In the cradle of the Indian Ocean, where dreams meet reality, lies Socotra, an alien-looking place on Earth, a land that seems plucked from the realms of fantasy. This poetic journey, spanning a glorious 11 days and 10 nights, promises to unveil the secrets of Socotra, where dragon’s blood flows, and nature dances in harmony.
As you set foot on Socotra, you’ll step into a realm that defies imagination. The air is heavy with anticipation as if the island itself is whispering tales of its unique flora and fauna, inviting you to unravel its mysteries. Your adventure begins, where you’ll find yourself amidst the dragon’s blood trees, their crimson resin seeping through the bark like tears from ancient sentinels.
The heart of Socotra beats within its forests. Here, days are spent wandering among the dragon blood trees, their umbrella-like canopies casting shadows that seem to stretch to infinity. You’ll traverse narrow paths as if walking on sacred ground, and encounter plants found nowhere else on Earth. Every step is a revelation, every tree a sentinel of time.
As you venture into the desert, the landscape changes dramatically. Golden sand dunes rise like ancient monuments to the sky. Here, you’ll embark on thrilling camel safaris, riding through the undulating dunes, and feeling the heartbeat of the Earth beneath you. The vastness of the desert will humble you, and the starry night skies will leave you breathless.
Socotra’s wadis, the lifeblood of the island, offers a cool oasis amidst the arid landscapes. You’ll hike along their meandering paths, following the gentle gurgle of water. The wadis are home to unique aquatic life, a testament to the island’s remarkable biodiversity. It’s here that the alien beauty of Socotra finds its reflection.
The shores of Socotra are like a dream realized. Pristine beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, where turquoise waters meet fine, white sands. You’ll have the opportunity to bask in the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean, swim among vibrant coral reefs, and relax beneath the palm trees, where time stands still.
As your journey through Socotra comes to a close, you’ll carry with you the memories of a lifetime. You’ve witnessed the most alien-looking place on Earth, a place where the natural world defies imagination. Socotra, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, will forever hold a piece of your heart.
This adventure is not just a tour; it’s a poetic voyage through time and space. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the outstanding universal beauty of Socotra, to walk among dragon’s blood trees that have witnessed millennia, to traverse deserts where the wind whispers ancient secrets, and to discover wadis where life flows like a melody.
With each passing day, you’ll come to realize that Socotra is not just a destination; it’s a revelation. The High&Low Tour, spanning 11 days and 10 nights, promises to be a journey of the soul, an exploration of the most alien-looking place on Earth, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the extraordinary becomes a part of you. This is your invitation to embark on a voyage through the surreal landscapes of Socotra, a land that defies definition and leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
Let the whispers of Socotra’s ancient tales guide you through this extraordinary journey. May each moment spent on this island be a verse in the poetry of your life, an ode to the beauty of our planet, and a testament to the wonder of the unknown. In Socotra, you’ll find not only a destination but a cherished memory, a story told in the language of nature’s artistry.
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11Ds/10Ns
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Abu Dhabi (UAE)
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Socotra Island
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Socotra Island to Abu Dhabi (UAE)
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4x4 Vehicle (3 pax in each vehicle), Boat
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F/B
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9 nights camping in tent
1 last night in basic hotel -
English
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During autumn Season (September to November) and spring season (March to May)
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3 - 16
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Socotra airport you will meet our naturalistic leader who will pick you up to Hadibo. After that we will transfer directly to Deleisha beach. Later then we will make our way up to Homhil protected area. On our first night, we will be hosted in at a picturesque campsite. After delicious Bedouin style dinner, we will overnight at Homhil campsite.
After an early breakfast, we can walk a selection of trails, on one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural swimming 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 Al-Shifa (medium –three hours walking) where the cars can meet us, then driving 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. Dinner and overnight are in Arher beach.
