “There has never been a better time to travel to this beautiful nation and immerse oneself in the rich cultural history and natural beauty.

 

"Having sent a number of travellers to São Tomé and Príncipe in 2024, we are excited to formally launch this as our destination of 2025 following a number of years of dedicated governmental focus on preserving its biodiversity, to showcase the plethora of experiences Pelorus can arrange to explore pristine rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse marine life.

 

"We have seen a 200% increase in conservation-led experiences, with Pelorus clients requesting more purpose from their trips, and 42% of bookings in 2024 included an element of immersive cultural experience so São Tomé and Príncipe is spot on to deliver this to our guests.”