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ANNOUNCEMENT
Small Group Experiential Travel
22 Day Saint Helena, Angola & Sao Tome Tour

22 Day Saint Helena, Angola & Sao Tome Tour

with Martin Charlton
Tour Code
MCAN
When To Go
Start
Johannesburg (JNB)
End
Sao Tome (TMS)
Countries Visited (4)
Angola, Saint ...More >
Overnight In (7)
Luanda, Lubang...More >
Activity Level
2 - Moderate?
Tour Type
Cultural?
Tour Type
  • History
  • Overview
  • Info & Inclusions
  • Itinerary
  • Map & Hotels
  • Photos
  • Dates & Prices
Highlights
  • 22 Days
  • Max Group Size 14
  • Tracing the paths of Saint Helena’s famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon
  • Explore Angola's bustling capital of Luanda - with its mixture of ruined Portuguese colonial architecture, historic monuments and modern skyscrapers
  • Discover the breathtaking Calandula Falls - the 2nd largest on the continent
  • Visit local villages of the Muila and Mucubal people
  • Discover colonial architecture in Lubango and Namibe
  • Explore the dramatic black rock of Piedras Negras de Pungo Adongo
  • Drive the spiraling roads of the Leba Mountain Pass
  • Take a break at the freshwater oasis - Arco Lagoon
  • Witness the Tundavala Gap, the Serra da Leba Mountain Range and the Tchitundu Hulu Rock Art Sites
  • Explore the cocoa plantations, crumbling colonial architecture and primeval rainforests of Sao Tome
  • Singles friendly
    (view options for single travellers)

 


 

Description
Angola, Saint Helena, and Sao Tome & Principe - the ultimate adventure for those travellers who enjoy getting off the beaten track.

This is a tour that is guaranteed to offer pure and authentic experiences for all travellers… a one-of-a-kind adventure to a unique corner of the African continent.

We start with Saint Helena – one of the most remote places on earth and, until not long ago, also one of the most inaccessible A haven for travelers seeking unique experiences, this subtropical paradise offers a breath of fresh air.

The tropical island of Saint Helena, secluded in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a paradise steeped in history. Trace the paths of famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon, exploring its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Saint Helena's rich history adds depth to its allure. During our week on the island, we will uncover Saint Helena’s extraordinary sights and natural wonders.

Experience a place where the mountainous terrain and micro-climates create an astounding diversity of landscapes. Saint Helena boasts impeccable beauty and unrefined nature, with ancient wrecks, giant stairways, great forts, natural wonders and extraordinary walks.

St Helena Island is truly remarkable, with a rich history dating back approximately 500 years. Famous as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile and death, St Helena is a land of fascinating contrasts. With Jamestown as our base, we spend a week exploring all corners of the island - discovering centuries-old military fortifications and intriguing historical legacies.

Besides a rich history, the island is also home to some spectacular scenery. Every road here is a mountain pass and around every corner there is a view more breath-taking than the last!

From St Helena we continue to Angola - a journey that gets us to some truly remote parts of Africa. Angola is very much an ‘undiscovered’ and emerging destination, where arranging a visit used to be a complicated and burdensome visa process. But great news - a visa is no longer required for travellers from the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. So, there’s never been a better time to explore one of Africa’s least visited countries.

Our time here offers an adventure through some of the most untouched, traditional and isolated corners of the continent. You will not only be fascinated by the wealth of historical sites and stunning geography, but also the unique culture heritage - with an ethnic diversity which can only be compared to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. The coastline is wild, the interior is mountainous with deep gorges and waterfalls, and the south offers up a semi-desert environment inhabited by ethnic groups whose traditions remain mostly intact. All of this will make for an unforgettable experience.

We will explore Luanda - the capital, where we experience the city’s cultural depth as we visit its' notable museums and landmarks. We will admire the Portuguese architecture and local markets. We fly to Lubango in the south, enabling us to venture further into the interior - an enchanting part of Angola where the fascinating lands of the Mucubal and Muila people offer a glimpse into their ancient ways. We explore remote settlements where we learn of the customs and ancient practices of some of the region’s most traditional peoples. These communities staunchly hold on to their way of life and the outside world is barely relevant.

