Culture Week in Tarrafal, Cape Verde

• No prior knowledge of Kriolu is required.
• Open to all interested in Cape Verdean culture and responsible travel.
• Must be physically able to participate in excursions.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Welcome, introduction to Cape Verdean traditions and culture, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
• Basic Kriolu Lesson
• Visit local supermarkets and ATMs, and explore the surroundings of our center.
• Lunch
• Visit Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning back to the center for dinner.

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Praia International Airport (RAI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:05 to Monday 02:00.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 1.15 to 1.5 hours by road.

Monday

• On Monday, you will have breakfast and then get an introduction to Cape Verdean traditions and culture. We will do initial documentation before your program begins, including the signing of the Code of Conduct and the collection of passport and visa copies.
• Then you will attend a Basic Kriolu class to learn about the local language. This is critical because the majority of people speak Kriolu, Portuguese, or French here. So, it may come in handy if you learn the Kriolu language.
• Then we will leave to visit local supermarkets and ATMs. Then you will visit the Museum, Tarrafal concentration camp, and local market, and explore the surroundings of our center.
• We will have lunch at the center.
• After lunch, you will visit Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning to the center for dinner.
• Overnight at Tarrafal Accommodation

Tuesday

• After breakfast, you will attend a one-hour Basic Kriolu class to continue your course. Today you will learn how to talk about Days of the Week and months in Kriolu.
• You then have the opportunity to witness a local cooking lesson, wherein you will learn to cook Cachupa, which is a famous dish from the Cape Verde Islands.
• In the afternoon, you will visit Ribeira Das Pratas, which is the black sand beach.
• Overnight at Tarrafal Accommodation

Wednesday

• After breakfast, you will attend another basic Kriolu class where you will learn useful words for communication and spelling. Then you will visit Rebelados Village.
• Learn about this religious community primarily found in the interior of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. They were among the groups which revolted against the liturgical reforms and isolated themselves from the rest of society
• After lunch at the centre, you will visit Piscina Natural de Cuba, a hidden getaway off the regular tourist tracks. Residents call these natural pools Esprito Santo. These natural pools can provide moments of leisure.
• Overnight at Tarrafal Accommodation

Thursday

• After breakfast, you will attend a one-hour Basic Kriolu class and start learning how to make sentences.
• Then we will leave the centre and visit the Project site for the following week.
• You will have lunch and continue at the project site till the afternoon.
• Overnight at Tarrafal Accommodation

Friday

• After breakfast, we will have our last Basic Kriolu classes and start making phrases. Then we will head out to go on a fishing trip with the local fishermen
• This activity is totally dependent on the weather. If the weather is rough or choppy on a Friday, this activity could be done on the following day or on Monday. There will not be any other activity scheduled for the day to substitute this activity.
• We will return to the center with the fresh catch to cook for lunch.
• After lunch, you have free time to relax.
• Overnight at Tarrafal Accommodation

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Things to Do in Tarrafal (Santiago Island):

• Tarrafal Beach – One of Cape Verde’s best beaches, with white sand, palm trees, and calm, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Tarrafal Concentration Camp – A haunting but important historical site where political prisoners were once held during Portugal’s colonial rule.
• Hike Monte Graciosa – A scenic climb with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Great for nature lovers and photographers.
• Snorkelling and Water Sports – The calm bay in Tarrafal is perfect for snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. You might spot tropical fish or even a sea turtle.
• Local Market – Visit the lively open-air market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and local snacks. It’s a great place to interact with locals and practice some Creole.

Things to Do Beyond Tarrafal:

• Cidade Velha (Old City) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Explore old churches, forts, and cobbled streets.
• Serra Malagueta Natural Park – Located between Assomada and Tarrafal, this park offers hiking trails through lush forests, native plant species, and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Praia – The bustling capital city offers cultural experiences, local eateries, museums, nightlife, and craft markets. Great for a weekend visit.
• Fogo Island & Pico do Fogo – Climb an active volcano, walk through black lava fields, and explore the charming town of Chã das Caldeiras nestled within the crater.
• Boa Vista & Sal – Famous for long beaches, sand dunes, kite surfing, and all-inclusive resorts. Great for relaxation or weekend getaways.
• Santo Antão – A must for hikers. The island features jaw-dropping mountain valleys, green terraces, and stone villages that feel untouched by time.

Additional Requirements

• No prior knowledge of Kriolu is required.
• Open to all interested in Cape Verdean culture and responsible travel.
• Must be physically able to participate in excursions.
• Medical clearance for participants over 65 years.
• Signed parental consent for participants under 18 years
• Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all participants arriving in Cape Verde.

Additional Equipment

Packing List
        Clothing

• Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
• Bring swimwear for beach activities.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• A small backpack for day trips.
• Waterproof bags to keep electronics safe.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: CV – Holidays – All Programs

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an island nation located off the northwest coast of Africa, consisting of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since developed into one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Despite limited natural resources and a semi-arid climate, Cape Verde has achieved middle-income status, with a strong emphasis on education, health, and good governance. The official language is Portuguese, but most people speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) in daily life.

Cape Verde enjoys a warm, dry tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 22°C and 30°C (72–86°F) throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: a dry season from November to July and a wet season from August to October, although rainfall is generally low. The islands are also known for strong trade winds, especially on Sal and Boa Vista, making them popular for water sports. The pleasant climate makes Cape Verde a year-round destination, though dust from the Sahara (called the Harmattan wind) may affect air clarity in the winter months.

Cape Verdean culture is a blend of African and Portuguese traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, music, and community. Music is central to life here—morna (made famous by Cesária Évora), coladeira, and funaná are widely played, often accompanied by singing and dancing. Religion, particularly Roman Catholicism, plays an important role, but traditional African beliefs may also influence local customs. Hospitality is a deeply held value, and you’ll often be invited to join in community gatherings or family meals.

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