4.7

Adventure Hiking in Cape Verde

Hit the stunning trails of Santiago and Fogo Island and soak up the archipelago's inimitable African-Portuguese culture on the way

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Hotel & Guesthouse7 nights in local hotels and guesthouses
  • Meals7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • FerriesReturn ferry journeys from Santiago to Fogo Island
  • TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Trek ash-covered slopes to the top of Pico do Fogo (2829m), an active stratovolcano and the highest point in Cape Verde

  • Hike the lush Calabaceira Valley and Serra Malagueta Natural Park, and wild swim in crystal clear pools sculpted by lava

  • Snorkel and swim in the waters around Tarrafal, tuck into beach barbecues and sample the islands' rich music and food scene

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Welcome to Santiago Island

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Show Day 1 detail

    Touch down in Santiago, the largest island of the Cape Verde archipelago and home to Cape Verde’s capital, Praia. Meet your host at the airport to be whisked away to your hotel. If you arrive on one of the early flights, you'll have some downtime to explore Praia at your own pace. Otherwise, for arrivals on the late flight, you can head straight to bed ready for your first proper glimpse of Cape Verde in the morning.

    Day 2

    Hike the Calabaceira Valley

    Hiking
    2-3hrs · 4.5km · 10m up · 200m down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Fuel up on breakfast at the hotel then hop in the van for a drive over to the verdant volcanic valley of Calabaceira. You’ll follow a steady trail through the valley traversing plantations of banana, sugar cane, mango, tamarind and cashew, depending on the season. Cross a trail used by Charles Darwin during his passage through the island, passing giant baobab trees en route to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you'll grab lunch right on the seafront. Head back to Praia with a stop-off on the way at the São Filipe Royal Fortress.

    Day 3

    Fogo Island

    Hiking
    2hrs · 5km · 330m up · 330m down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    This morning you'll take a 4-hour ferry ride to Fogo Island. On arrival, you'll do your first hike to see Pico de Fogo (Cape Verde's highest point), visiting the crater formed by the 2014 eruption, on the flanks of the volcanic cone which you’ll be summiting tomorrow. Later in the day, settle in your unique, family-run guesthouse and enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow adventurers.

    Day 4

    Summit Cape Verde's highest point

    Hiking
    5-7hrs · 9km · 1087m up · 1087m down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    The big one. Rise early, tuck into breakfast and the famous local coffee, and set off at sunrise from the casa to the foot of Pico do Fogo. Three to four hours of steady ascent will see you reach the summit (2829m), with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighbouring islands of Brava, Santiago and Maio. Enjoy a well-deserved picnic break above the clouds by the vast summit caldera, before starting a fun descent down the ash-covered slopes. Toast your epic summit day back at the casa with local wines and a traditional Cape Verdean dinner.

    Day 5

    Chã das Caldeiras National Park

    Hiking
    5-7hrs · 9km · 150m up · 1300m down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 5 detail

    This morning, head straight over to the impressive volcanic landscape of Chã das Caldeiras National Park, which offers breathtaking views of lava fields, traces of past eruptions and the imposing volcano. Continue along the trail hiking past banana, orange and coffee plantations and through the enchanted eucalyptus forest of Monte Verde, finishing the route in Mosteiros. In the afternoon your guide will take you for a tour of São Filipe, the main town on the western side of the island.

    Day 6

    Back to Santiago Island and on to Tarrafal

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 6 detail

    After breakfast, get ready for the return ferry journey to Santiago Island. Once back in Praia, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch before transferring to Tarrafal on the northern tip of the island. Take the rest of the afternoon off and enjoy time at your own pace, perhaps taking a wander around the Tarrafal community or exploring the sandy beach with views of Monte Graciosa, before heading out for an evening meal (not included) in a local restaurant.

    Day 7

    Serra Malagueta Natural Park and Cuba Pool

    Hiking
    2-3hrs · 4.5km · 100m up · 700m down
    Snorkelling
    1hr
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 7 detail

    Time for a hike in Serra Malagueta Natural Park this morning, in an area packed with endemic plants, birds, monkeys, reptiles and butterflies. Following a picnic lunch in scenic surroundings, take an hour's drive inland until you reach one of the highlights of this adventure – Cuba Pool. This is a wild natural pool sculpted by lava from previous eruptions of Ribeira das Pratas. Grab a swim in the clear waters before heading back to Tarrafal for sunset on the beach and a farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers.

    Day 8

    So long, Cape Verde

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 8 detail

    Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you've book a flight departing later tonight, you are free to enjoy a full day at leisure on Tarrafal Beach before your host transfers you back to Nelson Mandela International Airport in time for your return flight home.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Praia International Airport (RAI)
Pick up
Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Any time on Day 1
Drop off
Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Afternoon on Day 8

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

On Day 1, your host will meet you on arrival at Nelson Mandela International Airport to transfer you on the short drive to your accommodation in Praia.

