FAQS

Common questions

What makes us better than other travel companies?

Anything.

We’re not better, we’re just different and that’s why you entered our website.

We are different because: We exchange the ordinary for the extraordinary, we exchange Copi-paste for authenticity, instead of being unforgettable, your journey will be I-N-E-S-Q-U-E-C-Í-V-E-L and, instead of coming relaxed and in a paused mode, you will return fatter and with the adrenaline still pumping.

The food in São Tomé is fabulous and “Mãe Joana” who is our cook, does not allow anything to be left on the plate. Our activities, tours, volunteer actions and other experiences are fantastic and unique. When you decide to travel with us, you are diving into a unique and enriching adventure, not only to the “Chocolate Island” but also to your inner being.

We will be in direct contact with the communities where we will be received as friends, or even family, as they already know the members of “Bamu Non” well

 

We are not better than the others, because we are still a new company in the market and we have a lot to learn from the more experienced ones. What we have to offer you is… Naturalness, simplicity, honesty, adventure, memorable moments, new friendships, discovery, immersion in the culture and life of those we visit and help during our tours, visits and Volunteering actions throughout the island . And we are always open to partnerships with individuals or companies.

I really want to go with us. How do I book and pay for my seat with Bamu Non?

After choosing the date and knowing the vacancies available, you will have to get in touch with us, through the email [email protected] or [email protected], through the Facebook page, Instagram or through Whatsapp 00351966381171.

 

To reserve your place on this fantastic Trip/Adventure, we require a non-refundable down payment of €350 in case the traveler withdraws. You receive the IBAN or an ATM reference to which you must transfer the referred amount. The remaining amount must be paid up to 45 days before the departure date, otherwise you will lose your seat and down payment. All payments are invoiced with NIF (if you wish). Before reserving your place, read our “Guide for Adventurers”, remove all doubts and sign, confirming that you are aware of our program and all the conditions of your Trip/Adventure.

What is the total amount and what is and is not included?

In our information leaflets you will find, without any surprises, the total price, everything that is included and also what is not included, without lowercase letters or dubious terms. The amount paid does not include flights, drinks and extra consumption. All amounts paid will be invoiced.

When should I buy the flight?

Once you’ve decided to board the “Bamu Non?”, you should proceed with purchasing flights. Not wanting to put pressure on anyone, remember that the advance in which you decide and buy the flights is a determining factor in saving a few tens, if not hundreds of euros on tickets. If you need it, I can help with the purchase, by contacting the travel agency (at no extra cost)

Can I register alone?

Of course, most of our adventurers travel alone. It’s a trip/adventure to make new friends here and there.

Where are we going to stay?

We will be staying in a small Roça Familiar (Monte Alegre) in the Folha Féde area, in the City of Trindade (15 minutes from the Capital City). We will be surrounded by the Tropical Forest, in a Family, Safe, Clean and Peaceful environment.

 

* The accommodation is divided into 3 rooms: Mother Joana, Aunt Bete/Uncle Alfredo and Aunt Lídia.

 

Uncles live in the houses where some of the adventurers will stay and will treat you with all the affection, respect and attention. All houses have windows and exterior doors with mosquito nets and if you are careful to keep them closed at all times, you will not have problems with mosquitoes or other insects.

 

None of the accommodations have air conditioning or other ventilation equipment.

 

We will have the necessary conditions to rest in comfort and safety.

 

* Rooms will be shared (always by people of the same sex, or friends who so wish). The 9 bathrooms will also be shared, with the exception of those in the rooms with private bathroom/suites.

 

Bath water will not always be as hot or have as much pressure as in our homes.

 

Those who insist on having a single room have a daily fee of €15.

 

In Roça there are: dogs, chickens, goats, a cat and a little monkey (Chiquinho), so it’s natural that they hear them during the day and night.

 

* I repeat, we are not going to be in a hotel, we are going to live and socialize in a familiar farm, surrounded by nature, in a familiar, welcoming, safe and relaxed environment.

