Discover Socotra: Culture, Cuisine & Local Traditions

Our expert local guide will guide you through the mountain range as you pass through wadis, by sharp peaks, and amongst beautiful rock formations. You will pass through local Socotri mountain villages and camp in beautiful locations along the way. You will trek through an area called Skand which has a very high density of plants and is home to the highest peak in Socotra.

• You will get up close and personal with
• the Dragon Blood trees and hike to the
• bottom of the largest canyon on the
• island.
• This is truly experiencing Socotra in a
• way that not many people do! This hike
• is quite challenging, so be sure to
• prepare physically before your travels.

The final part of your hike takes you into one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth: Diksam Plateau, home to the legendary Dragon Blood Trees. As you walk through the national park, the alien-like silhouettes of these ancient trees line the horizon, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. This is not just a forest—it’s a living symbol of Socotra’s natural wonder. Spend the afternoon exploring the plateau, visiting a nearby nursery that works to protect and regrow these rare trees, and immersing yourself in this unique ecosystem. End the day by witnessing one of the most unforgettable sunsets of your life, as the sun sets behind the forest and paints the sky in shades of gold and crimson.

• Evening – Forest Camp
• As the day winds down, you’ll bid farewell
• to the camel owner and his loyal
• companion. Your driver will rejoin you to
• continue the adventure the next morning.
• Dinner will be served in the heart of the
• forest, where you’ll spend the night
• surrounded by the otherworldly silhouettes
• of Dragon Blood Trees. Sleeping beneath
• their branches, under a canopy of stars, will
• be an unforgettable highlight of your
• Socotra journey

After enjoying breakfast in the forest, you’ll leave the high central plateau behind and journey westward across Socotra. Your first stop is Qalansiya, the island’s second-largest town, where the charm of local life meets coastal scenery. From Qalansiya, a short drive brings you to the breathtaking Detwah Lagoon, a UNESCO-protected sanctuary renowned for its marine life. Here, you may encounter puffer fish, stingrays, starfish, and even graceful sea turtles gliding through the waters. Spend the rest of the morning swimming in the turquoise lagoon and strolling along the powdery white sand beach—an idyllic escape into Socotra’s coastal paradise.

• Afternoon & Evening – Detwah Lagoon Experience
• After lunch, a short hike will lead you to meet the local
• caveman, a well-known figure of Detwah. Over a cup of
• traditional tea in his cave, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of
• the lagoon as he shares stories and introduces you to
• some of its fascinating marine creatures.
• As the afternoon fades, you’ll witness a breathtaking
• sunset over the lagoon, where the sky reflects in shades
• of gold and pink across the water.
• Return to camp for a freshly prepared dinner and spend
• the night at Detwah Lagoon, surrounded by the serenity
• of this remarkable coastal sanctuary.

This morning is dedicated to sailing the waves! After an early breakfast, you’ll set out on a scenic 1-hour boat ride along towering cliffs and dramatic coastline, with the chance to spot large pods of playful dolphins leaping alongside your boat. Arriving at the pristine Shoab Beach, you’ll have plenty of time to swim in its crystal-clear waters and soak in the untouched beauty of this remote paradise. Afterwards, return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch and an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

• Afternoon & Evening – Zahek Dunes & Aomak
• Beach
• After lunch, your journey continues south toward
• the Zahek Sand Dunes, a breathtaking expanse of
• shimmering white sands that stretch dramatically
• to meet the Indian Ocean. Here, you’ll have time
• to wander the dunes and enjoy one of Socotra’s
• most spectacular sunsets over the sea.
• As evening falls, you’ll head to Aomak Beach
• where your camp awaits. Dinner will be prepared
• on the shoreline, and you’ll have the chance to
• stroll along the beach before drifting to sleep to
• the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves.