On Day 8 you'll be dropped back at the airport from your accommodation in Tarrafal in time for your onward flight home. It's best to choose a flight in the afternoon or evening on Day 8 if possible, as occasional delays in getting back to Praia can occur. Please enquire with your host via your booking if you have any specific flight timing queries.

Travel options

Tap Air Portugal is the main carrier to use when getting to Santiago Island in Cape Verde. The shortest flight combinations from the UK connect to the evening departure from Lisbon, arriving either side of midnight at Nelson Mandela International Airport depending on your dates. There is also a morning departure from Lisbon, arriving late morning at Santiago Island which may suit travellers transiting in Lisbon from other parts of Europe and North America. Please Note: Hotel check-in is from 14:00, so if you are arriving much earlier than this (in the middle of the night), you will want to include an extra night of accommodation.

EasyJet also offers low cost flights from Lisbon and Porto to the neighbouring island of Sal, flying into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), should you be planning an extended trip to Cape Verde with additional travel arrangements between the islands, from Sal to Santiago.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided hike through the Calabaceira Valley
  • Visit the São Filipe Royal Fortress
  • Short guided hike on Fogo Island
  • Guided hike to summit Pico de Fogo (2829m)
  • Guided hike in Chã das Caldeiras National Park
  • Guided tour of São Filipe
  • Guided hike in Serra Malagueta Natural Park
  • Swim in the wild, natural Cuba Pool

  • Expert, local, English speaking guides

  • 5 nights in local hotels
  • 2 nights guesthouses

  • All (7) continental style breakfasts
  • 5 picnic and BBQ lunches
  • 4 traditional dinners

  • Return ferry journeys from Santiago to Fogo Island

  • Arrival transfers from Praia Airport (Santiago) at any time on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Praia Airport (Santiago) on Day 8
  • All transfers during the trip

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Santiago Island

    Stay

    Santiago Island

    In Santiago Island's capital city of Praia, you'll usually stay at the Hotel Santa Maria, a local hotel in a great location in the historic central part of town, close to the best restaurants for your dinnertime meanderings. Occasionally, depending on availability, you may also stay at the nearby Deluxe ApartHotel. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with an en-suite bathroom.

  • Fogo Island

    Stay

    Fogo Island

    On Fogo Island, you'll stay at Casa Marisa on Day 3 and Day 4. It's situated in a phenomenal setting, right beneath the active volcano of Pico do Fogo at an altitude of 1700m. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite facilities, either in the house itself or in one of the funkus (traditional circular African huts). On Day 5, in Sao Felipe, you'll be staying at Casas do Sol, in twin-share rooms with ensuite facilities.

  • Tarrafal

    Stay

    Tarrafal

    Your final two nights will be spent in the charming fishing village and tranquil bay of Tarrafal, on Santiago. You'll stay in twin-share rooms either at Hotel Vista Mar or at Tarrafal Residence.

What You'll Eat

Breakfasts are continental style with cereals, bread, jam, meats and cheeses, tea and coffee. Picnic lunches will be sandwiches with local fruits, while barbecue lunches will be a real highlight, tucking into local fish and barbecued vegetables or th…

Food and Dietary info

Breakfasts are continental style with cereals, bread, jam, meats and cheeses, tea and coffee. Picnic lunches will be sandwiches with local fruits, while barbecue lunches will be a real highlight, tucking into local fish and barbecued vegetables or the Cape Verdean dish katxupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato and fish or meat. Some dinners have been left out of the itinerary, allowing you to explore Praia and Tarrafal’s selection of bars and restaurants and soak up Cape Verdean nightlife.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for although options may be very limited in some locations - please add your dietary requirements on your passenger info form. Cape Verdeans in general are not vegetarian and so it may be beneficial if you have specific dietary needs to bring/purchase some additional snacks for the trip. Do also speak with your guide at the start of the trip, they will be happy to assist you with ordering in restaurants.

Optional Extras

Equipment / Kit Hire

Walking poles hire
…/per person

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Double/twin room in Praia
…/per night
Single room in Praia
…/per night
Double/Twin room in Tarrafal
…/per night
Single room in Tarrafal
…/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade
…

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

Transfers

Private departure transfer from Tarrafal to Praia
…/per person

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Trip level explained

Level 3

Moderate

This is a moderate hiking adventure with some relatively easy days, but also a couple of big all-day hikes with some sizeable elevation to get through in hot conditions on Fogo island. Days 3, 4 and 5 are the biggest days of the trip, these hikes are achievable by anyone with decent fitness levels and easier alternative hikes are available if you don’t feel up to the summit on day 4. We highly recommend you bring hiking poles with you to assist with the elevation and volcanic terrain that you'll be encountering on Fogo Island.

What if i need to skip an activity?

Occasionally there can be delays and/or change of plans required when travelling between the islands of Santiago and Fogo, due to the weather and sea conditions. It is a good idea to allow some time at the end of the trip before taking your return flight home. Please read the Getting There section for more details.

Ratings & Reviews

4.751 reviews
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
4.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
4.0

Latest Reviews

  • Jamie R.

    Nice country but poorly organised trip. First time I've left feeling disappointed after a vacation. The local supplier can do a much better job. Fogo was one of the highlights. Luckily met some great people on the tour.

  • Kathrin Z.

    Overall l very much enjoyed the trip, l thought it was well thought through and the hikes were great. Communication could have been improved at times to avoid misunderstandings. One hotel was below expectations and generally it would be advised to describe "hotels" better (regarding availability of water, power,. . . ) as they are very basic!! But overall it was a very memarable trip in many ways!

  • Aaron B.

    I had a great time overall. The hikes were all relatively easy and offered amazing views, with the volcano hike being the absolute highlight of the trip. Running down the sand-like surface was incredibly fun and memorable. The only downside was the last hotel, which had several issues. Fortunately, the local tour operator did their best to help resolve them, which I appreciated.

  • Simon B.

    I’d had it in the back of my mind to visit Cape Verde one day and have say this trip was a fantastic introduction. The whole Bu team made sure our trip ran smoothly and special mention to our wonderful guides Ricardo and Elton. They have a real enthusiasm for their country and kept us updated on what was happening next in our tour. Thete were two hard ish walks(volcano and next day) and two easy ones but with the heat easy is a relief. I like the way this tour has been put together with nice side trips like wine tasting and a visit to a homestead for snacks hot drinks and papaya!The main event is the volcano climb which is hard enough to be a good challenge but not so hard it’s unachievable. The accommodations are clean and generally of a very high standard. Personally I felt the first one an apartment would be better as a hotel ideally with pool…but other than that all amazing and the food is ace too 😊

  • Laurie E.

    Got back yesterday was my first trip with mba was amazing trip was run brilliantly by both tour guides and had lots of fun times with the small group of 3 of us. Only downside I would say is they should change the hotel you stay in in Praia as 24 hora is open 24/7 as a restaurant/ night club and loud music made it very difficult to sleep other than that well worth the money any questions feel free to ask me on instagram ljedwards_90

  • Louisa K.

    I've just got back from this trip and cannot recommend it enough. Ricardo and J/Elton are excellent guides, incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure everything ran smoothly - no stress! My personal highlights: scree running on the way down from Pico de Fogo, the best papaya I've ever eaten after the last hike, and swimming at the Cuba Pool. From some of the other reviews I was expecting this trip to maybe be slightly chaotic but everything was really well-organised throughout. Ricardo helpfully sent the next day's itinerary each day on the WhatsApp group so you knew what was going on. We also had flights instead of ferry crossings to and from Fogo, which worked well and meant we had extra time to enjoy each place. The accommodation was great too - highlights for me were staying in the funcos at Fogo, enjoying the pool in Sao Filipe and the proximity to the beach in Tarrafal. Overall it felt like a good balance between having planned activities each day and getting some downtime to enjoy each place. Tarrafal beach in particular was lovely, and having a late flight on the final day was a bonus as we got the whole day in Tarrafal to make the most of it. The one thing I would recommend (because I forgot) is to take hiking snacks for the volcano hike, or buy some in Praia before heading to Fogo - it's a steep climb up and it got very hot by mid-morning (we were climbing in the dry season in May). Getting to run back down the side of the volcano makes the climb worth it though! All in all, thanks for a great holiday :)

  • Michelle R.

    I thought Ricardo was an excellent host. I’ve been on quite a few Much Better Adventures and Intrepid trips and I would rate him as one of the most professional. Elton too handled the big group very well on the volcano particularly the descent and he’s always has a calming nature. The New Years meal was unexpected and unbelievably tasty. The only negative I have and it’s a big negative was the accommodation on the final night. It was pretty much a building site in areas with people getting electric shocks from plugs. The check in was so disorganised with people waiting two hours for room which when arriving at 11pm is painful. I was given a room with one single bed to share with somebody I’d just met on the trip to find out the next morning a single person was given a room with 3 beds. They were covered in ants so maybe I was better off sharing.

  • Luis P.

    Amazing experience in such a beautiful country. I loved the combination of hiking and beach time enjoying diverse landscapes on a really interesting country. The hike up to the Fogo volcano was an unforgettable experience with jaw-dropping landscapes. The group was fantastic with super friendly people and the work from Ricardo, our guide, was superb. I will definitely book another tour with you guys. Many thanks.

  • Monique B.

    I would highly recommend using MBA again. This trip was very well organised, the guides were fantastic, and all but one accommodation was very good. We stayed in 4 different places, sadly the last accommodation was below standards expected but I fully expect MBA will review this and improve for future adventures. We went out each night to different local restaurants. I would strongly suggest if you are a strict vegetarian to make sure you are clear with what you do and don't eat. I ended up eating fish a few times but there were vegetarian options, although somewhat limited. This is more of a cultural thing, so I understand vegetarians can be challenging to cater for in some countries. The hikes were incredible. I would warn people that the volcano hike involves some climbing towards the end so good mobility is a must. I am scared of heights so did struggle at points, but the guides were incredibly helpful and always looking out for your safety and reassuring you along the way. This trip was unforgettable and has shown me a side of Cape Verde that you would never see if you did a package holiday.