Explore the beautiful landscapes and prehistoric rock art of Tchitundo Hulo, and visit remote oases. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Tundavala and Serra da Leba en route to Namibe, where we explore the desert’s natural wonders. Journey to the scenic Calandula Falls in Malanje. Witness the dramatic Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo formations
This tour offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences across Angola, promising an unforgettable journey.

A short flight from Angola takes us São Tomé and Príncipe - a remote archipelago off the coast of central Africa, and a true off-the-beaten-path destination.

Here we will dive into the Portuguese colonial heritage of the islands, and walk through unspoiled forests in the interior and explore a truly undiscovered destination. Discover a place that few people have even heard of, let alone been to. Uncover a largely undiscovered, uniquely rewarding, exciting blend of African and Portuguese cultures. These secluded islands sit like tiny jewels in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the aroma of coffee and cocoa invades the streets of this archipelago. This is a meeting point between Africa, the Americas and Portuguese Europe, crossed by the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian. This tiny archipelago-state - far from the tourist routes - offers a wild and generous land.

This is a true hidden gem nestled in the Gulf of Guinea. Our time is spent on São Tomé, the larger of the two islands, where we will be captivated by its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural wonders. Set along a beautiful bay in the northeast of Sao Tome Island, the national capital of Sao Tome offers an idyllic setting and faded grandeur. This town retains an endearing charm, featuring old Portuguese buildings lining quaint almond tree-fringed streets and crumbling colonial churches. Immerse yourself in the local rhythm at bustling markets.

It is here that a world of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage awaits your discovery. Prepare to be captivated by the lush greenery, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. With mist-shrouded volcanic peaks, dense rainforests teeming with exotic flora and fauna, and enchanting waterfalls, this destination offer unspoiled landscapes for nature lovers.
Price Includes
  •  
    Meals
    Savour authentic flavours with included daily breakfasts, some lunches, and most dinners at hotels or handpicked local restaurants—immersing you in local cuisine without worrying about reservations or budgets.
  •  
    Transport & Logistics

    Private air-conditioned coaches and included internal ferries and flights—ensuring hassle-free travel so you can focus entirely on the discoveries ahead.

    "Adventures Abroad tour leader's management and guest services managed the tour with great skill and dedication. The tour leader was on top of every move and transfer. We have not experienced any issues with logistics and had a great time."
    ~ JULIA O

    "The tour leader did an excellent job coordinating some difficult travel logistics, power outage issues and resolving problems and dealing with guests who had unrealistic expectations."
    ~ CYNTHIA COLLINS

  •  
    Expert Guidance

    Unlock insider secrets at every landmark with your full-time Tour Leader and expert local guides , all gratuities covered—no hidden tipping surprises—so you immerse fully in your destination's stories, worry-free. (Except for the tips to your tour leader at the end of your tour.)

    "Amazing tour guide. Our tour guide was very well organized, Her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm completely transformed the travel experience into something truly unforgettable..."
    ~ MELANIE LEMAIRE

    "Highly recommend every trip with Adventures Abroad. It's a well organized and well thought out adventure. The tour leaders are friendly, knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Highly recommend this company."
    ~ SUSAN WALL

  •  
    Sightseeing & Entrances
    All entrance fees for sites visited as per the itinerary—no hidden costs—so you can explore ancient ruins and excursions with complete peace of mind.
  •  
    Accommodations
    Unwind in clean, well-located 3 to 4-star hotels with private en suite facilities—handpicked for comfort and convenience after each day's discoveries—so you can rest easy knowing your stay supports the real adventure, not steals the spotlight.
  •  
    Small Group

    Discover the world in small groups of up to 14 travellers plus your expert Tour Leader—unlocking spontaneity, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and genuine connections at a relaxed pace, free from crowds.

