Cape Verde is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. The ten volcanic islands in its archipelago have a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometres. The islands lie about 600 to 850 kilometres west of Cap-Vert which gave its name to the islands.
It is a small country and very difficult to spot on a world map, but the country has a lot to offer. Each island serves a different set of attraction and reasons to visit the region.
It is another country that offers visa free entry for a period of 30 days to Nigeria passport holders.
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. But the unofficial one, which is spoken by most the Cape Verdean Creole, which is also known as kabuverdianu or simply called Creole or Kriolu. However, English is spoken by some and so visitors who don’t understand Portuguese or French, which is also widely spoken, can get translators.
The Cape Verdean Escudo is the official currency used in Cape Verde. Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various banks and exchange outlets in the country.
The Time zone in Cape Verde is (GMT-1), which puts Nigeria two hours ahead in time. The power and socket plug used in Cape Verde are of Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Sea conditions are often dangerous in Cape Verde, visitors are advised to take care when partaking in water sports and aquatic activities.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Nigeria citizens hoping to travel to Cape Verde must register online, preferably five days prior to their arrival to Cape Verde.
- An airport Security Tax of CVE 3400 is levied on tourists arriving in Cape Verde.
- Intending visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Cape Verde. The passport should have two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Travellers under the age of 18 must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
- Tourists travelling to Cape Verde must provide proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in Cape Verde. This could be in the form of a sponsor letter from a host living in the country or a hotel reservation.
- Visitors are required to show proof of enough funds to spend during their in Cape Verde.
Covid-19
You’ll need a COVID-19 RT PCR nasal swab test to enter Cape Verde. The test has to be done in the last 72 hours before travel. If you do not present a COVID-19 test done in the last 72 hours, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
Children under 7 do not need to present a COVID-19 test.
Your temperature will be measured on arrival in Cape Verde. If your temperature is high, you will be taken to an assigned area at the airport where your temperature will be measured again. If it remains high, the Cape Verdean authorities may need you to do a COVID-19 test.
If you arrive in Cape Verde without a negative COVID-19 test, you won’t be allowed to disembark. In exceptional circumstances, the Cape Verdean authorities may allow you entry but you will have to take the test at your own expense.
When To Go
Cape Verde’s subtropical climate makes year-round travel pleasant and enjoyable. August is the hottest month in Cape Verde, and the coldest is January.
The best time to visit is between November and June when there’s hardly any rain. Also, during this period of the year, you can make the most of the white-sand beaches the islands are known for.
Things To Do
Hike Pico De Fogo
Fogo, meaning fire, is the most prominent of all of the Cape Verde islands with a maximum altitude of 2,900 metres above sea level. The volcano Pico de Fogo is the main attraction here and can be climbed in around six hours, using the nearby town Cha de Caldeiras as a starting point.
Horseback Riding
Heading out for a ride on horseback is one of the most enjoyable ways of soaking up the sights and the atmosphere of the island of Boa Vista. Holidaymakers will love travelling along the shoreline and racing through the surf; an excursion which is available every afternoon
Watersports in Sal
Fun seekers will find a haven in Sal: choose from surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling or scuba diving. Whether you’re donning your snorkel or scuba gear there are shoals of fish, manta rays and turtles gliding in and out of colourful corals . Sal also offers great fishing opportunities, such as big game fishing, rock fishing, deep sea fishing and surf casting.
Turtle Spotting
Boa Vista is one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for sea turtles and a place that’s protected by locals and the country itself. Now, as with any wildlife, it’s always important to keep a safe and respectful difference from the Loggerhead sea turtles (and never touch). The best way to see the turtles is with an organised tour that you can book for around $85 at most hotels on the island.
Thrilling Quad Bike Rides
Explore Sal on quad bikes – the desert landscape covers a vast extent of Sal so chart your trail through sand dunes and the remarkably rugged terrain, before heading towards the famous Pedra de Lume salt pools, where the Serra Negra mountain provides an impressive backdrop.
Swim in Boa Vista beaches
Boa Vista offers a wide choice of beaches and each of them makes beach hopping here a truly rewarding experience. The island’s most popular beach, Santa Monica, features powder-soft golden sands and clear waters – a picture-postcard panorama! Nature lovers can admire the sand dunes and blonde stretch of Praia de Chaves or saunter along the sweeping white sandy Lacacao beach.
Swim in the Pedra Lume Crater
Pedra Lume Crater (in Sal) is a huge volcanic crater that’s now filled with salty sea water (for which the island of Sal is named). Now, these very warm pools actually have a higher mineral content than even the Dead Sea, so it’s great for your skin, and you won’t sink!
Explore Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a relatively large town for the island of Sal and offers quite an array of things to do in Cape Verde. Once here, make sure to listen out for the live music, stop off in the craft shops and explore the tiny streets.
Explore Santo Antão Island
Being the second largest island, you’ll find that Santo Antão has a good mix of things to do in Cape Verde. It’s one of those islands that’s quite different from the likes of Boa Vista island.
Explore the Viana Desert
For a change of scene, make your way to the beaches and head interior to the Viana Desert, which covers about 30 per cent of Boa Vista. With miles of windblown sands, dramatic dunes and volcanic rocks, the rugged landscape gives you a taste of Sahara in mid-Atlantic. Explore this lunar-like terrain on an exhilarating 4×4 safari or go quad biking. For the best vista, drive south where the sand dunes reach heights of up to 50 metres.
