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Cape Verde is a relatively safe place to visit as the country has remained a relatively peaceful and safe place with an almost non-existent incidence of crime. Theft is one of the minor crimes that has increased, but that seems only due to the increase in tourism to the country lately.
No extra precautions to travel safely need to be taken, just the same as anywhere else in the world.
The following criminal activity has occurred lately: some violent crime; a few muggings which usually occur at night and in fairly isolated places; a number of house burglaries and some cases of sexual assault have also been reported.
Demonstrations can occasionally occur, and there is always the possibility that even peaceful ones could turn violent. Traffic congestion may occur due to protests when and where it takes place.
Visitors should avoid any places where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and it always is a good idea to monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
Cabo Verde is known to be extremely hot and receives little rain throughout the year. The rainy season usually is due from August to October.
Natural disasters are possible due to volcanic activity in various districts. Visitors should follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders and regularly monitor local media reports.
Strong currents and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous at some locations. Drownings occur every year, especially in Praia. Be attentive on beaches and never swim alone.
Visitors may be exposed to incidences of pickpocketing and purse snatching, a common petty crime in most popular tourism areas. Sadly, children often are behind these crimes which mostly happen during festivals and street fairs, and in crowded outdoor market areas like Mindelo in Praia and on the island of São Vicente.
Visitors must keep their passports, travel documents and personal belongings always secure, since bag snatchers are often organised in gangs. Tourists have reported that begging is a commonplace, as well. Beware of children following you to your hotel while asking for money, they might try and rob you of your wallet or handbag.
A major theft area in Praia is the Sucupira Market, where visitors should watch out for pickpockets and other thefts. These criminals work in groups so stay vigilant when going to crowded areas.
To try and prevent oneself from becoming a victim of pickpocketing, use logical precautionary methods. Don’t walk in public places with valuable jewellery and keep your important documents in a safe place.
Keep away from children wandering the streets as they are often the criminals in these crimes.
If possible, avoid crowded places and markets. Avoid using laptops in public areas and if you have to use it, make sure you never leave it unattended. Try not to look too “rich” as criminals will spot you as a potential target. Wear plain clothes and do not display your technological devices.
Crimes are becoming increasingly more violent in the country. There have been more incidents reported of shootings lately, hence avoid going out at night if possible.
Visitors should not explore secluded stretches of beach with limited visibility alone.
Choose your accommodation carefully and make sure it is reputable. Always lock the doors and windows, especially at night, or when you go out. Kidnappings of tourists have not been reported in the country but there were two cases involving local residents reported in 2017.
In conclusion, always be vigilant and avoid going out at night, or to secluded areas.
Taxis hailed from hotels are mostly reliable and the preferable way to travel around. Intercity van services can be hazardous due to accidents on the roads caused by locals. In Praia though, city buses and taxis are reliable, clean and in good condition.
Note that if you want to drive around yourself, you should carry an International Driving Permit.
Main roads are mostly paved with cobblestones but can be narrow and badly lit at night, so it is not advisable to drive after dark.
Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution, particularly after dark. Organised roadside assistance is not widely available.
Follow the rules of the road and drive defensively. Do not assume that other drivers will do what they are supposed to do. This includes:
• Only overtake when it is safe. Never overtake on a blind rise or where there is a solid white line.
• Always check your blind spot before changing lanes, even when the road seems deserted.
• Stay alert and keep an eye on what’s happening around you.
• Always be prepared for emergencies. Carry an emergency kit with items that will come in handy if you’re stranded on the side of the road or involved in a vehicle accident.
• Watch out for potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians walking along the road.
• Be on the lookout for obstructions like potholes or animals which may stray into the road especially at night. It is best to avoid driving at night.
If planning to travel on water, remember that sea conditions can be treacherous. Mariners should seek local advice before the trip, particularly to the islands of Brava and Fogo. Advise local ports of arrival and departure times and provide relatives with your itinerary.
Ask permission before taking pictures of people and avoid taking photos of any military facilities.
The local people are extremely generous and friendly. Even the poorest take pride in giving guests a meal. It is considered extremely rude to eat in front of others without sharing, therefore it is advisable for tourists not to eat in public streets or in public transport.
Visitors will find it interesting that locals, when talking to each other, usually stand close together and often touch and hold hands. This happens between both men and women. They greet each other for long periods of time and may shake hands or kiss.
Cabo Verde is generally regarded as one of the most tolerant of African countries. Sexual activity between those of the same gender has been legal since 2004. Occasional displays of prejudice may occur anywhere in the world, including Cabo Verde and over-the-top physical displays of same-sex affection are not always welcomed by everyone.
Cabo Verde’s laws prescribe severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. The country has seen a rise in drug trafficking as drugs are entering the country via smugglers and shrewd practices.
Cabo Verde is apparently seen as a gateway for drug cartels that want to transport drugs from South and Central America to Europe and Africa.
Tourists have even been arrested for carrying unlabelled pills. For a complete list of prohibited items, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cabo Verde. Also, never offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.
The following goods are duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. One litre of spirits and two x one litre of wine. 250ml of eau de toilette and 50ml of perfume.
If your passport gets lost, file a police report or notification of lost property at the local police station immediately.
Request your own copy of the report or investigation document. You will need it later when you apply for a new passport or file an insurance claim, or if your passport ends up in the wrong hands.
Basic medical facilities are available in Mindelo and Praia. You may need medical evacuation if you need specialised care, have sustained serious injury or become severely ill.
There have been outbreaks of Dengue fever particularly on the islands of Fogo, Santiago, Brava and Maio since 2009. About 15,000 cases were reported and was brought on by a rare rainy season.
Malaria is also a possibility, but there have been minimal cases reported on São Tiago Island. Malaria symptoms, which can emerge between a week and nine days after getting the infection, include fever, tiredness, head and body aches and nausea. Serious cases can cause coma, kidney failure and death. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and pants to cover most areas of your skin.
Other illnesses such as filariasis, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis have been reported. Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers to prevent contracting any of these illnesses. Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
The painful and profoundly disfiguring visible manifestations of the disease, lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability. These patients are not only physically disabled, but suffer mental, social and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty.
Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites which are transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sand-flies. The disease mostly affects some of the poorest people on earth, and is associated with malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, a weak immune system and lack of financial resources.
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as “river blindness”, is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted to humans through exposure to repeated bites of infected blackflies. Symptoms include severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and visual impairment, including permanent blindness.
It is thus advisable never to leave home on a visit to these countries without proper travel insurance. Always read the policy wording carefully to make sure the product is right for you – and the place you are visiting.
Tourists should drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages as the tap water and ice in Cabo Verde can be contaminated and not safe for drinking.
Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to the danger of contamination.
Don’t go near pets or stray dogs or cats in Cabo Verde. They can carry infectious diseases like rabies which is life threatening and they may bite and scratch you.
Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.
Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones. Move into a cool area or room and elevate your legs and feet. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.
It is generally safe for women to travel solo but there are still some risks. The local men tend to be very forward, and you will have to be firm to ensure you do not get unwanted attention. Avoid going out alone at night.
If you do travel with children, remember that hotel accommodation may have beaches not fit for bathing. There are however hotels that have facilities for children so speak to your travel agent to ensure you get the right hotel and accommodation for your family.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Cabo Verde. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Cabo Verde who make safety a priority.
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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).