  • Ana

    It was a fantastic trip, beautiful scenery, great food and group of travellers. Everyone was super supportive, funny and friendly and the guides Ricardo and Elton went above and beyond. It was such a unique way to spend the New Years, in a volcano with the stars around us. Honestly it was a wonderful time.

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4.751 reviews
  • 5 stars (40)
  • 4 stars (9)
  • 3 stars (1)
  • 2 stars (1)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 51 reviews

  • A Crazy Week in Cape Verde!

    Jamie R. November 2025
    Nice country but poorly organised trip. First time I've left feeling disappointed after a vacation. The local supplier can do a much better job. Fogo was one of the highlights. Luckily met some great people on the tour.

  • Very adventurous

    Kathrin Z. November 2025
    Overall l very much enjoyed the trip, l thought it was well thought through and the hikes were great. Communication could have been improved at times to avoid misunderstandings. One hotel was below expectations and generally it would be advised to describe "hotels" better (regarding availability of water, power,. . . ) as they are very basic!! But overall it was a very memarable trip in many ways!

  • Fun volcano hike

    Aaron B. November 2025
    I had a great time overall. The hikes were all relatively easy and offered amazing views, with the volcano hike being the absolute highlight of the trip. Running down the sand-like surface was incredibly fun and memorable. The only downside was the last hotel, which had several issues. Fortunately, the local tour operator did their best to help resolve them, which I appreciated.

  • Cape Verde 🇨🇻 what a revelation!

    Simon B. May 2025
    I’d had it in the back of my mind to visit Cape Verde one day and have say this trip was a fantastic introduction. The whole Bu team made sure our trip ran smoothly and special mention to our wonderful guides Ricardo and Elton. They have a real enthusiasm for their country and kept us updated on what was happening next in our tour. Thete were two hard ish walks(volcano and next day) and two easy ones but with the heat easy is a relief. I like the way this tour has been put together with nice side trips like wine tasting and a visit to a homestead for snacks hot drinks and papaya!The main event is the volcano climb which is hard enough to be a good challenge but not so hard it’s unachievable. The accommodations are clean and generally of a very high standard. Personally I felt the first one an apartment would be better as a hotel ideally with pool…but other than that all amazing and the food is ace too 😊

  • Epic and well worth doing

    Laurie E. May 2025
    Got back yesterday was my first trip with mba was amazing trip was run brilliantly by both tour guides and had lots of fun times with the small group of 3 of us. Only downside I would say is they should change the hotel you stay in in Praia as 24 hora is open 24/7 as a restaurant/ night club and loud music made it very difficult to sleep other than that well worth the money any questions feel free to ask me on instagram ljedwards_90

  • Great trip, great people

    Louisa K. May 2025
    I've just got back from this trip and cannot recommend it enough. Ricardo and J/Elton are excellent guides, incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure everything ran smoothly - no stress! My personal highlights: scree running on the way down from Pico de Fogo, the best papaya I've ever eaten after the last hike, and swimming at the Cuba Pool. From some of the other reviews I was expecting this trip to maybe be slightly chaotic but everything was really well-organised throughout. Ricardo helpfully sent the next day's itinerary each day on the WhatsApp group so you knew what was going on. We also had flights instead of ferry crossings to and from Fogo, which worked well and meant we had extra time to enjoy each place. The accommodation was great too - highlights for me were staying in the funcos at Fogo, enjoying the pool in Sao Filipe and the proximity to the beach in Tarrafal. Overall it felt like a good balance between having planned activities each day and getting some downtime to enjoy each place. Tarrafal beach in particular was lovely, and having a late flight on the final day was a bonus as we got the whole day in Tarrafal to make the most of it. The one thing I would recommend (because I forgot) is to take hiking snacks for the volcano hike, or buy some in Praia before heading to Fogo - it's a steep climb up and it got very hot by mid-morning (we were climbing in the dry season in May). Getting to run back down the side of the volcano makes the climb worth it though! All in all, thanks for a great holiday :)

  • Cape Verde for New Years

    Michelle R. January 2025
    I thought Ricardo was an excellent host. I’ve been on quite a few Much Better Adventures and Intrepid trips and I would rate him as one of the most professional. Elton too handled the big group very well on the volcano particularly the descent and he’s always has a calming nature. The New Years meal was unexpected and unbelievably tasty. The only negative I have and it’s a big negative was the accommodation on the final night. It was pretty much a building site in areas with people getting electric shocks from plugs. The check in was so disorganised with people waiting two hours for room which when arriving at 11pm is painful. I was given a room with one single bed to share with somebody I’d just met on the trip to find out the next morning a single person was given a room with 3 beds. They were covered in ants so maybe I was better off sharing.

  • Wonderful Cape Verde

    Luis P. January 2025
    Amazing experience in such a beautiful country. I loved the combination of hiking and beach time enjoying diverse landscapes on a really interesting country. The hike up to the Fogo volcano was an unforgettable experience with jaw-dropping landscapes. The group was fantastic with super friendly people and the work from Ricardo, our guide, was superb. I will definitely book another tour with you guys. Many thanks.

  • All round excellently planned trip

    Monique B. January 2025
    I would highly recommend using MBA again. This trip was very well organised, the guides were fantastic, and all but one accommodation was very good. We stayed in 4 different places, sadly the last accommodation was below standards expected but I fully expect MBA will review this and improve for future adventures. We went out each night to different local restaurants. I would strongly suggest if you are a strict vegetarian to make sure you are clear with what you do and don't eat. I ended up eating fish a few times but there were vegetarian options, although somewhat limited. This is more of a cultural thing, so I understand vegetarians can be challenging to cater for in some countries. The hikes were incredible. I would warn people that the volcano hike involves some climbing towards the end so good mobility is a must. I am scared of heights so did struggle at points, but the guides were incredibly helpful and always looking out for your safety and reassuring you along the way. This trip was unforgettable and has shown me a side of Cape Verde that you would never see if you did a package holiday.

  • What a start to the year!

    Ana January 2025
    It was a fantastic trip, beautiful scenery, great food and group of travellers. Everyone was super supportive, funny and friendly and the guides Ricardo and Elton went above and beyond. It was such a unique way to spend the New Years, in a volcano with the stars around us. Honestly it was a wonderful time.

  • Most amazing trip!!!

    Andrea D. January 2025
    I am beyond impressed by this trip!!! Not only was everyone super professional but we have interacted with the friendliest people on this trip! I loved how much hiking and beautiful nature we got to see! We even got to spend new years together and am so happy there were days where we negotiated our start time which was super helpful! I think the hotels we stayed at were the best of the best and was super touched by the amount of care Bu Country Tours had for us to make sure we had the best experience possible! Cabo Verde will leave a lasting impression on me! Thank you to Ricardo, Elton, Admilson and all our drivers who made sure we had everything we needed! We knew we were in safe hands and I’m so happy that we had such a great group of people on our trip as well!!!

  • Santiago and Fogo Trip 2024/25

    Julia P. January 2025
    I had a fantastic time over the new year on this trip. Santiago island and Fogo island are both incredibly scenic in contrasting ways and the locations explored on this trip are very varied. There is a good balance between walking and exploring inland and staying on the coast (towards the end of the trip. ) Fogo island and the volcano hike is a truly unique experience in a remote and wild location. Our guides Ricardo and Elton were fantastic and consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. It is an ideal trip for those who wish to have a balance between activity and rest. The only day that includes a full day hike is the hike up and down Fogo.

  • A fabulous trip especially Fogo

    Mike B. January 2025
    A fabulous trip especially Fogo Island and volcano. Thank you MBA for taking me to such a special and unique place.

  • Fantastic holiday in Cape Verde

    Nicola B. December 2024
    A really enjoyable trip to Cape Verde with great bunch of people and lovely guides from Bu Country Tours, Ricardo and Elton. A highlight was hiking the volcano on Fogo and the decent was exhilarating. It was my first trip with MBA and would definitely use them again.

  • Fabulous week in Cape Verde

    Rupanddot December 2024
    Not having done one of these types of holidays before we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We couldn’t have been happier: Our hosts, Richardo and Elton looked after us superbly from beginning to the end and were a credit to Bu Country Tours. Always informative and knowledgeable about the area, people and culture. Walks on Fogo were the highlight of the hiking with the descent from the volcano being great fun and much easier than the regular path. Accommodation was varied and always clean. Fogo was our favourite. Food was always tasty and plenty of fish on the menu. Group varied in age but we all gelled, got on well and the dynamic was good.

  • An absolutely incredible trip with a super caring Bu Country team, some jaw dropping landscapes and once in a lifetime experiences - absolutely recommend!

    Candice H. April 2024
    An absolutely incredible trip with some jaw-dropping landscapes and once in a lifetime experiences! Cape Verde is a wonderful country with a unique atmosphere and culture, and Santiago and Fogo remain off the beaten path compared to more touristic islands. It really feels like an adventure and Bu Country team is there to make sure you enjoy it all to the fullest. The experience on Pico do Fogo, exploring the giant caldera and sleeping below the volcano with a jaw-dropping view is one of the best experiences I ever had, along with running down the volcanic sand slopes which is simply out of this world. The Santiago island also has incredible landscapes and pieces of history to discover in the Calabaceira valley and Tarrafal. Ricardo, our main guide, was amazing throughout, great at sharing details about the culture, history and environment/fauna/plants of the islands, and making sure we had a great time. He even stayed longer and added some visits on our last day to make sure we saw all the places we were interested in in Tarrafal! The entire Bu Country team was super available, with Admilson responding within minutes when we had some questions in Fogo and before the trip. Even Admilson’s mother is involved with a super fun cooking class. The guides in Fogo were nice too, especially Edmar who did the Sao Felipe tour. Waldir (the other Fogo guide) shared a bit less about the island’s culture during the hikes, yet the Fogo wine tasting with him was fascinating (he makes his own wine and had some great details to share). We did not encounter any ferry nor plane cancellations during our trip but Admilson had made sure to book both transports both days to give us peace of mind, which was really nice :) All in all, I totally recommend this trip. It has the right balance of adventure and relaxation, and is great to understand the local culture too. The team will be there to solve any concerns, and ensure you have a great time!

