SOCOTRA
Highlights
The natural infinity pool of Homhil
Qalansiya and Detwah lagoon
The dragon tree forest at Diksam
The romantic dunes and beach of Arher
Where will we sleep
Tent in Socotra, hotel in Abu Dhabi
How we will get around
4×4 Jeep with local drivers
RATING
Per altre informazioni sui nostri viaggi, consulta la sezione FAQ.
DAY 1: we’ll meet up in Abu Dhabi and spend the night in a hotel in Abu Dhabi
Morning: transfer to Abu Dhabi Airport and flight to Socotra Island, a lost paradise of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Somalia and south of Yemen. Arrival at Hadibo Airport, main island village, meeting with local guide and lunch in Hadibo
Afternoon: transfer to Dihamri Marine Reserve, home to one of the richest coral reefs in Socotra. Relaxing on the beach, snorkeling or diving in the reserve, where you can spot various reef species and, with a little luck, sea turtles
Evening: dinner and first night in a tent in the Dihamri reserve
Morning: transfer to the protected area of Homhil, in the eastern hinterland of the island. We’ll stop off at the Qaria lagoon along the way, the largest in Socotra, and a must-see destination for birdwatchers thanks to the numerous herons and flamingos that populate it
Afternoon: arrival at the protected area of Homhil, which occupies a barren and desert plateau, where you can walk to a natural “infinity pool” from which a beautiful view of the east coast of Socotra opens up. In Homhil it will also be possible to walk among frankincense trees, a source of wealth for local populations over the centuries. We will also learn about one of the symbols of the island, the dragon’s blood tree, whose resin is collected, used as a dye and traded by the inhabitants of Socotra
Evening: dinner and evening in the tented camp in Homhil
Morning: transfer to the east, with scenic drive through rugged valleys covered with endemic vegetation, among which the curious bottle trees stand out. Trek of about two hours to the entrance of the cave of Hoq. For a further 2km of trek inside the limestone cavity, propped up with underground ponds and impressive groups of colossal stalactites and stalagmites. Continuation towards the eastern tip of the island
Afternoon: arrival in Arher, a magical place located at the eastern end of Socotra. Here an oasis created by a freshwater stream slopes into a snow-white beach bathed by the ocean, in correspondence with a very high white sand dune from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the coast and the Indian Ocean
Evening: dinner and evening on the pitch at Arher
Morning: drive to the south coast of Socotra, with stops in the small rural villages along the Defarhu wadi. Possible detour for a short trek in the Wadi Kalissan, with its emerald green natural pools dug into the white limestone walls. Once we arrive on the coast, we’ll visit the cave of Dagub and the colossal dunes of Hayf and Zahek, of fine white sand: you can climb them to admire the beautiful views that open on the southern coast
Afternoon: arrival at Aomak beach, relaxing and taking a dip in the idyllic crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean. They create a wonderful contrast with the high white sand dunes that surround the beach to the north
Evening: dinner and evening on the Aomak beach
Morning: travel to the desert highlands of the interior of Socotra, where you can admire some of the most incredible landscapes of the island. Visit the plateau and the Diksam Gorge, with trekking on the edge of the gorges and visit the shepherds’ houses that inhabit this inaccessible place. Continuation of the trek in the nearby forest of Fermhin, the place with the highest concentration of dragon blood trees in the world, one of the most magical on the island
Afternoon: descent of about 400 meters into the plateau, and relax in the oasis of Wadi Dirhur, with its natural pools surrounded by high rock walls
Evening: dinner and evening on the tented field on the Diksam plateau
Morning: new move to the coast, arrival at Qalansiya and Detwah Lagoon, marine protected area, known for its ethereal white sandy tongues surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that blend with those of the Arabian Sea. Detwah Lagoon is one of the iconic places of Socotra, one of the most scenic beaches on our planet, and a great spot to enjoy a dip in shallow and sheltered waters
Afternoon: visit of Qalansiya, picturesque fishing village on the west coast, and boat trip to Shoab beach, accessible only by sea, remote and beautiful, where Socotra really approaches the perfect imaginary of the desert and uncontaminated island. To add a touch of magic, there’ll be a journey at sea on board local boats, accompanied by groups of playful dolphins
Evening: Dinner and evening on the Qalansiya court
Morning: transfer to Hadibo, and visit the main village of Socotra, dusty and lively, the only place in the whole island where you can access electricity and telephone lines. There’s also its fish market that is worth a visit
Afternoon: visit to the Delisha beach, one of the most beautiful on the north coast of Socotra. It’s recognizable due to it having a steep dune that descends from a promontory throwing itself headlong into the deep blue sea. Lastly, the unforgettable sunset of the trip to Delisha beach
Evening: dinner and evening in the tented camp in Delisha
DAY 9: Transfer to Hadibo and flight to Abu Dhabi. Arrival in Abu Dhabi in order to say our final goodbye over a cup of coffee
