Principe island

Getting there: Air São Tomé e Príncipe flies three times a week between the main islands. Price for the returen ticket approx. 90 euros.

interactive map of Principe

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The island is characterized by its gentle relief in the northern half of the island and a mountain range in the southern half composed of several phonolitic peaks with altitudes between 500 and 948 meters where there is a patch of primary rainforest. The difference in geomorphology and terrain between the two sides, results in differentiated bioclimatology, has influence in the distribution of major types of ecosystems of the island, such as lotic systems in the area of the massif and its valleys and lentic systems in the northern plains area.

The biosphere reserve is home to great biodiversity in terrestrial as well as in marine ecosystems, with high rates of endemism in many groups of organisms, especially vascular plants, molluscs, insects, birds, reptiles and bats. It is part of the biodiversity hotspot of tropical forests of West Africa, containing a wide range of plant communities and habitats of high international importance such as primary tropical forests, forest shade, palm trees and lowland riparian habitats.

Considering the importance that this area has for the reproduction of sea turtles, seabirds and cetaceans, as well as coral reefs, on the international scene, it's an area of great interest for the conservation of global biological diversity.

The resident population in the reserve is 6.737 inhabitants, of whom 100% live in the transition zone as all the islets are uninhabited.

UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The region is so rich in endemic species that it is, probably, the most important asset that attracts people to go there. It is recognized that the islands are an Endemic Bird Area and one of most Important Bird Areas. The World Wildlife Fund recognize the islands as one of the most important eco-regions for biodiversity and as one of the 10 most important hotspots. The southern end of Principe Island is a designated National Park, and it is part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

It is strongly advised not to start your hikking trip into de obo park without the guidance of a competent guide.

The northern half of the island has its land characterized by gentle ups and downs and on the southern half by mountain range composed of several peaks with altitudes between 500 and 1000 meters.