The Best Holiday Gift You Can Give Yourself
Yemen Socotra
Join The Adventure
2024
15th - 22nd October /2024
19th - 26th November /2024
2025
7th - 14th January /2025 - led by @Jan Tvernoe
7th - 14th February /2025
4th - 11th March /2025
1st - 8th April /2025
22th - 29th October /2025
18th - 25th November /2025
23rd - 30th December /2025
$1,790
8 days
Tour Highlights
Dragon's Blood Tree
Stunning Sand Dunes
National parks
4x4 Off-Road Drive
Caves
Hiking and outdoor activities
Did you know that about one-third of the island's plant life is endemic,
meaning it is found exclusively on Socotra. One of the most iconic and unusual plants on the island is the Dragon's Blood Tree
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Socotra
You will be greeted by our local team at Socotra airport upon arrival. After clearing immigration and customs we'll get ready to explore the island. We will have lunch in Hadibo to acclimatize and after that, our activity is a visit to Delisha coast, which consists of pristine white sand, relaxing and swimming both in the sea and in a freshwater lagoon, all with a beautiful mountainous background. There is also the possibility of witnessing a fabulous sunset from Delisha. In the evening, we will have fresh seafood supper on the beach.
Dinner and overnight: camping at Delisha Beach.
Day 2:
Homhil and Arher Beach
After breakfast, we make our way to Homhil protected area, taking in the fabulous sceneries of deep ravines and plains along the way, we will stop at Qaria lagoon en – route which is the largest lagoon on the island and we can hopefully see flamingos, Herons and Green-shank, amongst others. Once at Homhil, we will walk a selection of trails, one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural infinity pool where you can swim and have a view of the village below and of the sea. After that we'll hike down to the northeast coast of the island to wadi Al-Shifa where our cars waiting for us.
Next we'll drive to ArAr (Arher) beach which is a home to another magnificent sand dune and the beach is a stunning stretch of coastline consumed by enormous sand dunes that are created during the monsoon season. So, If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the dunes for a view that is truly worth the effort.
Dinner and overnight: camping at Archer Beach.
Day 3:
Hoq cave and Dihamri
After early breakfast, an adventure geared up again, we will drive by car to Hala area, and then we'll start our way hiking up by foot to the Hoq cave, it’s about one hour and half until we arrive at the gate of the cave.
The cave itself is 2.5 kilometers long. We’ll spend about an hour and half exploring inside the cave. Walking a long and holds a wealth of Socotri history. Inside we can witness stalactites, stalagmites, and a rim pool.
After exploring the cave we will hike down to the first point where we left our cars; we’ll have our lunch, and then drive to the marine protected area of Dihamri (coral reef spot) which is home to one of the richest coral reefs of the archipelago and also it’s the best place for snorkeling.
Dinner and overnight: camping in Momi plateau
Day 4:
Wadi Killisan and Omaq beach
After breakfast, we will drive to Momi plateau in order to visit Killisan Canyon, which is one of the most amazing sites famous for its natural fresh water and swimming pools., you will walk about 50-minutes or so in order to reach this location, but it is well worth the effort, Enjoy swimming in turquoise pools and jumping from the ledges into crystal clear waters. Our Lunch will be picnic.
After that, we will take our way by cars to the south part of the Island (Noged) passing through Difa’arhu canyon where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools at the bottom of the canyon. The unusual Desert Rose tree clings to many places on the canyon walls.
We will go to Omaq Beach, a secluded and tranquil stretch of sand that is perfect for a relax and swimming in the Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, we will witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahiq, you can climb the dunes for view that is truly worth the effort and witnessing a magnificent sunset.
Dinner and overnight: camping in Omaq beach.
Day 5:
Dixsam plateau - Firmin forest
After breakfast, we will visit Degub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below, the cave itself, is of interest as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water that has seeped through the rock over time. After that we will drive to Dixsam plateau, we begin our natural wonderland discovery of the island as we drive for an interesting visit this plateau (Most of the people here are Bedouins/nomads) and we experience their traditional generous welcome and the typical lifestyle), here we will find the most famous botanical curiosities of Socotra is the Dragon's blood tree.
This area is renowned for the native dragon blood trees, the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra,
The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista overlooking Daerhur canyon where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations. We will then make our way down by car to the Derhure canyon for lunch. Then we’ll go to Fermihin forest which a home for dragon blood trees, We will take some time to explore the Forest and take in the beauty of these Dragon blood trees, bottle trees and you can witnessing unforgettable sunset from the Fermihin Forest
Dinner and overnight: camping in Fermihin Forest.
