Socotra: Dragon’s Blood Trees and mystic nature

Overview

DAY 1 : We will be welcomed by our guide at Socotra airport before heading to our traditional Socotri house. We will meet our local team and hit the road after a quick briefing. The road provides a first glimpse of Socotra’s unique territory as we continue along the northern coast to the eastern extremity of the island.

Enjoy the scenic drive while Approaching Arher, the dramatic twin sand dunes that are set against the sheer rock faces creating a breathtaking contrast between the elements. 200 meters high, these monsoon-formed dunes surrounded with freshwater creek exiting a cave in the granite massive and end upon the beach. . It is here we will enjoy dinner and camp for the first night.

DAY 2 : The day begins with an early morning visit to the traditional village of Erissel. Here on the eastern most tip of the island we will interact with locals, witness the outstanding local fishermen’s activities and visit family’s house. After departing the village we will head for cave exploration. The huge mouth of the Hoq cave is reached by a 2 hours hike. Here we’ll be rewarded by a spectacular underground channel. The cave has yet to be fully explored, speleologists have determined its length as 10 km or more. We will venture 2 km into the belly of the cave admiring stalactites, stalagmites, ancient writings and subterranean water supplies. Afterward we will dine and camp at the beach.

DAY 3: AN AQUATIC PARADISE: Homhil, Here you will hug the first Dragon’s Blood tree of your life. A narrow trail leads to the protected area of Homhil, which is also home to Frankincense trees, Adenium Obesum and a gorgeous natural pool. We will swim in the infinity pool, surrounded by the most unusual flora on the planet, overlooking the turquoise ocean below. In the afternoon we drive to nearby Dihamri marine protected area. It is one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. Relax and snorkel in the bay enjoying the unique combination of underwater flora and fauna .

DAY 4 : We leave the coast heading to Diksam plateau, the true home of the Dracaena Cinnabari. Small settlements are hidden around the crevasses of the valley where nomadic Bedouin herdsmen will welcome us on the edge of a gorge: the most spectacular limestone landscape on the island. The gorge drops 700 meters to the valley floors, with views providing a remarkable atmosphere of prehistory. We continue through the unique and oddly shaped Fermhin forest: where Socotra’s iconic Dragon’s Blood abound everywhere! . Here we enjoy one of the island greatest secrets: an oasis surrounding freshwater pool with natural waterslide. Dinner and overnight in Diksam plateau.

DAY 5: SANDY BLISS: Leaving the central highlands, we will descend to the southern coast, where the plateau ends and the endless panorama of the Indian Ocean opens. The destination is Aomak to Dagub cave. This grotto has some very interesting rock formations and it has long been used by villagers for ritual purposes . The appearance of Zahek’s blinding white sand dunes will delight even the most experienced Sahara traveller. Dinner and overnight camping at Aomak beach or in the middle of the sand dunes.

DAY 6: We head west to Detwah lagoon is a protected area situated at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the currents of the Indian Ocean. With its magical landscape and an array of sea birds, stingrays and other oddly shaped fish the lagoon is a blessed ecosystem adorned with a breathtaking white sandy tongue surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. . Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon

DAY 7: We move to Qalansiya port dotted with fishing boats and its lively market. The spectacular boat cruise along the cliffs of the western coast towards the beach of Shoab is very likely to reward us with sightings of spinner dolphins. Once we’ve reached the shore of Shoab, we’ll indulge in this remote and pristine beach setting and get ready to feast again on delicious fresh seafood brought by local fishermen or even caught by you. Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon.

DAY 8: After an early breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back.