Do not take anything except pictures
Do not leave anything except footprints
Do not kill anything except time
Socotra Island Travel Tips for Eco- friendly travel to Socotra
Respecting and conserving the nature and environment of each place you visit within Socotra Island is essential. Nature has granted Socotra many beautiful elements which need to be preserved so that the next visitors can enjoy Socotra’s exquisite beauty.
There is also a fascinating culture in Socotra that should be respected, “remember how you would be treated in your own home country”.
Socotra is committed to conserving its Island. So we invite you to share with us this cooperation in this regard.
Wherever you go, only take memories and leave footprints.
We have put together a few guidelines and environmental tips for keeping on good terms with locals and nature!
Please:
- Heed the advice of your guide at all times
- Don’t import or export any biological material or alien species from or to the Island.
- Do not leave or throw any litter.
- Don’t drop your cigarette buts anywhere – dispose them off properly.
- Don’t swim in the sea or rivers unless your guide recommends it.
- Don’t make erratic movements, as this frightens or aggravates the wildlife.
- Don’t drive off the roads in game reserves and national parks.
- Don’t raise your voice or speak loudly inside the cave. Whisper!
- Don’t feed fishes (this creates dependency)
- Don’t touch or damage corals.
- Use only dead wood to set up a fire.
- Ask permission before taking photographs of locals, especially women.
- Wear well-covered dresses while you are in the town, villages, or where local people are surrounding you because this offends the locals.
- Be aware of the number of plastic boats you will use on your overland tour if you continually buy bottled water. You must take them back to Hadibo to be sent to the waste dump.
- Don’t take shells and pieces of corals.
- In most Socotra villages, children and women sell local products and handy crafts. If you take the time, it can be the best experience with lots of laughter and good humour; however, don’t haggle the sellers down to the last penny/ cent “Riale”. They are only trying to make a living.
- Children might ask you for money or sweets. Bear in mind that it is not allowed to hand cash over to children (by handing cash to children, you encourage begging) and dental treatment is not readily available on the Island. We recommend handing out pens, pieces of paper and clothes.
- Socoraies are generally friendly and curious to see the tourists and big groups of vehicles. Sometimes they come around the campfire at night and see what is happing. It could be a great way to interact with the locals. Though treat all the locals and their homes with respect, after all! You are travelling on and through their territory.
- As long as Socotra is a Muslim country, gay and lesbians are not allowed. Casual sex with locals is taboo too.
- Support local businesses and community initiatives by buying local items rather than imported goods.
- Do not hesitate to show your conservationist attitude.
Read up (history and essential info) about Socotra – familiarize yourself with the local climate, people and culture. The latter will teach you respect and diminish the chances of inadvertently offending the locals.
If you keep these travel tips in mind, you will enjoy your visit to the Socotra island.