As the great Portuguese poet and philosopher Fernando Pessoa said “God wants, Man dreams and the work is born”
The “Bamu Non? Ecotourism and Volunteer Travel in São Tomé and Príncipe” is indeed a dream come true.
I'll tell you how this idea came about;
Since 2006, I have been regularly going on vacation to São Tomé, where around 70% of my family lives. On these trips, I started by taking some gifts in my suitcases, then I started sending boxes by boat and in 2015 the boxes gave way to sea containers.
Since then, and already with an association created “Helping to Support the Princes of Africa”, I send every year a container loaded with tons of school material, food, clothing, toys, first aid and personal hygiene items, etc. After completing the mission, I publish a short video about the delivery of these goods on the association's page. I always get a lot of messages; some, saying they have a dream of volunteering in Africa; others, sigh saying that they loved to know the famous Chocolate Island…
I spent 2 years idealizing this project and… “Bamu Non?”, in Portuguese, “Vamos?” came up. I combined Ecotourism with the experience of Volunteering, combined with a good dose of Adventure. This project aims to: make "my" beautiful island known, provide unforgettable memories, while helping the Santomean people through the volunteer program, which we will develop with families, communities and institutions.
ATTENTION: Traveling with us can generate joy, new friends and good memories.
Bamu Non?
About the Project
We will stay in a friendly family farm (Monte Alegre), outside the city, surrounded by the magic and tranquility of the tropical forest. We will have homemade food, seasonal fruits, fresh fish, Mother Joana's delicious cakes, vegetables and teas freshly picked. The accommodations are divided into 3 rooms, all with hygiene, safety and comfort conditions. All windows and exterior doors have mosquito nets.
All volunteering actions, tours, meals, etc., will be carried out together and no one will be left behind.
To participate in one of the “Bamu Non?” trips, you don't need to have any extraordinary qualities. Just like to travel, be a nature lover, have a good heart and an adventurous spirit. I give my example! I'm not an animator, but I've made a lot of people smile. I'm not a nurse, but I've done hundreds of bandages. I'm not a veterinarian, but I've dewormed dozens of dogs. I'm not a psychologist, but I've heard and advised many people… With the will, we can do a little bit of everything and all personal and professional skills are welcome.
This project is different from ordinary volunteering, as it is not associated only with an institution or a geographical area, we will always be on the move and will cover different areas, institutions and families. And it is different from the usual tourism, for the reasons described above. It will be a fabulous and unforgettable adventure!
“A good trip, you have to have friends, those who go with us and those we do along the way.”
Who created the company?
I'm Hamilton Costa, 46 years old, born in Roça Santa Catarina - São Tomé and Príncipe, living in Viseu since he was 5 years old. I am in love with “my chocolate island” and its people.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a magical and unique place… With "Bamu Non?", you will have the opportunity to truly get to know it and you will have a different perspective from what the common tourist sees and feels. All this, always respecting the country's culture and the diversity of each individual.
If you have questions, doubts or suggestions send me an e-mail.
I will be very happy to communicate with you.
If you want to know more about this adventure, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Who created the company?
I'm Hamilton Costa, 46 years old, born in Roça Santa Catarina - São Tomé and Príncipe, living in Viseu since he was 5 years old. I am in love with “my chocolate island” and its people.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a magical and unique place… With "Bamu Non?", you will have the opportunity to truly get to know it and you will have a different perspective from what the common tourist sees and feels. All this, always respecting the country's culture and the diversity of each individual.
If you have questions, doubts or suggestions send me an e-mail.
I will be very happy to communicate with you.
If you want to know more about this adventure, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.