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Yemen

Socotra, the island at the end of the world

21 / 28 November, 2025
08 days / 07 nights
Guided by
price
2240

A scene from another planet

We will explore the otherworldly landscapes of Socotra and learn more about the local communities who live in this unique enclave of the Indian Ocean.

Summary

Under the shade of the dragon blood trees

Socotra is one of the most isolated and unique places on the planet. Located off the coast of the Horn of Africa, this Yemeni island is home to a truly unique biodiversity: over 90% of its reptiles and 37% of its plant species are found nowhere else on Earth. Among them stands out the "Dracaena cinnabari", a type of endemic dragon blood tree whose resin has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Its silhouette, resembling an upside-down umbrella, defines the mountainous landscape of Socotra and symbolizes the island’s deep connection between nature and culture.

In fact, its 50,000 inhabitants have lived in harmony with their environment for millennia, developing complex rules for managing natural resources and a unique language that had no written form until 2014.

During this expedition, we’ll travel across the island’s extraordinary landscapes, sleep under the stars, ride in jeeps along remote tracks, and swim in natural pools to discover, from within, a place that feels frozen in time.

highlights

Strengths

parallax

(01)

Adventure

We’ll camp every night under the stars, travel in 4x4 jeeps across remote terrain, and explore beaches that can only be reached by boat. This will be an unforgettable experience for those looking to step out of their comfort zone while exploring one of the wildest islands on the planet.
(02)

Local culture

We’ll have the opportunity to connect with the local population, gaining insight into their ways of life, traditions, and ancestral knowledge. We’ll visit Ellai, the well-known “cave man” of Socotra, and learn about the traditional uses of medicinal plants that still play an essential role in their culture today.
(03)

Nature

Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of global biodiversity. We’ll hike through steep canyons, snorkel in waters full of coral, tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins, and sleep in landscapes that feel straight out of a dream.
Itinerary

Day-to-Day

Zahek
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Detwah
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Qalansiyah
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Firmihin
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Hoq
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Arher
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Hadiboh
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Day 01 [NOVEMBER 21, 2025].

Country of origin — Socotra — Arher Beach

Welcome to Socotra! Our local team will meet us at the airport before we head to Arher Beach, known for its stunning landscapes and the unique mix of fresh and salt water. The white sand and cliffside views create a spectacular setting. We'll climb the dunes to take in the coastline from above before enjoying dinner and relaxing in our tents by the beach.

Day 02 [NOVEMBER 22, 2025].

Hoq Cave — Cape Irsal — Arher Beach

In the morning, we’ll go on a trek through Hoq Cave, a 3 km deep space filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and small natural pools. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Cape Irsal, the easternmost point of the island, where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay at the same campsite on Arher Beach.

Day 03 [NOVEMBER 23, 2025].

Dihamri — Homhil

In the morning, we’ll visit the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, an ideal spot for snorkeling or diving among coral reefs, parrotfish, sea urchins, and turtles. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Homhil area, known for its endemic trees such as dragon blood trees and the famous “bottle trees.” We’ll hike to a natural pool overlooking the Arabian Sea. We’ll set up our camp and have dinner in Homhil.

Day 04 [NOVEMBER 24, 2025].

Kellisan River — Zahek Dunes — Aomak Beach

We’ll travel east to enjoy one of the island’s most iconic landscapes: the Kellisan River valley, a paradisiacal oasis where we can swim among waterfalls and rock formations that look almost alien. In the afternoon, we’ll head toward the southern coast, stopping at Dagub Cave and passing through small villages along the way. We’ll end the day at Aomak, a white-sand beach perfect for watching the sunset. That’s where we’ll have dinner and set up our tents for the night.

Day 05 [NOVEMBER 25, 2025].