    "Looking Forward to My Next Adventure The best feature of the Adventures tour was the small size that allowed the group to quickly load up, let everyone get acquainted within the first 24 hours, capitalize on unplanned surprises along..."
    ~ PHILIP BLENSKI

    "Good value for a great time I have traveled with Adventures Abroad for over 20 years now. Well thought out, interesting itineraries and the other travelers congenial and friendly. The price always seems fair and overall a..."
    ~ Trusted Customer

  •  
    Airport Transfers For Land & Air Customers
    We handle hassle-free airport transfers for all our land and air tour customers—plus early arrivals or late departures when you book extra hotel nights directly with us for added peace of mind.

 


 

Exclusions
  • International airfare to/from the tour.
  • Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches, a few dinners, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), entrance & visa fees (if any), and any excursions referenced as 'optional'.
  • Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
  • Trip cancellation and medical insurance.

 


 

Trip Info
  • Seasonality and Weather:
    St Helena has a tropical climate, but this is heavily influenced by the South East Trade winds which keep the temperature mild and can lead to very changeable weather. The coastal areas are generally hotter and drier than the interior, with temperatures in the coastal capital of Jamestown ranging between 14-32ºC, and the central hill area around 4-6 degrees cooler.
    There are no drastic weather patterns and therefore no distinctive seasons in St Helena. Rainfall is variable across the island, with the interior receiving considerably more rainfall than the coast. The ideal season is November through to March when the days are mostly sunny. April to October is generally wetter and cooler.

    Sao Tome: São Tomé and Príncipe can be visited all year round. November-February offers blue skies and high contrasts. Given the close proximity to the equator, the climate in São Tomé and Príncipe is tropical, but the dramatic topography creates a range of microclimates. While the prevailing winds are moist southwesterlies, they are intercepted by the central mountains and annual rainfall is therefore approximately 5,000mm per annum to the southwest and less than 760mm in the northeast. The average temperature in coastal areas is quite high, with an average of approximately 27 °C but occasionally reaching 32 °C or even slightly higher, and humidity sits in at around 80%. Temperatures decline sharply at higher altitudes.

    Angola: One can travel to Angola all year round as the amount of rain is not extreme and will not affect ones travels. Angola’s climate is heavily influenced by three local peculiarities; the cool Benguela current that runs to the southern part of the coast, the rugged mountains in the interior and the presence of the Namib Desert in the south west. All three play an enormous part in creating distinct Angola Climate of a wet, tropical northern jungle, a dryer and cooler central plateau, and an arid southern belt influenced by its proximity to the Kalahari Desert. November is a transitional season as parts of the country shift from the dry season to the rainy season. Dust is less of an issue at this time of year, and the landscapes are lush and beautiful… though one must be prepared for occasional rain.
  • Transport and Travel Conditions:

    This is a tour for the hardy!

    The itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but many areas visited are still largely undeveloped. Many road journeys in Angola are long and rough and sometimes dusty... or muddy!

    The principal mode of transport throughout Angola will be in 4x4 vehicles, and in Saint Helena and Sao Tome we will mostly rely upon small or mid-size buses (or small vans).

    In general, this is a tour with a lot of variables at play. Things can "go wrong" -- flight schedules change, roads wash out, tires go flat, hot water simply stops (or never starts), air-conditioning is weak, and road journeys can take longer than anyone expects. One must be open-minded, patient, and focused on the task at hand: enjoying the region's myriad cultures, sights, and sounds, and its friendly hospitable peoples.

    The itinerary includes time spent in remote destinations and a fair bit of moving around, and some full days of travel and touring, with some challenges to your comfort and health -- bad roads, heat, early starts, remote locations. If you have a weak constitution, compromised immunity, or any pre-existing medical conditions that could call for readily accessible, modern medical care, you should very carefully consider your suitability.

    A word about TOUR STATUS: While we appreciate that everyone wants to know when their chosen date for this tour will be 'guaranteed,' this tour is a special case in that our reaching minimum numbers is only one small part of the process. We may have to hold off on confirming the final dates and itinerary until we have confirmed ALL arrangements at destination. Flight schedule changes may affect overall dates and tour start/end points. We will only confirm this tour once such details are finalized.

    None of the countries visited on this tour require a visa. Upon reservation, we provide details for entry to all.

