The Republic Of Cape Verde is undoubtedly a small heaven on earth. Rich in scenic beauty, wildlife, aquatic life and diverse vegetation, this beautiful place is a perfect eco-destination for all you nature lovers. Consisting of 10 islands that are of volcanic origin, this paradise is located off the coast of Western Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands together spread over an area exceeding 4000 square kilometers. Among the islands, the Sal, Boa, Vista and the Mario islands are comparatively flat and sandy. The other islands, though, are a little more rocky and have more vegetation.
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Scenic Beauty
There are a host of beautiful places that you can visit in Cape Verde. The exotic places that you cannot afford to miss include Assomada, the largest city of the country that is blessed with mesmerizing mountain ranges, farmlands and plains, Boa Vista which literally means “Beautiful View” is the easternmost island of the Cape Verde archipelago and Brava, the smallest island of The Republic of Cape Verde. Praia, the capital of Cape Verde and Sao Filipe, well known for its black sand beach and its plentiful vegetation and flora, are just breath-taking. Santa Maria is a fishing city that attracts a lot of adventure enthusiasts.
Eco System
The vegetation here is comparatively sparse and the wildlife is also much less than the other parts of Africa, but that doesn’t take away the beauty of nature. Bird life offers a richer diversity, with around 75 species existing there. The Frigate bird and the rare Razo Lark draw many bird watchers to Cape Verde. One of the very common birds seen here is the grey-headed Kingfisher. Divers get a beautiful view of the vibrant underwater fauna. A range of fish species are visible, which include tropical fishes like the Parrot fish and Angel fish. Groupers and Barracudas, eels and marine turtles can also be spotted. The Cape Verde Islands are covered by dry forests and scrub habitat. Some xerophilous (desert-type) plants are found rooted in the brackish subsoil of Maio, Sal and Boa Vista.
Eco Adventure
While you are in Cape Verde you can indulge in some great adventure activities. The islands offer a host of eco-adventure options, which you can try out to get a feel of nature, up, close and personal! These will not only rejuvenate your senses but they are also eco-friendly, so you do not cause any harm to the native environment. This eco-destination offers everything from hiking to biking to river rafting to scuba diving. The Parque Natural de Serra Malgueta in the Santiago Island is the best option if you want to go hiking. If you are a little more adventurous then you can also head for Brava and Fogo, where you can explore the volcanic craters. Hiking from the Ribeira grande to Fontainhas is normally quite a good experience for visitors.
If biking gives you a high like nothing else, then Cape Verde can be paradise for you. The mountain ranges, the absence of traffic, native villages and beaches provide the perfect setting for an invigorating biking experience. In case you are interested in river rafting then the Breede River and the Orange River would be a good choice. You get to visit the rapids. The scenery and wildlife that you get to view is spectacular. Scuba diving in Cape Verde offers a stimulating underwater experience. The Santa Maria Padi course is a popular one for reef diving, cave diving and wreck diving.
Green Delicacies
Gorging on seafood can get boring when you are in a new place, so why not try out the local eco-friendly prepared food? Cape Verde has some great options for vegetarians, so going green is sure to be easy. Almost every restaurant has an option of a plate of rice and beans. “Cachupa” is a local food, which also comes in a vegetarian version, and contains maize, beans, local herbs, cassava and sweet potato. If you have a sweet tooth, then you can try out the eco-friendly papaya candy and the coconut candy.
Rich Green Culture
The culture of Cape Verde reflects its mixed African and Portuguese roots. It is home to a diverse selection of music and dance forms like Morna. The Morna is a soft dance form and its passionate modernized version is known by the name of Funaná. Their literature includes writings of authors like Claridade and Negrume, among others, their music and their dance, all bear testimony to the very diverse origins of its inhabitants of Cape Verde. Exciting festivals get the locals and the visitors in high spirit throughout the year. Sao Vicente Creole Carnival, Sao Vicente Baia das Gatas Festival, Santa Isabel, Gamboa Festival and Gamboa Festival are among the few festivals that keep the fun, action and thrill going.
Climatic conditions
Cape Verde’s climate is pleasantly tropical with year-round average temperatures between 26° and 30°
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