Itinerary Include flights Expand all Praia, Santiago Island to Mindelo, São Vicente Island Day 1 Start Praia, Santiago 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 Day 2 Visit of Cidade Velha, Flight to São Vicente 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Ferry to Santo Antão, hike to Caibros 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Hike through the valley of the Ribeira Grande 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Move along the coast to Ponta do Sol 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 The greenest valley of all... Paúl 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Cha de Morte to Alto Mira 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Ferry back to Mindelo, city tour and guitar workshop 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 9 São Vicente Island Tour 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 Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 10 Adeus Cabo Verde After breakfast, transfer to the airport and check-in for the international departure from São Vicente. Meals included: Breakfast
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.
Reviewed November 2019 Valda Kampf Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Fabulous trip with stunning scenery The walking was quite tough as there were long periods of continual steep ascent or descent but it was worth it for the views and remoteness of some of the locations. The heat was relentless without much shade so you need to be prepared for this and take a lot of water. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many highlights. What did you think of your group leader? Nicolin was excellent. He is passionate about his country and made sure we all fell in love with it. He was well organised, interesting, calm and very caring. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The grade may be underestimated so you need to be fit and able to stand the heat.
Reviewed May 2019 Alan Colgate Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde The trip was different from what I was expecting but very enjoyable at the same time. Some of the trails were difficult for me especially when going down steep slopes and I was not the only one who felt it should have been graded 4 not 3. As I am interested in geology I found the island of Santo Antao particularly interesting with the frequent evidence of its volcanic past. Also the local guide was passionate about 'his Island' and very informative. One problem which could have been avoided was that when we were at Cha de Morte (I think that it was the name) we were kept awake all night from 9pm to 7am with extremely loud broadcast 'music' as it was their annual 'festival' just that night. To sum up I am glad I went! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 1. The exciting ferry crossing to Santo Antao (the sea was quite rough), and 2. the coastal walk on Day 5 to Ponta do Sol. The cliffs are geologically extremely interesting. Although the walk is very hilly there is a decent coastal path the whole way so the slopes did not bother me at all. What did you think of your group leader? A very friendly helpful person. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? To note that many of the paths require a good balance going down and the later suggestion by Exodus of bringing walking poles was necessary for those not so agile. Is there anything else you would like to add? The Island are anything but 'green' as the name may suggest. It never rains but relies on moisture from clouds on the higher points similar to Madeira and the other Atlantic Islands.
Reviewed May 2019 andrew goodwin Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde A good combination of walking and culture. Spectacular mountain scenery. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably the walk from Cha de Morte to Alto Mira was my favourite, but all walks were very good. Also enjoyed the visit to the guitar maker, plus the musical recital. What did you think of your group leader? Alveno was very enthusiastic and obviously enjoyed his job. Very aware of the environmental issues, as you would expect. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for a strenuous walk in very hot weather. Is there anything else you would like to add? The live music during meals could be intrusive and make conversation difficult.
Reviewed May 2019 Pete Smith Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Capo Verde Discovered Until this Exodus trip appeared, I did not know where Cabo Verde was. We took a chance to go to a country emerging from the 3rd world, and I'm glad we did. Great hikes, interesting vistas, great guides. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I was inspired by the people of Cabo Verde. They have struggled from poverty at independence in 1975, out in the Atlantic, without rain and with only the sun and seas around them, to build a liberal democratic country. The people are kind and seem to treat others with respect. What did you think of your group leader? Alveno was great. He made all the arrangements work like 'clockwork'. He always made sure we had lots of Exodus-provided bottled water to drink. He also arranged for and joined us for meals outside of the Exodus programme. On each of the 3 islands, we were joined by a local island guide who led the hikes and walks around the sites. Alveno and local guides acted in tandem providing information and answering our questions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In January 2019 Cabo Verde changed entry requirements and taxes. Members of EU-like countries do not need a visa, but pay CVE 3400 (currently euro 31) Airport Security Tax (TSA) on entry. In addition to the TSA, other non-Cabo Verde and non-EU-like nationals must also get a visa for euro 25. Many people who require a visa get one from their local embassy or consulate before arrival at the airport, but Canada has neither. There are 3 lines at Praia airport: International, one for nationals and Visa. We were directed by immigration staff to International, which was wrong, and then went to near the end of the Visa line. We were at least 30 minutes later than everybody else getting through. This was not because there was a problem with our entry but because, while we were getting processed, the rest of the staff appeared to be trying to balance and close up with the head who was on the Visa booth. The group leader along with the other Exodus travelers waited for us. Then the group leader sent us to currency exchange at the airport to buy CVE for the trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? (1) This was the second time this trip was offered, the first time being in March. The group flight arrived at ~11PM for both trips, so there was no walk around Praia on day 1 as the trip notes state, which we knew. However, the group didn't know that there were lots of other trip note errors, and these errors helped create some less than pleasant discussions. Unexpected changes, e.g. from a ferry cancellation, are understandable. Exodus should correct the trip notes to reflect the trip that the local company is providing. (2) This trip is rated as moderate. Having done easy-moderate, moderate and more than moderate Exodus trips, I think moderate is the correct assessment. Poles are useful on some sections of some walks; boots are required most days. People can become sore or sick and miss a day or more (I have had both in past Exodus trips). But please don't expect guides and the rest of the group to cater to people who don't want to hike on a hiking trip.
