Far Off the Map | Journey to Cape Verde

Name: Far Off the Map | Journey to Cape Verde
Start: 2024-08-11T20:30:00+04:00
End: 2024-08-18T06:50:00+04:00
Location: Dubai International Airport

Schedule

Sun Aug 11 2024 at 08:30 pm to Sun Aug 18 2024 at 06:50 am

UTC+04:00

Location

Dubai International Airport | Dubai, DU

Cape Verde, 500 km west of Senegal, lies the archipelago of vertigo-inducing mountains, crystal blue and white sandy beaches with seaside villages. From craggy peaks to green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, throbbing nightlife of Creole West Africa beats from alleys all the way up the towering peaks down to the sparkling bays.
Uninhabited until the 1500’s when Portuguese explorers first discovered the island and used it’s strategic location for cross-Atlantic trade, the population has rarely exceeded 500,000 people and the majority creole ancestry is of European and West African descent. The geologic origins of the island chain are from a volcanic hot spot deep in the Atlantic, creating steep craggy mountains and dramatic landscapes.
Highlight is surely the dizzying vertical island of Santo Antão, ruptured with canyons, gorges and valleys. The second largest island in the chain, its lush green landscapes hidden until you find yourself surrounded by sugar cane plantations, deep ravines of tropical flora and fauna in steamy valleys.
Lets go!
Day 0 // AUG 11 // Sunday
Meeting at Casablanca airport for connecting flight to Praia 22.30-00.20.
Day 1 // AUG 12 // Monday
Arrival to Praia 00.15. Immigration clearance, overnight. After breakfast transfer to Cidade Velha (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Founded in 1462 and home to the world’s oldest colonial church (1495). Famous visitors include Vasco da Gama, Columbus and Magellan, as well as numerous pirates who continually plundered the place. We will enjoy a walk around the small town, visit the museum at the fort and take a seafood lunch in a small bar on the beach. Dinner at a restaurant at Prainha Beach in the evening. Possibility for a night walk to the Farol de Maria Lia lighthouse.
DAY 2 // AUG 13 // Tuesday
Assomoda - known as the summit city due its position on a plateau in the hills of Santa Catarina, a home to the liveliest local market in Cape Verde. We will explore the town and have an early lunch before transferring back to Praia to catch the afternoon ferry to Sao Felipe on the island of Fogo. From the ferry we will transfer directly to our hotel inside the Caldera on Fogo. We will enjoy a dinner made with local produce before heading to bed to save ourselves for the following morning hike.
DAY 3 // AUG 14 // Wednesday
Hike the Pico do Fogo (2829m). The highest peak in Cape Verde. This hike is tough and can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours. For the less active, there is also 2 or 3 hrs walk to the small peak. In the evening transfer back to Sao Felipe.
DAY 4 // AUG 15 // Thursday
We will catch the ferry to the island of Brava. The trip will take about an hour and from the port we will transfer to the hotel in Nova Sintra. This evening we will take dinner in a local cafe and try get our hands on some of the locally produced rum that Cape Verde is famous for.
DAY 5 // AUG 16 // Friday
Nova Sintra to Faja d'Agua. On route we will visit the village of Nossa Senhora do Monte. This picturesque village lies in the heart of the mountains and the highest peak on the island. Hike down into town of Faja on the traditional pilgrimage route. This area has amazing views and the natural swimming pool on the shore of the Atlantic. Overnight in guesthouse.
DAY 6 // AUG 17 // Saturday
Ferry to Santiago, and head to the northern end of the island. Our journey will take us along the eastern coast. We are aiming for the beach town of Tarrafal. With Pico do Fogo in the distance we will remind ourselves of the peak we conquered a few days ago.
DAY 7 // AUG 18 // Sunday
Airport transfer for return flight to Casablanca at 01:15 - 06:50am.
Level of Difficulty:
Easy or moderate - chose your level.
Activities:
Trekking, sightseeing, snorkeling.
Room & Meals:
Hotels double sharing, restaurant meals excluded.
Cost: 6600 AED excl. flights, until JULY 11th.
Specifically excluded:
- flights,
- visa,
- restaurant meals,
- insurance.
Trip starts / ends on Royal Maroc schedule:
Arrival CMN-RAI AUG 11 22.30-00:20 (+1)
Departure RAI-CMN AUG 18 01:15-06:50
Recommended Flights:
1700 AED + 3420 AED (EK) or 2930 AED (Royal Air Maroc)
Visa:
Most nationalities receive visa on arrival and many visa-free.
Morocco - UAE residents get visa on arrival.
See yah at the Cape x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup