Socotra   forever

DAY 1 WADI AYHAFT

Transfer from Socotra airport.

We will go to Wadi Ayhaft, the natural botanical garden of Socotra. Here, we can swim in the many freshwater pools and observe a high density of endemic flora and fauna including the chameleon of Socotra.

We can also enjoy a nice hot Socotri dinner under the tamarinds, relax around a campfire, get acquainted, and do a briefing on the upcoming trekking.

Overnight on-site camping.

DAY 2 HAJHIR PASS

After breakfast we will head to the starting point of the trekking in Wadi Denegehen.

We will meet our camel and our cameleer and start our hike. It will be done at a relatively leisurely pace, which will allow us to enjoy the freshwater pools along Wadi Denegehen and the beautiful view of the north coast.

In the afternoon we will begin our hike to Haggeher Mountain. Depending on our pace, we will arrive at the camp at least an hour before sunset.
We can contemplate the Hajiher pass, with its open meadow and its view of the north and south coasts.
We’ll have dinner around a campfire.

Overnight on-site camping.

DAY 3 VILLAGE OF DERHO

After a hearty breakfast, we will resume the hike.

We will climb the summit, then continue the hike to Wadi Asakalo with a beautiful view of the dragon blood trees and the mountain range.
We can cool off and have lunch at the water pond called the Wadi Dahmedeher.
Then we will continue our hike to the village of Derhro.

Overnight camping.

DAY 4 FIRMIHIN FOREST

After breakfast, we continue the hike to the largest forest of dragon-blood trees.

We will have lunch and relax under the “dragon-blood” trees.
After lunch, we will take a walk in the forest and take beautiful pictures of the sunset on the «dragon-blood» forest.

Overnight camping in the forest of Firmihin.

DAY 5 SKAND

After an early breakfast we will resume the hike.

We will head to the peak of Skand, the highest point of Socotra. Since the camel cannot reach the peak of Skand, the camel and the cameleer will wait for us in the forest of Firmihin.

Camping in Skand Peak.

DAY 6 DIKSAM

Mornings can be cold in Skand so we will wake up with a hot cup of tea around a fire.

After breakfast, we will resume the hike. The descent to the Diksam plateau takes four hours to the camp where you can freshen up and wash your clothes, and meet up with your driver.

Overnight at Camp Diksam.

DAY 7 ECO CAMPING IN OMAK

After breakfast we will head to the Diksam plateau (approx. 700 m above sea level).

This area is home to a large number of endemic Socotri plants such as the dragon-blood tree. The «shebahon» viewpoint also offers a magnificent view of the canyon of Daerho where we will see breathtaking landscapes.
We will drive to Wadi Canyon for lunch and take a short walk to the freshwater pools.
In the afternoon we take the road to the vast beach of Omak which overlooks the Indian Ocean.

Overnight at Omak Eco Camping.

DAY 8 DIHAMRI /P.A

After a quick swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, we head to the Dagub Cave overlooking traditional villages.

In the cave you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and pools of water.
We will then go to the villages of Hayf and Zahak to see the sand dunes laying against the side of the mountain.
Then we’ll make our way to Fareho Canyon. Along the way you will see traditional houses and can admire the landscape, the natural pools at the bottom of the canyon and the strange desert roses. Here, the vegetation is green and lush and there are many birds. Then we will continue to the marine reserve of Dihamri.

Overnight camping in Dihamri.

DAY 9 HOMHIL

After breakfast, you can swim, snorkel and dive in the Dihamri Marine Reserve, home to one of the archipelago’s richest coral reefs. Diving/snorkeling equipment can be rented at the Dihamri Diving Centre. We will then go to the protected natural area of Homhil, which houses dragon trees, incense trees, desert roses, etc.
Once in Homhil, we will take a path that will lead to a natural basin with a view overlooking the villages, the plain and the Arabian Sea.

Overnight in Homhil at the eco-camping site.

DAY 10 ARHER

After breakfast, we will go down from the Homhil plateau to Wadi Shifa (about 2 hours walk) where our driver will meet us.

After a quick lunch, we will go to the beach of Arher. We will have time to relax and swim or climb sand dunes while we set up camp and prepare dinner.

Overnight at Arher Beach Camp.

DAY 11 HOQ CAVE

After breakfast, we will go to the village of Terbak where the Hoq cave is located.

Next, we will walk for an hour and a half to reach the cave’s entrance, then we will spend about 1 hour in the cave.
Hoq Cave is the largest cave on the island and is 2-3 km deep. It harbours linguistic archaeological treasures dating from 258 AD. J.-C. and natural treasures: stalagmites, stalactites, and calcite floors.

After lunch, we will return to the village of Ras Ersel which is located to the east of the island, where the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. Then we return to Arher Beach.

Overnight at Arher Beach Camp.

DAY 12 – SHUAB – DETWAH LAGOON

Today we will explore the western part of the island.

We will make a first stop in Qalansiya, a small traditional fishing town.
From there, we will board a boat and head to Shuab, where we can see dolphins and other marine animals as well as black cormorants.
Once in Shuab, you can swim and relax and observe the surrounding mangrove.
Then we will return to Qalansiya.

Camp at the eco-camping site of Detwah.

DAY 13 – DETWAH LAGOON AND VISIT OF THE CAVEMAN

You will have time to explore the lagoon of Detwah which is a marine production area, famous for its extraordinary landscape. You can swim, sunbathe, and relax in the shallow sea.

Camp at the eco-camping site of Detwah.

DAY 14 – HADIBO

After breakfast, we will visit an organization of women who sell Socotri crafts, then we will visit the markets. Then we’ll go to the hotel.

Free afternoon

Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Hadibo.

DAY 15 – HADIBO – ABU DHABI (EAU)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Abu Dhabi.

BENEFITS INCLUDED:

– Flight Abu Dhabi (UAE) – Socotra – Abu Dhabi (UAE)
– Visa
– Transfer from and to the airport
– Accommodation
– 4×4 4 vehicles for the whole journey
– English-speaking local guide and local guides for certain visits
– Accommodation
– Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
– Fees for access to protected areas

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

– Personal insurance
– Covid Testing
– Tips for driver and guides