Socotra Tourist Plan (Medium) Itinerary and Highlights

Socotra Tourist Plan (Medium) is of 10 days and is suitable to travel from September to May. Here is the day-wise detailed itinerary and highlights of the same:

The first day (Friday) (L, D)

Upon arrival at Socotra airport, you will meet your hotel’s naturalistic leader, who will pick you up at Hadibo.

After that, he will transfer you directly to Deleisha beach and then to Homhil protected area. On your first night, you will be hosted at a picturesque campsite. After a delicious Bedouin-style dinner, you will sleep at Homhil campsite.

The second day (Saturday) (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, you can walk a selection of trails, one of which will take you to a viewpoint where there is a natural swimming pool and a view of villages and sea below. Homhil is home to many Dragons Blood trees, the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra. Frankincense trees are also prevalent here and deserve a close look. You’ll hike down to the island’s northeast coast to Wadi Al-Shifa (medium – three hours walking), where you’ll board the cars and then drive to the Arher area – a meeting point of fresh water (from the mountain) and saltwater (from the ocean). Arher is also home to another magnificent sand dune. Dinner and overnight are in Arher beach.

The third day (Sunday) (B, L, D)

On the third day, you will enjoy the whole day swimming, hiking up the sand dunes and exploring this location. At the eastern tip of the island (Ras Irsal), a splendid and enormous beach lays and waves pop the rocks. It’s time for swimming and snorkelling along with sunbathing. You will then go back for lunch in Arher and enjoy watching and relaxing in the fresh running water of Arher beach. Fresh fish will be caught and barbequed to be ordered for dinner. The overnight will be under the clear sky decorated with stars of the beautiful beach of Arher.

The fourth day (Monday) (B, L, D)

Today the adventure is tailored to visit Hoq cave. Hoq cave is the biggest cave on the island (3 kilometres long). You’ll hike up for two hours with some scrubby paths that aren’t steep ascent till we reach the cave gate, and then we will trail a smooth alley for two hours in and back. Stalactites, stalagmites, and magnificent columns are widespread all along.

After hiking for one hour and a half, we will drive to the marine protected area. Dihamri is a coral reef spot that offers excellent snorkelling. For certified divers, Dihamri is one of the best dives that Socotra Islands has to offer, with great opportunities to see parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc. This shallow reef will let even the inexperienced snorkeler enjoy its beauty. We want to remind people not to touch the corals in the marine protected area as this would cause irreversible damage.

Dinner and overnight will be at Dihamri marine protected area campsite.

The fifth day (Tuesday) (B, L, D)

In the morning, we will head southeast to the Noged district, passing through the Difarhu canyon, where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools. The vegetation here is very variable. And then, we will navigate to Hayf, and Zahek villages cruising massive sand dunes pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of the monsoon. We make our way to Aomak beach, where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight camping at Aomak beach.

The sixth day (Wednesday) (B, L, D)

After witnessing a magnificent sunrise, we will drive to the northeast of the island. But first, we will have a short visit to Dogub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave is interesting as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and miniature pools of water that have seeped through the rock over time.

Then we will head to the island’s heart, Dicksam plateau and Shebahon viewpoint. This area is renowned for the native Dragon Blood trees (Dracaena Cinnabara), the resin of which is collected, used, and traded by the people of Socotra. Many varied panoramic colours can be seen in this area. The area is also home to the endemic and rare Socotra bunting (estimated at 1,000 pairs). The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista to a forest of dragon’s blood trees overlooking Daerhu canyon, where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations.

We will then make our way down to the Wadi in the canyon for lunch and an easy walk and also to swim in the freshwater pools in the Wadi. Dinner and overnight camping will be at Daerhu village.

The seventh day (Thursday) (B, L, D)

Today we will begin our extraordinary trek along the Haggier Mountains through the forest of the Dragon’s Blood tree of Rocab Fermihen, till we come close to the highest peak on the island. After noon we will arrive at Scand, located about 1200m above sea level. This area is known for its vibrant and abundant diversity of flora & fauna. Here is some of the most breathtaking scenery in Socotra. This extraordinary journey will introduce you to the natural wonders of this blessed remote and exotic island. We will enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the area. Dinner and overnight will be camping at Scant.

The eighth day (Friday) (B, L, D)

Today we will continue our trek along the Northern side of the Haggier Mountains, descending to Wadi Ayhaft, enjoying some of the most scenically beautiful parts of Socotra, where we will appreciate the rich diversity of flora and fauna of this area with valleys where you can come across Frankincense trees and the bizarre Bottle trees. We will observe a large number of animals and unique bird species. Dinner and overnight will be camping in Wadi Ayhaft.

The ninth day (Saturday) (B, L, D)

In the morning, we’ll make our tour to the west, aiming at Qalansiya to look around this charming and picturesque fishing town with its traditional houses and narrow alleyways. We then go to the protected area in Detwah lagoon, which is renowned for its spectacular landscape. Sting rays can be seen in the lagoon, so take care when swimming. There is also a large array of sea birds at this location. We could walk to the village and see a typical fishing market while witnessing the sundown sinking in the sea. Dinner and overnight are at Detwah lagoon.

The tenth day (Sunday) (B, L, D)

A new adventure geared up again, in the dawn, we will take a local fishing boat into the sea. Our excursion will incorporate witnessing many dolphins leaping around the boat. Squadrons of Socotra Cormenons, sea Gulls and Grey Herons birds will be seen flying or resting on the precipices. We’ll need carry-on through a magnificent rock face and clear sea until we arrive at Shuab beach. After we enjoy swimming in the clear sea, we drive the boat back to Qalansiya. Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel.

The last day (Monday) (B)

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Socotra airport for check-in and to visit the visitor information centre, where you could buy books and postcards of the island before the short flight back to the mainland.

What makes this holiday special?

Socotra Tourist Plan (Medium) includes:

• 4WD cars (one car fit for 4 persons)
• local guide(English speaking)
• Accommodation
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sheets, etc.)
• Entering fees in three protected areas (Dihamri, Homhil, and  Detwah lagoon)
• One boat excursion
• Full board meal (include restaurants and campsite’s water etc.)
• Airport TSF (form and to the airport)

Socotra Tourist Plan (Medium) excludes:

• Flights
• Drinks/Beverages with meals
• Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
• Portages
• All Other Items Not Mentioned

Learn more about all the Essential information regarding this tour and restrict to the Travel Advice.

If our schedule doesn’t work for you, one of our professionals can set a private itinerary at your convenience.