SIMABO

Vegan Hostel in Africa

Simabo’s Hostel offers 9 rooms which are simply furnished but have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are 3 large shared bathrooms and some rooms have a private bathroom and/or balcony. We do not have a boiler for hot showers but after a warm Cape Verdian day the water temperature is just about right!

A fully equipped communal kitchen is at your disposal as well as a large communal living room. We also offer vegan breakfasts and meals which you can order separately.

The hostel is 300m from the beach and main square, 200m from a small supermarket, and about 15mins walking distance from the ferry to Santo Antao.

BOOK A ROOM

WHO WE ARE

We are an organization dedicated to the care and protection of the local animal population based in the city of Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, situated off the West Coast of Africa.

Our objective is inclusive of, but not limited to, helping the cats and dogs living on the streets, especially in the poor quarters, that are often found to be hurt, traumatized or held in appalling conditions.

Simabo offers treatment and recovery time for those animals in need of intensive care, possible victims of street accidents or from the systematic poisoning authorized by the City Council to control the canine population growth on the island.

Simabo also works to increase awareness in respect of animal rights to the local population, and offering advice on the protection and preservation of endangered species in threat of extinction.

Whilst the central aim of Simabo is the direct care of animals in need we also focus on the promotion and involvement of the local population in activities, offer informative meetings at schools, in operative centers or throughout cultural and scientific initiatives.

Simabo has been accredited directly to specific projects through the involvement of veterinarian students from the University of Torino who can undertake their required 100 hours of rural internship here.

Furthermore, Simabo is participating in the University of Camerino’s leishmania project and in the University of Torino’s scab project.

At Simabo we are always looking and talent hunting for veterinarians and volunteers that would like to participate in the projects.

Everyone is welcome to visit our new shelter and to help with a donation in the form of field working, financial aid, and/or by the donation of materials (collars, leashes, anti fleas, holding cages for cats, etc).

SHELTERS

We are currently hosting more than 130 dogs and other 32 cats in our shelters.

Our mission is to find a lovely family for every animal we “temporary” host.

CLINIC

Simabo was the first free veterinarian clinic in Cabo Verde.

We offer help to the local people who need their dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered, dewormed and treated.

Day in, day out, our clinic is open for anybody that is looking for help for their animals.

We handle both stray animals and animals with owners/guardians who have no other place to go.

Happily the number of people looking to provide a better life for their animal companions is ever increasing!

VOLUNTEERING

We continually need the help of volunteers on every level. Volunteering in Cape Verde is an amazing experience and we accept volunteers from all over the world.

In addition to caring for the animals in Cape Verde, we need administrative help (fundraising, website management, etc.) which can even be done remotely.

All volunteers are expressly required to be tolerant, diplomatic, and possess a cooperative spirit (both with local staff, whose contribution is indispensable, and with other volunteers). Also, volunteers must have a willingness to understand a different culture other than their own.

In our clinic we handle both stray animals and animals with owners/guardians who have no other place to go. It is important to know how to communicate even though there may be language or cultural barriers.

Volunteers should be versatile and capable of handling stressful situations: group life, working in a different context, away from home, in a different climate, with different food options, the continual presence of animals and their owners/guardians that need attention.

Working for Simabo in Cape Verde is a commitment. The work can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, so that could leave little room for other activities.

The goal must be “to bring aid to the animals”.

VOLUNTOURISM

Volontourism means volunteering your time, skills, and energy with an organization, issue, or causes to help make a difference in communities around the world as part of your vacation package.

ARE YOU A VOLUNTOURIST?

We have the right program fo you!

During your stay you can volunteer not only with our cats and dogs, but also in different projects in the community, according to your interests.

You will be able to:

• patrol beaches to protect turtles;
• participate in missions for cleaning beaches;
• help with workshops at schools (during school time);
• play with children during holidays;
• play football with local teams;
• visit ill children at the hospital.

We can organise your staying, your trip and your volunteering experience: