São Tomé Expedition: Very Long Duration Survival Course

After a final civilized breakfast, we reach Santa Catarina , where the road ends and adventure begins. The scenery changes: a rugged coastline of pebbles and black sand stretches before you. The dense and captivating jungle beckons.

1. Getting started: Approach walk to reach our first bivouac site.
2. First steps of a survivor: Learning to read the environment, identifying resources and group cohesion.
3. Technical workshops: Mastering the campsite (hammock and tarp) and fire workshop (making the flame spring forth without a lighter).
4. A simple dinner in a bivouac under the stars.

Wake up to the rhythm of the ocean. After erasing all traces of your camp, you enter the heart of the National Park. Here, time stands still, giving way to continuous learning.

1. "Wildlife" modules: Subsistence fishing techniques.
2. Water & Health: Techniques for making water potable, filtration and emergency first aid in isolated areas (stretcher carrying, plant-based treatments).
3. Mastery of the environment: Orientation (map, compass, stars), essential nodes and crossing rivers or making rafts.
4. The goal: to understand the equatorial ecosystem so that we no longer suffer its effects.

You leave the dense jungle behind for a monumental gray sand beach. The route is demanding: rivers to cross, giant tree trunks to step over, and cliffs clinging to the hillside. You will discover the historical remains of the Portuguese settlers, silent witnesses to the harshness of the place.

1. Setting up base camp (4 days): A long time to perfect your self-reliance (crustacean harvesting, gleaning expeditions).
2. Wildlife: Possible sightings of Mona monkeys, leatherback turtles, and even the rare local crocodile.
3. Mental: Learning to manage fatigue and isolation. The jungle is no longer a backdrop, it becomes your home.

The basic techniques are mastered. You break camp and head inland towards Pico São Pequeno . To add a twist to the challenge, you'll have to carry your fire with you to rekindle it at your bivouac. The atmosphere becomes prehistoric, at the foot of the peak, surrounded by vegetation worthy of an adventure film.

The jungle exit is approaching. As you head back south, you'll find palm groves and the first signs of local life.

1. Sharing: Exchange with your guides and locals on ancestral know-how.
2. Team: You are now one with your companions on this adventure. Solidarity is your greatest weapon.

After 10 nights in the wilderness, your body has adapted. The return to civilization is approaching, and with it, the dream of a feast: grilled fish, fresh fruit and unlimited water.

1. Arrival at the lodge: Find your bungalow on stilts, a hot shower and modern comforts.
2. Afternoon: Total relaxation on the beach and debriefing over a gourmet dinner.

Embarkation for the islet of Rolas, where worlds intersect: latitude 0° and longitude 0° . A symbolic moment at the center of the world.

1. Bonus: At nightfall, (optional) observation of turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

Transfer to the capital via the famous and chaotic EN2 road. A contemplative journey at 20km/h between palm groves and fine sandy coves.

1. Gourmet Stopover: Lunch at Roça São João , at the island's star chef's restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
2. Overnight stay in a hotel in the capital.

Enjoy your last moments of freedom. Take advantage of the pool, visit the historic center, or the São Tomé Museum to buy souvenirs of the Chocolate Island. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.