    A YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR



    Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form
  • Activity Level: 2
    These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.

    To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
  • Accommodation:
    In Saint Helena, Sao Tome and Luanda (Angola) our accommodation will be of an international 4-star standard. Outside of Luanda in Angola our hotels tend to be more of a 3-star standard: simpler properties where AC may or may not be functioning properly and a fan will then be used. All hotels have en-suite toilets & showers. Though more and more rare these days, you must be prepared for power and/or water failure in some more remote locales.

    Hotel porterage is generally available (see inclusions) though you must still be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited in number and will likely be smaller than twins.


    Please click on 'Map & Hotels' link for full information.
  • Staff and Support:
    Tour Leader throughout, local guides, drivers. This 2025 departure will be led by senior Tour Leader, Martin Charlton.

    Please note: Any advance notice/advertising regarding tour leadership assignation was accurate as of tour publish date. Factors such as unforeseen placement challenges, illness/injury, personal/family obligations, and other logistical considerations may necessitate adjustments without notice or compensation.
  • Group Size:
    Maximum 14 plus Tour Leader
Regions Visited: Africa and Middle East, South America, Southern Africa, West Africa and Caribbean
Countries Visited: Angola, Saint Helena, Sao Tome and Principe and South Africa

 


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
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This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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1-800-665-3998
  • Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee.
    (Read our cancellation policy)
  • Due to the nature of internal flights, an additional pre-payment of $3500 is required at time of "guarantee." Once paid, your initial deposit and additional payment become 100% non-refundable/non-transferable.
Choose your departure date:

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.

 

Please Contact Us for future dates

  • 01: 
    Can Adventures Abroad book my flights?
    Yes! We have full-service in-house air department with years of experience booking our passengers to far-flung places around the world from any place that has an airport. Travelling from Los Angeles to Rome? No problem. Travelling from Deer Lake, Newfoundland to Antananarivo? Also not a problem!

     

    • 01: 
      Can Adventures Abroad get better deals than I can online?
      Here’s the clear answer: Usually, no.

       

      Booking your flights with us is super convenient—it’s like one-stop shopping! Plus, we’ll take care of you if something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or missed connection. We include airport transfers at your destination when you book flights through us. Some routes to less common destinations can be hard to find on your own or through online search engines. Which usually only show popular routes. Let us make it easy for you!
    • 02: 
      Why should I book my flights with Adventures Abroad?
      • Included airport transfers: Enjoy a smoother trip with airport transfers provided when you book flights with us.
      • Peace of mind: Feel confident knowing we’ve got you covered during your trip.
      • Help with disruptions: If your travel plans change, we assist with rebooking flights and updating our partners and staff at your destination.
      • Avoid stress and confusion: Booking with us means you won’t have to deal directly with airlines or ticket sellers if issues arise.
  • 02: 
    Does the group fly together on a set route and airline?
    Unlike with some companies, you are not obliged to fly with a particular airline on "bulk" group flights. Because our travellers are coming from (usually) across North America, everyone who flies with us receives a custom air quotation that best serves their situation and preferences—we do not have "set" routings on only a limited number of airlines.

     

    While fare and convenience are always at the top of the list of criteria, we can work with you to find the option that suits you best.
  • 03: 
    When should my flights be quoted / booked?
    Everyone wants to know their flight details early. To get the best fares and routes, book your tour and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This helps us confirm the tour early. Booking 8-12 months ahead takes some trust, but it’s the best way to plan with so many factors involved. We can’t always provide exact flight costs more than 6 months out or before the tour is confirmed. But we almost always find a solution that works for our travellers.

If you are booking more than one person with different addresses and separate billing, please book each person individually.

7 or more travellers - Please contact us to book.
Single Travellers -
(View options)
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Frequently Asked Questions

  •  
    What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
    Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
  •  
    Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
    Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
  •  
    How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
    The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.

    A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).

    Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.

    Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
  •  
    What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
    Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
  •  
    I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
    All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.

    This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.

    The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.

    On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.

    Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
  •  
    Do you have a shared accommodation program?
    Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please note that should we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge.

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