SOCOTRA GROUP: The Standard Tour

On arrival at Socotra airport after meeting your guide, and loading all the luggage on the cars, we will transfer directly to 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 Dearhur 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. We continue our way south to the Indian Ocean. Our destination is Aomak beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight are camping at Aomak beach

After witnessing the 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. 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. We carry on our way passing trough Difarhu canyon where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools at the bottom of the canyon. The unusual Desert Rose tree clings to many places on the canyon walls. The vegetation here is lush green and there are many birds. Then we will make our way to Homhil protected area. We will be hosted in the campsite dinner and overnight are camping at Homhil campsite.

At Homhil, 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 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 poppling the rocks.  It’s time for swimming and snorkeling whilst sunbathing gives delectation. Dinner and overnight are again in Arher beach.

Today the adventure set 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, the scenery doesn’t look attractive from the first sight but, when you take the first look under water you will be astonished when you observe the variation of fishes and coral reefs. The many marine creatures to be seen whilst swimming /snorkeling include; parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc. We would like to remind people not to touch the corals in the marine protected area as this would cause irreversible damage. Today we are again hosted, but this time in the Dihamri campsite.

In the morning we’ll make our tour to the west aiming Qalansyia 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. 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.

An 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 Shuab beach. After we enjoy swimming in the clear sea we drive the boat back to Qalansyia.

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Socotra airport for check in and to visit the visitor information centre where you could buy books and postcards of the island, before the short flight to back to the mainland.