KIZOMBA DANCE TRAVEL
Music, dance and the vibrant spirit of Cabo Verde
25.11.-04.12.2026*
09.12.-18.12.2026*
* Dates may vary depending on the flight option chosen
Experience a unique Kizomba dance journey in Cabo Verde and immerse yourself in music, dance, and the vibrant spirit of the islands. On São Vicente, you can look forward to daily workshops, authentic encounters, and unforgettable dance moments.
Do you already know Kizomba, or would you like to discover the unique dance and music culture of Cabo Verde? Is Cabo Verde on your bucket list? Then join us on an unforgettable dance trip to Mindelo on the island of São Vicente.
Kizomba is a music and dance style that originated in Angola and has become an integral part of Cabo Verdean music and dance culture. Its music, rhythms, and special atmosphere inspire dance lovers from all over the world.
During this dance holiday, you will enjoy daily Kizomba workshops as well as introductions to traditional dances such as Funaná, Morna, and Coladeira. At the same time, you will dive into the rich local music scene and explore the culture, history, and traditions of São Vicente together with local guides.
Alongside the varied dance and cultural program, there will be plenty of time for relaxing beach visits, meeting local people, and experiencing the true Cabo Verdean way of life.
This dance journey is suitable for both couples and solo travelers. Local taxi dancers will ensure during the workshops that everyone has a suitable dance partner.
Kizomba workshop at sunset on the square next to the Capoeira school in Mindelo.
DATES AND PRICES
25.11.-04.12.2026*
09.12.-18.12.2026*
* Dates depend on the selected flight option.
* Price based on 4 participants. Prices may vary depending on the departure airport, travel dates, flight availability, and number of participants.
Included in the package
Flights from/to Switzerland in Economy Class, arrival and departure transfers on São Vicente, 9 nights in a mid-range hotel including breakfast, 9 Kizomba workshops with Alex & Sofi (Instagram: alexsofikizomba) including a dance partner, workshop on traditional Cape Verdean dances and Afro Dance, excursions with a local English-speaking guide (description below): Half-day excursion "Nôs Ilha - Txeu Stória, Txeu Vida" including soft drinks & snacks, full-day excursion "Entre Mar & Monte" with lunch including soft drinks, beer & wine, evening activity "Nôs noite no ritmo" including snacks & drinks at the first bar, excursion to São Pedro with dinner including soft drinks, beer & wine, Dinner on the first and last evening including soft drinks, beer & wine, tips for guides, dance instructors, drivers, as well as in the hotel and restaurants.
Extras
Surcharge on the flight if the calculated booking class is not available, additional excursions and individual extensions (bookable through o Ritmo), visa/registration for entry (approx. EUR 31.00), overnight stay in Lisbon on the return journey (depending on flight route), travel insurance.
Entry requirements for Swiss citizens
Passport valid for 6 months beyond the return date and entry registration (either online or on arrival). o Ritmo is happy to help.
View over the island of São Vicente from the mountain "Monte Verde" during the island tour. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the neighbouring islands of Santo Antão and the uninhabited island of Santa Luzia
Travel itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cabo Verde
Departure from Zurich at 06:10 AM and arrival in Lisbon at 08:10 AM. After a layover, onward flight to São Vicente. Departure from Lisbon at 09:15 AM and arrival in São Vicente at 12:40 PM. Transfer to the hotel. The first Kizomba workshop and a welcome dinner await
Day 2: Half-day excursion "Nôs Ilha - Txeu Stória, Txeu Vida" (Our Island – Many Stories, Much Life) & Kizomba Workshop
With our guide, we stroll through the streets of Mindelo and immerse ourselves in the history of São Vicente. We learn about its origins and development, as well as Mindelo as a cosmopolitan center of Cape Verde. Along the way, we visit the Mercado Municipal (municipal market), the fish market, Quintal das Artes (courtyard of the arts), and the Mindelo cultural center. In the evening, we gather for our second Kizomba workshop.
Day 3: Free Day & Evening Kizomba Workshop
A free day to explore. The city beach Laginha invites you for a swim. In the evening, we meet for another Kizomba workshop.
