Tips and stuff you may want to know about.

Q. Are there many mosquitos about

There are less in dryer weather, but then where there are plants that need watering by gardeners using 'dirty water', fresh water, or there is stagnant water lying around, there could be more mosquitos. There are more after its rained. You can buy mosquito repellent in a few shops but as always, it is better to bring your own as it can be more expensive (as like sun lotions and sprays) and not always available! Others may want to bring some plug-in mosquito tablets/liquids for the apartment/hotel room. You can also buy a pack of mosquito coils from local shops, once lit they burn slowly, one will last for about 6hrs, but they do give off a strong smell if used in small enclosed areas with no ventillation........ have these coils passed any European standard test? Who knows!

Q. I read there are more flies about in the summer, is that right?

Yes there can me more fly's about in the summer. Like anywhere in the world, where temperatures soar, there will be more flies about.

Q. I read somewhere there had previously been concerns about Dengue Fever, Malaria and Zika virus?

If worried about the Zika virus, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Covid-19 or other transferable viruses, please check your government information websites for up-to-date information on travel to Cape Verde.

British Nationals can find further contact information about dengue fever or malaria within: British-Gov-Health-Information.

Q. What's the weather like in the winter?

The winter is known as the windy season, this is when water sports enthusiasts visit for Kite and Wind surfing activities. It can be chilly in the evenings so bring somethings suitable to wear if out and about.

Q. What type of shoes should I wear?

Many of the roads and paths are uneven with different sized blocks of stone, or often some stones may be missing. Hotels will have concreted and tiled floors suitable for various shoe types. Ladies, be aware that wearing high heels on tiled floors in your hotel room or apartment can be an annoyance to those in rooms below.

Q. I have some mobility issues, how safe is it to get around?

Paths and roads could be uneven as many have been made using cobbled blocks of stone, in some places there are unfinished pathways. Some people have tiled the paths outside their building, but unfortunately, if there is water on it, it could cause someone to slip. If wanting to visit some of the sights, speak to your representative at the hotel and explain your needs. Alternatively, those that are able can privately hire a taxi or, for any ]off road' trips, use a taxi that is also a 4 x 4 vehicle. Car hire is also possible via your hotel or some car rental agencies. Mobility scooters may be available for hire at some hotels, check before you book your holiday or if they can tell you if any are available from another provider. Some roads will have been asphalted, others cobbled and in other outer areas there may not be a level surface, just dirt and rocks. Pot holes and uneven surfaces are quite common.

Q. Are roads well lit at night?

The main area are well lit. Good street lighting may not be along many back roads and paths. Some people carry a torch at night, this helps when or if there is a power cut in evenings when it is dark.

Q. Do you have many power cuts?

We have fewer power cuts on the island than in previous years. Most hotels have a supply that isn't affected by general power cuts, some will also have their own generators. People have asked how long they will last, thats like asking how long is a piece of string. The power will be off until it returns after a problem is fixed, but when, depends on the problem!

Q. Can I buy sun lotions or sprays there?

Buy before you travel, as they can be quite expensive if buying in shops, pharmacies or hotels on the islands in Cape Verde. If you buy some in the cheaper 'Chinese' shops they will be imported from China and may not have any safety or health standards you will expect from those purchased in European countries. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent, bio degradable wet wipes and hygiene gel either.

Q. I am an looking to buy some electrical goods, are they expensive?

If buying electrical goods, you may find them cheaper in some Chinese shops, but be careful because they will not made to British or European standards and have guarantees or safety marks you may be used to in your country. It has been known for a few of the cheaper electrical goods, such as hairdryers, kettles and the like, to cause fuses to blow, or more seriously, caught fire. There may be some other stores/shops on some islands that import better quality goods from Europe or other countries, these are often more expensive than goods imported by Chinese Shops direct from China.

Q. Do hotels want our un-used creams and sun-lotions when we leave?

Some hotels do accept liquids and creams that can be left for other guests to use, however, plastic containers are not collected for recycling in Cape Verde, so they can't be disposed of in an environmentally friends way. Ask your Tour Operator for information on disposal of plastic containers, bags etc., as this has become an important issue for the islands, the ocean that surrounds it and the sea life within it. Please do your bit for the environment, if you can, take the plastics you brought with you home. Also, you can read more about the work carried out by Project Biodiversity in next question and answer.

Q. Where can I get more information about conservation, birds, turtles and other sea life?

Contact 'Project Biodiversity', they play an important role on the islands. Project Biodiversity is a Cabo Verdean organisation committed to conserving and restoring the island's unique ecosystems. They are involved with marine protection, terrestrial monitoring, turtle conservation. Find out how you can help. Link: PROJECT BIODIVERSITY