Socotra Island – Come And Discover
One week (8 Days)
Day 1: Arrive in Socotra
On arrival at Socotra airport, we will visit the Socotra Ecotourism Society visitor information centre at the airport. We will then transfer to the hotel in Hadibo to acclimatise and have lunch. The afternoon activity is a visit to Deleisha coast which consists of pristine white sand, relaxing swimming both in the sea and also in a freshwater lagoon, all with a beautiful mountainous background. There is also the possibility of witnessing a fabulous sunset from Deleisha. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Hadibo.
Day 2: Arher
Early morning we hike down to arher area. We spent the whole day at Arher, which is a meeting point of fresh water from the mountain and salt water from the ocean. Arher is also home to another magnificent sand dune. The remainder of the day is for swimming and exploration of this location. Dinner and overnight camp at Arher.
Day 3: Homhil P.A.
After breakfast we hike to Homhil protected area, wile you are hiking you can enjoy nice sceneries of plants and landscape, once you reach the top of the mountain of the mountain of homhil you can relax to enjoy the north east coast which from the top of the mountain looks marvellous, on your way to homhil you can pass through various 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. Then going to Dihamri marine protected area camp sight for camping and over night at the camp sight.
Day 4: Dihamari
Early morning we drive to Dihamri marine protected area, which is home to one of the richest coral reefs of the archipelago. The many marine animals to be seen whilst swimming/snorkelling include: Parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc. We would like to remind people not to touch the corals in the marine protected area as this would cause irreversible damage. Dinner and overnight at Dihamri marine protectedarea.
Day 5: Dixsam
After breakfast, we will make our way by 4x4 vehicle to Dixsam plateau and Shebahon viewpoint. This area is renowned for the native Dragon Blood trees, the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra . The area is also home to the endemic and rare Socotra Bunting (estimated at 1,000 pairs). The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista 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-going walk and maybe also to swim in the freshwater pools in the wadi. Dinner and overnight camp in the wadi.
Day 6: Qalansyia/Detwah
From Dixam we drive early morning to Qalansyia to look around this charming and picturesque fishing town with its traditional houses and narrow alleyways. We then go to the protected area of 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 to be seen at this location. Dinner and camping in Qalansia at Detwah lagoon.
Day 7: Shu'ab
After breakfast at Detwah we will take a boat ride to Shu'ab. Be sure to look out for Spinner Dolphins along the way. Cormorants also frequent the area. Once at Shu'ab we will have lunch and the afternoon is free to swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting, complete with mangroves. In late afternoon we take the boat ride back to Qalansyia. Line fishing may also be possible from the boat, if you want fish for dinner of course. Late afternoon back to Hadibu for overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Departure from Socotra
After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Socotra airport to visit the visitor information centre before the short flight to the mainland
