Serra Malagueta Natural Park: Hike to Gongon Valley & Lunch

The Serra Malagueta Natural Park offers an exhilarating hike to the Gongon Valley, promising a unique outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts. Guided by multilingual experts, this 12.5 km trek through challenging terrain with a 580 m elevation gain allows visitors to enjoy the stunning landscapes and spot wildlife like vervet monkeys. With convenient pickup from accommodations in Praia and a focus on culture, this tour provides a memorable experience – though the true test lies in the hike itself.

Good To Know

• This guided hike in Serra Malagueta Natural Park takes visitors to the scenic Gongon Valley and Hortelã Valley, with a picnic lunch included.
• The 12.5 km hike has an elevation gain of 580 m and reaches a maximum altitude of 1035 m, lasting 4-5 hours.
• Tour includes pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and park entrance fees, providing a comprehensive outdoor adventure and cultural experience.
• The hike is classified as difficult, with both flat and steep terrain, not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
• With an overall 4.7/5 star rating, the tour offers good value for money, though minimum participant requirements may apply.

Overview of the Tour

The tour, named "Serra Malagueta Natural Park: Hike to Gongon Valley & Lunch," offers a full-day excursion to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Cape Verde’s Serra Malagueta region.

Priced from €90 per person, the challenging 12.5 km hike takes around 4-5 hours and gains 580 meters in elevation, reaching a maximum of 1035 meters.

Along the way, hikers can spot vervet monkeys and gray-headed kingfishers before enjoying a local family-style picnic lunch.

The tour includes pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and park entrance fees, making it a convenient and immersive way to discover this scenic natural park.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with pickup from your accommodation in Praia, starting 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Next, you’ll explore the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Gongon Valley, and Hortelã Valley. Along the way, keep an eye out for vervet monkeys and gray-headed kingfishers.

After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch with juice, fruit, and a sandwich – a chance to experience a local family meal.

The tour also includes opportunities to engage with the local community and learn about their lifestyle.

With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and park entrance fees covered, this adventure offers a well-rounded experience in Cape Verde’s natural and cultural highlights.

Included in the Package

This tour package bundles together several key inclusions to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience.

Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia are provided, along with all necessary transportation. A knowledgeable, multilingual live guide will accompany you, offering insights throughout the hike.

Lunch, featuring a picnic with local fare, is included, providing a true taste of the region. Liability insurance and the park entrance fee are also covered, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning natural beauty.

Whether you’re seeking an adventurous day outdoors or a culture, this comprehensive package has you covered.

Important Considerations

Hikers should prepare for the challenging terrain of this trek, as the path includes both flat and steep sections. Those with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs should avoid this tour, as it is not suitable for them. Participants are advised to wear proper hiking pants, bring walking sticks, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially from August to November.

What to Bring	Not Suitable For	Shared Group Trek	Entrance Fee
Hat	Wheelchair users	Minimum 2 participants	€2 per person
Hiking shoes		Alternatives may be proposed if minimum not met
Sunscreen
Water

Customer Feedback

Based on 13 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Participants rated the transportation 5 out of 5, but the value for money received a 3.7 rating.

Reviewers advise wearing hiking pants, bringing walking sticks, and preparing for muddy conditions, especially from August to November.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and a minimum of 2 participants is required, with alternatives proposed if this minimum isn’t met.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy provides flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Plus, a reserve now & pay later option is available, allowing participants to secure their spot without immediate payment. This can be helpful for those who need to coordinate schedules or confirm other arrangements.

The tour company aims to accommodate customers’ needs and preferences, recognizing that unforeseen circumstances can arise.

Transportation Details

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from participants’ accommodations in Praia, starting 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Transportation is provided throughout the day’s activities. A live tour guide fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish accompanies the group.

The guide offers insights and information about the natural park, wildlife, and local culture during the transportation and hiking portions of the tour.

This service ensures a seamless and informative experience for participants, allowing them to focus on enjoying the scenic hike and cultural engagement without worrying about logistics.

Hiking Difficulty and Terrain

The hike to Gongon Valley is considered difficult, with a total trail distance of approximately 12.5 km and an elevation gain of around 580 m.

The path quality is a mix of flat and steep terrains, though it’s generally safe for the descent. Hikers should expect to spend 4-5 hours walking during the tour.

The highest point of the hike reaches an elevation of 1035 m, while the lowest is around 110 m.

Visitors are advised to wear suitable hiking shoes and bring water, as the conditions can be muddy, especially during the rainy season from August to November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required for This Hike?

The hike is considered difficult, requiring a high level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for strenuous uphill climbs, covering over 12.5 km with an elevation gain of 580 m.

Are There Any Altitude Considerations for This Tour?

This hike has a significant elevation gain of 580 meters, reaching a maximum of 1035 meters. Proper preparation and acclimatization are essential, especially for those unaccustomed to higher altitudes. Participants should be in good physical condition to manage the challenging terrain.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Group Bookings?

This tour can be customized for private group bookings. The tour provider offers alternatives if the minimum group size of 2 participants is not met. Private bookings provide more flexibility to accommodate group needs and preferences.

Is There an Option to Do a Shorter Hike Instead?

Yes, the tour operator offers a shorter hike option. Clients can request a modified itinerary with a reduced trail distance and walking duration to accommodate their preferences and fitness levels.

What Kind of Weather Conditions Can Be Expected During the Tour?

The weather conditions can vary, but hikers should expect warm temperatures, occasional rain, and potentially muddy trails, especially from August to November. Participants are advised to wear proper hiking gear and be prepared for changeable weather.

The Sum Up

The Serra Malagueta Natural Park hike to Gongon Valley offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Adventurous hikers can explore the stunning landscapes, spot wildlife, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, all while benefiting from convenient transportation and an expert guide. With a challenging terrain and elevation gain, this tour is perfect for those seeking an exhilarating and immersive exploration of Cabo Verde’s natural wonders.