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4.7
| 31 reviews

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

Duration

7 nights

Annual Leave

6 days off work

Group Size

Up to 14 people

Season

Year round

Location

Cape Verde

Meeting Point

Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Guesthouse

Customer Reviews

(31)

4.7

Difficulty

Moderate

From

From

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

Day 1

Welcome to Santiago Island

Aerial view of Praia city in Santiago - Capital of Cape Verde Islands, Cabo Verde. Photo: Dreamstime/168753813

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

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

5-6hrs · 12km · 1200m up · 0m down

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Included

Guides

Expert, local English speaking guides

Accommodation

7 nights in local hotels and guesthouses

Meals

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Ferries

Return ferry journeys from Santiago to Fogo Island

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 – Day 6

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

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.

What is the accommodation like?

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

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.

Upgrades
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.

Upgrades

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).

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)

Any time on Day 8

Transfers

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.

Please note: If your international flight departs in the early hours of Day 8, you will need a private transfer from Tarrafal on Day 7 at around 20:30 as it takes approximately 1h 45m to reach Praia Airport. Please enquire with your host if you would like help to arrange this.

Travel options

Tap Air Portugal is the 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.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

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 & 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 repellant
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system (this is optional as purified water is available throughout)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Walking poles hire

Payable Before Departure

Walking poles hire

Per Person

Double/twin room in Praia

Payable Before Departure

Double/twin room in Praia

Per Night

Single room in Praia

Payable Before Departure

Single room in Praia

Per Night

Double/Twin room in Tarrafal

Payable Before Departure

Double/Twin room in Tarrafal

Per Night

Single room in Tarrafal

Payable Before Departure

Single room in Tarrafal

Per Night

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Private departure transfer from Tarrafal to Praia

Payable Before Departure

Private departure transfer from Tarrafal to Praia

Per Person

Jamie G.(February 2024)
Very enjoyable trip! Well organised,

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.

Nicole V.(February 2024)
Good itinerary, with some flaws

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!
Michele M.(February 2024)
Great Itinerary and almost all included

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.

Irena K.(February 2024)
A mix but overall a good experience

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.
Emily L.(January 2024)
The ups and downs of a big adventure.

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.

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 :(

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 :)

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!

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!

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.

Gem(March 2023)

What an fantastic trip. Fogo island and our accomodation there was gorgeous and unique. Pico de Fogo was an adventure, a difficult hike for me but our guide, Jason was amazing and made sure I made it up and down safely. The guide Ailtom, in Santiago was a lovely person to spend time with and had lots of information and surprises for us throughout the week. I reccommend this trip.

Steven(February 2023)

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to a destination less frequently visited that more than delivered on expectations. The guides Maria and Djeisson (Fogo) were very knowledgable and offered their support and boundless enthusiasm throughout including in difficult circumstances with a flight cancellation on our return from Fogo. The highlight was undoubtedly the hike to the summit of Pico do Fogo, the spectacular views across the island and beyond, and an unforgettable run down the ash covered slopes.

Will(January 2023)

Want to climb the highest point in West Africa? This is the trip for you! What an experience it was! The few days spent on Fogo are well worth the trip to Cape Verde - incredible. Our guide, Maria, was such a bubble of joy also and quick at adapting to problems outside her control. Full marks there.

Tom(January 2023)

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Cape Verde is a beautiful collection of islands with warm weather over Christmas - what's not to like! Several of the hikes were stunning if a little shorter than advertised (and shorter than I'd have liked). The highlight was hiking up the volcano then running down the ash fields on the side of it - that was a blast. Both the hikes in Tarrafel were also very picturesque. The friendliness of random people we met also stood out. As seems to be the case on all MBA trips (this was my 3rd) the group was great. Fun to be around and generally up for it. The trip has only run 6 times so far I believe and there's a few wrinkles in the schedule to iron out. For example the first hike on Fogo has a 4km very steep uphill section without a view - we could have done a loop nearer the volcano instead. The final day on Fogo felt rather empty save for a beautiful drive to airport. The historical tour we did there was underwhelming and not very historical. The Tarrafel hikes could be double the length. The food was fairly samey and fairly bland (grilled meat/fish and chips is the staple). That felt like a missed opportunity. This trip is a great way to see the Islands of Fogo and Santiago islands in Cape Verde. So I'd certainly recommend it. Just be aware There's a few points where things are rough round the edges - a cold shower here and there or some food that could be better.

I L.(January 2023)

Beautiful experience and beautiful people, my highlights were Cha, climbing Pico do Fogo and Serra Malagueta ❤️

Adrian(December 2022)

This is a great way to experience Cape Verde. Generally the hiking is easy, except for the 2 days on Fogo. Day one is a lot of climbing through the jungle, day two is climbing the volcano slopes (rocky and scree). Also Fogo gets cold at night, so pack accordingly. The local guides were excellent all through the trip, but particularly in adjusting our itinerary when our flight back from Fogo was cancelled, meaning we spent extra time in Fogo.

