- Overview
- Trip Outline
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Welcome to Discover Socotra: UNESCO World Heritage Paradise
Welcome to Socotra, an enchanting island often called the last untouched "Garden of Eden" in our modern world. Nature lovers and avid travelers will delight in Discover Socotra's unique collection of exotic wildlife and plants found nowhere else. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the island features mystical landscapes and rare species, including the iconic Dragon Blood Tree and the mesmerizing Desert Rose.
A Unique Biodiversity
Located in the Arabian Sea, between the Guardafui Channel and the Indian Ocean, Discover Socotra's remote position fosters a biodiversity comparable to the famed Galapagos Islands. Its isolation protects endangered species and maintains a pristine environment. Major attractions here are the striking Dragon Blood Tree, known for its vivid red resin, and the vibrant Desert Rose that brightens the island’s arid backdrop.
Socotra's biodiversity is a marvel of nature, offering a haven for a vast array of flora and fauna. Beyond its famous trees, the island is home to unique species of birds, reptiles, and marine life. Exploring Socotra's diverse ecosystems is akin to stepping into a living laboratory of evolution.
Exclusive Wildlife and Culture
Discover Socotra is a sanctuary for unique plants and exclusive bird species like the Socotra Scops Owl and the Socotra Cormorant, which live only on this island. Its beaches and clear bays are perfect for snorkeling and diving, making it a paradise for underwater and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the fascinating culture of the Socotri people, who maintain their deep-rooted traditions and isolated lifestyle.
Visit Discover Socotra
Our travel team organizes weekly tours to Socotra from October to March, accommodating groups ranging from two to fifteen people. These tours offer a unique chance to explore a virtually untouched paradise and witness its breathtaking natural wonders firsthand. Discover the magic of Socotra with us and let its pristine beauty captivate your heart.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation by the participant:
- Cancellations must be made in writing via email or letter.
- For cancellations received more than 30 days before the scheduled travel date, a cancellation fee of 25% of the trip price will be charged.
- For cancellations received between 15 and 30 days before the scheduled travel date, 50% of the trip price will be retained.
- Cancellations received less than 15 days before the scheduled travel date are subject to a cancellation fee of 100% of the trip price.
Cancellation by the organizer:
- The organizer reserves the right to cancel the trip due to force majeure, insufficient number of participants, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- In the event of cancellation by the organizer, the full trip price will be refunded, but no compensation for additional costs or losses incurred by the participant will be provided.
No-show:
- In case of no-show by the participant without prior cancellation, the full trip price will be retained and no refund will be granted.
Changes and rebookings:
- Changes and rebookings of the trip are possible subject to availability and for a fee.
- The fees for changes and rebookings vary depending on the type and timing of the change and will be communicated to the participant before the changes take effect.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or need more information. We are happy to help you plan your unforgettable trip to Socotra!
Welcome to Your Socotra Adventure: A Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Socotra
Fly from Cairo to Aden and finally to Halibo (Socotra).
Settle in with an overnight stay at Summerland Hotel or similar. Enjoy dinner as you prepare for the adventure ahead. (D)
Day 2: Exploring Homhil Protected Area
Begin your journey towards Homhil Protected Area, admiring the spectacular landscape of deep gorges and plains en route. Visit Qaria Lagoon, the island's largest lagoon, and spot flamingos, herons, and redshanks. Explore Homhil's hiking trails, leading to a viewpoint over a natural pool, a village, and the sea. Homhil is known for its Dragon Blood and Frankincense trees.
Dinner and overnight camping outside Homhil. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Hoq Cave and Arher Freshwater Stream & Beach
After breakfast, drive to Hoq Cave, passing beautiful beaches and endemic trees. Trek 2.5 hours to the cave entrance and explore this extensive cave system, including large stalagmites and stalactites. Later, relax or explore at Arher, where a fresh stream meets the sea, and climb the sand dunes for breathtaking views.
Dinner and overnight camping in Arher. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Southern Socotra's Highlights
Head south to visit Amak Beach, ideal for a swim. Enjoy lunch at Dagub Cave, offering views of traditional villages and interesting formations inside the cave. Witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek.
Dinner and overnight camping at Amek Beach. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Dixsam Plateau and Derhur Canyon Exploration
Drive to Diksam Plateau, known for its dramatic limestone features and Dragon Blood forest. Walk along the canyon, meet nomadic shepherds, and learn about local resin collection. Descend into Derhur Canyon, refresh in the wadi pool, and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Dinner and overnight camping in Diksam. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Detwah Lagoon and The Golden Beach of Shuab
Visit Detwah Lagoon, a marine protected area, for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters. Take a boat to Shuab Bay to enjoy its golden sand and vibrant coral reefs.
Return to Qalansyia for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Returning to Dixsam Plateau
Revisit the Dixsam Plateau for more exploration and photography of the Dragon Blood trees. Enjoy lunch amid the natural beauty and hike through the forest.
Return to camp for dinner and another night under the stars. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Departure from Socotra
After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Possibly visit a local market or take a short walk before heading to the airport for your flight back to Cairo, concluding your journey. (B)
Post-Trip Optional Tours If you've booked additional tours, we'll pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel, ready to start your extended adventure the next day. (B)
This itinerary optimizes your time in Socotra, ensuring a comprehensive experience of its natural wonders and cultural highlights.
