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Socotra is one of the most isolated landforms on Earth of continental origin. The island is so
isolated that a third of its plant life cannot be found anywhere else on this planet, including the notable strange-looking, umbrella-shaped dragon's blood trees that look like flying saucers perched on trunks.
Legend has it the extraterrestrial trees first grew in the spot where two brothers, Darsa and Samha, fought to death. In Arabic, it is known as dam al akhawain, “the blood of the two brothers.”
 
Nowadays, however, the island is characterized by a particularly peaceful atmosphere.
 
Our tour goes through untouched landscape and dream beaches – but central to this trip is our 6-day trek on foot our by camel. Up close experiences guaranteed! Traditional Socotri villages on our way provide insider insights.
Get a breath of Socotri history in Hoq Cave, where ancient writings still can tell stories about
life ages ago. But diving enthusiasts also get their money’s worth and everybody might be delighted as our boat rides are often accompanied by dolphins.
 

Day 1: Arrival Socotra- Ayhaft National Park- Delisha Sandy Beach

We will pick you up at the airport and transport you to an eco-lodge near the island’s capital, Hadibo. After you refresh yourself we will take you for a trip to Ayhaft Canyon National Park. In the canyon (wadi), you will enjoy large fresh pools where you can swim or soak. All around you, there will be tamarind trees, cucumber trees and a wide variety of birds such as Socotra sparrow, Socotra sunbird and both Socotra and Somali starlings. Ayhaft is a natural nursery due to its large abundance of endemic trees, plants and birds. Dinner and Overnight Camping at Ayhaft.

Days 2 -7 (trek): Haggier mountain trek, Dagub cave, Ameq beach

In the morning we will make our way to the base of the mountain range to begin our 6-day trek. Some of the trek we will do by foot and some by camel. The Haggier mountain range is truly something to behold, with sharp peaks, wadis of different sizes, beautiful rock formations and lush green vegetation. The air in the mountains is much cooler than in the lowlands, so it can be quite refreshing. We will visit some traditional Socotri villages along our trek. We will camp overnight at various locations.

After loading our stuff on a camel, we will then hike for 3 to 4 hours. On the way to Kishan, we expect to cross wadis and walk among the endemic plants such as Croton Socotramo, Adinum, pass by a granite wadi. Lunch in Kishan. After picnic, we will carry on to Adoho Dema'alah at some 600 meters. Dinner and overnight in Adoho Dema'alah.

Next morning we will trek to the most beautiful and interesting area, which is Skand area. Skand has high density of vegetation, you will be astonished by a jungle of huge plants, also it has the highest peak in the island which reaches 1525m above sea level. We continue trekking to wadi Da'aharoh for overnight. After breakfast we will trek to Firmhin forest which is the last dragon's blood woodland. Nowhere else in the world can one find dragon's blood trees in such density. Local people will show us how they used to collect - and still collect on a smaller scale -the precious red resin of the tree. We will continue hiking to Derhur canyon (wadi) where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations and can swim in the pool. Overnight will be at Derhur canyon.

Next day, we will trek to Hadarhan and the last day of the trek will be from Agliso plateau which is 800m above sea level and which is overlooking Noged plain in the south. The south is flat area, with huge white and pure sand dunes with flocks of camels.

Our final destination will be Ameq beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. For lunch we will go to Dagub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave itself is of interest as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water. We will then witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek, which have been pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of Socotra. You can climb the dunes for a view that is truly worth the effort. Dinner and overnight camp at Ameq beach.

Day 8: DIFARHU CANYON- ARHER FRESHWATER CREEK AND BEACH

Today we travel from the south of the island towards the north crossing Difarhu canyon with visits to villages along the way, on our way to Hadibo we will pass through Difarhu canyon where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools at the bottom of the canyon. The unusual Desert Rose tree clings to many places on the canyon walls. The vegetation here is lush green and there are many birds. We will drive to Arher where a fresh creek coming out from granite massive is meeting sea water on the beach. You can relax on green grass around the creek, swim in the sea or if you feel fit you can climb a huge sand dune to get a fantastic view over this charming spot. Arher is one of the best spots for Paragliding and thus you can paraglide if you have your own paragliding equipment. Dinner and overnight at Arher

Day 9: DIHAMRI MARINE PROTECTED AREA

We will drive to nearby Dihamri marine protected area. It boasts with one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. You can relax on the beach in palm leaf huts and swim and snorkel in Dihamri Bay. Snorkeling gear can be hired there. Marine species you will see underwater include: Parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, if you are lucky you will meet turtles. Divers can also use the services of Dihamri Diving center and go for a dive in Dihamri or another of superb diving spots of Socotra.

