Socotra Essentials Tour

What's it all about?

Due to popular demand – we’re proud to announce an added Socotra tour for April 2024!

For those unfamiliar with Socotra, the place is like no where else on earth. Over 30% of plant life on the island can only be found on the island. Situated off the Horn of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Socotra is an archipelago belonging to Yemen. Luckily it has been completely unaffected by the country’s ongoing civil war and has become one one of the world’s least visited and untouched gems. Since the re-introduction of direct flights in 2018, Socotra is now looking to put itself back on the tourist trail once again.

Socotra island is a remarkable place for camping, walking, hiking, wildlife spotting & cultural immersion. It’s for anyone who wants to experience a natural world like no other.

Join us after this tour in Syria! We’re running a May Syria tour that ties in well with Socotra.

Where?

Abu Dhabi - Socotra - Abu Dhabi.

When?

April 23 - 30th, 2024

Visa?

We will apply for your visa and you can collect it from us on tour. The visa fee is $100 extra.

The Itinerary

April 23rd - Abu Dhabi - Hadibo - Qalansiya

Meet at Abu Dhabi airport for the early morning flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra.
Arrival in Habido, Socotra. We’ll be greeted by our local Socotri guide who will accompany us for the trip.
Drive to Qalansiya, the second largest town on the island.
On the way stopping at some abandoned Soviet tanks.
See the incredible view of Detwah Lagoon from the highest point on the beach before trekking down to the beach. Relax and take a dip in the ocean!
Walk around the lagoon to our camp site for a big lunch.
Climb up a nearby hill which will give us a 360 degree view of Qalansiyah and Detwah at sunset.
Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah Eco-campsite – complete with shower and toilet!

April 24th - Qalansiya | Detwah Lagoon

Take an early morning boat trip to Shoub beach – passing by stunning rock formations and plenty of native birdlife along the way. There’s a high likelihood we’ll come across numerous dolphins on the way here too!
Arrive at Shoub – Relax & swim at the most beautiful beach on the island.
Make our way back to Qalansiya by boat.
After lunch, trek along the shores to visit the cave of Abdullah Alloi – known as the “caveman” Abdullah was born here and spends his time fishing the lagoon. We’ll have more fresh seafood here washed down with tea!
He’ll take us a quick tour of the lagoon (if he’s home…!). We’ll see pufferfish, sea cucumber, squid, starfish, sea urchin and more.
Camping at Detwah Eco-campsite.

April 25th - Diksam

Up early to drive 2 hours to Diksam Plateau – home of the Dragon’s Blood Trees.
Walk through endless Trees to the viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dirhar – an incredible canyon that splits Diksam and the Firmihin forest in half.
Lunch under the shade of a Dragon’s Blood Tree.
Go for a post-lunch dip at one of the many fresh water creeks in the Wadi Dirhar.
Off road 4×4 drive to Firmihin forest and do a sunset hike to the top of the forest for one spectacular view overlooking thousands of Dragon’s Blood Trees.
Set up camp at Diksam, Dinner and overnight.

April 26th - Dixsam | Amak | Dihamri

Start the morning with a walk to the nearby Dragon’s Blood Tree nursery
Walk through endless Trees to the viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dirhar – an incredible canyon that splits Diksam and the Firmihin forest in half.
Drive towards the South coast towards the epic sand dunes that line the coast. Drive across the sand dunes and stop for plenty of photo opportunities.
Visit the cave of Dagub (If there’s time)
Swim at the nearby Amak Beach.
Lunch surrounded by a forest of palm date trees next to the beach.
2 hour drive north to our campsite at Dihamri Marine Sanctuary
Dinner and overnight.

April 27th - Dihamri Marine Protected Area | Killisan Pools

Spend the morning scuba diving and snorkelling! (extra cost).
Drive inland and south towards the Killisan canyon and pools. It’s an off-road drive and a 45 minute trek to get here but it’s well worth it. Swim in the turquoise pools and jump from the ledges into the crystal clear water.
Picnic Lunch.
Drive to Arher Beach campsite. This is the spot where you can climb the massive sand dune!
You are free to walk around the area on your own. Those capable can climb the 300m-high dune! (Top tip – do it for sunrise instead!)
Dinner and overnight camping with a fire.

April 28th - Homhil National Park | Arher

After breakfast head straight to Homhil National Park. The Park is famous for its supply of the famous Dragon blood trees. Lots of bottle trees and cucumber plants can also be found here. After walking for 30 minutes, we’ll reach an incredible crystal-clear pool complete with views over the whole southern part of the island.
Swim and relax at the “infinity pool” before making our way back upstream for a picnic lunch under the palms.
Drive back towards Arher beach.
Stop at the Socotra folklore museum on the way.
Dinner and overnight in Arher.

April 29th - Arher | Raw Ersil | Hadibo

Wake up next to the ocean and climb the sand dune (again..!) before sunrise if you dare. Cool off in the sea and rinse off in the freshwater streams.
Drive east to the end of the island – Raw Ersil. Here’s wherre the Indian ocean and Arabian sea meet!
Lunch at Delisha Beach! A beautiful white beach complete with a shipwreck.
Visit the Yemeni Foundation & development for Socotra. Learn how the foundation is doing great work educating the youth of the island in conservation, foreign languages and computer skills.
Check into the newly opened Heathrow Hotel (Yep, it’s near the airport) – now the only hotel on the island with functioning AC & Wifi!
Freshen up and get rid of all the sand before our last dinner together.
Dinner and overnight in Hadibo.

April 30th - Habido – Abu Dhabi

Free time to explore before we catch our 14:00 flight to Abu Dhabi.
Arrival at approx 17:30 local time. (TBC)
End of Socotra tour.

*Please note that this itinerary is subject to change depending on the current conditions on Socotra.*

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Single tent camping and guesthouse on Socotra.
Guides

Both an expert local guide and western tour leader.
Transport

All transport to complete the itinerary.
Food

All meals are included in Socotra.
Activities

All activities mentioned in the itinerary unless otherwise stated.
Taxes & Fees

VAT & all entrance fees included.

Flights

Flights to and from Socotra from Abu Dhabi ($900 USD)
Single supplement

1 night - $50
Visa Fee

$100 USD
Tips

Tips are expected for your local Socotri guide and driver.
Travel Insurance

A must for this trip.
Snorkelling & diving equipment

All diving and snorkelling equipment hire is extra.

Description
Itinerary
Inclusions
Book Now

You’ll be in the experienced hands of our English speaking local guide and Rocky Road Travel guide. Flights to Socotra depart on Tuesdays every week. The itinerary is therefore standardised and perfected to fit this one week window.

Before each Socotra Island tour we will add you to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can easily chart with your travel mates. Just let us know is you want to opt out of this.

To book simply hit the button below and start the conversation today.

April 23 - 30th, 2024

Abu Dhabi - Socotra - Abu Dhabi

return flight from Abu Dhabi

Extra fee - $900 USD

Guesthouse & CAmping

7 nights on Socotra

The tour price

$1750 USD

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Socotra Essentials Tour

What's it all about?

Arher Beach

Dihamri Marine Reserve

Shoub Beach

Diksam & Homhil National Park

Detwah Lagoon

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