Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey that combines the stunning landscapes of Cape Verde with the vibrant culture and wildlife of Gambia. Starting in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, explore the lively town and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, venture to Santo Antão Island for breathtaking hikes through the lush Paul Valley and along the coastal paths of Fontainhas and Cruzinha. Continue your adventure in Fogo Island, where you’ll ascend the majestic Pico volcano and explore the picturesque Caldeira. Conclude your trip in Gambia, discovering the natural wonders of Koofung Forest Park, Gunjur Village, and the mighty Gambia River. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
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Operating days: On Request
Departure time: 0730 hours
Duration: 16 days
Departure point: Banjul, Gambia
Arrival point: Mindelo, Sao Vicente Island
Special instructions: please contact Across Africa Tours and Travel to confirm your departure information at least one week before your first day of travel
Sao vicente/ Banjul, Gambia
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey that combines the stunning landscapes of Cape Verde with the vibrant culture and wildlife of Gambia. Starting in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, explore the lively town and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, venture to Santo Antão Island for breathtaking hikes through the lush Paul Valley and along the coastal paths of Fontainhas and Cruzinha. Continue your adventure in Fogo Island, where you’ll ascend the majestic Pico volcano and explore the picturesque Caldeira. Conclude your trip in Gambia, discovering the natural wonders of Koofung Forest Park, Gunjur Village, and the mighty Gambia River. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Upon arrival at São Vicente Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Mindelo for an overnight stay. Mindelo is a vibrant port town and the hometown of the renowned singer Cesaria Evora. Take some time to explore the local culture and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Overnight in Casa Colonial Boutique Hotel or similar.
Transfer to the ferry port for a scenic crossing to Santo Antão, which takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival in Porto Novo, a taxi will take you to Vila das Pombas. Embark on a beautiful hike through the stunning Paul Valley, known for its lush greenery and terraced crops of sugar cane, banana, and coffee trees. Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the crests of Pico Antonia. Along the way, indulge in a glass of local liquor, a specialty of Santo Antão! Transfer to Ponta do Sol for an overnight stay.
Walking for the day: 8km, 4-5 hours, ascent 650m, descent 400m.
Overnight in Coração Ponta do Sol or similar.
Start your day with a transfer to Fontainhas, where an incredible coastal hike awaits. Follow a path carved in the rock, leading to the village of Corvo. Continue along the coastal path, passing through abandoned villages and enjoying the stunning scenery. Just before reaching the village of Cruzinha, you’ll come across a beautiful black sand beach, although swimming is prohibited due to strong currents. Transfer to the village of Pedracin, where you will stay for two nights.
Walking for the day: 15km, 5 hours, ascent 650m, descent 650m.
Overnight in Boca de Coruja farmhouse or similar.
Embark on a hike from your accommodation, heading towards the magnificent Ribeira Grande valley. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, passing through terraced crops and colorful gardens filled with banana trees, mango trees, sweet potatoes, guavas, and coffee trees. Traverse the valleys until you reach your accommodation.
Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5 hours, ascent 500m, descent 500m.
Overnight in Boca de Coruja farmhouse or similar.
Today’s hike offers diverse landscapes, taking you through paved paths, corn and Sislas crops, and forests of pine and eucalyptus trees. Enjoy a transfer to the western part of the island, with a stop at the splendid Cova crater for a breathtaking view. Continue to the village of Curral das Vacas, where you will find warm accommodation for the next two nights.
Walking for the day: 15km, 5 hours, ascent 1,200m, descent 100m.
Overnight in Casa Santos Pinto guesthouse or similar.
Embark on what will likely be the most beautiful hike on the island, featuring a stunning arid landscape and an impressive winding old paved path. Reach the summit and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley and the island of São Vicente. This hike promises to be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6 hours, ascent 700m, descent 700m.
Overnight in Casa Santos Pinto guesthouse or similar.
Follow a path along the western foothills of the Cirque de Ribeira das Patas, passing through mango, papaya, and banana tree gardens, beautiful hamlets, and sugar cane fields. Transfer to Porto Novo and catch a ferry back to Mindelo on São Vicente Island. Transfer to your hotel in Mindelo for an overnight stay.
Walking for the day: 7km, 3 hours, ascent 600m, descent 300m.
