Journey to the Cape Verde Islands: An expedition of discovery
In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, lies a tropical paradise known as Cape Verde. This archipelago, a favourite among long-term travelers, was the unexpected destination for German explorer, Friederike George.
During her return trip from Santo Antão, George faced a setback when she lost her passport. Navigating diplomatic hurdles, she managed to continue her journey, an experience she would never forget.
Santo Antão, the green island of Cape Verde, is known for its deep canyons, steep mountain panoramas, and tropical vegetation. The locals speak Creole, with French increasingly being heard due to the influx of French tourists. Portuguese, however, remains the official language, making communication relatively easy for speakers of the language.
George had a warm encounter during her trip to Santo Antão, an experience she expressed gratitude for. The island is home to Achada Grande Frente, a neighbourhood in Praia adorned with large wall murals, offering tours to interested visitors.
Cape Verde's main island, Santiago, is where George discovered the bustling city of Praia, with its relaxed beach spots, and the historic Cidade Velha, the first Portuguese settlement on Santiago, established in 1462. The Colectivo or Hiase, small minibuses, are a common mode of transportation in Santiago.
Fogo, another volcanic island in Cape Verde, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes filled with tropical vegetation and stunning ocean views. The island is also renowned for its freshly roasted coffee. Despite the volcanic activity, residents have returned to Fogo, and there is now a well-established tourist network on the island.
In late 2014, the volcano on Fogo erupted, with lava slowly rolling over the evacuated settlement located in part of the crater. The hikes on Fogo take you from a moon-like landscape of the crater into a lush jungle, through coffee plantations, to the steep coast.
Fogo is not just known for its coffee and volcanic landscapes. It is also the home of Pilorinhu, an association in Achada Grande Frente that supports numerous social projects, including homework help and community gardens.
Cape Verde gained independence from Portuguese rule in 1975, after 500 years under the Portuguese flag. Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha, was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with many people from the African mainland being enslaved on the Cape Verde islands.
Despite its rich history and stunning landscapes, many locals in Cape Verde have never been to the mainland. Yet, for travelers like Friederike George, Cape Verde offers an adventure filled with culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
This article is tagged as Cape Verde, Travel Adventure, Traveling the Cape Verdes, and Solo Travel. Our website is a German-language service and news portal that informs readers about life and work abroad.
