MIP Wild Camping

Príncipe is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so it should come as no surprise that animals, ecology and outdoor adventures are very much to the fore here. Start explores focused on the former with a trip to Kaxi Tetuga museum, a little over 20 minutes’ drive away, to learn about turtles and other sea life, plus marine endangerment. From that place of serious thinking, venture up to the white-sand beaches along the north and northeast coasts, where Olive Ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles drag themselves ashore to build nests and lay eggs. Well-timed stays might even coincide with hatching season, so prepare to see flocks of baby turtles moving seaward. Those northern beaches – Banana Beach in particular, 25 minutes from base – are also a top spot from which to engage in some whale watching, with humpbacks frequently appearing offshore. Guests can get closer too by chartering a boat trip. What’s happening below the waves is as worthy of attention as what’s on top of them, and snorkelling or diving (tours are available) may mean encounters with parrot fish, barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and volcanic borders covered in colourful coral. Prefer to stay in the dry? Explore the old plantations – including Roça Sundy, the one-time biggest coffee plantation on the island – or opt for jungle hikes to waterfalls, mountain tops and secluded beaches. Climbs to the highest peak, Pico Papagaio, start 15 minutes away.