 

See photos of the farm and facilities on the website www.wordpress-752114-2536227.cloudwaysapps.com

 

* The supply of electricity in São Tomé is done solely by generators. It is possible to have occasional constraints where we will be without light. In Roça, we have an emergency generator, but it may not always be available.

 

All volunteer actions, tours, meals, etc. will be carried out together and no one will be left behind.

What kind of Volunteering actions will we do?

We have as a reference for Volunteering, experiences that can last for months in fixed locations (institutions, communities and areas), working from Monday to Saturday and having Sunday off. In this Adventure, we will have 1 to 2 days dedicated exclusively to Volunteering actions. These days can be 2 mornings, 2 afternoons, or 2 mornings and 1 afternoon, depending on the dynamics of the group and the duration of the trip itself.

 

Volunteering in this Project is something more comprehensive, natural, peaceful and without obligations. Volunteering actions with “Bamu Non?” will be daily and spontaneous, each adventurer, within his professional and personal skills, will develop what he knows in the field. They can range from delivering goods, performing dressings, sharing knowledge (cooking, agriculture, economics, matrimonial, etc.), psychological support and entrepreneurship.

 

Every day we will have volunteer actions, but always in different places. When I am asked about “what kind of volunteering are we going to do?”, my answer is always very… heterogeneous, as everything will depend on the personal and professional capacity of each adventurer who embarks with the “Bamu Non?”.

 

However, anyone with a spirit of solidarity can deliver goods, read a story to a group of children, give tips on various topics to a group of young people or adults, help to deworm a dog, or simply organize a game with children. If, to all this, we add the experience of a teacher, a farmer, a health professional, or a businessman, with all certainty, this action will be even richer and more profitable. To participate in one of the “Bamu Non?” trips, which in Portuguese means “Let’s go?”, you don’t need to have any extraordinary qualities, just have a solidary streak, like to travel, be a lover of nature, have a good heart and an adventurous spirit.

“How can each one change the world?

 

Taking one random act of kindness at a time”

Can I bring some material for Volunteering actions?

You can and you must. I advise all travelers of the “Bamu Non?” and always buy 1 checked bag (23kg). This way they can take some goods that will be defined when they join the conversation group. And on the way back, everyone will want to bring tropical fruits, handicrafts, etc.

Is this trip for me?

This trip is for anyone who wants to explore new cultures, who likes adventure, and who has a sense of humanity. If you like to travel, make friends, and have unforgettable experiences, regardless of age, this trip is for you. If you take a good mood, group spirit and if you are relaxed, you will have an unforgettable trip. It is important that you understand that this is an adventure trip, ecotourism and volunteering, so there may be unforeseen events… The internet will not be as fast as at home, or even not working in all areas, you may find animals that you are not used to see, the water in the shower may not have as much pressure or not be as hot as at home. There may not be air conditioning, and sometimes the food won’t be what you’re used to, etc. But if everything were to be the way it is at home, it wouldn’t be worth traveling. It is important to note that São Tomé is a tropical island, it has its seasons (rain, drought, moderate weather, etc.), but eventually, there may be an unexpected downpour that changes the pre-established plans. But what would be a trip without mishaps and adventure?! It is very important that you are aware of this information, because we do not want an ill-informed and grumpy traveler to spoil the fun and relaxed atmosphere of this adventure

With whom will I share my journey?

From the moment you buy the flights, you will always be accompanied by the project organizer. Afterwards, you will be part of the conversation group of adventurers traveling on the same date. We know that each individual has his character, his particularities, but we know in advance that the spirit will be very similar in the whole group. The age range of our adventurers ranges from 9 to 90 years old. I assure you that the atmosphere will be very fun and that at the end of the trip you will end up with a new group of friends.

Does the group travel together?

Yes. The meeting point will be at departures from Lisbon Airport, 3 to 4 hours before the flight, for a small meeting and check-in together.

What if I want a single room?

If you want a single room, and if this is available, you will have to pay the single supplement (15€) per day.

I'm a Vegetarian or Vegan, will I starve? How will my food be?

