Finally back to Africa! Still not in the continental part, thow. My destiny is Cabo Verde, an archipelago near Senegal's coast. More specifically, ilha do Sal.
The Cabo Verde islands are a very well known tourism spot in Portugal: it's near, only a 4h flight; portuguese is the official language; and the weather is awesome, over 25 degrees now.
Actually, it wasn't that high on my places to see list, since there's not that much to do here in Sal, the most touristic island of the archipelago. But the opportunity appeared, I was in dire need of some relax time... and I get to know a new country!
This is my home for the next week. So far, everything checks out: the beach is great, kms of sandy beaches and clear waters. Locals are very friendly, and easy to talk to. And again, I miss the opportunity of seeing awesome stuff: Cabo Verde is a great destiny to see sea turtles hatch... and I just found out the last turtles left the last protected nest 2 days ago. Great timing, huh? 😁
This is one of the nurseries, where eggs are stored and protected by one of the local ongs. Although no turtles to be seen, still learned a lot about the ongoing efforts to protect the loggerhead turtles and the amazing work this organization does in the island.
During the nesting months, volunteers and ong workers roam the beaches on a daily basis, protecting turtles from illegal hunting, and relocating the eggs to secure locations if the nesting site is in danger.
No turtles for me... but can't complain about the sunsets!
The first day onthe island finished with a large walk on the beach, and a small walk to Santa Maria, the main town near the hotels. There, local craft shops and some nice bars seem to make up for a nice destination at the end of the days.
The following days I'll be visiting the rest of the island (that can be seen in just one day, since it's only 30 km long). Hopefully I'll be able to snap some cool photos of the most iconic places.
The endemic sparrows that are omnipresent in the hotel will surely deserve a photo session too.
And hopefully, I'll be able to dive as well and see some of the natural wonders of Cabo Verde seas; maybe I'll get to see sharks again!
Feels great to be travelling again! 😉