  • Looking back at the trip,

    Katherine G. April 2024
    Looking back at the trip, I had an amazing time with a great group of people. Its hard to comment on the itinerary as it is published, as nothing really went to plan on our trip! Due to issues with transport to Fogo we did almost everything in a different order with some extras thrown in. The time on Santiago was lovely, I particularly enjoyed swimming and picnicing at Cuba Pool, and the beach at Tarrafal was very nice. The volcanic landscape of Fogo was amazing and I am really glad we were able to go. The hike to the top was challenging but manageable and running down was a lot of fun. Our time in Fogo was moved to the end of the trip as there were issues with planes and ferries. We went over thinking everything was sorted, but we did run into more cancellations and get stuck on the island, causing some of us to miss onward flights, and a lot of stress about when and how we would get back to Praia. I would say book the trip, but be willing to be very flexible. The itinerary is an idea not set in stone. Consider booking flexible flights or allowing a bit of extra time on the island after the trip finishes. The local team were amazing and did everything they could to make sure we still enjoyed our time and made it home in the end. Big thank you to Bu Country.

  • What a fantastic, memorable adventure!!

    Sian J. April 2024
    What a fantastic, memorable adventure!! Beautiful country, lots of great hiking in some stunning and varied scenery (Fogo was a real highlight), fun beach / swimming time, culture, history, wine tasting – and all in the company of a truly fantastic group of people. Ricardo, our guide, was brilliant – knowledgeable with a sense of fun. The local tour operator was excellent and we always felt we were in the best hands. They worked around the clock to manage the challenges posed by inter-island travel and to ensure we had the very best time possible. When flight cancellations meant our itinerary needed to change, we had a number of added bonuses, such as hiking to the top of Pico de Antonia (the highest mountain on Santiago) and cooking and dancing with the tour owner’s mother. Cape Verde is wonderful, but inter-island travel can be difficult. The local tour operator went above and beyond to manage the various flight and ferry cancellations, but if you are the type of person who expects their holiday to run like clockwork and gets annoyed with any itinerary adjustments (and the occasional lack of hot water), then this is not the trip for you. If you are happy to go with the flow and make the most of what each day brings, then don’t hesitate to book this trip. We all had so much fun!! 80+ countries, but this was my first time being stranded on a volcanic island and getting rescued by a cargo ship! Some recommendations: - Leave yourself a bit of leeway with international connections home in case of transport issues. - Check your travel insurance covers the cost of a new flight home if you miss your connection due to domestic flight/ferry cancellations (not all do). - Bring plenty of Dramamine (or other strong travel sickness pills) in case you have to catch the fast ferry.

  • Very enjoyable trip! Well organised,

    Jamie G. February 2024
    Very enjoyable trip! Well organised, competent team with good selection of activities. Highlights were the trip to Fogo and the hikes on that island. The run down the volcano was absolutely amazing. Would argue the hike up to the village on Fogo is actually more challenging than the climb up the volcano due to the humidity! The rest of the hikes were a little more sedate, but picturesque and a lovely way to see the island. Felt like the right balance for a relaxing but active holiday. Our overall guide was new to his position but what he lacked in experience he made up for in enthusiasm and kindness - really enjoyed spending a week with him. The other local guides were great also, although one of them only spoke French (which wasn’t a huge problem for our group as we had two fluent French speakers!) Personally enjoyed the food offerings, but if you aren’t a fan of seafood/meat/rice you might find Cabo Verdean cuisine very limiting. Vegetarians in our group were catered to but weren’t thrilled with their choices - I suppose a risk you take with a restrictive diet on a remote island off the coast of Africa, where vegetarianism isn’t really a thing. Accommodation sufficed but don’t expect luxury - and as my 3rd MBA trip if you’re expecting 4* then maybe not the type of trips for you - was a little rough around the edges - cold showers etc. Absolutely adored the accommodation on Fogo. Would recommend - go, relax, embrace the island culture and don’t rush and you’ll have a ball.

