Cape Verde is a blend of African and European heritage. The archipelago offers spectacular landscapes, colorful markets, lots of history, a relaxed attitude to life and - eternal T-shirt weather.
Good to Know
Cabo Verde is located 500 km west from Africa and about 1700 km in the south of the Canary Islands. So to say in the middle of nowhere. We are on Santiago the biggest of the nine inhabited islands. Santiago is situated in the south of the archipelago. The fishing village Tarrafal, where also is the King Fisher Village, is located on the north on the map.
JOURNEY
From Switzerland and Germany it is about 8h travel time via Lisbon to Praia. You may combine the journey with a short trip to Lisboa, it’s worth it.
TRAVELLING TIME
year-round, peak season is wintertime, however. A few rainy days are possible from August to October, but they have scarcity value and can be wonderful as well
SECURITY
The archipelago is among Africa’s safest countries. Nevertheless, please avoid carrying more valuable items than necessary with you and don’t walk alone in the streets after nightfall. For our guest’s safety, a private security service is on site all the time.
VISUM
Swiss citizen and citizens of the EU and EFTA countries do no longer have to apply for a visa. For guests, who will stay longer than 30 days, the visa is still required. Common thing for all: You have to register at www.ease.gov.cv. With this registration, the entire process of immigration runs smoothly and saves a lot of waiting time. Admitted, the airport has also its attraction, but holidays under palm trees are definitely better, aren’t they? And there’s a tourism tax to pay on arrival.
LANGUAGE
The vocabulary tells us much about the country where the language is spoken in. And the Cape Verde therefore have quite a lot to say. The official language is Portuguese, is legal terminology, is spoken in the media, authorities, churches and schools. But that does not get you very far, not all locals speak it. On the streets, you’ll hear the Creole (Crioulo). The colloquial language is a veritable hochpoch of fragments and abounds with history. Centuries of migration and different imprints left their marks. The Creole is also the language of music, poetry and of feelings.
ANIMALS
Good news: There are neither dangerous animals nor insects transmitting tropical illnesses. But you may stumble everywhere over geckos and other small lizards. You’ll get used to it. At King Fisher Village, you can spot the Kingfisher bird, a local bird species and the resort’s eponym. Hint: Where there is open water, there are gnats. Don’t forget to bring a mosquito repellent, if you’d like to enjoy your vacation without a constant annoying buzz around your head. A mosquito net, each room is equipped with one, provides a good service as well.
WATER
Fresh water is a very rare and precious good. It only rains on 3-6 days per year. So, please deal mindful with water. We do it, too. Since 2022, the hotel's own desalination plant enables drinking quality water. The extracted water is used in all areas of the hotel. Basically outside of the hotel: Avoid water contact (mucous membranes in particular), if you can’t be sure that the water is ok and treated. Not-sealed bottles: Hands off!
HEALTH
Light-skinned people, be careful: The sun is shining much more intense than in Europe and with an increased uv fraction. Appropriate clothes, a stylish hat or cool cap and a reasonable sun cream with a high protection factor are a must for all those, who intend to spend a lot of time outdoors. And what’s more: The medical care does not have the same standard as European countries, so please don’t forget to bring all the necessary medicines in sufficient quantities with you. Also a small, well assorted travel pharmacy with patches, bandaging material, Aspirin, painkillers and an antiseptic is recommended.
MUSIC AND HISTORY
The Cape Verde - or «Cabo Verde» in Portuguese - gained independence from Portugal’s colonial power in 1975. The history of the islands is not as serene as the local weather. Portuguese sailors discovered the islands in about 1460. At that time uninhabited, the islands then quickly gained sad notoriety as a center of slave trade. And as a logical consequence, many different cultures merged. The colonial past had a strong impact, especially on Santiago, that’s why the island is still the most African-influenced island. On this account, it is understandable that many Cape Verdean songs sound sad and melancholic.
