Mountain biking at its finest off the west coast of Africa
On the exotic islands of Cape Verde awaits an undiscovered trail paradise that is second to none.
With only a 4-hour flight from Lisbon, mountain bikers will be especially heart warmed in the winter season. December to June is the best time to set out along the old mountain paths and trails to explore the outstanding viewpoints, with unforgettable adventures. The group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, is known for its volcanic peaks, deep valleys and impressive rock formations, which are a unique backdrop for mountain bike tours.
For conditioned and experienced bikers, many trails await. Some of which lead over steep terrain and offer views of wild gorges and the spectacular mountain landscape. Curvy, demanding serpentines link up with technical riding and flowy sections. Depending on the tour, the daily ascent varies from 300 - 1000 meters and the descent from 600 - 1800 meters. A good level of fitness and good biking technique, even on difficult passages, are required.
The trails get constantly prepared to offer a weekly program of five guided all-mountain tours. All tours are only accessible via a guide, as the terrain can be exposed and unpredictable.
The bike station at the King Fisher Hotel opens from January 2024 and provides a rental fleet of SCOTT Genius bikes with 160/150mm suspension - the perfect choice for the existing terrain.
A daily arrival and departure are possible, also the length of stay can be determined by the guest himself. An example price calculation can be found on the right side under "trip summary.”
The area is also home to countless water sports activities that can be performed around the hotel to provide an alternative program. Activities like diving, surfing, or fishing is a must on this wonderful island.
Music plays a central role in the daily life of the natives as an expression of their culturally rich identity. Those who get in touch will find a world of their own: between the melancholic Morna, made famous by Grammy Award winner Césaria Évora, to the cheerfully lively and rhythmic Funanà.
Cape Verde will resonate, while everyone will take a bit of "sodade" (loosely translated "nostalgia") home. Whether through the adventurous rides on the spectacular trails, or the encounter with the country and its culture.
This trip is for experienced bikers who have a good command of the bike technique and are also prepared to take on short pushing passages if the topography of the trails and the safety of the bikers require this.
Highlights
- Breathtaking mountain and island scenery
- Challenging and fun trail tours
- African-exotic culture
- Biking in a warm destination, while in Europe cool temperatures prevail
Optional non riding activities
- Dive and discover the underwater world. Diving courses for beginners to advanced divers are offered within walking distance from the hotel.
- Surfing on the perfect wave. Possibility for surf lessons from beginner to advanced, as well as surf road trips around the island.
- Another unique experience: deep sea fishing in Cape Verde! Thanks to the different populations of big fish and with local company, even a day of fishing becomes a highlight!
- Hikes along the coast or in the mountains, depending on what you’re into.
- Get to know the local culture at the weekly market in Assomada.
Trip-Summary
- *7 Days / 6 Nights
- Santiago Island, Cape Verde
DATES
PRICE PER PERSON
*Calculation example: Incl. 5 mountainbike tours (excl. Crazy Pirates). Guests can choose on which day to arrive and to depart.
Group size: 2-6 Persons
Included services
- 6 nights in a double room at the beautiful King Fisher Village Hotel, located directly by the sea
- 7 Dinners
- 5 guided mountain bike tours
- Required shuttles for the mountain bike tours
- Transfer from Praia airport to the hotel
Excluded services
- Flight to Praia
- Lunches
Additional bookable services
- SCOTT MTB und e-MTB rental (5 days from EUR 350)
- Surf courses
- Diving certification
- Fishing excursions
- Pottery course in Trás-os-Montes
- Workshop seminar
Our travel partner Globetrotter is happy to help with the booking of additional nights, flights, rental cars or other services.
SCOTT Bike models for rent
- No Deadline. This offer is upon availability.
- Telefon: +41 31 313 00 99
- E-mail: scott-travel@globetrotter.ch
Please note that you will be contacting our partner company Globetrotter Travel Service AG when continuing with this booking enquiry.
Program
Arrival and departure days are freely selectable, as well as the number of days of stay. The tour program includes 5 trail tours and is adapted according to the weather and guests.
For a stay of 6 days, 1 break day is provided in the middle of the stay. The tours are constantly being adapted.
We will start from Tarrafal and will ride towards the lighthouse, the northern point of Santiago Island. Then it's time for some nice, flowy trails through the dry wilderness away from civilization, that will end up at the beautiful beach of Fazenda. With some luck, you might spot turtles and even whales.
