Cape Verde Safari Tours & Holidays

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. The ten volcanic islands in its archipelago have a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometres. The islands lie about 600 to 850 kilometres west of Cap-Vert which gave its name to the islands.

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Island situated 570km off the coast of West Africa. The islands were discovered in the 15th century by the Portuguese and grew throughout the 16th and 17th century as it was a convenient stop off for the Atlantic slave trade. The islands became independent from Portugal in 1975. The 10 volcanic islands vary from paradise conjuring flat sandy beaches and blue seas of Sal, Boa Vista and Maio (which are great for water sports such as kite and wind-surfing) to the craggy peaks and green valleys of Santo Antao, Sao Vicente and Santiago (which are great for walking). Everywhere we travel there is a peaceful relaxed Creole hospitality with its distinct flavours and happy music beat. The climate is pleasantly tropical with plenty of sunshine, and low humidity. Any rainfall typically falls between August and October. The average temperatures are 24-30°C A great winter sunshine destination.

How to get to Cape Verde

Amílcar Cabral International Airport also known as Sal International Airport is the main international airport of Cape Verde.

You can also fly with TAP Portugal (www.flytap.com) via Lisbon and Royal Air Moroc from London, Airports of Cape Verde: Praia Airport, Sal Airport, Sao Vincente Airport, Boa Vista Aristides Pereira Airport, Sao Filipe Airport, Sao Nicolau Airport.

Passport, Visa and Entry requirements for Cape Verde

Travellers must have their passport with at least 6-months’ validity after the intended date of departure from Cape Verde. The Cape Verde Pre-Arrival Registration allows applicants a Single Entry to Cape Verde, where they can remain for up to 30 days Per Entry (short term visa).

The health sector of Cape Verde

Healthcare facilities in Cape Verde are limited. Medicines may be in short supply too. Praia and Mindelo are home to the largest hospitals in the country. Smaller public and private healthcare facilities can be found throughout the country, though equipment and personnel quality can vary. So ensure you have medical insurance before travelling to Cape Verde.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Cape Verde

Travelling directly from Europe there are no vaccinations for Cape Verde required for entry. It is a Yellow fever risk region but there have been no cases for many years. Other vaccines need to be considered against food and water-borne diseases such as Hepatitis A & Typhoid.

There are no mosquitoes in Cape Verde islands so you don’t need to take Malaria medicine/ vaccine as in other African countries.

The currency of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Escudo is tied to the euro at CV Esc 110.265 = 1 Euro. Banks will exchange hard currencies. Large hotels and restaurants accept some credit cards and payment in euros.

Official Language of Cape Verde

The official language of the islands is Portuguese, which is used in most written communication, including newspapers; however Creole tends to be used in conversation and it’s this you’ll hear being used on a day to day basis. Creole is based on African languages but with additions from several European languages.

Best time to travel to Cape Verde

The best time to visit Cape Verde is between November and June – at this time of year, you can make the most of the white-sand beaches the islands are known for. The temperatures sit around the mid-to-high twenties, and there’s hardly any rain.

What to wear in Cape Verde

People tend to dress casually, although men may be asked to wear trousers (rather than shorts) in the evenings and no beachwear is allowed at some hotel restaurants. Please respect the local culture and dress modestly, especially when travelling away from the main tourist resorts.

What to bring while travelling to Cape Verde

What to pack for a holiday in Cape Verde depends partly on where you’re staying and what you plan to do. We hope this guide will help you decide what to take.

Loose-fitting outfits in natural fibres are the best style of clothing to help you keep cool.
Footwear
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Sunglasses with UV filters protect your eyes –
insect repellent to help avoid annoying insect bites.
You may need a shawl, jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings.
portable Umbrella
Passport, insurance documents and flight tickets!

Car hire and driving in Cape Verde

Hire agencies to have a limited Cape Verde presence, especially away from Sal, although Hertz has now opened offices alongside domestic brand Cape Verde Getaway so we recommend hiring a car with a driver.

Accommodation in Cape Verde

Cabo Verde also called Cape Verde, a country comprising a group of islands that lie 385 miles (620 km) off the west coast of Africa. Praia on Santiago is the capital.

Local food of Cape Verde

Cachupa Rica – Cape Verde’s national dish, a stew made with fish, meat and vegetables. Buzio – A tasty traditional slow-cooked stew made with shellfish (usually mussels) and soya sauce. Bol de Cus-Cus – A delicious cake made with corn and sugar, usually served warm with butter and Cabra cheese.

Tipping while Travelling in Cape Verde

It’s common to tip at restaurants, typically around 5% to 10% of the bill and guides during the hikes and cruises for more information contact Wilderness Explorers Africa for updated information about tipping in Cape Verde.

Further information for Cape Verde

Every island in the archipelago boasts a distinct landscape and an individual experience. For a beach trip, head to Sal – the resorts here offer everything you need for a hassle-free holiday. Buzzing Santa Maria, with its pristine white sands, is a favourite for visitors.

On the other end of the spectrum is Fogo, a live volcano, peaking at just less than 3000m. Locals here live inside the crater. If you visit, you’re in for a memorable experience, whether you decide to go climbing, or head underground to explore the volcanic tunnels.

Safety of Cape Verde

The risk of crime overall is relatively low in Cape Verde. However, travellers have reported being mugged or robbed on dark roads at night and in isolated areas. Street lights are scarce in many public places throughout the islands, and intermittent electricity blackouts can cause entire suburbs to go dim.