Overview
Island adventure
Tucked away in a forest of almond and banana trees, Sundy Praia’s 15 tented villas look out onto the white sandy beaches and glittering water. Designed to fit perfectly with their surroundings, the villas are inspired by the nearby fishermen’s huts and feature weathered wood paneling and timber decks.
Inside you’re surrounded by carefully-chosen, locally-crafted artifacts and designer artworks. The indoor and outdoor living areas are spacious, and your private terrace is the perfect place to drink in the sights and sounds of the forest. The three-bedroom tented villas have their own private pools.
With forests filled with fruit and nuts and large numbers of tuna and wahoo in the waters, Principe has an abundance of natural produce that the chefs draw inspiration from for their seasonal menus. Expect original flavours and the freshest ingredients.
Sundy Praia has a good relationship with the residents of the island’s main town Santo António, as well as the fishing villages dotted along the coast. The aim is to model how sustainable, responsible tourism can benefit everyone.
Facts
At a glance
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15 villas with one to three bedrooms
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Freshwater pool
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Restaurant and bar
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Experiences
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![Principe Sundy Praia West Africa 2]()
Explore the island by 4X4
Head out to discover the island’s culture and stunning scenery in a 4X4. You’ll get to see organic farms, fishing villages and stop at great viewing points.
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![Principe Sundy Praia West Africa 6]()
Boat trips
Get a unique view of the west side of the national park from the water. One of the most sheltered spots off the coast, Baia das Agulhas (Bay of spires) is named for the phonolite towers that pierce the skyline. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by pure nature. You can also visit some of Principe’s northeastern beaches by boat.
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![Principe Sundy Praia West Africa 8]()
Biosphere trails
Keen hikers will discover a number of scenic trails on the island. Hike through forests full of monkeys, birds and orchids as you tackle one of the island’s most popular mountains, Pico Papagaio. Take time to cool off beneath waterfalls and visit plantations and meet farmers along the way.
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![Principe Sundy Praia West Africa 6]()
Sea turtles
On this memorable excursion you’ll get to monitor female sea turtles who are preparing to lay their eggs on the beaches, between September and April. Learn about these threatened creatures and what is being done to protect them.
Community & Culture
The first African to visit space, South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth returned to Earth with a new appreciation for its fragility. When he visited wildlife-rich Principe he was spellbound and set up HBD Principe, an NOGO and a network of four eco-lodges all to turn the island into a model of sustainability. Engaging with local communities is one of the most important goals at Sundy Praia, and its team is largely made up of the descendants of slaves and plantation workers.
Conservation
Principe Island is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves which aims to conserve biological and cultural diversity. One of their projects saw some 1728 turtle nests identified in the 2015-2016 season compared to the 352 from the previous season. Proceeds from turtle visits go directly back into conservation programmes. Another project is rehabilitating the jungle by removing invasive trees.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
