Cape Verde (7 Day Trip)
It takes a special place to get us off the bikes. Cape Verde is that place. While this is not a scooting trip, there is more than enough adventure and discovery, from climbing the volcano on the island of Fogo to sampling the local caipirinhas. We will explore several islands, immersing ourselves in the local culture and natural beauty of this incredible volcanic island chain.
Itinerary
We will meet up in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. It will be a relaxing day of leisurely wandering, enjoying streetside beverages and catching some live music, possibly some morna, Cape Verde’s national brand of folk music.
After our day in Praia we will take a ferry to the island of Fogo. This is where our itinerary can be a bit difficult to pin down (please see our philosophy on itineraries). Instead of a day-by-day breakdown we will share some of the highlights of the trip and then explain what to expect in terms of weather, food, lodging etc.
Fogo
Pico de Fogo is an active volcano and the highest point on the Cape Verde archipelago. In fact, at nearly 3,000 meters, it is the highest point in all of West Africa. Summiting Pico de Fogo is challenging to say the least. There are steep passages on both the ascent and descent, loose rock, and about one kilometer of vertical climb.
It is invariably a highlight for those that venture to the summit, but it is not for everyone and it is certainly not a required activity. You can always relax in the lodge and drink the local wine grown from the island’s rich soil, or you can opt to climb Fogo’s smaller peak, which is much more manageable.
We will stay at the base of Pico de Fogo in a local lodge that is made out of hardened, residual lava. The surrounding area is otherworldly, the perfect place for a sci-fi film set, and absolutely fascinating to explore. After Pico de Fogo, we will spend some time in São Filipe, the lively island capital where we will enjoy fresh seafood and the aforementioned local wine.
And if wine is not your thing, they also grow coffee on Fogo. It goes without saying that a caipirinha made from locally distilled Grogue is always on offer as well.
Santiago
We will take a ferry back to where we started the trip, but we won’t stay long in Praia this time. We will travel inland towards the center of Santiago, Cape Verde’s largest and most populous island. After soaking up the local culture in Assomada we will head towards the coast, exploring Ponta Rincão and the laid back beach town of Tarrafal. Swimming, surfing, exploring ocean caves and drinking caipirinhas on the beach are all possible activities depending on what you are up for.
After exploring the northern coast of Santiago, we will have one last evening in Praia before we go our separate ways. That means one more incredible culinary experience next to the ocean before hitting the town for a bit of festa. By this time we will already be feeling the longing and nostalgia – saudade, if you want to use the Portuguese – for Cape Verde. Time to plan the next trip over a few caipirinhas!
What to Expect
The short version: there will be a few windy days, but you may consider relocating to Cape Verde based on the weather alone. Expect lots of sun and daily highs of around 29°C (84 °F). The mornings and evenings can be cooler, however, and it’s best to bring some trousers and a sweater or jacket.
A hat, sunscreen and a bathing suit are all good ideas, along with a good pair of hiking boots. Once you have booked a spot on the trip, we can advise if there are any other recommended items depending on your individual needs.
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, but the local Creole is more widely spoken. In this case, Creole is a mix of different West African languages, Portuguese and even some other European languages. English speakers are not difficult to find, though. Cape Verde has a large expat population, many of whom have migrated to English-speaking countries and since returned. We will also have different English speaking guides with us throughout the trip.
Wherever possible, we will stay at hotels and guesthouses that introduce us to the local community. We will always choose a family run place over a chain hotel. Generally, we will be staying in comfortable accommodation, with a rustic detour for a night when we are staying next to Pico de Fogo. There are no bush camps on this trip and there is no need to bring towels or linens, etc.
Let’s get this out of the way: if you are vegan or vegetarian this trip is certainly possible. You will not go hungry and you will still have a great time. But we have to admit that connaiseurs of pork and/or seafood are particularly spoiled in Cape Verde. From fresh grilled octopus on Fogo to a pulled pork sandwich on the side of the road in the middle of the Santiago countryside, Cape Verdeans have figured out these two food groups. We will of course also sample Cape Verde’s national dish, Cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or beef and sausage, and many other local specialties.
The trip price includes breakfast every day and several lunches and dinners (when it is included as part of our accommodation plan). The trip price does not include restaurant meals and drinks.
Praia is served by multiple international airlines, but your best bet is most likely TAP Portugal or Royal Air Maroc, depending on where you are coming from. The trip will begin and end on Saturday. Plan to arrive on the Friday before the trip begins. You can plan your return flight for as early as Saturday evening at the end of the trip.
If you are expecting a by-the-minute schedule that will be respected to the letter, this is not the trip for you. While Cape Verde is more developed and organized than many of the other places we visit in West Africa, it is still a great place for honing your patience and learning how to improvise. Ferry schedules and other travel logistics can change without warning. It’s important to keep an open mind and be ready for anything. If you have the right attitude, you will learn to love the different challenges that may arise.
Available Dates
Cape Verde non-scoot Trip
The trip cost includes all lodging, transportation, guidance, breakfast every day and several lunches and dinners (when they are included as part of our accommodation plan). It does not include airfare, optional activities, drinks, and restaurant meals.
Cost and Booking Information
The trip cost is €1750. This cost is based on double occupancy lodging. For a single room, there is an additional €75 supplement. To secure your spot on the trip, we take a non-refundable deposit of €250. If you are unable to make it on the trip, you can use this deposit towards a future trip at a later date.
As stated above, the trip cost includes all lodging, transport, and food (unless otherwise specified) during the trip. It does not include airfare, visas, optional activities, drinks, and food outside of the group meal.
If a trip has open spots, we will accept bookings up until departure. For trips that are full, we expect trip payment no later than two months before the trip starts. Please see our page on trip policies and cancellations.