Day 6:
Qalansiah – Detwah lagoon
After breakfast, we will ahead to the northwest to Qalansiya, we will stop on our way to see the salt pit, which is used by the locals to collect salt. You will see many old tanks dating back to the Soviet Union.
Once we arrive to Qalanciya, which is the second largest directorate on Socotra, we'll look around this charming and picturesque town with its traditional houses and narrow alleyways. Also, most of the people are fishermen, so the main income of the population is from fishing. Then we go to the protected area of Ditwah lagoon, which is a protected area and renowned for its spectacular landscape and the magnificent view opens on the turquoise blue water of the lagoon and the fine white sand coastline.
You’ll be charmed by a long white sandy beach jutting out into the sea surrounded by turquoise waters, where you can swim and relax and live memorable moments.
Also you will visit Abdullah the cave man and see his cave that he was born in. If you are lucky, you’ll have some fresh seafood with tea in the cave. And then the cave man will take you for a short tour in the lagoon. He will show us some sea animals, like sea cucumber, puffer fish, squid, balloon fish, sea urchin, starfish and other things.
Dinner and overnight: camping at Detwah beach
Day 7:
Sha’ab beach – Ayhaft canyon
After breakfast at Detwah we will take a boat excursion to the marvelous of Shouab beach, (The most beautiful sand doyen beach on Socotra),: Whilst driving the boat, you'll witness hundreds of dolphins’ bevies with the crystal water of Shouab beach. And on most of the days, dolphins groups can be witness and lopping right next to the boat.
Once at Shu'ab, you will discover the beauty of Shouab beach. With the clear water and white sands you can snorkel, relax, swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting complete with mangroves..
Later, we'll take the boat ride back to Qalansiya. And then we will drive back to Hadibo, on our way we will make a trip to Ayhaft Canyon National park. Here we can find large fresh water pools, tamarind trees, Cucumber trees and wide variety of birds such as the Socotra sparrow, Socotra sunbird and both the Socotra and Somali Starling. In fact, Ayhaft is considered as a natural nursery due to its large abundance of endemic trees and plants and bird. Then drive to Hotel in Hadibo.
Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Hadibo
Day 8:
Hadibo – Abu Dhabi
After breakfast, before we transfer to Socotra airport, we will visit fish market and Socotra Women Development Association shop if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Flight back to Abu Dhabi.
What's included ?
Airport pick-up and drop-off
All meals on the trip
4x4 transportation
4-star Hotel on the last night
Tents and camping equipment.
Entrance fee
English-speaking local guide.
Boat excursion
Private cook
Soft drinks and water throughout the tour
Excluded
Return flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra (≈$975)
Personal expenses
Tips for local guides
Travel Insurance
Visa fee on arrival ($150)
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What if I am a solo traveler and book a shared room?
That’s absolutely not a problem! You will be paired with another like-minded solo traveler and share the room with him/her.
We try our best to pair travelers of the same gender but in the odd case, you might have to share a room with a traveler of the opposite sex.
2
How does the booking process work?
Your spot will be secured as soon as we receive your deposit payment.
You will receive an invoice for the final tour payment 9 weeks before the trip starts.
3
Do I need to book the return flight from Abu Dhabi?
Yes, but we will assist you with the process. It is very simple and we will supply you with the contacts where you can purchase the air tickets. We will notify you as soon as the tickets are open for purchase and it is important that you buy the tickets as they open for the bookings.
4
What about Visa
We will apply for the visa on your behalf and get it approved. When you arrive in Socotra you will need to pay $150 in cash for the visa.
5
How much does the trip cost in total for me?
The tour itself costs $1,790,
The return flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra is around $960 and the Visa fee is $150.
Which brings the total cost to $2,855
6
Is it safe to travel to Socotra?
Yes, Socotra Island is absolutely safe, and the civil war in Yemen does not reach the island.
7
What should I bring for this trip?
The essentials for this trip are: light but covering clothes, sun protections (hat, sunblock, glasses, scarf), power bank, rain/windproof jacket and flashlight.
Definitely don't forget your swimwear, there will be a lot of options for swimming ;)
8
How much cash should I bring on this trip?
We recommend to bring a bit of cash to pay for the visa, souvenirs, and to give as tips to the local team. The equivalent of 300 USD should be more than enough (unless you plan to buy some more expensive souvenirs).