Morning – Kilisan Wadi Good morning! After enjoying a freshly cooked breakfast, you’ll set out for Kilisan Wadi, home to the largest natural pool on the island. Nestled between white limestone cliffs and surrounded by unique endemic trees, the wadi is a paradise for nature lovers. Keep your eyes open—you may even spot the island’s famous color-changing chameleons. Spend the morning swimming in the crystal-clear waters, relaxing under the cliffs, and cliff-jumping from different heights into the refreshing pool. Afternoon – Dihamri Marine Reserve After lunch, your adventure continues at Dihamri.

• Evening – Dihamri Marine Reserve
• Dihamri Marine Reserve is a protected area on the
• northern coast of Socotra and one of the island’s best
• snorkeling destinations. With its vibrant coral reefs and
• crystal-clear waters, it offers a chance to see an
• incredible variety of marine life.
• If you are a certified diver, a dive master is available on
• site to assist with renting scuba equipment, allowing
• you to explore even deeper beneath the surface.
• Whether snorkeling or diving, you may encounter sea
• turtles, parrotfish, leopard eels, octopuses, and
• countless other colorful species.
• As the day comes to a close, enjoy dinner prepared by
• the shore and spend the night at Dihamri, falling asleep
• to the sound of gentle waves against the coast.

Morning – Homhil Protected Area After breakfast and packing up camp, you’ll set off for Homhil, one of Socotra’s most enchanting protected areas. This reserve is home to a remarkable variety of endemic trees, including Boswellia (frankincense trees), the striking Desert Rose, and the iconic Dragon Blood Tree. A walk through Homhil is like stepping into a living botanical garden, with each species showcasing the island’s unique biodiversity. At the heart of the area lies the famous Homhil natural pool, where freshwater rests dramatically above a cliff, overlooking the Arabian Sea below—an extraordinary place for a refreshing swim. Afternoon – Lunch & Arher Beach Enjoy lunch beneath the shade of date palms before continuing your journey to Arher Beach.

• Evening – Arher Beach
• At Arher Beach, dramatic coastal cliffs merge with vast
• white sand dunes that spill directly into the sea.
• Freshwater streams trickle from the cliffs into the
• ocean, creating a rare and beautiful landscape found
• only on Socotra.
• Once you’ve settled into camp, you’ll have the option
• to take a sunset hike up the towering dunes. Though
• challenging, the reward is unforgettable—panoramic
• views across the sea and coastline as the sun sets in
• fiery colors.
• For those who prefer a gentler evening, the beach
• offers the perfect place to swim or simply relax by the
• water’s edge. Dinner will be served at camp, and you’ll
• fall asleep at the base of the massive dunes, lulled by
• the sound of waves rolling ashore.

Early Morning – Sunrise Hike Your day begins before dawn with a short 15-minute hike to a cliffside viewpoint, the perfect spot to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises of your life. As the first rays of light illuminate Socotra’s dramatic landscape, you’ll take in unforgettable views before returning to camp for a quick breakfast. Morning & Afternoon – Hoq Cave Next, you’ll set out to explore the legendary Hoq Cave, the most extraordinary cave on the island. The adventure begins with a 1–1.5 hour uphill hike, followed by a 45-minute walk deep into the cave’s interior. Here, you’ll discover towering stalagmites, delicate stalactites, and shimmering flowstones, sculpted over millions of years. The journey back retraces your steps: 45 minutes out of the cave, and around 1 hour descending to the trailhead. Hoq Cave remains in its pristine, untouched state—with no artificial lights or pathways—making it an awe-inspiring encounter with nature in its rawest form.

• Afternoon & Evening – Arher Beach & Ras Erissel
• After completing your hike, a freshly prepared lunch
• will be served on the beach, giving you time to relax
• and swim in the turquoise waters.
• In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Ras Erissel, the
• dramatic eastern tip of Socotra where the Indian Ocean
• meets the Arabian Sea. This is a powerful and symbolic
• place to watch the sunset, with waves colliding as two
• mighty seas converge.
• For the night, you’ll have the option to either camp
• once more at Arher Beach, surrounded by the dunes
• and ocean, or return to Hadiboh for a comfortable
• hotel stay.

The team will bid you farewell with a delicious breakfast, then drive you (1 hour) to the airport for your flight back to Abu Dhabi.