Cape Verde

The population is descended from Portuguese and African slaves. One can be characterized as nice and swinging, but somewhat intrusive in the tourist environment. As a cyclist you are spontaneously encouraged. There are no stone throwers. Cape Verde is a Catholic country, there are no regulations regarding clothing. The population themselves dress very loosely.

Portuguese is the official language with a number of Creole dialects on the right. With Spanish you can manage reasonably well and in tourist spheres you can come along with some French or English.

You need a visa. On arrival at the airport on site it is also possible it costs 25 Euro. (info 2007, please update if you have more recent information).

It is certainly safe during the day. In the capital Praia it is not recommended to walk on the street in the evening.

Do you want to cook yourself: the distances between the villages are not great and there is a possibility to stock up on something everywhere.

Restaurants

With the sea all around, it is not surprising that it is mainly fish that is served. The cuisine mainly resembles the portuguese. So often a combination of fish, salad, vegetables, potatoes (fries) and rice. There are plenty of restaurants, but pay attention to the meal times. Most of them have a european design and the quality is generally good. Hot meals start at 5 euro (info 2007). You can also order sandwiches in the afternoon. For the vegetarian it will not be too difficult to find something. There are bean dishes without meat.

Drinkable water

It is not recommended to drink tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere.

It is dry, so drink, drink, drink a lot !!!

Mandatory vaccinations

• If you come from a yellow fever area, a vaccination is mandatory.
• A dtp vaccination is recommended
• Protection against hepatitis a is recommended.
• Sometimes a cholera statement is needed.
• Malaria occurs from september to november.

Best bike period

• In september and october it is rainy season with heavy showers and flooding.
• There is always wind, especially in january.
• Just before the rainy season it is hot, the rest of the year it is fine cycling and very dry with midday temperatures of about 25-27 degrees.

Spare parts

You see few bicycles and there is little for sale when it comes to spare equipment. Bring your own is the motto.