Concept

The activities of High IQ societies tend to be concentrated predominantly in more advanced/established economies (with a few exceptions of course). Few members live in (and hence few activities take place in) much of the world outside the OECD, leaving much of Africa, Asia and Latin America (all of which have some fascinating, safe and affordable destinations) a bit “overlooked”.

Far and Bright was founded by a bunch of adventurous Mensa members seeking to rectify this gap and offer opportunities for bright people to also have fun get-together breakaways in more unknown and exotic localities, while at the same time presenting opportunities for bright students of destination countries to be introduced to the concept of High IQ societies.

We look for countries that are firstly on the safe side, have fascinating things to do and see, relatively affordable when done in a group, but otherwise practically inaccessible to most people on their own due to either language barriers, lack of information, cost of solo travel, being too off the beaten track, etc.

It is also planned where possible to be a nice warm breakaway from the freezing Northern hemisphere winter while also not clashing with major alternative events such as EMAG, American Mensa AG, AMG, etc.

Tours are arranged on a friendly basis, and about 7-10 days in duration (sometimes with add-on options).

Upcoming trip

Our next adventure together, is the forgotten twin-island country of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), to take place from 11 January 2025 to 22 January 2025, with early exit and extension options.

STP is Africa’s 2nd smallest country and former Portuguese cacao-producing colony that receives fewer visitors than even North Korea, but still has so much to offer!

Magical, secretive, breathtaking twin islands running across the Equator, offering beaches, forest, flora, mountains, waterfalls, great seafood, diving, whales, chocolate, sunshine and smiles (while it snows in Europe).

Reached by an easy connection on TAP via Portugal, we will spend 10 days exploring the two islands, with an early exit option after one week, for those tight on time.

 

Highlights incude:

Near-deserted tropical beaches

Sea adventures

Dramatic vistas

Jurassic forests

Mountains and extinct volcanoes

Cacao plantations and processing

Stunning flora

Vibrant bird life

Abandoned farming estates

Fun adventures

Equator

Near-deserted tropical beaches

STP - Praia Banana

Sea adventures

STP - Waves

Dramatic vistas

STP - Sea view 3

Jurassic forests

STP - Jurassic Park

Mountains and extinct volcanoes

Sao-Tome

Cacao plantations and processing

Stunning flora

STP - Porcelain rose

Vibrant bird life

STP - Kingfisher

Abandoned farming estates

STP - Aqua Ize

Fun adventures

Boy crossing a precarious bridge made of logs while the waves beat on the rocks.

Equator

Woman sitting in front of the monument that marks the equator on the island of Las Rolas.
STP - Food 2

Superb cuisine

Fine locally made chocolate

STP - Beer

Drinks with your favourite genius friends

Superb cuisine

STP - Food 2

Fine locally made chocolate

STP - Chocolate

Drinks with your favourite genius friends​

STP - Beer

Trip cost and registration

Estimated cost (excluding international flights – starting from about €1 000 if booked early – and meals, which you can order (or skip or buy from supermarket) according to preference):

São Tomé: €1 070 per person sharing (with single supplement of €370)

São Tomé and Príncipe: €1 700 per person sharing (with single supplement of €430) 

This cost includes:

  • All guide and trip arrangement costs
  • All local transport in the country
  • All general group activities such as Equator visit, snorkeling, boat rides, bird watching, nature walks, etc.
  • Domestic return flights to Principé and back
  • Accommodation with hot water, flush toilets and air conditioning where required
  • All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. Further meals and drinks are pay as you go.

Deposits

1st non-refundable deposit:

Amount: €350 (São Tomé)/€480 (São Tomé and Príncipe)

Payable when registering

2nd non-refundable deposit:

Amount: €300 (São Tomé)/€450 (São Tomé and Príncipe)

Payable by 30 November

Accommodation:
Conditionally refundable deposits will be charged to secure hotel rooms, with final accommodation bills (less deposits) to be settled directly to the relevant establishments.

Please click on the button to book your spot on the trip and also join the WhatsApp and Facebook groups where announcements will be made:

This trip is only for travelers that qualify for membership of High-IQ societies and their guests. If you do not have an up to date membership of a society, please contact the orga team for a little test.

Future tours under discussion include

Madagascar, vanilla island

South Africa, land of wonders

Mongolia, charming open spaces, horseback rides, great food

Bolivia/Peru/Ecuador, heart of South America

Saudi Arabia (modernizing at the speed of light)/Oman

Gambia + Senegal, massive rivers, estuaries

Republic of Georgia, great food, culture and nature

Bhutan, magical mountain kingdom

Further suggestions welcomed, including offers to lead a trip

Contact us

Facebook Group “Far and Bright”

WhatsApp group