After an early breakfast, we can walk a selection of trails, on one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural swimming 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 Al-Shifa (medium –three hours walking) where the cars can meet us, then driving 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. Dinner and overnight are in Arher beach.
Today we enjoy the whole day swimming, hiking up the sand dunes and exploration of this location. At the eastern tip of the island (Ras Irsal) a splendid and enormous beach lays and waves popping the rocks. It’s time for swimming and snorkeling whilst sunbathing gives delectation. 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 the adventure tailored to make our tour to visit Hoq cave. Hoq cave is the biggest cave on the island (3 kilometers long). We hike up for two hours with some scrubby paths but aren’t steep ascent, till we reach the gate of the cave and then we will trail a smooth alley for two hours in and back. Stalactites, stalagmites, and magnificent columns are widespread all along. After hiking down for one hour and half, we will drive to the marine protected area. Dihamri is a coral reef spot, offers excellent snorkeling, and for certified divers, one of the best dives that Socotra Islands has to offer, with great opportunities to see parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc. 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.
In the morning we will head south east to Momi districts via traditional villages to Qalishin canyon where we can see and explore the magnificent rock formations and natural water pools. The vegetation here is very variable. And then we will navigate to Hayf and Zahek villages cruising massive sand dunes pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of the monsoon. We make our way till Aomak beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight are camping at Aomak beach.
After witnessing a magnificent sunrise and having an early breakfast we will drive to the north east of the island. But first we will have a short visit to Dogub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave itself is of interest as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and miniature pools of water that have seeped through the rock over time. Then we will head to the heart of the island, Dicksam plateau and Shebahon viewpoint. This area is renowned for the native Dragon Blood trees (Dracaena Cinnabara), the resin of which is collected, used, and traded by the people of Socotra. Many varied panoramic colors can be seen in this area. The area is also home to the endemic and rare Socotra bunting (estimated at 1,000 pairs). The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista to a forest of dragon’s blood tree and overlooking to Fermahin forest where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations. We will then make our way down to the Wadi Daerhur in the canyon for lunch and an easy-going walk and maybe also to swim in the freshwater pools in the Wadi. After that we’ll drive to Fermahin. Dinner and overnight camping will at Fermahin campsite.
Today we begin our extraordinary trek along the Haggier Mountains through the forest of the Dragon’s Blood tree of Rocab Fermahin, till we come close to the highest peak on the island. In the afternoon we will arrive to Scant Located about 1200m above sea level. This area is known for its very rich and abundant diverse of flora & fauna. Here is some of the most breathtaking scenery in Socotra. This truly extraordinary journey will introduce you to the natural wonders of this blessed remote and exotic island. we will enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the area. Dinner and overnight will be camping at Scant.
Today we will Continue our trek along the Northern side of the Haggier Mountains, descending to Wadi Ayhaft, enjoying some of the most scenically beautiful parts of Socotra, where we will appreciate the reach diversity in flora and fauna of this community with valleys where you can come across Frankincense trees and the bizarre Bottle trees and we will observe a large amount of animals and unique bird species. Dinner and overnight will be camping in Wadi Ayhaft.
In the morning we’ll make our tour to the west aiming 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 spot at this location. At the end of the day we could walk to the village and see a typical fishing market at the same time as witnessing the sundown sinking in the sea. Dinner and overnight are at Detwah lagoon.
A new adventure geared up again, in the dawn we will take a local fishing boat into the sea. Our excursion will incorporate witnessing many dolphins leaping around the boat and squadrons of Socotra Cormenons, sea Gulls, and Grey Herons birds will be seen flying or resting on the precipices. We’ll carryon all the way through a magnificent rock faces and clear sea until we arrive to Shouab beach. After we enjoy swimming in the clear sea we drive the boat back to Qalansiya. Then we drive to Hadibo (the main town of Socotra). Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, we will visit Hadibo local market (Suq) for souvenirs, and then we’ll transfer to Socotra airport for check in, before the short flight to back to the mainland.
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