Active Experience

Individual Hiking Tour

Pure hiking – far away from the tourism.

On foot, experience the nature of Cape Verde and the life of the Cape Verdeans. Would you like to move around, are you fond of nature and enjoy spending pleasant nights in small mountain villages? Then this is the right place for you. Aimed at active travellers who want to discover the country ‘on their own’. With didactic guidebooks to replace the guide, the trip allows you plenty of freedom to experience the country at your own pace. Guidance for self-discovery – tried and tested and at the same time good value for money. We will arrange the framework – accommodation and transfers, flight and ferry – for you, and let you enjoy it undisturbed.

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

Day 1: SANTIAGO – Arrival and Cidade Velha

After arriving at Santiago airport, there will be a transfer to your accommodation in the historic town of Cidade Velha, its first settlement and former capital of the archipelago, as well as historic sites dating back to the times of the great seafarers.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – The Green Valley Ribeira Grande

In the morning, the green valley of Ribeira Grande is the focus of attention. Using your roadbook, you set off on a hike through the dry riverbed. You’ll pass sugar cane, mango trees, and baobabs along the way. Even bird lovers will get their money’s worth because the Cape Verdean kingfisher likes the valley. On the way back to Cidade Velha, you will visit the old fort, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the old island’s capital. You then drive to Rui Vaz, where you check into the Mountain Lodge. Located on the edge of a national park, it offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the high-quality cuisine, which is largely based on ingredients from the lodge’s own organic garden.

Day 3: SANTIAGO – Around the Quinta

With the help of your roadbook, today’s hike takes you downhill from Rui Vaz to São Jorge. Time and again you have a breathtaking 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 will visit the botanical garden. You will then drive to Praia and check into centrally located accommodation on the plateau, the historic centre of the capital. On foot, you can reach the market as well as numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 4: SANTIAGO – SÃO VICENTE – Journey towards the Cultural Capital

From your accommodation, transfer to Santiago airport. Arriving at São Vicente airport after the domestic flight, you will be met by your driver who will take you to your accommodation in the centre of the colonial port city of Mindelo. It is within walking distance of the vegetable market and many shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 5: SÃO VICENTE – Lively harbour city

Begin the day with an exploration of the colonial port city of Mindelo. Be enchanted by the lively markets and historic squares. In the afternoon, we recommend a stay at the beautiful city beach Laginha.

Day 6: SANTO ANTÃO – Descent to the valley of Caibros

You’ll take the ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão, with your driver waiting for you. You will then drive up from Porto Novo on the old trade road to Espongeiro, from where the first hike begins. Starting from the plateau with eagle views of almost untouched mountain scenery, you will embark on a grandiose descent to Caibros, an agricultural area in terraced cultivation. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to be offered goat’s cheese along the way, a typical product of the local area. You’ll then stay the night in a family-run accommodation in Caibros, where a traditional dinner will be served.

Day 7: SANTO ANTÃO – To Chã de Igreja

We will bring your main luggage to the accommodation that you will spend the night in on the next day’s journey. After breakfast, you will start your way and first climb about 500 metres in altitude. Time and again you will enjoy the view of the mighty Ribeira Grande valley. Once you have crossed the pass, you will continue the hike on an old mule trail and descend to the village of Mocho. You will then continue to Chã de Igreja, where the next family guesthouse awaits you (overnight stay without main luggage).

Day 8: SANTO ANTÃO – Along the coast

Enjoy one of the most spectacular hikes in the archipelago today: along the bizarre cliffs from Chã de Igreja to the northernmost point of Cape Verde, enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coast. Before reaching your destination, you will pass the picturesquely situated village of Fontainhas with its numerous small field terraces. You will spend the night in the friendly fishing village of Ponta do Sol.

Day 9: SANTO ANTÃO – Ponta do Sol

When you have completed the first three hikes on Santo Antão, let your experiences be reflected upon and relax. Or would you like to start walking after all? It is entirely your day.

Day 10: SANTO ANTÃO – The Green Paúl Valley

Start your hike with a transfer to the starting point. The trail today takes you through spectacular mountain scenery and tropical vegetation. You will pass sugar cane and banana fields and discover mango and papaya trees. After these pleasant hours, you will enjoy the national dish of Cape Verde in the middle of the valley: Cachupa, a rich bean stew. You will spend the night in Cidade das Pombas.

Day 11: SANTO ANTÃO – The Ribeira da Torre Valley

We continue along the old trade route to the starting point of today’s hike. It leads through a fertile valley, full of vegetation and small fields. On this last day of hiking in Cape Verde, enjoy the simple life and the friendly people of Santo Antão.

Day 12: SANTO ANTÃO – SÃO VICENTE – Lively port city or nearby beach?

Back in São Vicente today. After breakfast, your driver will take you to Porto Novo. From there you will take the ferry back to São Vicente where you will check into your guesthouse from days 4/5. Enjoy the impressions of the trip, the lively harbour town or relax on the nearby city beach.

Tag 13: SÃO VICENTE- Departure

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:

• Competent advice on planning your trip
• Consideration of your individual wishes when creating the travel offer
• Carefully selected accommodation and drivers
• Qualified English speaking guides
• Varied excursions
• Detailed travel documents
• A 24-hour service number on-site during your trip

Services Included in the price:

• Domestic flight Santiago – São Vicente incl. taxes and fees
• Ferry São Vicente > Santo Antão > São Vicente
• 12 nights in a double room with breakfast including accommodation tax
• Other meals: 2x lunch, 5x packed lunch, 3x dinner
• 8 manuals for the described excursions and hikes
• All Airport, port and other transfers as per itinerary
• Travel documents

Services Not Included:

• Airport tax (3,400 ECV or €31)
• International flights.
  *You are welcome to book your international flights through us: With TAP Air Portugal, from an airport near you.

Booking request individual hiking tour:
Active experience