We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Inter-island transport can be subject to re-scheduling at short notice, and heavily influenced by local weather conditions which may impact on the day to day itinerary. Please note that the availability of hot water is limited in hotels. We may also have to vary some walks due to weather/safety considerations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Cape Verde Islands |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.75 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.75 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£18.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
A single entry visa is required by all visitors to Cape Verde and can be obtained on arrival. The cost is €25. You must forward your passport details to Explore no later than 4 weeks before departure, so we can forward them to our local agent who will arrange a visa to be issued at the airport.
Please note if you travel via Dakar, you might be required a visa for Cape Verde in order to board your flight. In this case a charge of €90 applies. Other nationalities should consult the relavant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Although not compulsory, we strongly recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Sources indicate that from September through to December, a limited Malaria risk exists in Santiago Island, though, generally, no prophylaxis is recommended. Consult your travel clinic for the latest medical advice.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
The Cape Verde islands are volcanic and generally hilly and have a low, irregular rainfall (which normally occurs between August and October). The rainfall is very low at sea level but increases in the hills and mountains. The islands enjoy a tropical oceanic climate with consistently high temperatures and humidity throughout the year 25-35°C. The coolest months are December to March. Sunshine hours average from 7 to 10 daily throughout the year. The strong, hot and dry winds of the Saharan harmattan blow sporadically from October to June. Please note that the nights can be cool when staying at higher elevations.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage. Total allowance: 14kg and a day sac. Please remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage so don’t overload yourself and please make sure that you bring soft bags, not hard suitcases. Please note that it is important to keep within these restrictions. The limit does not include your camera equipment. We recommend that you wear your walking boots on the flight out
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Pack essentially for 'All Tours' plus 'Hot Conditions'. Light clothing is fine as a general rule but do come prepared for climate changes whilst walking in the volcanic mountains. Bring a fleece jacket and waterproof. Shorts are ideal for walking in on the islands, but we recommend long trousers for the treks on Fogo. You’ll need your swimming gear and an extra towel.
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Footwear
Broken-in sturdy walking boots with good ankle support. Sandals/trainers for relaxing.
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Equipment
Bring a head torch, a towel, insect repellent, a personal water bottle, sun hat, sunglasses and sun block. You may find trekking poles useful for the steep terrain.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Lying to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, in the Mid-Atlantic waters off the coast of West Africa, the Cape Verde Islands present a staggering destination just waiting to be rediscovered. Initially colonised by European traders, the islands once lay at the strategic crossroads of the routes between Africa, Europe and the Americas. Used as a base for shipping slaves from the African mainland to the new world, intermarriage between the white Portuguese conquerors and their former black African captives created an independent Creole race and this lost paradise is now home to some of the friendliest, most welcoming and hospitable people in Africa. The archipelago consists of nine inhabited islands, created from gigantic volcanic eruptions that have pushed up from the earth’s core. We visit four of the main and most varied of these – Santiago, once the centre of the slave trade and now the home of Cape Verdean culture, Fogo with its active volcano, wine and coffee, Sao Vicente, home to eclectic music and rhythm and finally, Santo Antao, which can boast mountain landscapes riddled with lush and verdant ribeiras. Travelling between the islands utilising the inter-island flight network and ferries, we will spend our time exploring these remarkable landscapes on foot, taking in the volcanic heights of Pico de Fogo, enjoying the scenic grandeur of Santo Antao’s extraordinary natural contrasts and discovering some of the colonial remnants of Santiago and Sao Vicente’s distant past. Walking trails little trodden by tourists we discover mountain villages that seem to cling to the very rock of these volcanic islands and relish the rich cultural diversity of lands that still evoke memories of their European and African heritage.
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Country info
Area: 4,033 sq km.
Population: 423,613.
Language: Portuguese and Creole.
Religion: Roman Catholic (mixed with indigenous beliefs), Protestant.
Local Time: GMT -1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. European two pin circular plugs.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Cape Verde Islands, Basil Davidson: The Fortunate Isles, Cornelis J. Hazevoet: The Birds of the Cape Verde Islands.
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