It always depends on the degree of intolerance and the specificity of the food. In the list of what is included and what is not included, it is defined that the price of the stay includes the 3 main daily meals and that it does not include specific food such as vegetarians, vegans or other types of specific food. However, AND WITHOUT COMMITMENT, mother Joana will try to adjust the meals for these adventurers. São Tomé is a country with a great variety of fruits, roots, leaves and herbs that allow a Vegan or Vegetarian to return from our trips heavier than they were . But since we cannot guarantee options for all food intolerances. It is up to each adventurer to find an adequate solution to their dietary limitations. We will be here and there to help.

Traveler inquiry?

It is recommended that all adventurers consult the traveler 4 to 6 weeks before departure. There are no mandatory vaccines, however there are one or two recommended. The doctor of that specialty will advise on the personal pharmacy and prescribe the medication for prophylaxis of Malaria.

The “Bamu Non?” recommends Dr. Andreia Castro, a doctor with training in the area, experience in volunteering and knowledge of more than 70 countries.

Do I need a visa to enter São Tomé?

Residents of European Union countries do not need a visa for stays of less than 15 days. For countries outside the EU, consult information in this regard.

I have minor children. Do they pay the same price as adults for their stay?

Children from 8 years old pay the full price of the stay.

Children up to 8 years old (inclusive) pay only part of the stay.

Can I organize a trip, with my dates and my friends/participants?

Of course yes, but it will have to be a Group of 14 people (including you). If you do, your stay will be an offer from us.

Dangers?

In addition to the “danger” of falling in love with the island and the locals, there are always precautions to be taken, whether where we live or in Africa. They must listen and heed all the recommendations and advice of the tour leader. We should avoid petting stray dogs, as they do not have vaccines and can have diseases such as mange and rabies. Although São Tomé’s crime rate is low, we shouldn’t be bothered, as there are bandits all over the world. Ex. Don’t carry cash, and never leave valuables in plain sight in cars. If you see an animal you don’t know (insects, crawlers or fish), ask first if it’s safe to touch it. It is very important never to dive in rivers or waterfalls without being with someone who knows the area well. Nor do they ever venture into the forest alone. I recommend that you take out travel insurance suitable for our adventure.

Climate

The geographic situation on the equator easily explains the humid tropical climate, which is characteristic of the Central African region. Although the sky is usually covered with clouds, the climate is always hot and the humidity is quite high, around 70 to 80%. Inland, due to the relief, areas with very specific microclimates predominate, with lower temperatures, some fog and extreme humidity, which can reach 90%. Annual average temperatures are around 27º/28ºC, always with weak thermal amplitudes, with variations of less than 5ºC. The so-called “Gravana”, dry season, occurs between June and August, with less precipitation and temperatures are a little lower. January and February have similar characteristics, called “Gravanito”. In the remaining seasons, especially when the rainy season is in effect, which runs from October to May, the heat, regardless of the time of day or night, is always high. The rainy season, as the name implies, is the period of precipitation and tropical storms, intense phenomena, but of short duration. The high temperatures and the state of the sea are calm, ideal for navigation.

Do I need to be in full physical shape to follow all the adventures of “Bamu Non?”

Full physical fitness is always good, but sometimes lifestyle, age, personal and professional factors, do not allow us to be at 100%. But you’re in luck, our walks are not many kilometres. They will always be short, light walks at a leisurely pace and without great haste. There is only one expedition/tour/adventure (discovering the secret waterfall), where the journey requires a little more effort, balance and resistance, but All our Adventurers (the youngest aged 3 and the most experienced aged 76) took this tour and no one was left behind. If you are an athlete used to big competitions, perfect, you can help the lighter ones and we can also find a way to stretch your legs in moments of relaxation. The spirit of adventure and mutual help is essential for this type of trip/adventure.

Do you have more questions or doubts?

Hello again Adventurer. If you have any questions or more specific questions, we are always available via email [email protected] , or if it is urgent, you can send a message via WhatsApp +351 966381171. We can speak in English if you prefer!