Overnight in Casa Colonial Boutique Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, transfer to Mindelo airport for your flight to Fogo Island (flight not included). Upon arrival at Fogo airport, a taxi driver will take you to the volcano, situated 2,000m above sea level. Enjoy the scenic countryside and colorful hamlets along the way. Arrive at Casa Marisa hostel in Cha das Caldeiras, where you will spend the next two nights.Please note: The itinerary on days 7 and 8 may be modified depending on the flight schedule, and it is possible to spend a night in Praia, the capital, before reaching Fogo.
Overnight in Casa Marisa or similar.
Embark on an ascent of the majestic Pico, reaching an elevation of 2,892m, accompanied by a local guide. Explore the crater and enjoy lunch at the hostel (payment on-site). Afterward, take some free time to rest before venturing into a lava tunnel. Return to your hostel for an overnight stay. Walking for the day: 4 hours, ascent 1,000m, descent 1,000m.
Overnight in Casa Marisa or similar.
Hiking from the crater northwards; crossing eucalyptus forests and Monte Velha mimosas. Descend to the village of Mosteiros nestled above the ocean with its coffee, banana and sugar cane crops. Transfer and overnight in São Filipe.
Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h, ↑100m ↓1,200m
Overnight in Pousada Bela Vista or similar
Welcome to The Gambia! Your driver will meet you at the airport in Banjul and bring you to your ecolodge near the coastal town of Gunjur. Enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your hut – you’ll be sleeping
here for the majority of your trip. This environmentally friendly establishment is run entirely on solar powerand features composting toilets and its own greywater (water recycling) system. Have dinner at the hotel restaurant, which cooks all its food using locally grown ingredients. Choose from European or traditional Gambian dishes.
Overnight in Jungle Resort or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today you’ll get an in-depth look at the rich landscape and fascinating wildlife around you. Your guide will meet you at the lodge early in the morning, and after a quick breakfast you’ll set out on a three-hour nature walk in the neighboring Koofung Forest Park. Discover some of the hundreds of species of birds that call.The Gambia home, as well as monkeys, chameleons, and hares. Learn the medicinal and religious uses of the various tropical plants and trees. Your walk will continue into the nearby wetlands, where you’ll encounter turtles, crabs, and more beautiful birds. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Jungle Resort or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll spend the day exploring the rural town of Gunjur on foot. Take in all this vibrant community has to offer, led by a guide whose ancestors were among the first settlers in the village. Visit the local school, the open market, and even a family home to get an inside look at Gambian culture. Then make your way to Gunjur Fishing Village, just under 2 miles (3 km) from the town center. Watch the fishermen bring in their haul in multi-colored pirogues, or small, flat-bottomed fishing boats. Learn how the locals dry the bonga fish on racks and then smoke them over a fire for preservation. Sample the local cuisine and enjoy a cold drink by the beach before walking back to the lodge. If the heat has gotten the best of you, feel free to grab a taxi back instead and cool off in the pool.
Overnight in Jungle Resort or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today you’ll switch things up and travel 1.5 hours inland to a lodge by a creek off the southern banks of the mighty Gambia River. The country’s borders mimic the path of this major river, which meets the Atlantic Ocean at the country’s capital, Banjul. Spend your afternoon relaxing, or take a canoe out on the river for a bit of adventure. Keep an eye out for monkeys, otters, and even bottlenose dolphins! Paddle over to the ruins of Kunta Kinteh Island, once a colonial fort and slave trade stronghold. The small island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was renamed in honor of Kunta Kinte, who was sold into slavery from the nearby village of Juffure in 1767 and made famous in Alex Haley’s book Roots.
Overnight in Kunta Kinteh lodge or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Wake up early to enjoy a magnificent sunrise over the Gambia River. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before your driver brings you back to Gunjur. You’ll have the rest of the day to yourself, so take advantage of the many activities at the lodge. Learn to play traditional Gambian instruments, like the djembe or kora, or work on your moves in a dance class. Try your hand at beach fishing like the locals and see if you can catch your dinner! Take a cooking class, or simply pamper yourself with a massage.
Overnight in Kunta Kinteh lodge or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Have one last delicious breakfast before saying goodbye to The Gambia. Your driver will take you back to the airport for your departing flight.