Day 10: HOQ CAVE- Rosh Marine Protected Area

We will make an early start to drive to the base of Hoq cave in Terbak village. Before the sunshine gets too hot, we will walk up to the entrance of the cave. It is more than 3 km long with a water pool at the end and holds a wealth of Socotri history. Inside, you will see stalactites, stalagmites and crystalline formations. Ancient writings on the cave walls and also what appears to be a picture of an old trading ship have been preserved over the ages by a calcite glaze. The rest of the day will be spent at Rosh Marine Protected Area. Dinner and overnight camping at Rosh Campsite.

Day 11: HOMHIL TERRESTRIAL PROTECTED AREA

Our today’s destination is Homhil, a protected area with fabulous sceneries that give you a kind of prehistoric feeling. We will stop at Qaria lagoon en-route. It is the largest lagoon on the island and we will hopefully see flamingos, herons and greenshanks.

The trek to Homhil starts at the bottom of a spectacular ravine on the sea level. The trek is of medium difficulty and won’t take more than 1,5 hours. You will have enough strength to enjoy the view back towards the sea where we have started ascending.

Once at Homhil, we can choose from a selection of walking trails. You will be astonished by the prehistoric atmosphere of the landscape rich with dragon blood trees and bottle trees. You will be addressed by local children who sell dragon blood raisin and frankincense. One of the trails leads to a viewpoint with a natural pool with almost freezing green and blue water.

Dinner and overnight will be camping at Homhil.

Day 12: QALANSIA –DETWAH LAGOON

We drive to the west of the island to a little fisherman’s town of Qalansiya. It consists of traditional Socotri houses, narrow alleyways and a beach full of fishing boats ready to set off for today’s catch or to take you to Shu’ab beach. We will continue to Detwah lagoon, a marine protected area renowned for its magic landscape. You will be charmed by a white sandy tongue surrounded by turquoise waters of the bay. You can swim there and enjoy the paradise. There is also an array of sea birds to be seen in the lagoon. Dinner and overnight at Detwah.

Day 13: GOLDEN BEACH OF SHUAB

After breakfast in Detwah, we will go for a boat trip to Shu’ab. We will surely meet some spinner dolphins along the way with cormorants flying over our heads. Once at Shu’ab, we visit a mangrove area. We will have a lunch on the long and clean Shu’ab beach. In the afternoon, you can swim in this pristine place. In late afternoon, we take a boat ride back to Qalansyia. Line fishing is possible from the boat if you want to catch your dinner. Dinner and night in Adeeb eco camp near Hadibo.

Day 14: SOUVENIR SHOP- ADEEB NURSERY- DELISHA SANDY BEACH

Today we will visit the souviner shop and then we will head to Adeeb Nursery to see a collection of endemic plants grown there. In the afternoon, we will visit delisha beach with pristine white sands full of crabs. You can relax while swimming in the sea and/or in a freshwater lagoon. You can climb a huge sand dune overseeing the beach and try to surf it down. If you want to stay longer there may be a fabulous sunset to watch from Delisha. Dinner and night at Adeeb eco-lodge.

Day 15: DEPARTURE FROM SOCOTRA

After an early breakfast, we will drive you to the Socotra airport. You will take a flight back

- visa fees
- Camping gear

- 4x4 vehicle

- Camels and Cameleers
- English speaking, well trained and experienced local guide

- Food, cooking equipment, cook and a sufficient supply of water.

- Protected areas fees and all fees.

- Local trekking guide at specific places

- A boat ride to Shu’ab
- Some local guides at specific places

- Air tickets (international & domestic)
- Personal insurance

- Guide’s and driver’s tips

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