Safety in São Tomé and Príncipe

Crime: The country is very calm, with almost no violent crime. Walking around in the evening is fine, though watch your pockets in the capital's markets where petty theft does occur.
The ocean: Be careful swimming off the southern beaches, where currents are often strong. Do not go far out if you cannot see locals in the water, because the sea here is far more dangerous than the people.
Sun: Equatorial sun burns skin in minutes, even under cloud. Use maximum-factor cream and keep your head covered to avoid heatstroke.
Health: The main threat is malarial mosquitoes. Use repellent from dusk onward and always check the mosquito net over your bed, which is the most effective protection there is.
Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required of everyone arriving, so sort that out well before you fly. Doctors also commonly recommend hepatitis A and typhoid cover for this trip.
Roads: Driving here is a test. Enormous potholes, no street lighting and livestock wandering into the road make night journeys genuinely risky.
Animals: The street dogs look rough but are not remotely aggressive toward people. Insects in the forest are the real concern, so wear closed shoes on any jungle walk, and check your own government's travel advisory before booking.

São Tomé and Príncipe are two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea, among Africa's calmest and least visited countries.

São Tomé. Street crime is low, though petty theft at the market and on beaches occurs. Nights are broadly calm.

Taxis. Agree in advance; there are no meters. Fares are low.

"Guides." At the roça plantations and on the routes to Pico Cão Grande, guides are offered. Agree in figures.

Príncipe. The smaller island, calmer still and noticeably more expensive: it has several high-end ecolodges.

Currency exchange. The dobra is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate and euros are widely accepted.

Cash. Cards work on a limited basis and ATMs are few. Bring euros.

Prices. Almost everything is imported, so costs are higher than you would expect of such a small country.

Photography. Military installations, police, the presidential palace and the airport are off limits. Otherwise restrictions are few.

Drones. Permission is required.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Sea turtles. The islands are an important nesting site. Night excursions with a licensed guide only, without torches or flash. Shell products may not be exported.

Nature. Much of the islands is protected. Do not leave the trails in the Obô forest.

Plantations. The old cocoa roças are private or communal land; entry requires permission.

Roads. Narrow, mountainous and washed out in the rains. Nobody drives at night.

Cash and connectivity. Mobile coverage exists; the internet is slow.

Malaria. Risk exists, though incidence has fallen considerably from the past. Discuss prophylaxis with a doctor.

Vaccinations. Yellow fever — a certificate is required on entry. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies.

Dengue. Occurs.

Water. Bottled only.

The sea. Currents at some beaches are strong and there are no lifeguards. Praia Jalé and Praia Piscina are popular, but caution is needed.

Healthcare is very weak. The hospital in São Tomé is basic and Príncipe has a health post. Anything serious means evacuation to Gabon, Portugal or South Africa, which is difficult to arrange. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Climate. Equatorial and humid. The rainy season runs October to May with a break.

Emergency numbers: 112.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a calm country with low crime and a stable political system by regional standards.

Police. Few in number and correct. The language is Portuguese, with English at the ecolodges.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; cases are rare.

At night. São Tomé town is calm, though lighting is scarce.

Attitude to visitors. Warm and without pushiness — a rare combination in Africa.

What actually matters. São Tomé's main risks are malaria, the absence of healthcare and remoteness. This is one of the calmest places on the continent, and the safety section here comes out short for objective reasons.

Emergency number is 112.