Socotra Islands

We welcome solo bird watchers beginner or experienced, there can be many advantages in bird watching with an organized group of like-minded people under the guidance of an expert birder with local knowledge.

The birdlife of the island is incredibly diverse; supposedly over 450 species of birds recorded of which nearly 6 species are endemic to the island (Socotra rock Banting  (Emberiza socotran), Socotra Cisticola (Cisticola haesitata), Socotra Sparrow or“SOCOTRA GRACKLE” (Onychognathus frater), Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird (Nectarinia balfouri), and Socotra Warbler (Incana incana).

And about 11 are endemic sub-species for instance, Socotra Buzzard (Buteo buteo ssp). As well as more than 45 species of birds breeding on the island such as Forbes-Watson’s Swift, Somali Starling, Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Palm Doves (Streptopelia senegalensis), etc.

And provides a large number of migrant birds arrive to the island during winter and summer of which waders and other coastal birds make up a significant proportion like Greater Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus rubber), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Sooty-Gulls (Larus hemprichii), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), etc. Unfortunately, there is not enough data in regard to the migrant species.

For an adventure of a lifetime, Socotra Travel Center offers a number of tours on local boat excursions with a 40 horsepower engine for fishing. You can take one of our organized tours and be taken to incomparable destinations.

The trip to Shouab Beach is a half-day tour to discover the beauty of this remarkable destination. With the clear water and white sands you can snorkel and relax. While driving the boat, dolphins can be seen swimming right next to the boat.

The island of Socotra is perhaps best known for its unique botany, with over a third of the plant species endemic to the archepelago.  Perhaps most famous among all of these is the dragonblood tree (Dracaena cinnabari).  When scarred each tree runs red sap that is used as a cosmetic coloring, for paints, and for medicine.

However, this is truly a land of fabled wonder, and other trees include the bottle tree (Dorstenia gigas), the World’s only form of cucumber that is a tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus), frankincense trees, multiple endemic types of aloe, and many others plants.  It seems to be the land that Dr. Seuss used as inspiration for many of his classic tales.

RID AWAY FROM TRAFFIC AND CLOSER TO NATURE:

If you prefer not to walk on your own two feet, you can camel riding one of our camels, called “the ship of the desert”, only when you have ridden on a camel with us, you will know the feeling of sailing at a steady pace.

Camel rides with Socotra Travel Center on Socotra Island are a rewarding and fun experience, it is an opportunity to get to know and enjoy the spectacular scenery and relax in the rhythm of ancient times.

For those with a love for both adventure and untouched nature, Socotra Island is the right adventure waiting for you along a coast of endless and empty sand beaches, mountain views, and unique wild-life; you will be all the more enticed when you know you will have them all to yourself.

Socotra Travel Center can carry all the camping equipment and cooking gear or you can opt for any one of the several campsites like Dihamri and Homhil. This camps offer accommodations, catering and quality facilities and services.

A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists in Africa. In the past, the trip was often a big-game hunt, but today, safaris are often to observe and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sightseeing, as well.

In 1836 William Cornwallis Harris led an expedition purely to observe and record wildlife and landscapes by the expedition’s members. Harris established the safari style of journey, starting with a not too strenuous rising at first light, an energetic day walking, an afternoon rest then concluding with a formal dinner and telling stories in the evening over drinks and tobacco. The hunting aspect traditionally associated with the safari is said to have its origins in the early 1800s in the region of Évora, Alentejo, where villagers got together to hunt wild boar and reclaim land for farming.

Hiking the dunes on Socotra is unique as there is no trail. Everyone blazes their own.  Forever shifting and changing in the wind but always staying in the same place. Rising almost 800 feet the dunes are easily accessed. Prepare for seasonal conditions with proper clothing, sun protection, and water. If hiking barefoot during the summer months, pack sandals or shoes for the decent.  Aim at the highest dune and start walking. Each step is forgiving as the soft sand falls away and creates an impression. One step forward, half step back. Every few minutes, stop and look around. In a hurry? Don’t be. Enjoy the pace and the views as you hike, for there is no way to turn an ankle! Feel the valley breezes kissing the skin. Reach the top and photo opp.