Reviewed May 2019 Craig Venes Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Undiscovered trails of Cape Verde This was a good opportunity to visit the lesser known islands of Cape Verde. Go prepared for hard walks in high temperatures and an open mind. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk in the Paul Valley was a nice change from the very dry and desolate landscape of the other walks but the best part was completing the coastal walk and arriving at a very nice hotel! What did you think of your group leader? This was our tour leaders first time running the tour. He was a very nice person but did get a bit stressed when it was pointed out that our itinerary was different to the one that he had been provided with. This was not his fault and there were several discrepancies despite the trip notes being recently updated. He was very proud of his country and very involved in social projects. All in all, he did a good job and was always on time and very cheerful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure that you are fit before you go. The walks are harder than described and these are made harder by the heat. The second walk was very difficult and may have been better if it had been done later in the tour so that you would be used to the walks. There is also an extra walk on the day that you would go to the farmers market. This is quite a long walk and does not really have any highlights to speak of. Poles are useful as there are lots of ascents and descents. Also wear decent boots with good grip as it is often quite slippery underfoot. Once you get used to the conditions, the walks become easier and you are able to take in the scenery. It hasn’t rained in the areas walked for 2 years so I wouldn’t bother with wet weather gear. Also the temperature was always warm, so a fleece or jumper was not needed. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food provided is of a good standard and there is plenty of it. Lunches are generally sandwiches or a pasta/rice salad. Water is provided but make sure that you have enough water bottles to last the length of the walk as it is not always possible to get more on the walk.
Reviewed April 2019 John Atherton Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Interesting and varied walking Walking a new area in warm weather looked interesting – and it was. The first walk: a short steep descent followed by an interesting green valley to the coast, was a gentle introduction. The next, on Santo Antao, was hard work, culminating in a very long descent. Might have been better later in the trip when we were a bit more used to the terrain. Good paths in general, lots of cobbled paths plus a bit of loose stuff. Great scenery, rock formations, mountain and coastal views, assorted cultivation, even a couple of monkeys. Knowledgeable and considerate local guides. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Volcanic mountain scenery. What did you think of your group leader? Very good, proud of her country. Lots of information, good time keeping. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be hill fit – Lakes, Dales, etc. Walking pole(s) useful for descents. Is there anything else you would like to add? Simple graphical representation of each walk profile in the trip notes would have been useful.
Reviewed April 2019 Derek Henderson Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Harder than expected walks Although the trip notes said this was a cat 3 some of the treks especially the first day on Santo Antao were a bit harder but that di not detract from a fantastic holiday in a wonderful country. A mixed group ranging from 80's to 40's but all got on well. The guides were great. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking the cliff path to Ponta do Sol, especially the "Stations of the cross" section. What did you think of your group leader? She was very good, possibly a bit shrill, partly I think because thefe as an Exodus rep reviewing the trip. Like most leaders tended to treat everyone as if they were children. All in all I was very happy with her. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for some hard walking and some rustic accomodation. Go with an open mind and you will not be disapointed. Is there anything else you would like to add? no
Reviewed April 2019 Derek Henderson Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde Harder than expected walks Although the trip notes said this was a cat 3 some of the treks especially the first day on Santo Antao were a bit harder but that di not detract from a fantastic holiday in a wonderful country. A mixed group ranging from 80's to 40's but all got on well. The guides were great. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking the cliff path to Ponta do Sol, especially the "Stations of the cross" section. What did you think of your group leader? She was very good, possibly a bit shrill, partly I think because thefe as an Exodus rep reviewing the trip. Like most leaders tended to treat everyone as if they were children. All in all I was very happy with her. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for some hard walking and some rustic accomodation. Go with an open mind and you will not be disapointed. Is there anything else you would like to add? no
Reviewed March 2019 Judy Ransley Trip: Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde New Trip Wanted to visit Cape Verde for some time so jumped at the chance of this new trip. I very much enjoyed experiencing the islands but found the hiking challenging. This is graded "3 moderate" but almost everybody thought this was a misrepresentation. The tracks are all hard, mostly cobbled, paths so don't expect any soft grass! The gradients are pretty severe and coupled with the heat (quite a bit hotter than estimated in trip notes) the hikes weren't easy. I was not really fit enough for this trip and others who do more walking found it easier going. It is not suitable for anybody with knee problems. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Staying in remote mountain village pensions Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do go but make sure you are hill walking fit and take poles if you use them as many of the descents can be quite slippery with loose sand/stones. Changing money is expensive so aim to do it once - between 150 - 200 euros depending on how many drinks/souvenirs you like to buy. Beer = 1.30; glass of wine 3.0; fruit juice 1.50 approx.
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