Cape Verde: The South of the archipelago (original) (raw)

Individual Hiking Tour

On this hiking and recreation tour, you will visit the islands of Santiago and Fogo. On the volcanic island of Fogo, you will explore the spectacular crater area around the country’s highest mountain, Pico do Fogo, on foot. There is also a stop in the cosy island capital of São Filipe. On Santiago, you will go on the most beautiful hikes on the main island and get to know the two mountain ranges as well as the former capital Cidade Velha and its surroundings. After these varied and impressive days, you can end your holiday on the beach at Tarrafal, to the north of Santiago.

It is bookable throughout the year at the date of your choice!

All meals included are marked as follows:
B=Breakfast; PL=Packed Lunch; CB=Coffee break; L=Lunchtime; D=Dinner

Level of difficulty of the hikes:
1=Very easy 2=Easy; 3=Medium difficulty; 4=Advanced; 5=Guide required

Day 1: Arrival in Cape Verde

Street vendors in Praia, Santiago Island

You arrive at Santiago airport and transfer to your accommodation, which is located in the centre of the capital Praia. You can easily reach numerous shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance from here.

Services Included:

(-/-/-)

Day 2: Praia and Cidade Velha / The Green Valley Ribeira Grande

Ribeira Grande Santiago

Ribeira Grande Valley, Santiago Island

Hike in the Ribeira Grande Valley // approx. 2 hours // – 200m // level of difficulty 2-3

First of all, your guide will show you the historical part of the capital Praia. While taking a guided walk on the plateau, you’ll visit the colonial-style main square and observe the lively hustle and bustle at the colourful fruit and vegetable market. You will then head to the African-inspired Sucupira market, which offers almost everything for sale.

Then, you will drive to Calabaceira, which is the starting point of your first hike. You descend into the green valley of Ribeira Grande before the path takes you through the dry riverbed, past sugar cane, mango trees and baobabs. Later on, you’ll get to know Cidade Velha, the first capital of the country. Visit the fort and take a walk through the small town. Then transfer to Praia.

Services Included:

(B/PL/-)

Day 3: Santiago – Fogo

Cape Verde Islands Fogo Sao Filipe

São Filipe, Fogo Island

Transfer from Tarrafal to Santiago airport and a short flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo. There your driver will be waiting for you and take you to your accommodation, located in the heart of the island’s capital São Filipe. Explore the lovely town on your own. Experience the colonial, small-town charm of São Filipe with its well-kept squares and historic manor houses.

Services Included:

(B/-/-)

Day 4: The volcanic landscape

Fogo Lavafields

Lava formations on the island of Fogo

Hike through the crater landscape // approx. 4.5 hours // +/- 100 m // level of difficulty 2

In the morning, after breakfast, you will set off for the famous volcanic crater: by car, you will drive in serpentines past small villages, hilly country, isolated small herds and lava formations up to an altitude of 1,700 m. In the afternoon, your guide will show you the lava flows of various eruptions in the last decades – namely in 1951 and November 2014. Your guide will then take you on a hike to show you the lava flows of various eruptions that the crater has “experienced” in recent decades – namely 1951, 1995 and in November 2014. You’ll walk on the cooled lava fields and through the ruins of destroyed houses. Throughout the day, enjoy the energy that this mountain, 2,800 m above sea level, radiates and that will not let you go. You will spend two days in a family guesthouse in this spectacular area.

Services Included:

(B/PL/D)

Day 5: Climbing the volcano

Pico Island Fogo

Pico de Fogo, Fogo Island

Hiking ascent of the volcano // approx. 6 hours // +/- 1,100 m // level of difficulty 4

Enjoy a candlelit breakfast before setting off early to climb Pico de Fogo, which is the highest point in Cape Verde. The lava crunches under your soles with every step. You’ll climb the mountain before the sun and can watch your rise from the heights. Successively, all the volcanoes in the crater will shine at you. Once at the top, you will see some of the Cape Verde Islands if the weather is good. And then comes the “descent” through the lava ash.

Services Included:

(B/PL/D)

Day 6: Farewell to the crater

Fogo Caldeira

Caldeira de Fogo, with the north opening on the right

Hike Portela – Campanas // about 7 hours // + 250 / – 700 m // level of difficulty 3-4

Today you leave the crater area through the north opening and plunge into an equally impressive panorama. You turn around one last time to see the lava flows and wave to your hosts and then enjoy the perfumed forest. On the horizon, you will see the endless ocean again and again. From the endpoint of the hike, you return to São Filipe by car.

Services Included:

(B/PL/-)

Day 7: Back to Santiago

Rui Vaz Santiago

Mountains near Rui Vaz, Santiago Island

Transfer to Fogo airport and flight back to Santiago. Then transfer to Rui Vaz, where you will move into your mountain lodge. Located on the edge of a national park, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Most of the ingredients for the restaurant’s high-quality cuisine come from their own organic garden.

Services Included:

(B/-/D)

Day 8: From Rui Vaz to São Jorge

Santiago Cape Verde Rui Vaz

Mountains near Rui Vaz, Santiago Island

Hike to São Jorge // about 2 hours // -500m // level of difficulty 2-3

You will hike downhill from Rui Vaz to São Jorge with a manual today. Time and again you have a spectacular view of the highest mountain on the island, Pico da Antónia. Along rock formations and a path lined with corn and bean fields as well as agaves, you will finally reach São Jorge, where you visit the botanical garden. You will then drive back to your accommodation.

Services Included:

(B/PL/D)

Day 9: The surrounding of your accomodation

Hike around Rui Vaz // approx. 4 hours // +/- 400m // Difficulty level 2-3

As part of your varied circular hike, you will get to know the surroundings of Rui Vaz. Impressive views, small villages and agricultural areas…

Alternatively, you can take a hike to the secondary peak of Pico da Antónia.

Services Included:

(B/PL/D)

Day 10: In the Serra Malagueta

Serraalagueta Santiago Cape Verde2

Mountains of Serra Malagueta, Santiago Island

Hike in the Serra Malagueta // approx. 3 hours // +/- 300m // level of difficulty 2-3

Today, you will go to the Serra Malagueta, which will also impress you. Along your hiking tour, hills and mountains alternate with achadas, the lava plains. You will then drive to Tarrafal. The small town is located to the north of Santiago and offers a small, light- coloured sandy beach surrounded by palm trees.

Services Included:

(B/PL/-)

Day 11/12: Relaxation in Tarrafal

Island Santiago Tarrafal Beach

Beach in Tarrafal, Santiago Island

You can enjoy the time on the beach at Tarrafal. It is also a good idea to take a walk through the small town with its main square, church and historic town hall.

Services Included:

(B/-/-)

Day 13: Say Goodbye

There is still a whole day to enjoy the end of your holiday in Cape Verde. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport and return flight to Europe.

Services Included:

(B/-/-)

Who we are:

We have been organising trips to the Cape Verde Islands for more than 15 years with a German/Cape Verdean team of almost 20 people. Together with our drivers and guides, we work hand in hand on all nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. Looking forward to a trip organised by people who know the local area inside out and also have a lot of fun at work.

What you can expect from us:

Services Included in the price:

Services Not Included:

Prices valid until 30.04.2025

Price per person in a double room: 1.580 EUR
Price for single travelers in a single room: 2.540 EUR

Changes and errors excepted.

Booking request individual hiking tour:

The South of the archipelago

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