Far Off the Map | NYE Journey to Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau via Senegal

500 km west of Senegal lies Cape Verde, the island chain of vertigo-inducing mountains, green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches. Here, the music and rhythms of Creole West Africa are heard across quaint seaside villages, towering peaks and sparkling bays.

This island paradise was uninhabited until the 1500s, when it was discovered by Portuguese explorers who took advantage of its strategic location for cross-Atlantic trade. Cape Verde has remained something of a well-kept secret since; though centuries have passed, the majority Creole population (European and West African descent) has rarely exceeded 500,000 people.

The geologic origins of the island chain are a volcanic hot spot deep in the Atlantic, which over millennia created an otherworldly archipelago of steep craggy mountains and lush green landscapes. A stunning highlight is the dizzying vertical island of Santo Antão, ruptured with canyons, deep gorges and valleys home to sugar cane plantations and tropical flora and fauna.

This time, we invite you to join us on an extended journey. After NYE celebrations in Cape Verde, we will continue to the mainland of Mama Africa to explore yet another hidden corner: Guinea-Bissau.

This tiny West African country lies sandwiched between its larger neighbors Senegal and Guinea, on the wild Atlantic coast. This little-known treasure has it all – like a microcosm of Africa, it boasts tropical landscapes, white-sand beaches, an ethnically diverse population and abundant wildlife. Visitors will discover a nation where ancient traditions are kept alive, and the locals love a party.

Once part of the kingdom of Kaabu in the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese colonial rule took hold and spread its way across the country, until the land was formally colonised as Portuguese Guinea in the 19th century. After independence was declared in 1973, Guinea Bissau was hailed as a potential model for African development.

Today, however, the country is struggling. Its vital cashew nut crop provides a modest living for most farmers – in fact, the nation is one of the world’s top five cashew producers. But decades of political unrest have led to of Guinea Bissau being ranked one of the poorest countries in the world.

The capital city of Bissau reflects the many years of Portuguese colonial rule, with a vibrant and colorful Old Town full of crumbling European-style architecture. After taking in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelária and the Presidential Palace, a visit to the chaotic Bandim Market is the perfect way to get a feel for day-to-day local life.
The country’s crown jewel is the forested, sparsely populated Bijagós Archipelago, a collection of 88 islands located about 50 km off the mainland coast. Powdery beaches and turquoise waters beckon in “the Polynesia of West Africa”, and this protected biosphere reserve features thriving communities of saltwater hippos, monkeys, chimps, buffaloes, crocodiles, and sea turtles, as well as hundreds of species of birds.
These islands are known for their unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures, and are home to the Bijagos people, an ethnic group with distinct customs and language. Colorful traditional festivals and rituals include the Bafata Dance, a celebration of fertility and the harvest.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Connecting flight from Dakar to Praia

Meeting at Dakar airport at 17:30 for connecting flight to Praia 19:30-20:30. Immigration clearance, overnight.

Day 2 // Santiago - Cidade Velha & Praia City

After breakfast transfer to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Walk through the historic Rua Banana, visit the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, and learn about the town’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Famous visitors include Vasco da Gama, Columbus and Magellan, as well as numerous pirates who continually plundered the place. We will enjoy a walk around the small town, visit the museum at the fort and take a seafood lunch in a small bar on the beach. Dinner at a restaurant at Prainha Beach in the evening. Possibility for a night walk to the Farol de Maria Lia lighthouse.

DAY 3 // Sao Vicente - Mindelo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to São Vicente Island. Upon arrival, we’ll head directly to Mindelo, the island’s cultural heart.
Check in the hotel in the charming colonial-style city, then set out to explore its colorful streets, bustling markets, art galleries, and music bars. Walk along the waterfront, visit the replica of Lisbon’s Belém Tower, and relax on Laginha Beach. Enjoy the rhythms of Cape Verdean music and savor delicious local dishes in the evening.

DAY 4 // Santo Antão - Porto Novo to Paul

Today begins with a scenic ferry ride to the lush and mountainous island of Santo Antão. After arriving in Porto Novo, we will drive along the dramatic Corda Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, offering panoramic views of deep valleys and towering peaks.
We’ll make several photo stops, including a visit to the breathtaking Cova Crater, a dormant volcano now filled with farmland. The journey continues to the verdant Paul Valley, considered the greenest and most fertile valley in Cabo Verde. Settle into our hotel and enjoy the peaceful rural ambiance.

DAY 5 // Santo Antão - Paul Valley

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and set out for a hike in the Paul Valley, a nature paradise. As we walk along cobbled paths and terraced fields, pass through traditional villages where locals still live in harmony with nature.

We will get introduce to the flora and fauna of the region, and we'll see how locals cultivate sugarcane, coffee, and tropical fruits. Enjoy spectacular views of towering peaks, waterfalls, and lush greenery. We’ll also have the chance to visit a local distillery and taste the famous grogue, a traditional sugarcane liquor.

