In a remote corner of the world, where the Indian Ocean whispers ancient tales, lies Socotra, an alien-looking place on Earth, a jewel in the Socotra Archipelago of Yemen. Welcome to the “SOCOTRA CLASSIC: Discovery Tour,” an eight-day sojourn through the most alien-looking place on our planet. With seven nights to immerse yourself in its wonders, this journey invites you to explore the outstanding universal beauty of Socotra, the “Pearl of the Indian.”
A Mystical Realm Unveiled
Socotra, shrouded in mystique, is a place where Earth’s ordinary rules don’t apply. It is a testament to nature’s boundless creativity, where landscapes defy explanation and flora and fauna seem plucked from another dimension.
The Alien Landscape
As you embark on your eight-day voyage to Socotra, you’ll find yourself transported to an alien-looking place on Earth. The island’s terrain is a testament to the extraordinary forces that shaped it. Among the most iconic features are the Dragon Blood Trees, with their otherworldly umbrella-like canopies. These ancient sentinels found only here, appear as if they’ve been painted by the brush of an artist from another galaxy.
Socotra: The Most Alien
Indeed, Socotra stands alone as the most alien of destinations, where the flora and fauna have evolved in splendid isolation. The island’s unique biodiversity is nothing short of astonishing. You’ll encounter species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Socotra Desert Rose, a botanical wonder that defies both gravity and logic with its bottle-shaped trunk.
Days in Socotra: The Unfolding of Wonders
Over the course of eight days and seven nights, you’ll have the privilege of unveiling the many facets of Socotra’s beauty. Each day will bring new discoveries as you traverse this captivating island. It’s a place where time seems to slow, allowing you to savor the moments and immerse yourself in the essence of this extraordinary place.
Dragon Blood Trees: Guardians of Time
The Dragon Blood Trees, iconic and mystical, become your companions on this journey. You’ll wander through groves of these ancient beings, their twisted forms casting eerie yet enchanting shadows. As you stand beneath their shade, you’ll feel the weight of time and history, a connection to the ages that have passed.
Tourism in Socotra: A Delicate Balance
Socotra’s allure has not gone unnoticed by the world, and tourism in Socotra is an emerging force. The island’s fragile ecosystem is a concern, and responsible tourism is vital. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance between human interaction and the preservation of this natural wonder.
Socotra Classic: Discovery Tour
In summary, the SOCOTRA CLASSIC: Discovery Tour is your passport to the outstanding universal beauty of Socotra. With eight days and seven nights at your disposal, you’ll be a witness to the alien landscapes that defy convention and a participant in the unfolding story of this remarkable island.
As you traverse Socotra, remember that you are a guest in a place where nature’s artistry knows no bounds. You’ll walk among the Dragon Blood Trees, gaze upon landscapes that challenge your understanding of the Earth’s diversity, and bear witness to the wonders of this most alien-looking place on Earth.
Socotra is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey into the extraordinary, and an encounter with the awe-inspiring forces of our natural world. The SOCOTRA CLASSIC: Discovery Tour invites you to become a part of this narrative, to write your own verses in the poetry of Socotra, and to leave with a piece of this alien paradise forever etched in your heart.
In Socotra, every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of your memory, every vista a chapter in the story of your journey, and every encounter a verse in the poem of your exploration. As you venture into the heart of this alien-looking paradise, remember that you are not just discovering Socotra; Socotra is discovering you, etching your presence into the tapestry of its timeless beauty.
Trip Facts
-
8Ds/7Ns
-
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
-
Socotra Island
-
Socotra Island to Abu Dhabi (UAE)
-
4x4 Vehicle (3 pax in each vehicle), Boat
-
F/B
-
2 nights accommodation in Socotra Hotel (Basic*)
5 night sleeping in tent -
English
-
During autumn season (September to November) and spring season (March to May)
-
3 - 16
Socotra Discovery Trip Itinerary
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.
Write a Review