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We begin our trip in Praia, Santiago - the capital city and the largest of the island nation. Upon arrival in Praia those on group flights will be met and transferred to the accommodation in Praia. Flight schedules can change throughout the year so the arrival time may vary from early afternoon to late evening. The day is free but if the group flight arrives early enough the leader will organise a briefing later this afternoon. If the flight arrives too late the briefing will take place tomorrow. *Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar or similar*
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. *Hotel Porto Grande or similar*
Distance in Km: 3
Activity Hours: 2 hours
Altitude Loss: 120
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. *Pension Zeca or similar*
Distance in Km: 6
Activity Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 100
Altitude Loss: 1100
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. *Pension Casa Mite or similar*
Distance in Km: 6
Activity Hours: 5 hours
Altitude Gain: 650
Altitude Loss: 900
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. *Hotel Tiduca or similar*
Distance in Km: 18
Activity Hours: 5-6 hours
Altitude Gain: 700
Altitude Loss: 700
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. *Hotel Tiduca or similar*
Distance in Km: 10
Activity Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 700
Altitude Loss: 300
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. *Casa Amadeu or similar*
Distance in Km: 6
Activity Hours: 3-4 hours
Altitude Gain: 550
Altitude Loss: 400
After 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. *Hotel Porto Grande or similar*
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. *Hotel Porto Grande or similar*
Activity Hours: 2 hours
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and check-in for the international departure from* *São Vicente.
• 5 days walking (5-6 hours), and 1 shorter day walk
• Altitude maximum 1100m, average 700m
• 6 nights hotels with ensuite facilities, 3 nights pensions with shared
facilities
• All breakfasts, 6 lunches/lunch boxes and 6 dinners included
All breakfasts, 6 lunches/lunchboxes and 6 dinners included.
The food in the Cape Verde islands is generally of a good quality,
particularly so by the coast where the seafood is excellent. The food of the
islands is very much a reflection of its history and geography – a fusion
of South American and African ingredients influenced by the Portuguese
history, as well as Southern and Western Europe. Expect a variety of soups
and grilled meat/seafood as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
owing to the fertile climate.
Cachupa Rica is Cape Verde's national dish, a stew made with corn, beans,
fish or meat and vegetables and usually served with rice.
Even though the hygienic conditions on Cape Verde have improved considerably
over recent years, along with stricter water testing, stomach bugs can occur.
As a preventative measure, you should abstain from eating fruit that has not
been peeled, bring purifying drinking tap water with tablets and/or portable
water filters. Please bring a reusable water bottle as water will be
provided throughout the trip, but you must provide your own water bottle.
• 5 days walking (5-6 hours), and 1 shorter day walk
• Altitude maximum 1100m, average 700m
• 6 nights hotels with ensuite facilities, 3 nights pensions with shared
facilities
• All breakfasts, 6 lunches/lunch boxes and 6 dinners included
*Activity level 3 (Moderate):*
Please note that during some parts of the year (July-October) heat and
humidity may make this trip more challenging. This trip is suitable for those
with some level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. Some previous trekking
experience is desirable but not vital as long as you are confident of your
physical condition. Some of the areas we visit are quite remote and will have
basic facilities. The walks are on uneven rocky terrain and may be slippery
underfoot along with some steep sections so you need to be comfortable with
this. There are also several sections of steep descent and ascent so walking
poles are highly recommended. None of the trekking days are very long or
strenuous, and the temperatures should be comfortable.
While we are confident in the general quality of the vehicles used, due to
the lack of local legislation in relation to seatbelt provision, we are
cannot guarantee to provide transport with seatbelts fitted.
Hotels and family-run guest houses
You will spend 6 nights in hotels, and 3 nights in family-run pensions.
Please note that the 3 nights at the pensions have shared facilities.
All hotels are comfortable and all rooms have a verandah or balcony. There is
a swimming pool at all hotels. The pensions are simple with basic rooms but
bed linen and towels are provided. For groups of 8 or more, clients may be
accomodated at 2 seperate pensions.
