FIND YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY OF THE MONTH
Trans Himalaya Trek
India for 22 Days
TOP HOLIDAYS
- Samarkand and the Silk Road
- Uzbekistan - Trekking - 13 Days
- Mont Blanc Ascent
- France - Climbing - 7 Days
- Corsica's Haute Route - GR20
- Corsica - Trekking - 14 Days
- Cowboys and Indians
- USA - Family - 14 Days
- Bike Vic Falls to Cape Town
- South Africa - Mountain Biking - 20 Days
Cape Verde
Geography
The Cape Verde archipelago is located approximately 604 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of West Africa (500 kilometres off Senegal). It is composed of ten islands (of which nine are inhabited), and eight islets. The islands have a combined size of just over 4,000 square kilometres. Though Cape Verde's islands are all volcanic in origin, they vary widely in terrain. The active volcano on the island of Fogo is the highest point on the archipelago (2,829 m / 9,281 ft). Extensive salt flats are found on Sal and Maio. On Santiago, Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau, arid slopes give way in places to sugarcane fields or banana plantations spread along the base of towering mountains.
Cape Verde's isolation has resulted in the islands having a number of endemic species particularly birds and reptiles, many of which are endangered by human development. The islands are also an important breeding area for seabirds including the Cape Verde Shearwaters.
Time Zone
The time in Cape Verde is GMT -01.00 hour.
Language
Cape Verde's official language is Portuguese. However, the Cape Verdean Creole is used colloquially and is the mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans. We recommend you try to learn some simple Portuguese phrases and greetings as attempts to speak in the local language will always be appreciated and is all part of the fun.
Climate
Cape Verde has a tropical climate which is mediated by a cold Atlantic current. Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year within a range of 22ºC / 75ºF to 30ºC / 86ºF. From November to July cloudless skies are all but guaranteed. The islands receive very little precipitation but any rainfall usually occurs between August and October.
Currency
The currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). For up to date exchange rates visit: www.xe.com
It is not possible to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Cape Verde. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs at the airport in Sal and Sao Vincent using your debit or credit card.
Visa Requirements
A passport (with 6 months remaining validity at the time of departure) and a single entry visa are required. We will make all the arrangements for your visa which you will collect on arrival in Sal. All clients must let us know their passport details to us no later than 4 weeks before the trip departure. Further information on obtaining your visa and the cost will be sent to you with your confirmation of booking.
Vaccinations
You should attend your own doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general we recommend vaccinations against the following: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis ‘A'. Malaria prophylaxis is not recommended for this trip.
A very good online resource is the NHS travel website at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Additional Sources of Information
Books
Cape Verde Island. Aisling Irwin. Bradt Travel Guides
Maps
Individual Island hiking maps from Goldstadt Verlag. Scale 1:50,000
Reise Know-How Verlag - 1: 135,000
Freytag & Berndt - Various scales for different islands from 1:80,000 to 1: 150,000
ITMB Publishing - Various scales and overall presentation of the island group at 1: 50,000
Web
Lonely Planet - www.lonelyplanet.com
