Only 600€ per week!
Trekking Week
Tarrafal - Cape Verde
Explore the islands of the blessed ‘Cape Verde’ and engage in activities from hiking, trekking to exploring rum factories and much more.
Witness the green landscape of Cape Verde, meet its people and learn their culture, trek through green mountains and valleys, and cycle along the streets. This adventure is for hiking lovers who yearn for an experience off the beaten path in this beautiful island in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.
Program
Living
Tarrafal
Cape Verde
Program Description
Trekking week includes an adventure in Cape Verde and lets you explore the country in its purest forms. The action-packed itinerary throughout the week offers you visits to the hotspots on the island while sightseeing to the best scenic hiking and trekking trails.
Not only it has adventures on the ground such as hiking, trekking, visiting traditional villages and even exploring a rum factory, but also it has its share of exploring the best beaches and the world underwater.
Aims & Objectives
Explore authentic Cape Verdean culture and nature in a one week adventure.
Schedule
Monday
Northern Island of Santiago
It’s the first day of your adventure. Today, you will visit Green valleys of Northern Island of Santiago and see beautiful landscapes and interact with local people in their villages. You will get a chance to visit a Local Rum production including tasting!
Tuesday
Serra Malagueta to Mato Brasil
Today, you will walk from Serra Malagueta to Achada Lagoa and to Mato Brasil. This hiking track has spectacular views of all parts of Santiago North.
Wednesday
Hiking with Lunch at Farmer’s House
Walk with us in the mountains of Serra Malagueta and have lunch at an organic farm. In the valley of Lagoa, you will have impressions of a traditional Cape Verdean lifestyle. On our track, we will meet agriculture imposing landscapes, a little oasis. You will meet a local family with whom you will spend some time to see how they live. Lunch will be served at the farmer’s house.
With a little bit of luck, you can see monkeys along the route. ( 2h of hiking included)
Thursday
Gon-Gon – the "King-Track”
The valley of Gon-gon was named after the Bird Gon-Gon. This is a stunning landscape and the hike has very spectacular views en route. It’s a hike for accustomed hikers because of its duration and hight difference.
We will start from a Nature Park of Serra Malagueta, go down to the Gon-gon valley, go up over a ridge and down in the valley of Principal until we reach the ocean. It’s very beautiful and diversified – as it is believed to be the best of all – the King of Tracks!
(Duration: About 6 h / Difficulty level: Level 4 (Accustomed hikers))
Friday
Mountain Cycling Trip
Today, we will discover the great natural surroundings around Tarrafal while going on a bicycle trip. (Duration: 6 h)
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all participants arriving in Cape Verde.
For participants below 18, parental consent is required and for participants above 65, medical clearance is required.
Additional Equipment
Hiking shoes
Sun protection
Refillable water bottle
Location
The city is named after the indigenous plant Tarrafe, (Tamarix senegalensis). Also called Mangui or Mangue, it is situated on the northern part of the island of Santiago. A fishing port situated on the northwestern coast and also is a municipality.
About the Accommodation
You can expect to share a room on single gender basis. The bathroom is shared and western toilets are available.
Food Arrangements
The meals will contain a mix of local and various types of Western food.
Facilities
There are ATMs, mini marts, some shops and restaurants available in the city center.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
- Tarrafal beach
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Republic of Cabo Verde
Population: 532,913 (2016)
Capital: Praia
Language: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Time zone: CVT (UTC-1)
Country Information
The beautiful islands of the Cape Verde were initially uninhabited until it was discovered by the Portuguese 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.
Climate
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 forests 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.
Culture
As the country was discovered by the Portuguese, the culture is immensely influenced by them as the rural Portuguese practices are displayed in the social and cultural patterns of the country. The closeness to the church activities and the football games act as way of interaction between the locals for entertainment.
Transportation
By bus
For travelling within the islands, the most famous transportation is the minibuses which are known as “Yasi” which can accommodate around 12 to 14 passengers. In addition, the modified pickup truck and the cabs which are sometimes covered provide the transport facilities for shorter distances and in rural areas.
By Taxi
Taxis can mostly be found in the cities of Praia and Assomada, and they have unique colored taxis in these two cities, where taxis painted in beige are based in Praia and the taxis painted in white are based in Assomada. The taxis sometimes have a meter fixed to it although they hardly use it as the rates which are usually accepted are cheaper than the ones the metered taxis would count.
