WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
4 REASONS TO BOOK WITH US
ABOUT SANZALA TRAVELS
Our company is a sustainable tourism agency, founded by a Santomean immigrant living in Germany, with the aim of getting people to know São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), especially the island of Príncipe where he is from. We are dedicated to promoting authentic and conscious experiences in that small island paradise.
In addition to the aforementioned objectives, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism, valuing and preserving local culture, biodiversity and natural resources. We create economic opportunities for local communities through tourism, encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable development. We educate travellers about the importance of environmental and cultural conservation, encouraging conscious and low-impact travel practices. We foster collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and government authorities to boost sustainable tourism initiatives. We contribute to the promotion of STP as a unique sustainable tourism destination, highlighting its stunning landscapes, rich culture and unique hospitality.
Our definition and objectives are a reflection of our mission as a company, while at the same time reflecting and recognising the perspective and experience of its founder:
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
As a travel agency operating in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), we recognize our responsibility to promote sustainable tourism practices that protect the islands' natural environment, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. For more information, please check our information about travelling sustainably in STP as well as our ‘Sustainable Travel Policy’.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY
‘Affordable luxury’ is a concept that blends high-quality and premium experiences with reasonable pricing. It's about providing travellers with services that exude a sense of luxury, elegance, or indulgence, but without the exorbitant price tags typically associated with luxury experiences. Unlike many other operators who specialise in luxury holidays in large resorts, we aim to show you the real São Tomé and Príncipe. We are happy to plan a trip for you where you will stay in in local guesthouses or apartments and interact directly with locals for an authentic experience that also directly supports the community in STP.
VARIED TRIPS FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS
We believe it is very important to personalise our service for our customers and respond to their needs and wishes. That is why we take the time to discuss personal wishes and concerns and do everything we can to offer you the best possible service. Whether you are travelling alone, with your family, as a couple, with a group of friends or in any other constellation, we will be happy to design a tailor-made trip for you!
EXPERT LOCATION KNOWLEDGE
We pride ourselves on having expert location knowledge for various reasons. First and foremost, our founder, Yoavi dos Santos, was born and raised in STP and has always kept a strong bond with his home country. Over the years, he has used his connections in the travel and gastronomy sector as well as in politics in STP to establish a strong network that he can now rely on at any time. Last year, he supported the founding of an agency for unique travel adventures on Príncipe - Bussola Adventures. With the help of Bussola Adventures as a strong local partner and in close cooperation, Sanzala Travels creates one-of-a-kind and customised trips with a focus on Príncipe Island.
About the founder
My name is Yoavi dos Santos
Born and raised in the marvellous islands of Sao Tomé and Príncipe. Passionate about creating a unique and sustainable travel experience for you in my home country.
ABOUT YOAVI DOS SANTOS
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE AS HOME
The founder and owner of Sanzala Travels was born in São Tome and Príncipe (STP) in 1985. From a young age, he was passionate about the idea of establishing his home country as a unique travel destination. The country where he was born and raised and where a large part of his family, his mother, his siblings and long-time friends still live today, has a special connection with him. He lived in São Tomé until he was twenty-four years old and worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for many years. He then used his language skills to complete a degree in law in Portugal. During his studies, he was able to gain valuable insights into existing European law and better understand the special features and needs of international tourism.
TRAVEL AGENCY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Over the years, the desire to become self-employed in the travel sector grew more and more. With the founding of ‘Sanzala Travels’, he realised his dream and established a sustainable online travel agency for trips to São Tomé and Príncipe. He uses his many years of intensive experience to bring his home country closer to a nature-conscious and interested public. He would like to tap into the underutilised tourism potential with individually tailored ecotourism offers to lay the foundations for sustainable development. In cooperation with the local population and taking into account the culture of the locals and, in particular, the protection of nature, he wants to develop a special travel offer that meets the needs and wishes of travellers and benefits the country and its inhabitants without ending up in unbridled mass tourism.
EXPERIENCE SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE WITH YOAVI
Yoavi dos Santos has found a competent team of tour guides in STP and has trained some of them himself. Nevertheless, he also regularly takes part in tours himself. Each individual trip also benefits from his expertise. They are organised with the utmost care and expertise, with the safety of the tour participants being the top priority. Yoavi is always available for advice in advance and in case of problems while travelling.
