Amy Zuckerman 
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Socotra
Upon your arrival in Socotra, you will be warmly greeted by the Socotri team. Hop into Land Cruisers, where you will be driven to the dramatic Ayhaft Canyon for a welcome picnic lunch beneath a shady tree. After a brief overview of the week ahead, take a short guided stroll along the wadi before continuing along the coastline to your private beach camp, which will be your base for the next three nights. This picturesque and secluded camp is set on a white sand beach at the island's far eastern end.
Experience an unforgettable evening as you enjoy your first of many dinners beside a warm, crackling fire. A telescope will allow you to explore the constellations in Socotra's dark skies.
You’ll stay in spacious white bell tents, each with comfortable double beds. Pairs of tents will share a bathroom tent, complete with a shower, a drop toilet with a proper seat, a wash basin, and eco-friendly shower gels. A shared ‘Majlis’ area will invite you to relax, featuring shaded spaces, rugs, cushions, and a small library.
Day 2
Underwater and Cave Adventures
The beach camp is positioned perfectly to see some of Socotra’s most interesting sites, and during your travels, you will have a flexible itinerary to adapt to the weather.
You have access to some of the island’s top diving and snorkeling spots, including Di Hamri Marine Reserve. This protected area has old wrecks in depths reaching up to 165 feet (50m) and shallower dives along vibrant coral reefs that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the Socotra archipelago. Another highlight is the Rosh Marine Sanctuary, famous for its extensive reef that stretches approximately half a mile (1 km) off the coast, with diving depths between 30-50 feet (10-15m). Here, the sea life is nothing short of extraordinary, and visibility is typically excellent. Enjoy the clear blue water firsthand during a morning of diving and snorkeling.
The marine biodiversity around Socotra is remarkable. Scientists have discovered that fish species in these waters, which typically wouldn’t interact elsewhere, are coming together to interbreed, resulting in unique hybrids.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before an afternoon guided trek to Hoq Cave. While Socotra is home to several impressive caves and systems, Hoq Cave stands out as the most remarkable. The hike up the cliffs takes about 1.5 hours. You'll arrive at the cave's entrance, where sweeping views of the azure sea will greet you. After 45 minutes inside the cave, you'll encounter a stunning cathedral hundreds of thousands of years old filled with extraordinary rock formations. This cave is a significant archaeological site, providing insights into Socotra's ancient human inhabitants.
In the late afternoon, head back to camp, where Sheikh Abdullah and his fishermen will invite you onto small boats for a scenic sunset fishing trip. With just traditional handlines, you can look forward to a memorable experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner at camp featuring your freshly caught fish.
Day 3
Homhil Reserve Trek and Water Activities
After breakfast on the beach, your guide will take you on a short drive to Homhil Nature Reserve for a trek among bottle and frankincense trees leading to a stunning pool with sea views. Lunch will be served here, and your specialist plant and bird guide will accompany you. Socotra is home to significant populations of land and sea birds, including 10 endemic species like the Socotra starling and golden-winged grosbeak, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
After lunch, head back to the coast for some afternoon water-based activities. You can choose from diving, snorkeling, fishing, and more.
In the evening, enjoy dinner on the beach featuring the fish caught today. During your stay, a highly recommended Socotri chef will join your camp's cooking team, who will prepare traditional Socotri and Yemeni dishes, which are renowned for being among the best cuisines in the Middle East.
Day 4
Helicopter Ride and Wadi Masaba Camping
This morning, your guide will bring you west along the coastal road to Adouna. Here, you’ll take a brief helicopter ride to A’adho Demela, situated at 3280 feet (1000m). This 10-minute flight will transport groups of five at a time into the stunning Haggeher mountains, where your trek will begin tomorrow.
Take the short yet steep walk downhill to your trekking camp, situated along the banks of Wadi Masaba, with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Earlier that day, camels will have transported all the camping gear to the site for your convenience. Tonight, you'll stay in lightweight tents close to a swimming hole surrounded by endemic trees and lush flora. A knowledgeable plant and bird guide will accompany you to help identify various species in the area.
Day 5
Trek Through Prehistoric Landscapes
Start your day with an early breakfast before your guided trek along the wadi towards the Firmihin Plateau. This enchanting walk takes you through a prehistoric landscape featuring steep canyons and tranquil pools dotted with Socotra’s unique mountain flora, including the ancient Dragon Blood trees that date back 2,000 to 3,000 years.
The trek lasts about five hours, with plenty of opportunities to take breaks, soak in the stunning views, and enjoy refreshing swims in the wadi pools. After a delightful picnic lunch under the shade of a large fig tree and another swim, you'll continue your journey down the wadi, passing several small mountain villages and lush, fruit-filled walled gardens. These villages are generally quiet this time of year, as the residents typically return in early summer to escape the coastal dust and harvest their dates. When you reach the roadhead, your driver will be waiting to take you a short distance to the Firmihin Plateau, where you'll be welcomed by a fully set up mobile camp among a forest of ancient Dragon Blood trees.
Spend the night in camp and experience a traditional dinner. Sheikh Issa is a prominent figure in the Firmihin and Dixam area. He will join you around the campfire, with the help of a translator, to share captivating Socotri stories, poetry, and insights into mountain life. Discover the deep connection between the Socotri Jebali people and nature, as well as the significance of the Dragon Blood Trees.
Day 6
High Altitude Trekking and Dragon Blood Tree Conservation
Spend a full day at high altitude, where you'll have the chance to trek toward magnificent peaks while admiring some of Socotra’s most impressive landscapes. Camels will carry your lunch, and you’ll be accompanied by local experts who will share insights about the island's rich plant life and cultural heritage.
One of these experts is Suleiman Dimrho, who lives high above your mountain camp in a traditional stone house. His garden is home to hundreds of young Dragon Blood trees that he nurtures before replanting them in the wild. During your visit, you’ll enjoy sweet tea with him and learn about his project and the various challenges facing the Dragon Blood trees of Socotra.
After a fulfilling day, return to camp for dinner under the stars, gathered around the warmth of the fire.
Day 7
Learn the Coastal Way of Life
After enjoying breakfast at camp, you'll descend the mountain on foot to reach the coastal plain by mid-morning. Once there, journey west by car along the coast to one of the island's most stunning and secluded beach villages, Shuab Quabhen.
Here, you'll meet Abdullah, the village head, and board local boats for an hour-long ride around Ras Shuab to the remote beaches of Neit. This breathtaking location, accessible only by boat, is renowned for its beauty and serves as the site of Socotra’s small sea salt production venture.
Your guide will provide lunch, snorkeling, and hand-line fishing gear for an eventful morning before heading back to the village in the afternoon. From there, your driver will take you to Hadibo, where you'll spend the night at the Hadibo Hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate your final night in Socotra.
Day 8
Departure Day
Bid farewell to Socotra as you prepare for your late morning flight back to Abu Dhabi, where you will catch your international flight home.
