SOCOTRA CLASSIC: Discovery Tour

Upon your arrival at Socotra airport, you will meet our naturalist leader who will assist with the transfer to the hotel in Hadibo to acclimatize and have lunch. The afternoon activity is a visit to Ayhaft canyon collection of unique flora and, to observe a large amount of animal and plant species fauna .We will then navigate to Deleisha coast which consists of pristine white sand, relaxing and swimming both in the sea and also in a freshwater lagoon, all with a beautiful mountainous background. There is also the possibility of witnessing a fabulous sunset from Deleisha. In the evening, return to Hadibo for a fresh seafood supper or to explore what the town has to offer. Overnight and dinner will be at the hotel in Hadibo.

After breakfast we will make our way by 4×4 vehicles to Dicksam plateau and Shebahon viewpoint. 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 area is also home to the endemic and rare Socotra bunting (estimated at 1,000 pairs). The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista overlooking Daerhu canyon where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations. We will then make our way down to the Wadi in the canyon for lunch and an easy-going walk and maybe also to swim in the freshwater pools in the Wadi. After lunch, we will prepare our way to a very expensive beach of Aomak in the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight will be at Aomak beach.

Today the cars will take us to Dogub 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 have seeped through the rock over time. We will then witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf  and  Zahek villages 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. After that we will drive to the north east of the island to Difarhu canyon where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools at the bottom of the canyon. The unusual Desert Rose tree clings t o many places on the canyon walls. The vegetation here is lush green and there are many birds. Then we will continue our way to the natural zoon of Homhil.  Dinner and overnight are camping at Homhil campsite.

Breakfast will be served at 6.30 am, and then we will walk along a selection of trails, on one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool and a view of villages 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. We hike down to the northeast coast of the island to Wadi Shifa (medium –two hours walking) where the cars can meet us, then after a quick lunch we will drive to Arher area, which is a meeting point of fresh water from the mountain and salt water from the ocean. Arher is also home to another magnificent sand dune. The remainder of the day is for swimming and exploration of this location. Dinner and overnight are Camping and in Arher beach.

Today we enjoy the whole day next to the beach and enjoying swimming and sunbathing. Or if you want to make an adventure we can go to visit an amazing beach of Ras Irsal, we back for lunch to Arher and enjoying watching and relaxing in the fresh running water of Arher beach. Fresh fish will be coughed and barbequed to be ordered of dinner and the overnight will be under the clear sky decorated with stars of the wonderful beach of Arher.

Today we headed to the marine protected area of Dihamri. for those who desires to make an adventure to see Hoq cave the biggest cave on the island , (optional) after spending about 6 hours intatal enjoying the its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and unique ancient history, we will then carry on our way to Dihamri which is home to one of the richest coral reefs and uniquely protected coral reef in the archipelago. The many marine creatures to be seen whilst swimming /snorkeling include; parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc. Dihamri is blessed with more than 200 fish species and 4 of the 5 coral species that inhabit to the island. This shallow reef will let even the inexperienced snorkeler enjoy its beauty. We would like to remind people not to touch the corals in the marine protected area as this would cause irreversible damage. Dinner and overnight will be served at Dihamri marine protected area campsite.

After tossing your last hook in the reflective sea of sunshine we curse to Hadibo. From Hadibo we drive to Qalansiya to look around this charming and picturesque fishing town with its traditional houses and narrow alleyways. We then go to the protected area in Detwah lagoon, which is renowned for its spectacular landscape. Sting rays can be seen in the lagoon, so take care when you are swimming. There is also a large array of sea birds to inspect at this location. Finally, we will begin our return journey to Hadibo Hotel observing the last sunset on the island. You can buy souvenirs, T-shirts or books you visit to Socotra Women Association where Dinner and overnight are at Hadibo hotel and restaurant.

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Socotra airport to visit the visitor information center before the short flight to back to the mainland.