Basic camping tour around Socotra

 

Our specially-developed  one week program includes the most interesting and beautiful places of the island of Socotra. The main idea of our program is to camp out in the most beautiful places of Socotra. We provide a full range of camping equipment, including single- or double- sleeping tents, travel mats, sleeping bags, etc.

Almost every day we arrange hiking trips for 2-4 hours. The program is specially-designed for photography enthusiasts. You'll see the most beautiful places of the island in the best time - at daybreak and at sunset. We will show you the places good for taking the most interesting and nice shots. We recommend you to take a good head light with extra batteries and a few spare memory cards.

All the groups will be provided with specially-arranged meals made of natural products – fish, meat and vegetables. We will try to make the menu as various as possible under the island conditions. We do not save on food. Various fresh fish, lobsters, local fruits and vegetables, a unique honey from Socotra and the world's best Yemeni coffee included in our menu.

 

 

Day 1

Lagoon Detwah, Socotra island

Coming to Socotra. Transfer by car to the east part of Socotra, where we will see Detwah lagoon, the most beautiful and famous place of Socotra.

Socotra, Detwah lagoon

After seeing the lagoon from various points of view 

Detwah, Socotra

you can walk along the lagoon and swim in the sea. It will take you about three hours to go around the lagoon.

Detwah lagoon, Socotra island

Or you can climb the adjacent hill to see the magnificent panoramic view.

We were the first to find this stunning view and now this photo has become one of the most quoted :)

Socotra

Do not forget to take water and sun-protection cream. We would recommend you to wear loose clothes covering your arms and legs, as well as a kerchief or Panama on your head. It is good to have a small backpack to get your hands free.

Overnight in campsite.

 

Day 2

Shuab bay,  Socotra

After breakfast you will be transferred by car to Qalansiya village from where we will go by fishing boats to Shuab bay.

Shuab bay, Socotra island

Along our way taking about one and half hour you will see majestic cliffs, beautiful bays, dozens of oceanic birds and dolphins often swimming near the shore. It is a perfect place for fishing. We will have a great change to hook tuna or barracuda. 

Full day of rest on the best beach of Socotra. Overnight in Shuab bay.

 

 Day 3

Morning in Shuab bay, Socotra

After swimming in its blue waters and breakfast we will come back by boats to Qalansiya where our cars will be waiting for us.

Dixam, Socotra island

Now we move to Dixam plateau, a habitat of famous dragon trees. 

On our way we will see Wadi Dirhur canyon from a viewing point. 

Overnight at a local Sheikh's private campsite.   

 

Day 4

Socotra

After breakfast we will go down the canyon on foot or by car.

The walk takes about 3 hours and is recommended for physically active people. You will need good shoes to take hikes at Socotra. Except special sandals it is also good to have mountaineering boots.

Dragon blood tree, Socotra

After lunch we will explore the other side of the canyon. We will walk for 3 hours through the mystic forest of dragon’s blood trees protected by the government.

We will reach the edge of the canyon, see various endemic plants of Socotra and drop in the house of the local sheik, where you can buy the famous dragon tree’s resin famous for its medicinal properties since ancient times.

Sand dunes, Stero, Socotra island

After swimming in the natural fresh water pool and having lunch we will drive to the southern coast of Socotra. We will spend the night in tents among the beautiful dunes at a Stero place.

Here you can take off your shoes and walk barefoot through the dunes to enjoy magnificent sunset.

Do not forget to take your cameras and water!

 

 Day 5

 crab houses on Ras Erissel, Socotra island

We will go to the north-east of Socotra. Ras Erissel, the east endpoint of the island, is a perfect place for swimming and sunbathing.

Dunes, Archer, Socotra

After swimming in the sea you can have a bit of a wash in fresh water streaming between two huge sand dunes in Archer where we will spend the night in tents.

Socotra 

You can try to climb to the top of the dune, but it will not be easy!

 

Day 6

Dunes on the east part of Socotra island

Early morning you will be brought to the dunes easy for climbing to see breath-taking views. It will take you about 1,5 hours to walk up the mountain formed by the wind of impalpable white sand.

Dunes on Socotra

Do not forget to protect your camera from sand and to take a small backpack to get your hands free and put your shoes in.

Hoq cave, Socotra island

After breakfast we will drive to Terbah place to take a walk to Hoq cave, the largest of easily accessible caves on the island. It will take you about 4 hours to climb to the cave and explore it in the company of a local guide.

Bottle tree on Mumi area, Socotra island

After lunch we will drive to Mumi plateau, which is undeservingly visited by tourists very rare. This is a remote part of the island of Socotra famous for many beautiful and mysterious places. Here we will admire flourishing odd-shaped bottle trees most of which are higher a man's height.

bottle trees on socotra island

We plan to spend the first night in the middle of the plateau, a habitat of a great many bottle trees, from where we will see magnificent panoramic views at sunset.

 

Day 7 

Socotra

This day we will take a 4-hour walk to the largest fresh water pools on Socotra.

You will need to take  trekking shoes, a backpack and water.

fresh water on Socotra

Do not forget to take your swimming things.

Di Hamri marine preserve, Socotra island

After lunch we will drive to Di Hamri marine preserve. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. Snorkeling equipment can be hired at the campsite. You can also rent diving equipment and dive with a local guide.

When swimming alongshore you can see big fish, turtle and beautiful corals.

Overnight in campsite. 

 

Day 8

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport.

 

Our service includes

  • Visa and documents for the purchase of airline tickets by Yemenia
  • Transfers in comfortable Land Cruisers with good drivers
  • English-speaking educated guides 
  • Local trekking guides’ services
  • A quality camping equipment
  • Rental fee of boats, entrance tickets and etc.
  • Specially arranged well-cooked meals on Socotra
  • Water and beverages during day trips

Our basic program can be modified according to your wishes. We have many different options.

The cost depends on the number of people in the group and the details of the program.

We provide special conditions for agencies and tour leaders.

 

Flights to Socotra:

Mondays from Cairo by Yemenya airways (~1200$). We can buy tickets at the airline office in Socotra. The wait in Aden is 3 hours.

Tuesdays and Fridays from Abu Dhabi  by Arabia/Emirates (~950$). Tickets can be purchased independently through the airline office in AbuDhabi via WhatsApp.

Visa cost now 200$ and we can make it easy by copy of your passports in a few days

 

You can write us a letter or or use the feedback form below   

 

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The origin of Socotra's name is still wrapped in mystery. The Socotrans call their island Sacatri.