Cape Verde is an island country in the Atlantic, about 500 km off the coast of West-African Senegal. As a country it is relatively young, having gained independence from Portugal only in 1975. It consists of 6 windward islands ((Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista) and 4 leeward islands (Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava), all of volcanic origin and relatively arid with rainfall (if any) only from August until October. Santiago is the largest Island, Mt Pico (2829 m) on Fogo Island is an active volcano and Cape Verde's highest peak. Not all islands are equally mountainous, and some are outright deserts.

Most popular for hiking are the islands of Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antao, São Nicolau and São Vicente. Trails are sometimes marked, and it is possible to hire a guide locally. Hiking maps and trail descriptions are available.