With 75 per cent of its area covered by rainforest, Sao Tome & Principe (STP) is characterised by unspoilt, palm-fringed beaches, towering volcanic peaks, and a fascinating colonial heritage. Now with the recent discovery of large oil deposits in the Gulf of Guinea, STP is on the cusp of change. This is the first, stand-alone guide to Africa's second-smallest country, and its enticing blend of African, Portuguese and Caribbean culture. The guide will enable pioneering travellers to discover an African island paradise. Largely unexplored and unexploited by tourism, these tropical, volcanic islands off the west African coast are the antitheses of mass-market destinations and one of the most unspoilt places on earth. The scarcity of tourists is one of the islands' biggest attractions. Largely unexplored and unexploited by tourism, these tropical, volcanic islands off the west African coast are the antitheses of mass-market destinations — and one of the most unspoilt places on earth. The scarcity of tourists is one of the islands' biggest attractions. • In-depth coverage of São Tomé's wildlife and parks • Exploring unspoilt beaches, volcanic peaks and waterfall trails • Diving and snorkelling, whale-watching and deep-sea fishing