Visit Assomada : Rural Mantaba community – Authentic Experience with local family

Overview

Mantaba Experience – Authentic Rural Life in Santiago, Cape Verde

Step beyond the usual and connect deeply with the soul of Cape Verde through an exclusive, immersive experience with a local family in the heart of Santiago Island.
This carefully curated full-day journey offers a rare opportunity to experience rural life firsthand — from walking through lush plantations to harvesting fresh ingredients and preparing a traditional meal together
Guests are welcomed not as visitors, but as part of the family.
Highlights include:
• Guided exploration of tropical crops and traditional farming practices
• Hands-on participation in harvesting and cooking
• Authentic Cape Verdean lunch (including cachupa)
• Cultural immersion through music, storytelling, and local traditions
• Meaningful interaction with the host community

Read your Programme:

Experience Type:
Cultural, Rural, Immersive
Duration:  Full Day
Departure Location: Praia or Tarrafal
08:30 – Departure from Praia/Tarrafal
* Hotel pick-up or meeting point collection
* Comfortable transfer to Mantaba (interior of Santiago Island)
* Brief introduction during the journey about the region and Cape Verdean rural life
09:30 – Arrival in Mantaba & Welcome
* Warm welcome by the host family
* Welcome drink: fresh seasonal natural juice
* Introduction to the property and local way of life
 10:00 – Guided Visit to the Plantations
* Walk through the surrounding agricultural areas
* Discover local crops such as:
Banana trees, papaya trees, avocado trees, and lemon trees
  * Cassava, cabbage, potatoes, beans, corn, and sugar cane
* Explanation of traditional farming techniques
* Visit to the natural spring water source flowing from the rocks
11:30 – Hands-On Activities
* Harvesting fresh produce directly from the land
* Participation in the preparation of a traditional meal
* Direct interaction with the host family
 13:00 – Traditional Lunch
* Tasting of typical Cape Verdean dishes
* Highlight: Cachupa or another local specialty
* Meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the property
 14:30 – Cultural Experience & Social Gathering
Time to connect and interact with the family
 Presentation about:
The history of Cape Verde
  * The reality of the local community
 Cultural demonstration featuring:
  * Traditional music
  * Local stories and storytelling
  * Cape Verdean traditions
 16:00 – Free Time
* Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the property
* Opportunity to enjoy the swimming pool
* Quiet atmosphere immersed in nature
 17:00 – Return to Praia:
* Transfer back to the hotel
* Expected arrival in the late afternoon
 Included:
* Round-trip transportation (Praia – Mantaba – Praia)
* Accompanying guide
* Welcome breakfast (Cachupa + natural juice)
Traditional lunch
* Cultural and hands-on activities
* Authentic experience with a local family

What's Included

Private Transfer
Pick-up & drop-off at hotel, port,
Traditional lunch
Welcome breakfast (Cachupa + natural juice
Accompanying guide
Cultural and hands-on activities - Authentic experience with a local family
Extras services

Itinerary

Assomada – Cultural Heart of Santiago
Hotel pick-up or meeting point collection * Comfortable transfer to Mantaba (interior of Santiago Island) * Brief introduction during the journey about the region and Cape Verdean rural life 09:30 – Arrival in Mantaba & Welcome * Warm welcome by the host family * Welcome drink: fresh seasonal natural juice * Introduction to the property and local way of life  10:00 – Guided Visit to the Plantations * Walk through the surrounding agricultural areas * Discover local crops such as: Banana trees, papaya trees, avocado trees, and lemon trees   * Cassava, cabbage, potatoes, beans, corn, and sugar cane * Explanation of traditional farming techniques * Visit to the natural spring water source flowing from the rocks 11:30 – Hands-On Activities * Harvesting fresh produce directly from the land * Participation in the preparation of a traditional meal * Direct interaction with the host family  13:00 – Traditional Lunch * Tasting of typical Cape Verdean dishes * Highlight: Cachupa or another local specialty * Meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the property  14:30 – Cultural Experience & Social Gathering Time to connect and interact with the family  Presentation about: The history of Cape Verde   * The reality of the local community  Cultural demonstration featuring:   * Traditional music   * Local stories and storytelling   * Cape Verdean traditions  16:00 – Free Time * Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the property * Opportunity to enjoy the swimming pool * Quiet atmosphere immersed in nature  17:00 – Return to Praia: * Transfer back to the hotel * Expected arrival in the late afternoon

Departure and Return

Helpful Information

This experience takes place in a rural setting on Santiago Island and includes light walking on uneven terrain and plantation paths. Comfortable footwear and light clothing are recommended.

• Guests are welcomed into a local family environment and invited to participate in authentic daily traditions and culinary activities.

• Lunch is prepared using fresh local ingredients harvested during the experience. Please advise in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

• Recommended items:
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Hat and sunscreen
– Reusable water bottle
– Camera or smartphone
– Cash for optional local purchases

Group Size:

Minimum: 3 guests

Maximum: 10 guests

To preserve the authenticity and quality of the experience, groups are intentionally designed for small groups to ensure genuine experience with the host and local community.

For private groups, families, or special request, customized arrangements may be available upon request.

Important:  Private and tailor-made experiences are available upon request!

Flexible Prices

€110

/ Adult

Solo or Duo

€85

/ Adult

Group of 3 – 4

Group of 5 or more – €70
Children from 3 to 11 years old – €50

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Gallery

Visit Assomada : Rural Mantaba community – Authentic Experience with local family

Scenes and Moments from this adventure…

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Order Summary

Four people sitting around a rustic wooden picnic table in a dry, forested area, enjoying a meal and drinks. The background is a dense collection of thin tree trunks.
Visit Assomada : Rural Mantaba community – Authentic Experience with local family

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