Please note that although all of the hotels are said to have a reliable
electricity and water supply there may be instances in which you experience
some gaps in supply - this is more a reflection of life in Cape Verde than
the standard of the hotel. WiFi is available at the hotels but not in the
pensions.
All breakfasts, 6 lunches/lunchboxes and 6 dinners included.
The food in the Cape Verde islands is generally of a good quality,
particularly so by the coast where the seafood is excellent. The food of the
islands is very much a reflection of its history and geography – a fusion
of South American and African ingredients influenced by the Portuguese
history, as well as Southern and Western Europe. Expect a variety of soups
and grilled meat/seafood as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
owing to the fertile climate.
Cachupa Rica is Cape Verde's national dish, a stew made with corn, beans,
fish or meat and vegetables and usually served with rice.
Even though the hygienic conditions on Cape Verde have improved considerably
over recent years, along with stricter water testing, stomach bugs can occur.
As a preventative measure, you should abstain from eating fruit that has not
been peeled, bring purifying drinking tap water with tablets and/or portable
water filters. Please bring a reusable water bottle as water will be
provided throughout the trip, but you must provide your own water bottle.
Travel is mainly by small private bus. Most of this trip is on well-surfaced
roads with occasional poor and bumpy sections. There is one internal flight
from Santiago to Sao Vincente. Additionally, we take one ferry trip
from São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente.
*Travelling flight inclusive: 11 days from London*
The group flight from London is a day flight, departing and arriving on Day
1 of the itinerary. Flights will arrive in Santiago and depart from São
Vicente, and you will be met by a representative at the airport upon arrival.
We normally use the scheduled services of TAP Air Portugal (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are normally with BINTER.
*Travelling land only: 11 days starting in Santiago and ending in São
Vicente*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Praia, Santiago in the
evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you have arranged your own flights, you can
easily reach the start hotel with a taxi from the airport. The distance is
only approximately 6km and should take 15-20 minutes.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Its location in this part of the Atlantic Ocean gives the Cape Verde region
warm weather all year round and there’s rarely a day when the sun isn’t
shining. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C with slightly
less sunshine in the summer because it falls within wet season.
The best time to visit Cape Verde for trekking is outside of the wet season,
which is spread over the months of August and September. Autumn and spring
are dry with very little rainfall, making them the best time to go to Cape
Verde for sunny and dry weather. If you are looking for the slightly cooler
months, arrive in December or January for the coolest weather of the year.
Your main luggage will be transported for you throughout the trip leaving you
to simply trek with a day pack.
Lightweight clothing, to include at least one pair of long trousers and a
long‐sleeved shirt (for protection against biting insects and scratchy
plants)
A warm sweater or fleece jacket (as nights can be chilly occasionally)
Walking boots or training shoes with good tread
Rain jacket (all year round)
Thick socks for hiking
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Mosquito repellent
Walking poles are very useful as the terrain is steep on most of the walk
At the time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We recommend packing
only one piece of checked baggage.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of
20kg.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible,
this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no
facilities are available there may come a time when you need to go to the loo
behind a tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend
taking biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your
business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take it off the
mountain or trail at the end of the day and dispose of it when there are
appropriate facilities available.
Binoculars
Camera
Swimwear
Mosquito nets are not provided everywhere so you may wish to bring your own
Earplugs if you have trouble sleeping
Some clients might find walking poles useful.
We advise you to bring your spending money in £, Euros or US$ cash as these
are easiest to change to local currency. You are not advised to bring local
currency into or out of the country.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. You may
feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your time in Cape
Verde and want to show your appreciation of their services. If you would like
to tip your leader, we suggest a figure of approximately €35 per person. It
is also courtesy to tip any extra guides/ drivers you may have over the
course of the trip, to simplify this process, your tour leader will collect
€35 per person towards a tipping kitty to cover all extra guides, drivers,
hotel staff and others who may provide the group with services during the
trip.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.