Cape Verde or Cabo Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago and island country in the central Atlantic Ocean, consisting of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometres.
Day 01: Start trip in Praia, Santiago
Upon arrival in Praia meet and assist at the airport ad transfer to Hotel.
In and around PraiaWe begin our trip in Praia, Santiago – the capital city and the largest of the island nation.
The day is free .Overight in hotel.
Day 02: Visit of Cidade Velha, Flight to São Vicente
This morning we will transfer to the start point of our short hike through the fertile valley where we will have the opportunity to visit Cidade Velha, UNESCO World Heritage Site, where everything started for the Cape Verdians. The first settlement from the Portuguese was established here and it was the centre of the slave trade. In the afternoon we will take our flight to Mindelo, São Vicente. After checking in we will have a welcome dinner with live music in Mindelo. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 03: Ferry to Santo Antão, hike to Caibros
In the morning we transfer to the harbour and enjoy the scenic ferry ride to São Vicente’s neighbour island, Santo Antão (Approx 45-60 minute ferry crossing). Upon arrival, we transfer to the plateau of the island Espongeiros with time to take photos of the dramatic scenery along the way as we descend to our hiking start point of Caibros. From the ferry, our luggage will be transferred to our accommodation leaving us free to start trekking from the centre of the island following a descent down a steep valley and crossing to the other side of the island. This walk begins on even terrain but continues with a steep descent on rocky terrain, for around 3 hours, but the trail is wide with small walls for security. As you descend, you pass from the vegetated highlands through barren hillsides to the fertile valley. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 04: Hike through the valley of the Ribeira Grande
After breakfast we will walk along the fertile valley of the Ribeira Grande and its lateral valleys, passing through Horta de Garça to Chã d’Igreja. The path climbs for an hour offering outstanding views of the valley, we arrive at the top of a pass and from here the valley can be seen on one side, and the Atlantic on the other. We then descend for an hour and stop for a drink at a family-run cafe. According to the season, the river becomes either a torrential river or a leisurely stream and alongside them with a bountiful amount of vegetation growing here. You will experience the local life at the riverside before arriving in Chã d’Igreja, a charming village situated on a picturesque canyon right in front of the Atlantic. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05: Move along the coast to Ponta do Sol
After breakfast you will start your hike, this being one of the most popular hikes on Santo Antão. It is no surprise, as the views are absolutely stunning having the ocean on your left, and the mountains on the right as you walk through tiny villages including, among others the famous Fontainhas. Part of today’s walk is along a steep series of switch backs with the stations of the cross marked in stone reliefs, along the way. The colourful fairytale-like village of Fontainhas with intricate terracing is perched on very steep cliffs, and has a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06: The greenest valley of all… Paúl
After breakfast we transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the Paúl Valley, the greenest valley of Cape Verde. The Paúl Valley is surrounded by towering steep rocks and by a bay of coconut palms. Following ancient mule tracks, we will walk along the stunning tropic vegetation consisting of sugar cane, mango and dragon trees and visit a grogue distillery. Our walk will bring us to the village of Sinagoga, we will visit the original site of the synagogue built by a small Jewish settlement who arrived on the island in the mid 1800s. In the afternoon, we transfer back to Ponta do Sol and enjoy dinner at a cosy restaurant. Overnight in Hotel
Day 07: Cha de Morte to Alto Mira
After a late breakfast, we will be transported to Cha de Morte (2 hour drive), from here we begin the hike up to Alto Mira. We will explore the lesser known northwest part of Santo Antão, remote and relatively untouched by tourists. This hike is very impressive because of the peculiar rock formations and the unique microclimate which is ubiquitous in Santo Antão. The trail is very steep as we ascend for the last hour of the walk. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 08: Ferry back to Mindelo, city tour and guitar workshop
In and around MindeloAfter breakfast we head to the port to catch a ferry back to Mindelo on the island of Sao Vincente. Later we enjoy a city tour throughout the secret cultural capital of the country. If you have not experienced Mindelense music, you have not been to Mindelo at all! We will visit a local manufacturer, this is the best way to listen to these fine artists and after learning how guitars are made, we will enjoy an impromptu musical performance from the masters. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 09: São Vicente Island Tour
After several days of hiking, we will explore the island today by bus. Amongst others we will drive to the oasis of Calhau, walking a little on the Sahara sand dunes of Praia Grande and visit the villages of Baia das Gatas and Salamansa. Afterwards, we will drive up to the highest point of the island, the Monte Verde, where we will have an amazing view of the islands as well as the islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Santa Luzia. The rest of the afternoon is free for exploring the city, relaxing on the city beach of Laginha, or sitting by the pool. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10: Adeus Cabo Verde Departure
After breakfast, Departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight for onward journey.
| Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
| Praia | 01 |
Salav Guesthouse
|
| Mindelo | 02 | The Casamarel |
| Santo Anto | 01 | Pension Zeca. |
| Chã d’Igreja | 01 | Pension Casa Mite. |
| Ponta do Sol | 02 | Hotel Tiduca. |
| Cha de Morte | 01 | Casa Amadeu |
| Mindelo | 01 | Hotel Porto Grande |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 09 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per program
- Ferry Transfers.
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
