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10 Day itinerary in Cape Verde, Africa

3 Islands Tour Santiago - Fogo - Maio

With a varied collection of landscapes to admire, pages of history to tell you, beaches where you can sunbathe and swim, charming fishermen's villages, typical markets with an African atmosphere, Santiago, the largest island of the archipelago, concentrates many of the attractions of Cape Verde...Ta... Read More

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Laurent

By Laurent

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Praia

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Wildlife

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discovery of 3 authentic islands of the archipelago, 3 different mood, 3 days spent on each of them

2

In Santiago, an immersion day with local farmers

3

In Fogo, a homestay of 2 nights at the base of the volcano, an outstanding experience

4

3 days in Maio, « the Robinson Crusoe’s island », at the end of the tour

Itinerary

High-End Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival

Arrival and overnight in Praia (Santiago Island).

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Pestana Trópico
Day 2

place The Agricultural World

On the program, discovery of the agricultural environment of Santiago and the Poilao dam. The Poilao dam is the first one built in Cabo Verde. It is located about 30km north of Praia. Its construction was completed in 2006 and was financed by China. It supplies nearly 300 farming families. This visit will be followed by the discovery of a farm and lunch with the inhabitants. Duration: approximately 6h30. Return transport included from Praia.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Pestana Trópico
Day 3

place From Praia to Tarrafal

Go through the interior of the island and return via the east coast. Passage to Sao Domingos, then visit of the botanical garden. We then head towards Assomada with a stop at its famous market. This lively ride then continues through the Serra Malagueta and its natural park to reach the former penitentiary of Chào Bom (visit of the site planned). After a swim and lunch in Tarrafal, return to Praia along the east coast, passing through the villages of Rabelados and Pedra Badejo. Duration: about 7 hours. Meals: Lunch included. Return transport included from Praia (about 160km traveled)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Pestana Trópico
Day 4

place Flight Santiago to Fogo (30min flight)

Welcome by our guide at the airport and departure for the excursion "Cha Das Caldeiras". The plateau of Cha das Caldeiras is the main attraction of the island of Fogo. All visitors are amazed by the lunar landscape and the imposing size of the still-active volcano (the last eruption was on 23/11/2014). The natural elements intersect with lava mantles and fertile plantations of different crops. The excursion takes place as follows: departure by car from São Filipe. You will reach the area of Cha das Caldeiras after about 1.5 hours of driving. Arriving in the caldera, a guide will accompany you for a short trek of about 2h30 / 3h00 to climb Pico Pequenho and see the crater of the last eruption dating back to 2014, and then reach the village of Portela. Lunch will be taken in Portela. After lunch, we will visit the villages of Portela and Bangeira (covered by lava in 2014) and then settle into our accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Casa Cicilio
Day 5

place Pico Grande Trek

Climbing the famous Pico Grande 2,829m above sea level. At the top is a crater 500m in diameter and 180m deep. This volcano is still active, the last eruption was in 2014. The departure from Portela is early (around 06h30) in order to have good visibility at the top of the volcano and to avoid the heat. This is a difficult climb and therefore only suitable for experienced hikers. Duration: between 4 and 6 hours. Elevation gain: +1100/-1100. Lunch is included at the end of the trek, in Portela. For the less athletic, the "Pico Pequenho" trek or the "Walk to the foot of Bordeira" are alternatives accessible to all.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Casa Cicilio
Day 6

place Sao Filipe

after 2 days spent in the volcano area, it is time to reach the charming little town of Sao Filipe where you will spend the night. Don't miss to visit the historical center and its pretty "sobrados" (old colonial houses).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: boarding-house Tortuga
Day 7

place Flight Fogot to Santiago to Maio

It takes 30' to fly to Santiago, then only 8' to cross the strait between Santiago and Maio.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Stella Maris
Day 8

place Tour of Maio

Bernard takes you for a day trip through the deserted tracks of Maio. Departure by the east coast, stop at the well at the exit of Vila de Maio. Then we will visit the following sites: Bareiro, the wetland of the King of Maio and the beach. Ribeira Joao via the ribeira and its beach, future tourist area. Stop at noon at the chapel "da nossa Senhora do Rosario" which is the oldest on the island with a picnic at the foot of Monte Penoso (the highest mountain of Maio). Passage through Pedro Vaz towards Cascabulho. Track to Laja Branca (except if it rains!) and discovery of the Natural Park of the North of Maio (Praia Réal possibility of sharks). Visit of the Morinho dunes. Visit of Calheta (small fishermen's town). Stop at the Caminhada (free drink). Visit of Morro and return via the salt flats to Vila de Maio (unless it has rained!). Duration: about 7 hours. Transport included from Vila do Maio. Picnic lunch included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Stella Maris
Day 9

place Trek to Mount Penoso

With it's 436m high, it is the highest point of the island. Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and accompany you on this trek. Duration: about 3 hours. Transport included by private vehicle from Vila do Maio and back.

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: Stella Maris
Day 10

place Flight Maio to Santiago

Flight from Maio to Santiago, then the same evening return flight from Santiago

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Casa Cicilio
  • Pestana Trópico
  • boarding-house Tortuga
  • Stella Maris

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (8)
  • Lunch (5)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport pick up Praia Santiago
  • Flights Santiago to Fogo to Santiago to Maio to Santiago
  • Airport drop off Praia Santiago

Activities expand_less

  • Praia Island tour
  • Visit Cha Das Caldeiras
  • Pico Grande Trek
  • Vila de Maio Island tour

Not Included expand_less

  • Flight to Praia
  • International flights and taxes
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers

About Laurent

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Rural home stays

Snorkeling/Diving

Hiking

Meet local people

Visit markets

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

With a degree in tourism and a passion for travel, I have had the opportunity to discover parts of the world. I settled in Cape Verde in 2014 and learned to discover this magnificent archipelago both on land and underwater!

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

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