  • Good itinerary, with some flaws

    Nicole V. February 2024
    Difficult to give a proper review for this trip, as the ending left a sour aftertaste. Due to a sandstorm all our flights got cancelled and most of us got food poisening at the end, from the same restaurant. Which of course isn't the organisations fault, but we also didn't hear anything/any concerns from the organisation. Here a list with my key take aways: - Good packed itinerary, although not always correct with timing or seasonal todo's. - First day was a bit weird, with a very short and slow hike, lots of stops and visiting (for me) uninteresting buildings. End of the first day we went to an Italian restaurant, which for me was weird since this was our first day in Cape Verde? - Let go of having things on time and no stress! - Very cold or boiling hot showers. Wifi not always working in first hotel in Praia. - Fogo island was an amazing experience! Food, wine, accommodation, swimming in the black sand ocean. - The hikes later on in the itinerary where great, very knowledgeable french speaking guide, learned a lot about the surroundings and plants - Wild swimming and swimming and snorkeling in the ocean at Tarafal also great authentic experiences! Tarafal beach just looks like something of a movie. Overall: - It is an adventure, water/wifi isn't always working. The food (for me) wasn't great, they couldn't cater to vegetarians, even though this had been indicated when booked. If you then aren't a fish lover and don't like most meats, it's not super. - the overall guide just wasn't what you would expect, in my opinion he didn't seem to be up for the task or really enjoy/have passion for his job. We however learned this was a stand-in for the usual guide who was sick. - Swimming here is amazing as the water is just lovely! Bring your snorkel! - You really get the know these two islands, Fogo + Santiago and have an authentic adventureous experience!

  • Great Itinerary and almost all included

    Michele M. February 2024
    Wonderful itinerary with a mix of nature and culture experiences. Accommodations were very reasonable and some restaurants were excellent. It's almost all included, and is very good value for money. However, if you want to make your experience better consider the following: If you have been to a mountain before, go on top of Pico de Fogo by yourself. The path is very well marked, with a little bit of scrambling at the end, and most people can make it in 1hr30min or maximum 2 hours. We went up extremely slow, taking about 3-4 hours including many long breaks. I was not allowed to go ahead despite requesting it repeatedly. We didn't go to the very top (which will require help from a guide). We didn't go inside the crater (which will require help from a guide). Going down was the only fun of the day. Make sure to visit the Concentration Camp in Tarrafal. Skip the beach, skip the boat or something else but make sure to don't skip the concentration camp.

  • A mix but overall a good experience

    Irena K. February 2024
    A bit of a mix. I’m giving it 4* because in the end I had a good time, but it ended up being in a way different to what I expected and signed up for. Details below. Positives: - varied trip, from intense (actual adventure) hiking in Fogo, to walking through a gorgeous Avatar-like valley, to swimming in a pool formed from cooled lava. Every day was different. - Properly saw the entirety of two islands- a real excursion. - the owner, Admilson, was friendly and proactive, adapting to situations. Helped immediately when there were flight cancellations, helped schedule additional trips etc. The guides were friendly and generally knowledgeable (with the exception of a trainee guide who had to step in due to an illness… he was just friendly). - Fogo… everything about those two days was fantastic- scenery, hikes, accommodation, food. - Food was simple, natural and tasty, though the vegetarians struggled. Cons: - I signed up to adventure hiking but only got that on one day- the summit of Fogo. The rest was generally a gentle short walk or swimming for those who wanted it. I’d describe this as “exploring Cape Verde”, not adventure hiking. I would have wanted more, especially gove. The beauty of the nature. - As mentioned, the main guide was sick and we ended up getting a trainee guide. He was nice and genuinely cared about us but knew nothing… and actually made stuff up that turned out wrong when we looked it up. - Accommodation in Santiago was not great. In no room did I have both hot and cold water (in Praia it was either or, and in Tarrafal it was lukewarm), and in Praia the internet didn’t really work.

  • The ups and downs of a big adventure.

    Emily L. January 2024
    There is no doubt that this was an adventure. Some of it was much better, some of it unexpected, and the odd thing was certainly worse. I'll give it 5* because it was unforgettable, we made some great friends, and it would have been really difficult to put a trip like this together without MBA. I'd definitely do another MBA, but I might ask a few more questions before departure. Highlights: The big hikes; there could be more of these; the scenery is stunning! Our walking guide Gibril was amazing. Summiting the volcano; a great buzz! The wild swimming; dreamlike! Staying at Casa Marisa under the stars; once in a lifetime! The music at Quintal da Música in Praia, extraordinary! Lowlights: dreadful vegetarian food. The local guides had no idea what this meant, despite plentiful availability in the markets of good ingredients. We ended up writing a list of suitable options for the guide in desperation and hunger. Flights cancelled due to the Bruma Seca Saharan wind which cancelled all flights and delayed our return home by 3 days. Beware! We also had a trainee guide who was lovely, but very inexperienced. This was due to illness of the original guide, and not their fault, but he had no idea for the first few days before getting up to speed. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company, the great volcano wine and the beautiful scenery.

  • 100% recommend Cape Verde hiking.

    Michael January 2024
    100% recommend Cape Verde hiking. A fab mini adventure full of fun.