- Flight tickets (Cairo - Adan - Halibo - Adan - Cairo)
- Visa fees
- 2 Hotel nights either in Socotra or Adan.
- Camping equipment
- 4x4 vehicle
- English speaking, well trained and experienced local guide
- Food, cooking equipment, cook and a sufficient supply of water.
- Protected areas fees and all fees.
- A boat ride to Shu’ab
- Some local guides at specific places.
- A Dabuka representative in groop sizes 10 - 15
- Travel insurance and all types of insurances.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Tips for the guide and staff.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the program.
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We offer a variety of accommodation options, including hotels either in Halibo or Aden, campsites, and occasionally traditional overnight stays in local communities. The exact accommodation depends on the route and availabilities.
All meals are included during the tour. We offer a diverse selection of dishes prepared by our experienced chefs. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if specified in advance. Fresh fish is naturally available all over the island. Note only during the flight times food is provided by the airline
For exploring Socotra, we use robust, modern 4x4 vehicles to reach the remote areas of the island. For transfers between locations, we use flights to and from Aden and boat trips to reach remote beaches, depending on the type of trip.
Yes, a visa is required. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date. We will take care of obtaining a visa.
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor activities. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle. Camping equipment is provided, but you are welcome to bring your own preferred personal items.
Most activities are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. However, some hikes may be more challenging. Please contact us if you have special requirements or concerns about the activities.
Socotra is generally safe to visit, but it is always advisable to check current travel advisories and take basic precautions. We also recommend getting travel insurance and obtaining any necessary vaccinations before the trip.
Yes, we offer optional excursions and activities that you can add to your itinerary. Please let us know in advance if you are interested in specific activities so we can plan accordingly.
dabukade– :
Days full of wonders make this week feel like it was a month ! A fantastic itinery covering the Island from North to South and East to West – around Socotra with 3 cars and a most lovely “kitchen-crew” ! Crossing different landscapes, here and there tough off-road rides straight up and down stony paths, learning about healing plants, exploring caves, following the dolphins, swimming in unreal natural pools, between Dragonblood Trees, Desert Roses, Cucumber Trees, Egyptian Vultures and goats, camping at abondant places, starry nights, bonfires at the beach and every day a fresh fish on the dish !
Passing villages, bedouins, waving children, women in black and colourful girls, boys playing football in the afternoon sun, newly built schools, colored Yemeni doors, forlorn Russian Tanks, the mix of Africa and Arabia, or beyond – an overall unique place, where the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet, once-in-a-lifetime? I miss it already by Silke
dabukade– :
Having the opportunity to visit the isolated island of Socotra was so special – stunning beaches and coastal scenery, exquisite snorkeling, exotic trees, a massive cave and fresh-water streams. Each day was full of surprises.
Thanks to Dabuka and the local travel company, Eco Tours, we were able to spend a week camping all over this natural paradise amongst the kind and proud Socotri people.
by Jan
dabukade– :
“Our trip to Socotra was amazing. Full of wonders–everyday! The schedule couldn’t be faulted, packed enough so we felt we had truly seen the island but also with sufficient time to relax at Socotra’s beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. And our guide and crew could not have been kinder or more helpful. Go now while this paradise remains unspoilt.” by Fiona
dabukade– :
Even though Dabuka’s picture presentation had let me fall in love with Socotra, I was still reluctant to actually commit to the trip. Such a strange world to go to plus my first ever camping trip! But then a friend said- “I am going” and suddenly it became all possible. The “dragon island” was everything that was promised but somehow much less “fierce” or “challenging” than I had anticipated; the crew took wonderful care of us, were open to all our requests and even as a vegetarian they took excellent care of my meals.
by Marina
dabukade– :
A well organized comprehensive trip to the most friendly peace loving and content people in a heavenly pristine and bizarre island.
Mervet
dabukade– :
The daily schedule was a refreshing mix of a comfortable drive in the 4-wheel-cars, (with this amazingly patient driver who stopped whenever one of us shouted “Stop! Photo”!) and solid walking / hiking as well as swimming in fresh water lagoons and turquoise seas, or just watching a sunset on an empty, white beach. The landscape changed constantly and it was so unreal to be in all these beautiful places, be it the walk among all these dragon trees, the overnight camping stay on the whitest of all sand dunes or the gentle lunch, prepared next to a quiet lagoon in the soothing shade of date palms. For all our meals we were surrounded by these very polite, ever present Egyptian vultures, who knew that they would share our meal in the end and we learned that it is also due to them and their “cleaning efforts” that the places we went to are so spick and span. (Thank you, vultures!) by Marina
dabukade– :
Yes, we did have to accept a downgrade in our bathroom routines but when a friend asked me, whether I would do it again, my answer was a straight “yes!” and when she asked me, which locations / day trips I would skip, I said wholeheartedly “not a single one!! Each and everyone was unique. I am still feeling so blessed that I have been able to go there and experience it!”
by Marina