About

SIMABO's Hostel offers 9 rooms, simply furnished but with everything you need. Some rooms have a private balcony and/or a private bathroom, warm water not available. Price does not include tourist tax (2 euros/pax/night) payable onsite. 300 m. from the beach and from the main square. We don't serve breakfast but we have a very good breakfast bar just around the corner or you can prepare your own breakfast in the communal kitchen. Big communal living room, fully equipped communal kitchen, small supermarket only 200 mt. away. 15 min. on foot from the ferry station to S. Antao and 20 min. from the markets. Ferry's tickets sold on site.

SIMABO is an association for the protection of animals that was recognized as a charity of public utility by the Capeverdean government in 2013. 'Sima bo' is a Creole expression that means 'like you'. Our main objective is to spay/neuter as many animals as possible on the island, to avoid poisoning campaigns and other cruel and useless means used by the local authorities against street dogs and cats. Our project, based on the three pillars of castration, deworming and adoption, is the first and only one of this kind that received a EU-grant worldwide to date. SIMABO employ 12 workers, all Capeverdeans, whose salary derives from the hostel's revenues. Any sensible traveller will be able to assess how sweet and innocent these animals are, and will have the possibility to visit our shelter and clinic to have a glimpse our daily work! By visiting Mindelo and Sao Vicente with us, or by staying at our Hostel, you will contribute directly to our cause and to the salaries of our workers without additional costs for you.

Please note that we don't have animals at the Hostel, but you can visit our shelters and our clinic at any time during your stay.

House Rules

Check In

7:00 - 21:00

Check Out

until 00:00

  • Taxes Not Included
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Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Coworking Space
  • Airport Transfers
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Reviews

8.6Fabulous(44)
  • Value for Money
    8.7
  • Security
    8.7
  • Atmosphere
    8.7
  • Cleanliness
    8.7
  • Staff
    9.3
  • Location
    9.3
  • Facilities
    6.7
Summary of traveller reviews

Simabo's Backpackers' Guesthouse in Mindelo offers a great location and a friendly vibe, with a beautiful balcony view. Some guests found the accommodation a bit chaotic and noted occasional issues with noise from animals and language barriers with staff. It suits travellers looking for a no-frills, social experience.

Stayed in Feb 2026
7.4
G
Guillaume
Male, 25-30, France
It's been a bit chaotic, and I understand it is not the on-site staff's fault, she was very nice when I arrived, but since they received many bookings at the same time from various platforms (because of the carnival's popular dates), they had to cancel some of them. I didn't really like the way I was asked to to a PayPal money transfer in order to keep my booking active and switched to a shared room for the price of the single room I had paid for. But my stay has been comfortable.
Stayed in Jan 2026
10
L
Lukas
Couple, 31-40, Germany
This is an absolutely fine "cold shower hostel" as you will find it in many tropical countries. A bit chaotic, but in a fun way, and an interesting co-existence with the animal shelter part of the organization. There was one particularly loud cat that cried like a baby all day and night - we won't miss her but it was still nice to have the animals around. We stayed here twice in a row and would book again.
Stayed in Dec 2025
7.1
Y
Yifan
Male, 25-30, China
The experience varies from different rooms, it was very disgusting when I was in private room, smelled like cat s*** and heard the noise whole night. But when I moved to dorm room, it was good, just 2 beds. Staffs don’t speak English, when I asked the about day tour, they don’t understand my request at all.
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Location

Avenida Rendall Leite 13, Mindelo, Cape Verde
1km from city centre