Socotra Expedition (gus1thego)

Socotra Island is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the world. The island is well known for its Dragon Blood Trees and its surreal landscapes full of towering sand dunes and deep canyons, making it one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites in the world. Socotra is the perfect definition of remote island. Closest to Yemen and Somalia, its location has made it somehow an oasis in turbulent waters. BUT DON’T WORRY, IT’S SAFE TO VISIT! Azure beaches, crystal clear water for snorkelling and diving, healthy corals full of fish and thousands of endemic species of flora and fauna make it a unique ecosystem. This is one of the most mind-blowing spots on earth!

Trip dates: October 4th-11th 2021. Total of 8 days / 7 nights.

Itinerary

Monday the 4th of October 10 am > Abu Dhabi – Socotra and back

Day 1: Arrival on Socotra, Dihamari Marine Protected Area

We will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the restaurant in Hadibo lunch. After, we will drive to nearby Dihamri marine protected area. It boasts with one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. You can relax on the beach in palm leaf huts and swim and snorkel in Dihamri Bay. Snorkeling gear can be hired there. Marine species you will see underwater include: Parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, if you are lucky you will meet turtles. Divers can also use the services of Dihamri Diving center and go for a dive in Dihamri or another of superb diving spots of Socotra.

Day 2: Homhil

Homhil is a place you will remember. Stopover at Qaria Lagoon.  Today we will 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. Qaria is the largest lagoon on the island and we can hopefully see Flamingos, Herons and Greenshank, amongst others. Once at Homhil, we can walk a selection of trails, one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool and a view village below on the plain and of the sea. Homhil is home to many Dragons Blood trees, the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra. Frankincense trees are also prevalent here and deserve a close look.
Dinner and overnight at Homhil outside the campsite.

Day 3: Hoq Cave/ Arher freshwater creek and beach

The day begins with an early morning visit to the traditional village of Erissel. Here on the easternmost tip of the island we will interact with locals, witness the outstanding local fishermen’s activities and visit family’s house for a Socotri chai.

After departing the village we will head for cave exploration. There are many cave systems throughout the island thanks to its karstic nature and limestone plateaus. The huge mouth of the Hoq cave is reached by a 2 hours hike. Here we’ll be rewarded by a spectacular underground channel. The cave has yet to be fully explored, speleologists have determined its length as 10 km or more. We will venture 2 km into the belly of the cave admiring stalactites, stalagmites, ancient writings and subterranean water supplies.

After spelunking we will return to Arher – the afternoon is yours to relax in the surrounding serenity or join another hiking to the top of the plateau. The hike to the mountain ridge offers a bird’s-eye-view of both sides of the northern and southern shorelines. A highlight of the trip unique to our tour. Afterward we will dine and camp once again at the stunning Arher beach.

Day 4: Defarhu / Mek Sandy Beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand Dunes

After breakfast we travel to the south of the island, with visits to villages along the way. Our first destination is Amak beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. For lunch we will go to Dagub 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. We will then witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek which have been pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of Socotra. If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the dunes for a view that is truly worth the effort. Dinner and overnight camp at Amek beach

Day 5: Diksam Plateau / Derhur Canyon / Fermhin Forest

We leave the coast heading to Diksam plateau, the true home of the Dracaena Cinnabari. Small settlements are hidden around the crevasses of the valley where nomadic Bedouin herdsmen will welcome us on the edge of a gorge: the most spectacular limestone landscape on the island. The gorge drops 700 meters to the valley floors, with views providing a remarkable atmosphere of prehistory.

We continue through the unique and oddly shaped Fermhin forest: where Socotra’s iconic Dragon’s Blood abound everywhere! Here we will get to know the famous resin and its miraculous properties, while local children seek cover under the upside down umbrella-shaped canopies. As the road descends 400 meters into Wadi Dirhur, we plunge into a profound chasm slicing through the granite. Here we enjoy one of the island greatest secrets: an oasis surrounding freshwater pool with natural waterslide.

After filling our cameras with as many pictures of the Dragon’s Blood Trees as we can, we will continue by road towards Derhur Canyon. After Dixam Plateau, the road plunges 400 m (1312 ft) into a profound chasm slicing through the granite, giving a completely different atmosphere from the airy heights of the plateau. The lush canyon floor has been planted with palm trees, in the shade of which lay Bruce’s Green Pigeons and Laughing Doves. We can refresh ourselves by swimming in the wadi’s deep pool, escaping the midday heat.

Dinner and overnight in Diksam plateau.

Day 6: Qalansyia/ Detwah Lagoon/ The Golden Beach of Shuab

How does it feel to wake up on such a remote and idyllic beach?

In the morning, we will continue to neighboring Detwah Lagoon, which is a marine protected area renowned for its magic landscape. You will be charmed by a white sandy tongue surrounded by turquoise waters of the bay. This surely is one of the best views on the island. You can jump in the shallow sea there and enjoy the paradise. Only be careful with sting rays that can be seen in the lagoon. There is also an array of sea birds to be seen in the lagoon.  We can take a boat to Shuaab area to see the dolphins playing and swim in near a very pure and clean long sandy beach, once arrive Shuaab area we can have a look on the mangrove area. Be sure to look out for Spinner Dolphins along the way. Cormorants also frequent the area. Once at Shu’ab we will have lunch and the afternoon is free to swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting, complete with mangroves. In late afternoon we take the boat ride back to Qalansyia. Line fishing may also be possible from the boat, if you want fish for dinner of course.
Dinner and overnight in Detwah campsite.

Day 7: Delisha Beach

In the afternoon, we will visit Hadibo city and Delisha beach with pristine white sands full of crabs. You will relax while swimming both in the sea and in a freshwater lagoon. If you are full of energy you can climb a huge sand dune overseeing the beach. There is also a possibility of watching a fabulous sunset from Delisha.
Dinner and Overnight Delisha or Adeeb camp.

Day 8: Flight back home.
After an early breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back.

The trip includes:

Entry fees in the protected areas.

PCR TEST: PCR-test is included when LEAVING Socotra only
Accommodation Fees: 7 nights of camping in protected areas.
Camping equipment: tent, pillow, mattress, sheets, mat, lights…
Cook and Cooking equipment.
Full board meals: 3 meals per day including dessert and snacks.
Drinks: Mineral water and soft drinks.
Transportation: 4WD private cars Toyota Land cruiser (One car fits 4 people).
Experienced Tour guide: English, Arabic and Socotri local speaker.
Local guides at specific places.
Boat trip to Shoaib.

IMPORTANT! If you want to be one of the fortunate travelers selected for the Socotra Expedition be sure to:

Understand the destination and the risks involved.
Make sure the dates work for you! You need 100% assurance that you can take off on those dates.
Send us your travel resume and your background (nationality of your passport, city you are based in, age, previous travel experience, usual travel style…) on the contact email as we’ll carry out a selection process.
A negative COVID test will be required for everyone’s safety prior to visiting.
This is a one time opportunity, but make sure you’re responsible enough to understand what it entails. If you have any doubts, just email us on the contact below.

The trip doesn’t include:

Insurance: Chances are your usual travel insurance won’t cover you in Yemen, hence you will need to cover your risks with special insurance for this trip.
Flights to Socotra: International flights from Dubai to Socotra aren’t included. The cost is around $800.
Visa: Cost is $150.
PCR tests: You will likely be requested a PCR upon departure. The cost is around $60.
Discretional purchases: Your personal expenses, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or other exceptional purchases are not included.