DAY 6 // Santo Antão - São Vicente - Santiago

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Santo Antão and transfer back to Porto Novo for the ferry ride to São Vicente. Upon arrival in Mindelo, enjoy some final free time for shopping or relaxing before heading to the airport for your flight back to Santiago Island. Take in the last aerial views of the islands as you transition from the mountainous beauty of Santo Antão back to the vibrant rhythm of Santiago.

DAY 7 // Guinea Bissau
Airport transfer for a flight to Guinea Bissau 01:45-04:20 (or return flight to Dakar 15:20-18:20),

After breakfast, we set sail for Bolama Island, once the proud colonial capital of Portuguese Guinea. From 1879 until 1941, Bolama served as the administrative heart of the colony, before the capital was relocated to Bissau. Later, in 1951, the territory was officially reclassified as an “overseas province” of Portugal, remaining under colonial rule until Guinea-Bissau’s hard-fought independence in 1974.

Today, Bolama is a place where history lingers in silence. The town, once bustling with officials and traders, is now a quiet shadow of its former self. Its faded colonial architecture, old government buildings, wide avenues lined with mango trees, and decaying neoclassical façades that tell stories of grandeur that never quite matched the harsh realities of island life. The scarcity of fresh water made the administration’s ambitions fragile, and with time, nature reclaimed the streets and plazas. Strolling through Bolama feels like stepping into a forgotten museum beneath the open sky, where walls crumble gracefully under the tropical sun.

We will enjoy lunch in one of Bolama’s local restaurants, savoring freshly caught fish and seafood. In the afternoon, we sail onward to Rubane Island, part of the Bijagós Archipelago, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the sea and wind. Upon arrival, we check into the lodge, a serene retreat surrounded by palm trees and the gentle sound of waves. Buffet dinner and an overnight stay in this tropical paradise.

Day 8 // Sacred Hippos of Orango National Park

In the morning we set off for an excursion to Orango Island, one of the natural treasures of the Bijagós. The highlight of our visit is the chance to explore the saltwater lagoons, where we may encounter the rare West African saltwater hippos. Revered as sacred animals by the local Bijagós communities, these hippos connect the deep spiritual bond between people and nature.

Beyond the hippos, Orango is alive with biodiversity: monkeys darting between trees, gentle manatees gliding through the waters, and a vibrant bird population filling the skies with color and song. It is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a cultural landscape. The Bijagós people live in a unique matriarchal society, where women often lead villages and play central roles in community decision-making. Learning about their customs offers insight into one of West Africa’s most distinctive cultures.

Lunch will be served as part of the excursion, often prepared by local hosts or enjoyed as a picnic amidst nature. By afternoon, we return to Ponta Anchaca, where the rest of the evening is free to relax by the ocean and reflect on the day’s encounters.

Day 9 // Relax in Bijagós and Return to Bissau

Our final morning in the Bijagós is dedicated to relaxation. You can choose to lounge on the golden sands, enjoy optional activities such as kayaking or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, or take a walk to visit a nearby village.

Later, we sail back toward the mainland, returning to Bissau, the capital city. Upon arrival, we’ll hit the streets to historic old quarter, where narrow streets are framed by colonial-era buildings, worn yet full of character.

Bissau is a city where Africa and Portugal’s legacies intertwine and tropical vibrancy meets faded European façades.

Presidential Palace, the grand yet timeworn Cathedral of Bissau, and the Fort of São José da Amura, are stronghold whose origins date back to the early Portuguese colonial era. We also visit Che Guevara Square and the Monument to Independence, a structure built in the 20th century by the Portuguese. Remarkably, after independence it remained the only Portuguese monument left standing. Renamed the “Monument of the Heroes of Independence,” it was crowned with a star, symbolizing a new national identity. Today, the square is a popular gathering place for locals, a vibrant meeting ground that connects past and present. Overnight in Bissau.

Day 10 // Dakar and departure

Transfer to airport for our early flight to Dakar, Senegal. Optionally you can take a short glimpse into the lively metropolis of Dakar, a city known for its bustling markets and vibrant music scene.
Bye bye Africa!

Level: Easy available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: double sharing: Cape Verde - 4*hotels, Bissau – beach side lodge and 3* hotel. Meals excluded.

Cost: 15,300 AED incl. connecting flights; excl. international flights (4,500 AED) until NOV 23rd.

Specifically excluded: international flights to Dakar, meals, visas, any activity in Senegal.
Specifically included: domestic and connecting flights from/to Dakar.

Trip starts and ends with connecting flights (included):
Dakar-Praia DEC 28 19:30-20:30
Bissau-Dakar JAN 06 06:30-07:30

Visas:
· Cape Verde- visa free or visa on arrival for all passports,
· Guinea Bissau – consulate visa, visa support available,
· Senegal – most of passports visa free or on arrival.

See yah far off the map x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238