A one-week adventure in Socotra - the most alien-looking place on Earth

2390 €, 7 Days

Discover the paradise of Socotra! Due to its remarkable biodiversity, with over a third of the local plant species found nowhere else, Socotra has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Island is re-opening for tourism, but if you are looking for a luxurious vacation this is not the right destination. However, Socotra is a perfect destination for the adventurous and nature loving travelers. Socotra takes pride in their eco-tourism and values their spectacular plant species and wildlife that may sometimes be found only on this island. Although the lodging and facilities may not be the same as more modern and developed locations, Socotra is a beautiful and magnificent destination choice. Great care is shown to both guests and the environment.
The Socotra archipelago consists of the main island of Socotra (3,665 sq. km), the three smaller islands of Abd al Kuri, Samhah and Darsa and some small rock outcrops. The archipelago was once part of the supercontinent of Gondwana and is often described as the most alien-looking place on Earth with almost 700 endemic species. Socotra Island is a part of Yemen, however, it is far removed from anything happening on the mainland. The culture is different, the language is different and unlike the mainland, where the war still countinue, life on Socotra has remained as peaceful and quiet as can be.

Highlights:
♦ Homhil and Dixsam plateau - home of the famous Dragoon blood trees. Homhil has a landscape as from a prehostoric movie, while Dixsam is framed with the breathtaking mountain range of Hagier.
♦ Detwah lagoon - one of the most charming places on Socotra with its turquoise water, strong waves and beautiful sand dunes.
♦ Firhmin Forest - the last woodland comprised of Dragon's Blood trees.

View Full Itinerary

Day 1. Jedda - Hadibo
Morning flight from Jedda to Socotra. Upon arrival at Socotra airport, we will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel. After lunch we will take a waæl to the local market. Dinner and overnight in Hadibo -/-D

Day 2. Hadibo – Wadi Kalisan
Today we drive through a series of dirt roads to the far south-east of the island. We will do a short stop at the impressive waterfall at Daburk, where you can take pictures and swim in the pool. Our next stop is the water wadi of Kalisan, made up of numerous waterfalls and swimming pools. The hike down to the wadi takes about 45 minutes and passes through alien-looking Bottle Trees along the way. Here we will also meet a local hermit, living in a cave nearby. He will tell us more about his unique way of life and demonstrate how he takes care of his goats. Our next stop is Momi Plateau, known for its large number of Frankincense trees, cucumber trees, and bottle trees and amazing views over the sea. Afterwards, we are heading to Defarhu Valley, passing through some picturesque traditional villages. We will stop by the impressive sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek, also known as "the sea of sand". After lunch, we continue our drive towards Omak beach, where you can swim and relax by the clear waters of the Indian ocean. Dinner and overnight in a camping near Omak beach. B/L/D

Day 3. Wadi Kalisan – Hoq Cave - Arher Beach
Today we start our day early with a drive to the base of Hoq Cave in Terbak village. Before the sun gets too strong, we will hike up to the entrance of the cave. The cave itself is more than three kilometres long, with a water pool at the end. Inside, we will see stalactites, stalagmites and crystalline formations, with wide chambers resembling an ancient cathedral.. After lunch we will drive to Arher - a spectacular camping spot on the beach in the far northeast of the island. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach around the creek, swim in the sea, or if you feel up for it you can climb a huge 100+ metre sand dune located nearby, from where you can get a fantastic view over this charming spot, and again enjoy an amazing sunset. If you’re lucky, we can see the bright blue bioluminescence plankton illuminating the ocean at night (common February-May). Dinner and ovenight in a camping at Arher beach. B/L/D

Day 4: Arher - Ras Erisel – Eastern Coast
Visit Ras Erisel, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Swimming and coastal exploration. Dinner and overnight camping. B/L/D

Day 5: Eastern Coast – Firmihin Forest - Diksam Plateau
After breakfast, we visit the Firhmin Forest - the last woodland comprised of Dragon's Blood trees. Nowhere else in the world can one find Dragon's Blood trees in such density. Here we will meet a local goat herder,who will show us the traditional way to collect the precious red resin of the tree. We will continue hiking down into the Derhur canyon and explore its unusual rock formations. Dinner and overnight in a camping in Diksam. c

Day 6: Diksam – Qalansiyah – Detwah Lagoon – Hadibo
Today we will drive to the northwest of the island to Detwah lagoon - a marine protected area renowned for its magical landscape and incredible coastline for swimming. You’ll be charmed by a white sandy peninsula jutting out into the sea surrounded by turquoise waters, where you can swim. There is also an array of sea birds and marine wildlife to be seen in the lagoon Back to Hadibo. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Departure
Breakfast and free time for shopping. Transfer to airport for our departure back to Jeddah.

Practical information:
♦ Visa: included in the price, we need to have in advance a PDF copy of passport.
♦ Accommodation: Doube/Twin rooms in hotels; Two people in a tent
♦ There is a mandatory tourist tax to be paid on arrival at the airport in Socotra: 100 USD per person
♦ Additional activities: During the tour, travellers will have the opportunity to trek and hike mountains and wadis and go swimming and snorkeling. Diving can be arranged with local diving center on request. Special trips for fishing GT (anglers) are available on request.
♦ Flights: Flight from Jeddah to Socotra are included in the price. International flights to/from Jeddah are not included in the tour package.

Price Includes:
flight ticket Jedda - Socotra - Jedda
transfer from and to Socotra airport on the dates of the itinerary
transportation by air-conditioned 4x4car (Toyota land cruiser)
accommodation (2 nights hotel and 4 nights at campsites)
camping facilities: tents,mattress,pillows,chairs,tables,cooking gears,umbrellas,lights
food according to the description (B- breakfast,L- lunch,D - dinner)
soft drinks and water
English speaking guide
tour leader from Penguin Travel at min. 10 people
permits and tourist tax at a local level
Yemeni visa

Not Included:
international flights to/from Jeddah
food not mentioned in the itinerary
tips to drivers/guides
personal expenses

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