Boa Vista: Buggy Tour Death Valley & Oasis with Pickup

Rumble across Boa Vista’s wild Death Valley by buggy with oasis stop

You’ll feel the grit in your teeth as you speed through Boa Vista’s Death Valley by buggy, guided by a local who knows every twist of sand. Pause at an oasis for water under palm shade, glimpse daily life in Rabil village, and wrap up beside an ancient baobab tree before heading back with dust on your skin and probably a grin you can’t shake.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from your accommodation on Boa Vista plus all safety gear—helmet, overall suit, protective glasses—and bottled water to keep you cool while you ride through Death Valley by buggy. Fuel is covered too so you can just focus on hanging on tight until drop-off back at your starting point.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Death Valley and surroundings

• Drive towards Rabil village
• Cross Cape Verdean Death Valley
• Reach Oasis in the valley
• Stop at Fonte Vicente and Baobab Tree
• Return to starting point

The Experience

I’ll be honest, I almost chickened out when I saw those buggies lined up outside our hotel in Boa Vista. The engines were already grumbling and there was this dry wind carrying dust everywhere — it kind of smelled like warm stone and salt. Our guide, Paulo, handed me a helmet and just grinned. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the desert is friendlier than it looks.” I wasn’t sure if I believed him but we set off toward Rabil anyway, helmets on, goggles slipping down my nose every time I laughed.

The Cape Verdean Death Valley isn’t as dramatic as its name suggests — it’s more subtle, all pale gold sand and these weirdly silent stretches where even the birds seem to hush up. The buggy kicked up so much grit that my teeth crunched every time I smiled (which was often). Paulo kept pointing out little things: goats balanced on rocks, a woman waving from a faded blue doorway in Rabil. When we finally reached the oasis in the middle of nowhere, it felt unreal — palm trees huddled around this stubborn patch of green. We stopped for water and everyone just went quiet for a minute. It was hot but not heavy; more like standing inside a sunbeam.

On the way back we swung past Fonte Vicente and then this old baobab tree that looked like something out of a storybook — gnarled and patient. Paulo told us locals believe it’s older than any family on the island. Someone tried to hug it (not me) but their arms barely made a dent around the trunk. The ride ended before I wanted it to, honestly. There’s still dust in my shoes and sometimes if I close my eyes I can hear that engine rumble again.

Top questions

How long does the Boa Vista buggy tour last?

The tour lasts about 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for the Death Valley adventure?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your tour booking.

What do I need to bring for the buggy tour?

You don’t need much — safety gear (helmet, glasses), bottled water, and fuel are all provided.

Is this buggy tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do we visit any villages during the tour?

Yes, you’ll drive through Rabil village before heading into Death Valley.

Will we see any special landmarks?

You’ll stop at an oasis in Death Valley and visit an old baobab tree near Fonte Vicente.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; only bottled water is provided during the tour.

Are there age or fitness restrictions?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with specific medical concerns listed above.