The road back is steep and demanding. We will follow the road back to Trás-os-Montes where we will finish at the beautiful Tarrafal beach. Time for some cold drinks!
This tour starts with a shuttle to Serra Malagueta, between Tarrafal and Assomada. Once you’re out of the shuttle it's time for a cold start downhill and to enjoy some beautiful African landscapes!
Descending on a smooth and curved-style path, sometimes flowy, sometimes more challenging with occasional steps and switchbacks, until you get closer to the valley floor.
Upon reaching the valley floor, the path becomes smoother again, and you'll ride through a sea of mango trees, banana plants, and sugarcane stalks until you reach the village of Principal.
On this tour after a shuttle ride, we start by pedaling up a gravel road along the mountain ridge until we reach the beginning of our trail near the top. Prepare your camera because the views from both sides of the island are amazing!
Then the long and legendary single trail along the mountain ridge begins – fast and fun!
There might be a few tricky spots, but overall, it's smooth and beautiful to ride. A truly superb trail!
On the way back, we will also have the option to visit the Rabelados, a religious community from the island of Santiago, where you can see the village and their artwork.
Well-built with numerous curves and a few tricky spots, but always flowing smoothly. This is Passo de Gato!
Another section is characterized by a fascinating and seemingly untouched canyon, worlds that are lying far below us. Each turn offers a photo spot. For a short section you'll have to push the bike about 80 meters up a steep switchback trail, but you will be rewarded with some amazing views! The trail leads through a high plateau, with the gorge far below, the sea on the horizon to the left and right and a fast, agile path in the midst of it all. At the end, you will tackle a section on a paved road before entering the final part of the tour and a trail that takes us directly to Tarrafal.
This time we will ride on the West side of the island. Once we have caught the shuttle to the departure point, we climb up towards Monte Ramo, which has a pleasant incline. The path leads through steep terrain, with the best view down into the wild gorge.
The Monte Ramo technical trail is initially steep and rough, but then becomes more fluid and fun. On some dirt roads between the fields, you can enjoy some nice views.
After taking a shuttle up again, we will ride on country roads until we reach the next trail. Riding always along the ridge high above the gorge, it then goes down until the path suddenly leads in steep serpentines, directly to the valley floor. Here the bike needs to be pushed on short sections.
A bumpy gravel road leads us to the next village and a nice beach, before we head back to Tarrafal.
Travel
By plane
4-hour non-stop flight from Lisbon. Depending on the flight connection, arrival is at noon or midnight. If you arrive at night, the hotel will be happy to provide a light dinner to your room upon request.
Accommodation
The Hotel
The King Fisher Village, on the island of Santiago, is located in the small village of Punta de Atum and is one of the most beautiful places in the middle of the Atlantic. Located in a bay with unobscured views of the sea, the hotel’s terrace has a staircase leading directly into the water.
All suites and double rooms have a terrace and sun loungers for sunbathing. The breakfast buffet gives you an idea of how many different tastes and scents are native to this island.
Rooms
The King Fisher Village brings together two worlds in perfect harmony. Newly renovated rooms showcasing colonial style and noble mahogany exist alongside newly built double rooms directly on the sea, offering all modern comforts. The hotel’s saltwater pool is a wonderful spot to relax and rejuvenate in peace.
Restaurant
In the morning, feast on a mouth-watering breakfast buffet. With a great selection of healthy, well-prepared food, you can start the day full of energy. And after an action-packed bike tour, nothing compares to a delicious dinner right by the sea. The chef and his local team will prepare high-quality Mediterranean cuisine for you, with produce sourced directly from the local region.
Life
The King Fisher Village is located in Tarrafal, in the very north of the island of Santiago – the largest of the Cape Verde islands. In the fishing village of Tarrafal, time seems to have stood still. Colorful, African hustle and bustle immediately puts you in holiday mode. The lively beach of Tarrafal, with its white sand and palm trees, is an easy 10-minute walk away.
Tour Guides
King Fisher Bikeguides
Languages spoken: English, German, Portuguese
Equipment
SCOTT Genius 930 (2023)
Smart suspension, smarter features, and the smartest design lead to an unbelievable trail bike that just can't get enough.
