Our specially-developed program includes the most interesting and beautiful places of the island of Socotra.
The main idea of our program is to avoid staying with other tour groups in camping sites. Instead, we plan 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.
Every day we arrange hiking trips for 2-4 hours. You can join us for some parts of routes or travel by car.
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. Shrimps, lobsters, various fresh fish, local fruits and vegetables, a unique honey from Socotra and the world's best home roasting Yemeni coffee included in our menu.
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.
"The Best of Socotra" camping program
Day 1
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.
After seeing the lagoon from various points of view we will stay overnight in tents near the lagoon.
During the first dinner on Socotra we will introduce to you the guides and other members of the group and tell you how to behave on the island.
Day 2
After breakfast we will walk along the lagoon and swim in the sea. It will take you about three hours to go around the lagoon.
To see its magnificent panoramic view you can climb the adjacent hill.
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.
After lunch you will be transferred by car to Qalansiya village from where we will go by fishing boats to Shuab bay.
Along our way taking about half an 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. In any case you will have a fresh well-cooked fish for dinner and enjoy great sunset views of Shuab bay.
We will spend the night in tents on a sandy beach.
Day 3
Full day of rest on the best beach of Socotra.
Here you can swim, fishing, watch dolphins, eat fresh tuna and lobsters, walking along a deserted beach.
Available trekking tour in "The Lost World". This is a unique place where only we drive excursions.
Here grow the biggest bottle trees on Socotra.
The height of some trees more than 5 meters.
Day 4
We would recommend you to get up before daylight if you want to take great picture of Shuab bay. After swimming in its blue waters and breakfast we will come back by boats to Qalansiya where our cars will be waiting for us.
This day you will be transferred to Dixam plateau, a habitat of famous dragon trees.
On our way we will see Wadi Dirhur canyon from a viewing point. Afterwards the sheik of the local village will invite you for lunch.
After lunch 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.
This night we will stay in tents at the bottom of the canyon. Here you can swim in a natural fresh water pool.
Day 5
After breakfast we will explore to 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.
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 6
After breakfast we will drive to Hadiboh, the capital of Socotra, to buy food and drinking water.
Afterwards 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.
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.
Day 7
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.
After the walk we will have lunch on the beach good for swimming and taking fresh water shower.
Overnight in tents at the same place.
Day 8
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.
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.
Here you can try sandboarding - riding on the boards with dunes.
It's easy, fun and safe.
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.
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.
Overnight at the edge of the canyon Wadi Kalesan.
Day 9
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.
Do not forget to take your swimming things.
After lunch we will drive to Homhil, a protected environmental zone famous for a great many endemic plants.
Here you will be able to buy the best frankincense in the world, collected in small parts from the trees growing in this area.
This night we will stay at the campsite.
Day 10
In the morning we will drive to Di Hamri marine preserve. It is an ideal place for snorkeling.
When swimming alongshore you can see big fish, turtle and beautiful corals. Snorkeling equipment can be hired at the campsite.
After lunch we will drive to Ayaft gorge, a preserved area for many endemic plants.
In the evening we will enjoy magnificent views of the mountains.
Overnight in tents or camping in Delisha campsite.
Day 11
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport.
Our basic program can be modified according to your wishes.
Schedule of arrivals to Socotra:
- from Shardja (UAE)- Wednesday (Felix Airlines)
- from Sanaa - Monday (Yemenia Airlines), Wednesday, Saturday (Felix Airlines)
Tour price (per person):
| private tour | 3360$ |
| 2 persons | 2000$ |
| 3-5 persons | 1500-1650$ |
| 6 or more |
1350$ |
The tour price includes:
- Visa
- 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
© Socotra Tamam Travel & Tourism Agency
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