  • This is a truly fantastic

    Simon November 2023
    This is a truly fantastic week of hiking in a destination few tourists get to. Fogo is wonderful and certainly one of the most unique destinations you'll ever hike in. There is a good mix of tough hikes and more genital walks. However, on going issues with domestic flights and accommodation might mean the itinerary changes a little. But it's all absolutely worth it!

  • Well organised, great accommodation, local...

    L June 2023
    Well organised, great accommodation, local hosts were fantastic 10/10 Always a lottery when sharing a room - room mate this time was awful :(

  • As always with MBA, this trip did not disap...

    Laura April 2023
    As always with MBA, this trip did not disappoint. For anyone looking for some challenging hiking, great food, interesting wildlife and unique experiences, Cape Verde is the place to be. The trip to Fogo was definitely a once in a lifetime, the landscape and volcano hike were truly unforgettable. That being said, the hikes on Fogo proved to be more of a challenge than expected - mainly due to the heat and difficulty of the terrain. However anyone with a good level of fitness should still be able to enjoy it. Thank you so much to the hosts for making our time in Cape Verde so much fun :)

  • Cape Verde was superb, and a trip that I wi...

    Fj April 2023
    Cape Verde was superb, and a trip that I will never forget. Fogo island is best described as an "otherworldly experience". At times if felt like being on a desolate and lonely planet. Top tip for climbing Pico Do Fogo, make sure you bring a scarf for protection from the volcanic dust, and I would also recommend hiking trousers. The food throughout the trip was delicious, I ate like an "Emperor". You will be well looked after if you love seafood. On top of this, the trip offered a variety of other experiences, such as a wild dip/swim in a lava pool, hiking through plantations and sampling fruit (that I have never seen before), and the chilled beach life in Tarrafal. An extra special mention goes out to our main man and guide Ailtom, who set the mood in our small group with his knowledge, enthusiasm, punctuality and entertainment!

  • This trip provided me with some core memori...

    Beth April 2023
    This trip provided me with some core memories that will stay with me for a long time. It has so much variety, from hiking through plantations, to climbing a volcano and staying in a village on Fogo that felt like Mars, and finishing with some water activities and beach time in Tarrafal, it meant we had such a diverse trip. A word of advice, if you are travelling in a hotter month do not underestimate the challenge of the hiking on Fogo, it will test you! The guides were all wonderful, 5 stars to Ailtom who became a member of our group very quickly, we had such a laugh and with us a being a small group of 4 we were able to get to know each other very well and spend more time learning about the culture from the guides too. Would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience feeling like you've been on another planet for a week!

  • Amazing trip! The highlight was definitely...

    Kelley March 2023
    Amazing trip! The highlight was definitely Pico do Fogo and ‘skiing’ down the lava gravel mountain - epic experience! The hike up was definitely challenging. So many different experiences on this trip made it well rounded and we felt like we got a good glimpse into the culture & food. I highly recommend this trip.

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What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • Snorkel
What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (25+ litres)
  • Waterproof liner for daypack

CLOTHES

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Lightweight hiking trousers for the Pico do Fogo hike
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals
  • Water shoes

OTHER

  • Hiking poles (highly recommended for the volcano summit)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Sea-sickness medication (Optional, for Santiago/Fogo ferry crossings)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks (opens in new tab)
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system (this is optional, as purified water is available throughout)

FAQs

Domestic flights between the islands of Santiago and Fogo will remain as a back-up option should rough sea conditions unavoidably require it, but given the considerations of the high carbon emissions from the inter-island flights coupled with several local complexities relating to group flight reservations, the host for this trip feels the best option is to use the ferries as the primary option. Much Better Adventures supports this decision; 5% of our revenue (not profit) goes into our Foundation, primarily focussed on supporting World Land Trust to ensure our trips achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The local host is well prepared should external factors, such as bad weather, cause delays getting between the islands of Santiago and Fogo. The host will have back-up flight reservations should the first-choice option of the inter-island ferry not be available on that day. If necessary, they might adjust the order of the itinerary and/or the exact number of days spent in each location to make the best of the conditions, whilst ensuring that any replacement activities are of a similar style and standard. Cape Verde is a rewarding and adventurous destination to visit that requires the traveller to be flexible and open to all the experiences it can offer.

Yes, a tourist tax of €2.50 per person per night is to be paid locally at each hotel.

Tap water is best avoided in Cape Verde as it is possible it will upset your stomach. Your host will provide you with fresh mineral water throughout the trip (usually provided in big 10L water containers), so we recommend you bring your own water bottle to refill and take out on your hikes.

Yes, you can leave your luggage at your hotel base in Praia for the duration of the trip. You can take a smaller pack with you on the flight to Fogo Island with enough supplies for a couple of days if you prefer to travel lighter on that part of the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Cape Verde benefits from average annual temperatures between 24°C/75°F and 30°C/86°F with long spells of uninterrupted sunshine and low humidity levels, making this a true year-round destination and a definite winter sun option. The islands tend to have higher winds between November and March.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 122kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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