Is Cape Verde dangerous?

posted onAuthorMargaux4 Comments

The Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of Senegal is a destination that has attracted a few more tourists each year in recent years. 

However, this destination is still not fully known to tourists, we often wonder if it is a dangerous destination or not?!

I went to Cape Verde for 15 days as a single woman, and here is my feeling about this country.

Cape Verde: understanding its history

Discovered by Portuguese navigators in the middle of the XNUMXth century, Cape Verde was first a Portuguese colony. This is why we find a European and above all Portuguese imprint with, for example, the names of the islands and the different cities. 

Cape Verde, because of its location between Africa and the Americas, was a transit point for the slave trade. African slave populations brought culture, language, cuisine, music and beliefs.

With the abolition of slavery, the blending of Portuguese and African influences increased and made Cape Verde the country it is today.

In 1975, Cape Verde gained its independence.

The health risk in Cape Verde

As in many countries, and in particular many African countries, there are health risks. In particular, diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (malaria, dengue, zika), however malaria remains rare in Cape Verde. On the other hand, Cape Verde is affected by the Zika virus especially during the rainy season (August to October).

Zero risk does not exist, but I will say that Cape Verde, unlike other countries, is not a country with a huge risk in terms of health. Still, you have to be careful about the food you eat and the water you drink.

Obviously, protect yourself well from mosquitoes and other insects to avoid any risk.

Cape Verde and security: dangerous?

During a trip, whether in Cape Verde or elsewhere, it is important to remember that you have to be careful, both of yourself and your belongings. 

Be vigilant in all circumstances. 

Cape Verde is not recognized as a country with enormous danger, contrary to what one might think of Guatemala for example.

Indeed, Cape Verde is a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, there are more or less dangerous places in Cape Verde. I am thinking in particular of certain islands or certain towns in particular where you have to be even more careful. 

Indeed, small attacks (thefts, burglaries, assaults) are apparently more and more numerous. But I want to tell you “like everywhere”. They therefore do not make a generalization.

Areas experiencing an increase in attacks include: 

  • Santiago: the towns of Praia or Tarrafal 
  • Sao Vicente: Mindelo
  • Sal: Santa Maria
  • Fogo: Sao Filipe
  • Sao Nicolau: Tarrafal

Mainly, in the main cities of the different islands, it is better to be careful.

My experience island by island: dangerous or not?

To share with you my experience on the subject, I went to the islands of Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao and Sal and here is my feedback island by island:

  • Sao Vicente: the city of Mindelo is relatively large with many people. The nightlife is very lively. You have to be careful in the evening, avoid walking alone if you are alone, but with several there is no problem. During the day, in places where there are people, it does not fear anything. It is especially necessary to pay attention to his belongings in places like markets etc. Avoid walking around with visible valuables. But otherwise in Sao Vicente I felt safe.
  • Santo Antao: really no problem on Santo Antao. This island is a "family" island I find, everyone is very pleasant and hands on heart (this also applies to the other islands). There are quite a few hikes where you can quickly find yourself alone, but it generally seems quite safe.
  • Sao Nicolau: not very touristic island, I would say that you have to be careful but people are generally so happy to see tourists that it doesn't seem really dangerous.
  • Sal: lots of tourists in Sal, and therefore potentially more muggings etc. Whether day or night, I did not feel in danger. However, I would like to share my unpleasant experience with you. I was robbed in the aparthotel I was renting (Porto Antigo 3) which I do not recommend at all despite the location and its very nice setting. But this kind of thing can happen anywhere, so don't generalize, even if it's never pleasant to have your accommodation robbed while on vacation.

Single woman in Cape Verde: dangerous?

When traveling as a single woman, it is all the more important to be careful, regardless of the destination.

I had the chance to make several trips alone (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Tanzania, Zanzibar…) and Cape Verde more recently. 

For my part, I did not find Cape Verde particularly dangerous. 

If I had to remember a few points about this trip to Cape Verde:

  • Sao Nicolau: there are few tourists, and I went to Sao Nicolau having met other people with whom I visited the island. It is true that this reassured me because otherwise I would have found myself really "alone" on the island and as a woman and alone, I would have been less comfortable (especially for hiking etc because sometimes we meet no one)
  • Santo Antao: the island is quite touristy, we often come across tourists on the most famous hikes (Vallée de Paul, etc.) so there is no problem. However, for some lesser-known hikes, it can be nice to share the ride with other hikers.
  • Sal: lots of people, locals are used to tourists, lots of tourist activities etc. On this island, there is no problem being alone in my opinion. On the other hand, you have to be careful if you want to go out in the evening to dance or to a bar when you are a single woman. You can easily be "accosted", but it's true everywhere...

For more information to prepare your trip, I suggest you consult this list of articles: 

4 Replies to “Is Cape Verde dangerous?”

  1. Hello Margaux
    We are leaving in 15 days for Cape Verde for around 15 days.
    Thanks for the info we found on your blog.
    We are thinking of hiking on Santo Antao and Fogo (it will already be quite a lot).
    Why did you take a guide and how did you find it?
    Thank you
    mary

    Reply

    1. Hello Mary,

      Great, these are 2 good islands for hiking! It's going to be great I'm sure 🙂
      I took a guide for some hikes because I didn't have a car + easier and always interesting to have explanations in the countries where I travel I find 🙂

      Reply

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