Located a few hundred kilometers off the coast of West African Gabon in the Gulf of Guinea, the two volcanic islands Sao Tome and Principe form an independent island republic. Sao Tome is the largest and most mountainous island, rising up over 2000 m, with the ancient volcanic cone Pico de Sao Tomé as the highest (2024 m). Both islands are covered in lush tropical forests and cocoa and coffee plantations.

Hiking trails have been set out in Obo National Park on Sao Tome, up Pico de Sao Tome, to Amelia Lake and from Bom Successo to Bombain. Lodging en route is at old plantations. Hiking is possible all year, but be prepared for frequent tropical rain showers making the trails pretty slippery.