Is Cape Verde Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cabo Verde in general is considered safe for solo female travelers. The locals are known to be welcoming and respectful towards travelers. However, general precautions must always be taken, particularly at night. There's always a risk of petty crime, so be cautious with personal belongings. While violent crime is relatively rare, it is advised to avoid less populated areas when alone. Moreover, it is always recommended to respect local customs and culture to avoid any unpleasant situations.

Safety rating

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How safe is Cape Verde?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Cabo Verde generally maintains a relaxed and peaceful ambiance. However, it's always necessary to exercise caution, especially at night. While violent crime is not a major issue, petty crimes like pickpocketing are more common. Darkness can also bring limited visibility in nonurban areas as street lighting may not be sufficient. Women traveling alone should avoid walking alone after dark in deserted and less crowded areas. It's suggested to use reputable taxi services when moving about at night. Try to stick with popular and well-lit areas and always remain aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

The public transportation in Cabo Verde is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Buses, known as 'Yasi', are commonly used for travel between towns. Taxis are also available but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand due to the lack of meters. However, some caution is needed during late night travels as it might not be as secure as during the daytime.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Cape Verde generally has a friendly and peaceful ambiance, and respect for women is paramount in their culture. While mild attention and polite advances from local men can occasionally occur, blatant or aggressive street harassment is rare, making it a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers. As with any travel, it's always essential to stay aware of your surroundings, but overall harassment in the streets is low in Cape Verde.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

While petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur in Cabo Verde, they are not rampant. Tourists are advised to keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowded areas or popular tourist locations, and not to display expensive gadgets or jewelry excessively. It's better to take a low-key approach. Generally, the local people are quite friendly and the police are providing reliable assistance to ensure a safe environment for the tourists.

Is Cape Verde worth visiting?

Carla

Carla

Switzerland

Tarrafal, Solo travel

Travelling Cape Verde solo was a great experience. I always felt very safe. Amazing place, amazing beaches , lovely people. I went to Praia, Tarrafal and than Sal Rei in Boa Vista. No public transport but shared taxi buses. It leaves when it is full with people.

Posted: June 29, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
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Sal, Solo travel

Sal took a bit of getting used to as a solo traveller. I usually enjoy very active solo holidays with plenty of hiking but Sal is very much a beach destination. There are things to do but make sure you book online with a tour provider, it’s cheaper plus I found taxis a little expensive and public transport next to non-existent. I did a half day sailing tour (an absolute highlight as I saw humpback whales and turtles) and a visit to shark bay with wonderful marine biologists. The locals are lovely and friendly but you will get a lot of comments from men. Initially I felt really unsafe and harassed especially as I was staying away from the tourist area but eventually I relaxed and realised this is very much part of the culture and not a threat! The men ARE flirtatious though so say hello and then move on. Most locals speak Portuguese and creole so I really recommend finding people to meet up with, joining tours or staying in a hotel (rather than Airbnb) if you don’t speak those languages and feel you want company. In the end I really enjoyed my stay but I’m not sure it makes a great solo destination unless you plan better than I did. Despite always avoiding tourist areas I would actually recommend staying in a hotel here and planning excursions in advance especially if you want to see more of the island. Don’t believe the suggestions of island hopping here, it’s very difficult, unreliable and expensive to get to the other islands unless you have plenty of time and money! Unless you can comfortably sit on a beach for a week on your own (I can’t!) then some thinking ahead will make all the difference but expect beautiful beaches, lovely locals and tonnes of delicious seafood

Posted: April 19, 2024
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Santa Maria, Solo travel

Had a brilliant experience in Sal. The local people were warm and welcoming and really made the trip. Though it was a small island and is still developing, there is plenty to do for a week and the beaches are truly beautiful. Very safe and very clean

Posted: March 3, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Sal, Group travel

I felt really safe there. We spent a lot of time outside the hotel, attending parties with local residents and we never had any problems. Everyone was really friendly and open. The island itself is small and can be explored in one day, but it offers many additional attractions.

Posted: October 10, 2023
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Sal, Solo travel

I was alone and stayed for over a week. You can visit the island in one day, but if you like water sports or like to laze on the beach for a few days, this is paradise. I tried windsurfing and I would gladly return, because the winds are amazing.

Posted: October 8, 2023
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Paula

Paula

About Me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

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Safety in Cape Verde