Join us for adventure in Socotra, place like no other, where the Dragon Bloods sway and the blue waters spray.
Lying in turquoise seas between Arabia and Africa hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Yemen is one of the world’s most untouched archipelagos, the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, a treasure trove of biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth! From the umbrella-like Dragon Blood trees to the freshwater crabs scurrying across white sandy beaches, even the small population going about their lives unaffected by the world around them, you’ll think you’ve discovered a lost world on another planet.
Used since antiquity as a medicinal cure-all, the crimson-red resin of the Dragon Blood tree earned its name through legends of battles between dragons and elephants and withstood millennia on this island paradise since the dawn of humankind. Recognized for its strange appearance, like an upside-down umbrella, it’s found only on Socotra and cannot survive anywhere else on Earth.
Besides the Dragon Blood tree, Socotra is home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna endemic to the island, from tiny Socotri scorpions and terrestrial reptiles to countless birds, ghost crabs, bats, and chunky, pink-flowered bottle trees, the entire island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site!
Life evolves on Socotra uninterrupted from the modern world, before the airport was built in 1999, the only way to see the island was on a cargo ship! When such paradise is in our own neighborhood, making extended weekend possible to a place where such beauty is not long for this world to the Island of Happiness.
Let's go!!
Day 1 :: Qalansiya / Detwah Lagoon / Shuab Beach
After arrival and immigration clearance we kick start our expedition with heading westbound.
Our first stop is Qalansiya, a traditional fishing village. From here, we will take a boat to Shuab Beach, where we might see spinner dolphins and beautiful rock formations. At Shuab, you can swim, relax, and explore the white sand with rock formations and crystal clear water.
After returning to Qalansiya, we head to Detwah Lagoon, a protected area known for its amazing scenery. You can also swim in the lagoon or just relax on the beach.
Dinner and overnight at Detwah campsite.
Day 2 :: Dixsam Plateau / Derhur Canyon / Fermhin Forest
After breakfast, we will drive towards Dixsam Plateau via Shebahon viewpoint, at elevation of 700m, for the first views of the famous Dragon’s Blood trees. These umbrella-shaped species are the symbol of Socotra, and their red sap, called “Dragon’s Blood” is used for medicine and cosmetics.
We will continue into Derhur Canyon, lined with palm trees, where we will swim in clear natural pools.
Next is Fermhin Forest, known for the largest concentration of Dragon’s Blood trees.
Dinner and overnight at Fermhin Forest campsite.
Day 3 :: Aomq Beach / Dagub Cave / Hayf and Zahaq Dunes
Wake up early to enjoy serene walk in Fermhin Forest before breakfast.
Today we head to the southern coast of Socotra, where to see the turquoise-blue Indian Ocean and endless white sand beaches.
In the evening, we will visit the Hayf and Zahaq sand dunes, beautiful and peaceful spots perfect for photos, especially at sunset.
Time allows, we will visit Dagub Cave. Inside the cave you will find stalactites, stalagmites, and a small stream of fresh water, a rare sight on the dry south coast.
Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Aomq campsite.
Day 4 :: Wadi Defarhu / Dihamri
Today we will travel from the south to the north of the island, crossing Wadi Defarhu. Along the way, we will cross the traditional villages, date palms, freshwater pools, and desert rose trees on the canyon walls.
After lunch, we will visit the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, which has one of the richest coral reefs in Socotra with 70 endemic coral species.
Dinner and overnight at Dihamri campsite.
Day 5 :: Hoq Cave / Arher Beach and Freshwater Creek
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Terbak village to visit Hoq Cave, also known as Treasure Cave. Archaeologists found ancient Aramaic writings here dating back to 258 AD.
We will hike about 1.5 hours to the cave entrance and spend about 1 hour inside exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water pools.
Then we will continue to Arher Beach, where white sand dunes meet the blue ocean. Next to Ras Erisel, the eastern tip of the island, where the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet.
Dinner and overnight camping at Arher Beach.
Day 6 :: Departure
If you wake up early, you can take a final climb up the dune and bathe in the freshwater stream at Arher.
After breakfast at 7:30 AM, we will leave at 8:30 AM for Socotra Airport.
On the way, we will stop at a heritage and souvenir shop run by Socotri women, which helps support local families.
Bye, bye Socotra!
Level of Difficulty: Moderate with limited facilities ahead.
Activities: Trekking/swimming/caving/camping.
Duration: 5 days
Trip Start & End: Direct flights ABU DHABI
Accommodation & Meals: Camping, all meals included.
You'll need light sleeping bag, tents and mattresses provided.
Cost: AED 8,990 all incl. flights and visa, until NOV 30th.
Past deadline we do not guarantee availability or the cost.
Flights:
AUH – SCT 8:00-09:30 Report at check-in at 05:30AM
SCT – AUH 11:00-14:15
Visa: included in trip budget.
Specifically Excluded: Insurance.
See yah in Socotra x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 /
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