Dixam Plateau — Firmihin Forest

In the morning, we’ll ascend to the Dixam Plateau, where Socotra’s majestic dragon blood trees grow. We’ll visit a nursery managed by local villagers and take the opportunity to learn about the traditional uses of their red sap and resin, which have been used since ancient times and passed down through generations by communities living in close connection with nature. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Shebahon viewpoint overlooking the Derhur Canyon, where we’ll go for a hike and have the chance to swim. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Firmihin Forest, the largest concentration of dragon blood trees on the planet. We’ll have dinner and spend the night in our tents.

Day 06 [NOVEMBER 26, 2025].

Qalansiyah — Detwah Lagoon

Today we’ll head northwest to Qalansiyah, from where we’ll access the Detwah Lagoon — a protected area with turquoise waters and white sand, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (When swimming, be cautious of manta rays, which are commonly found in the area.) In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ellai, known as “the cave man of Socotra,” who will show us how he fishes and gathers octopus, manta rays, oysters, and mussels from the rocks along the coast. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at our campsite next to the lagoon.

Day 07 [NOVEMBER 27, 2025].

Shu'ab Beach — Detwah Lagoon

We’ll take a private boat from Qalansiyah to the pristine beach of Shu’ab, where we’ll swim in crystal-clear waters and spot spinner dolphins. There will be free time to relax on the beach or walk among the mangroves. We’ll return and spend the night at the Detwah campsite, where we’ll enjoy our final dinner together and reflect on the best moments of the trip.

Day 08 [NOVEMBER 28, 2025].

Detwah — Country of Origin

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport to catch our return flight. Farewell — until the next adventure!

Day 06 [NOVEMBER 26, 2025].

Qalansiyah — Detwah Lagoon

Today we’ll head northwest to Qalansiyah, from where we’ll access the Detwah Lagoon — a protected area with turquoise waters and white sand, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (When swimming, be cautious of manta rays, which are commonly found in the area.) In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ellai, known as “the cave man of Socotra,” who will show us how he fishes and gathers octopus, manta rays, oysters, and mussels from the rocks along the coast. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at our campsite next to the lagoon.

Day 06 [NOVEMBER 26, 2025].

Qalansiyah — Detwah Lagoon

Today we’ll head northwest to Qalansiyah, from where we’ll access the Detwah Lagoon — a protected area with turquoise waters and white sand, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (When swimming, be cautious of manta rays, which are commonly found in the area.) In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ellai, known as “the cave man of Socotra,” who will show us how he fishes and gathers octopus, manta rays, oysters, and mussels from the rocks along the coast. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at our campsite next to the lagoon.

Day 06 [NOVEMBER 26, 2025].

Qalansiyah — Detwah Lagoon

Today we’ll head northwest to Qalansiyah, from where we’ll access the Detwah Lagoon — a protected area with turquoise waters and white sand, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (When swimming, be cautious of manta rays, which are commonly found in the area.) In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ellai, known as “the cave man of Socotra,” who will show us how he fishes and gathers octopus, manta rays, oysters, and mussels from the rocks along the coast. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at our campsite next to the lagoon.

questions?

What's included?

FAQ
included
  • Tierra Ignota Expedition Leader
  • Local guides
  • Cook
  • Transfers to and from the airport on the designated arrival and departure days.
  • 4x4 vehicles, fuel, and drivers
  • Private boat excursion to Shu'ab Beach
  • All accommodations included in the itinerary (tent)
  • All meals included in the itinerary (3 per day. Breakfast only on the last day).
  • Bottled water
  • Permits and fees for access to protected areas
  • Camping equipment (tent, thin mattress, sheets, pillow)
  • WhatsApp group to help you organize the trip (which flights to book, what to pack, etc.)
  • Basic travel insurance
not included
  • International flights to/from Abu Dhabi
  • Abu Dhabi - Socotra flights
  • Visa (Approx 150€)
  • Scuba diving or snorkeling gear (available for rent on site)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, SIM card, soft drinks, coffee, alcohol, snacks...)
  • Entrance fees to monuments, temples, or establishments
  • Everything not mentioned above