Karin(December 2022)

Overall this was a good trip. A few highlights contributed to that. In particular, the guide on Fogo (Jason/Djeisson) was amazing. He is extremely knowledgeful and shared his knowledge of plants, nature, the history of the volcano, life in the Cha, etc. That part of the trip, including the volcano hike, fully lived up to expectations. Accomodation in the crater valley was also very good. As for the Santiago part, I was less impressed. That part of the trip was described as offering really interesting views into the local nature - plants, birds, monkeys etc. Unfortunately the local guide there shared little information on any of these sights or opportunities. I was particularly sorry for this to happen at the hike of the Serra Malaguena that was described in the programme as a particular opportunity in this regard. Both guides were great at managing unforeseen events, such as flight delays. The hotels in Praia and Tarrafal offer a mix of rooms of very varying quality. You can be lucky to get at view and windows to get fresh air, and you can be less lucky to get neither.

Sachin(December 2022)

Cabo Verde truly is a lost paradise. With friendly locals, great food and terrific atmosphere, this adventure hits my top five! I urge everyone to go and discover this tiny nation off the West African coast and experience everything it has to offer!

Rosemary(December 2022)

The trip was a fantastic experience with a good group dynamic and balance of activities. The highlight for me was summiting Pico do Fogo (plus coming down fast through the ash!) and staying overnight in the crater. However, all other parts of the itinerary were carefully planned and excellent fun! I was particularly impressed with the local guides who were warm and helpful and also gave valuable insights into Cape Verdean life. Our return flight from Fogo was unexpectedly cancelled but they worked amazingly quickly to check us into a hotel and arrange an alternative activity for the next morning - the bonus swimming at Salinas was absolutely spectacular (arguably worth staying on Fogo for!).

I'd recommend Cape Verde to anyone with a taste for adventure who wants to go somewhere quite different! I hope to go back sometime to explore the other islands and look forward also to investigating other trips offered by MBA - I was very happy with my first experience of this company.

Simon(December 2022)

A great dive into Cape Verdean culture and geography. Ascending the Picos de Fogo volcano was a fun and fulfilling trek, but swimming in an ocean pool near Sao Fillipe was unforgettable. Our group meshed quickly, almost effortlessly. Our guide, Maria, worked very hard to give us the best experience possible. Very appreciative of her efforts. A friendly and progressive island paradise. There are big things in the future for Cape Verde, I'm fortunate to have experienced some of the best parts of this Atlantic archipelago!

Teresa(June 2022)

The guide team was so warm, fun, and knowledgeable - they went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great trip. We had 4 guides over the course of the itinerary, so that we could get as local an experience as possible in each place. The bungalows and hikes in Fogo were one-of-a-kind - truly a unique trip!

Chris(March 2022)

An amazing experience in a wonderful country, with great food, great scenery, and after some steep and tricky climbing- even better views.

Fogo most certainly the highlight of the trip!

M S.(March 2022)

Hiking in Cape Verde was a great experience. What a lovely country to explore! The scenery and mountains were beyond my expectation- you must visit to experience it. Great food, great locals, great hikes, untouched tranquil valleys and beaches. You must sign up if you like great hikes with local flavours.

Melissa(February 2022)

This trip exceeded all of my expectations. The scenery is beautiful and it was a real privilege to tour around with local people who taught us so much about the environment, culture and history. Fogo is such a unique experience, and amazing to stay in the caldera with a view of the volcano out of our bedroom window. The hikes on Fogo were hard, the views and sense of achievement 100% worth it. Tarrafal at the end and the much easier hikes are the perfect way to unwind. Special thanks to Elder, Ailtom and Admilson for looking after us so well. Hope to be back soon to discover the other islands!

Chloe(February 2022)

If you love hiking and want to experience the unique culture of Cape Verde then you will LOVE this trip. I had such a good time and learned so much, I definitely want to return and explore the other islands. Fogo is unlike anywhere I've ever seen before, and Santiago is like a paradise. Our guides Ailtom, Elder and Djeisson (and co-ordinator Admilson) were fantastic, so welcoming and such cool guys. A perfect introduction to this awesome country!

Lisa(January 2022)

I booked this holiday as it was over xmas and new year and I needed a break from London. The tour was amazing, Cape Verde is incredible and the hiking was great. Especially climbing the Volcano in Fogo, i will never forget it! The local guides were also amazing and really looked after us.

Suzy(January 2022)

Amazing trip full of colours, wonders and warmth! A wonderful selection of activities with walks through diverse terrain & vegetation, swims in beautiful spots, delicious beach barbies, wine-tasting, historic sites, local villages, and for me the pinnacle was the time spent on beautiful Fogo island climbing the volcano over 2 days and spending 2 magical nights at Casa Mariza in the caldeira! Excellent local organisation and friendly people - thank you for a fantastic trip that we can't stop talking about!

Hannah(January 2022)

Lovely trip, don’t underestimate the walks on Fogo - some steep bits! Walks on other days not overly strenuous. Lovely friendly and approachable guides, great views, vibes and food! I would recommend and will be back to visit the other Islands.

Jess(January 2022)

An all round great experience - highly recommend. Climbing the volcano is fantastic and the views and scenery are incredible. A brilliant week overall.

Rachel(January 2022)

This trip exceeded expectations- a beautiful country with wonderful friendly people. Take time to explore and you won’t be disappointed.

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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

$3-5 USD per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

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.

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.

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.

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

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

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.

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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

April 2024

Saturday • 20th April 2024

to Saturday • 27th April 2024
Guaranteed to run
Last minute offer - save 15%

Saturday • 23rd November 2024

to Saturday • 30th November 2024
Guaranteed to run
Only 1 spot left at 5% off

Saturday • 28th December 2024

to Saturday • 4th January 2025
Guaranteed to run
Only 1 spot left at 5% off
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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