Country information Yemen / Socotra (watch)

Socotra – wonder world at the Horn of Africa. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the island of Socotra has been considered a treasure trove of evolution and a pearl of biodiversity. Here the Arabian Sea, the coastal waters of East Africa and the open Indian Ocean meet. This is how a unique and original animal and plant world has developed. This resulted in numerous species that only exist in Socotra. In 2008 Socotra was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to the distance to the mainland “Yemen” and the lack of infrastructure, the island was only accessible by ship in the
past. The traditions and language of the Sokotris have remained almost unchanged for centuries. More than 20 million years ago, the Socotra archipelago with its four main islands separated from the Arabian Peninsula and has since been located in the Indian Ocean, about 352 kilometers south of the mainland coast of Yemen and only 233 kilometers from the Horn of Africa. The U.A.E. are today, as a “protecting power”, not only responsible for security and order, but also for supplying the approx. 43,000 inhabitants via an airlift, as well as the development of a tourist infrastructure.

Some data about the country:
Size: 3,796 square kilometers.
Climate:The climate of Socotra is classified in the Köppen climate classification as BWh and BSh, meaning a hot desert
climate bordering on a semi-desert climate with a mean annual temperature over 25°C (77°F). Yearly rainfall is light but is fairly spread throughout the year. Due to orographic lift provided by the interior mountains, especially during the northeast monsoon from October to December, the highest inland areas can average as much as 800 millimetres (31.50 in) per year and can receive over 250 millimetres (9.84 in) in a month during November and December. The southwest monsoon season from June to September brings strong winds and high seas. For many centuries, the sailors of Gujarat called the maritime route near Socotra as “Sikotro Sinh”, meaning the lion of Socotra, that constantly roars—referring to the high seas near Socotra.
Capital: Hadibu, approx. 8,545 inhabitants (2018)
Population: approx. 60,000 (2023)
National language: Soqotri is one of six languages that form a group called Modern South Arabian languages (MSAL). These
additional languages include Mehri, Shehri, Bathari, Harsusi and Hobyot. All are spoken in different regions of Southern Arabia. Classification Soqotri is often mistaken as a variety of Arabic but is officially classified as an Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, South Semitic and South Arabian language.
Religion: Most Soqotri are Sunni Muslim.
As there is just one weekly regular flight to Socotra, we offer the choice to stay either one week or two weeks on the island. But of course we also put together a trip to Socotra according to your individual wishes. Be inspired by our trips. If you then have an idea of what you would like to see in Socotra, simply give us a call or send us an email and let us know your travel wishes. We will work out an individual trip through Socotra for you free of charge and without obligation according to your specifications.
Experience the unique natural paradise of Socotra on this special adventure trip with us and discover the facets of this island before modern civilization finally takes hold.