Day 4: Full-day excursion "Entre Mar & Monte" (Between Sea & Mountains) & Kizomba Workshop
Today, we explore São Vicente Island. From Alto Fortim, we enjoy a beautiful view over Mindelo before heading up to Monte Verde, the highest mountain on the island. In Salamansa, a delicious lunch awaits. Afterward, we drive to Baía das Gatas for a refreshing swim. We then visit the dunes of Calhau and the small village of Calhau before returning to Mindelo. The Kizomba workshop takes place during our island tour.
Day 5: Traditional Cape Verdean Dance Workshop & Evening Kizomba Workshop
Funaná, Coladeira, Morna, and Batuk – these are traditional Cape Verdean dances. We get an introduction to the various styles. In the evening, we meet for another Kizomba workshop.
Day 6: Afternoon Kizomba Workshop & "Nôs Noite no Ritmo" (Our Night in Our Rhythm)
We meet in the morning for the Kizomba workshop. In the late afternoon, we gather for the "Nôs Noite no Ritmo" excursion. We enjoy a beautiful sunset and visit hidden corners and special places that most tourists never see.
Day 7: Afternoon Afro Dance Workshop & Evening Kizomba Workshop
Today, our feet move faster in the Afro Dance workshop. In the evening, we meet again for the Kizomba workshop.
Day 8: Excursion to São Pedro & Kizomba Workshop on the Beach
In the afternoon, we take a relaxed trip to São Pedro, a small fishing village on the west coast of São Vicente, known for its wide, unspoiled beach - one of the most beautiful on the island. We enjoy the afternoon together before having our next Kizomba workshop on the beach, followed by dinner.
Day 9: Final Kizomba Workshop
The last Kizomba workshop of the trip is here. We conclude with a choreography. In the evening, we meet for a farewell dinner and reflect on our journey together.
Day 10: Departure to Lisbon or Individual Extension (bookable via o Ritmo)
Transfer to the airport and flight with TAP Air Portugal to Lisbon. Departure from São Vicente at 1:30 PM and arrival in Lisbon at 6:30 PM. Overnight stay in Lisbon or extension (bookable via o Ritmo).
Day 11: Flight from Lisbon to Zurich
Flight from Lisbon to Zurich. Departure at 08:50 AM and arrival in Zurich at 12:40 PM.
*Program subject to change. The order of excursions may vary depending on travel dates.
Dance teachers
SOFI & ALEX
Alex and Sofie are a dance couple from Cape Verde and Portugal. They started dancing Kizomba together in 2019. With different influences from traditional dances like Semba and Kizomba to more modern ones like Urbankiz and Afrohouse. Alex was born in Cape Verde, has been dancing Kizomba since 2014 and teaching since 2016. He founded the dance school "A's Kizo" in Mindelo and is one of the most famous dancers in the Kizomba scene. Sofi was born in Portugal and joined Alex in 2019. They use their skills to dance their own style.
Amanda, participant Kizomba dance trip November 2023 & 2024, January 2025
"Dancing has been a great passion of mine for a long time. I had wanted to learn Kizomba for some time, but hadn't found a suitable course anywhere. When I came across the 10-day dance trip organised by o Ritmo, I thought it was the perfect combination of an introduction to this dance and discovering a new country.
The trip with o Ritmo felt like a family holiday. From the first step out of the aeroplane, I felt at home in Mindelo. The openness with which you are welcomed by the Cape Verdeans and their friendliness are remarkable. The o Ritmo team on site, led by Annina and Alveno, put their heart and soul into their work and fulfil your every wish. They make the experience authentic, personal and unique.
In addition to the numerous excursions where you can discover real life on São Vicente, the daily dance workshops are of course the highlight of this trip. Alex and Sofi are wonderful dance teachers who are passionate about Kizomba and respond individually to all participants. I have not found such an authentic dance experience in Switzerland since. They not only teach you technique and dance steps, but also offer an insight into the local culture and its history by giving you a brief insight into traditional dances such as Morna or Funana.
In fact, I felt so comfortable in Cabo Verde
