Our Trekking Week in Cape Verde takes full advantage of all that this country has to offer, whilst ensuring that your safety is paramount. Our coordinators are always on hand, and have a wealth of inside knowledge about Cape Verde’s history, culture and community. Oh – and don’t forget to bring your hiking boots, a water bottle and sun cream – you’re going to need them!

Monday

Northern Island of Santiago Trek

The adventure begins! Today, you will visit the green valleys of Santiago’s Northern Island, and get to know the local community there. In addition, you will get a chance to visit a Local Rum production and enjoy a rum-tasting session!

Tuesday

Serra Malagueta to Mato Brasil Trek

With spectacular views of all part of Santiago North, you will walk from Serra Malagueta to Achada Lagoa and to Mato Brasil. This is a much-loved hiking track through breathtaking landscapes of mountains and lush greenery.

Wednesday

Hiking with Lunch at Farmer’s House

Walk with us in the mountains of Serra Malagueta and have lunch at an organic farm, served up by a local family who will share their stories of a Cape Verdean lifestyle …and with a little luck, you will see monkeys along the route! (2h of hiking included)

Thursday

Trek the Gon-Gon – the “King-Track”

This is a stunning landscape and the hike has spectacular views en route. Be aware that this is an intermediate hike because of its duration and height difference.

We will start from a Nature Park of Serra Malagueta, go down to the Gon-gon valley, then up over a ridge and down into the valley of Principal until we reach the ocean.  This is a hike not to be missed!

(Duration: About 6 h / Difficulty level: Level 4 (Accustomed hikers))

Friday

Mountain Cycling Trip

Today, we’ll do things a little differently! Join us on a group cycle trip, as we discover the great natural surroundings around Tarrafal on wheels!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The city is named after the indigenous plant Tarrafe, and is also called Mangui or Mangue. Situated in the northern part of the island of Santiago, Tarrafal is a fishing port with a vibrant community and warm, friendly people who will make you feel very welcome!

About the Accommodation

Our centre offers safe and comfortable surroundings with dorm-style separate male/female accommodation and western toilets available (shared).

And if you’re travelling to Cape Verde alone, you will quickly make new friends of fellow travellers and on-site staff who will be there too. There is WiFi available throughout the communal areas of the house.

Food Arrangements

African cuisine is tasty and wholesome, and includes rice dishes, beans, fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, and fish with its own African spices.  At our centre, you’ll find a mix of local and Western food to enjoy, with all meals, tea, coffee, and filtered water included in your stay. There are 3 meals during the week and 2 meals on weekends.

Facilities
There are ATMs, mini-marts, some shops and restaurants close by in the city centre.

The beautiful islands of the Cape Verde were initially uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered it in the 15th century. The country flourished during the 16th and the 17th centuries due to the Atlantic slave trade. But with the decline of the slave trade in the 19th century, the country experienced an economic crisis. Yet the location of the island made it survive as it became a significant commercial center in the 19th century, as the location was perfect for re-supply of the ships. In the present day context, the economy of the country is mostly relying on the services provided by the country targeting the growing tourism industry.

Cape Verde has a mild climate compared to the mainland of Africa with an average high temperature of about 26 °C during February and 31 °C in September. The country has an irregular rain pattern in the months between August and October and it is in September that the country experiences its maximum rainfall. The country can boast about the rich vegetation and the forest that provides a rainforest habitat although the close proximity to the Sahara is makes most islands with no mountains mostly dry. The islands as initially were isolated; the existence of a number of endemic species mostly the birds and reptiles can be seen although the existence is threatened by the human developments.

Explore Africa’s most westerly point with it’s incredible volcanic landscape and black and white sand beaches.

Culture
As the Portuguese discovered the country; the culture is immensely influenced by them. Rural Portuguese practices are displayed in the social and cultural patterns of the country.