OVERVIEW
The mysterious and wild Socotra Island, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, is part of an archipelago composed of four remote islands and two rocky islets. Located in the northwestern Indian Ocean near the Horn of Africa, this island offers breathtaking untouched landscapes, a warm climate, pristine white sand beaches, mysterious trees, majestic jagged mountains, and vibrant coral reefs. It‘s easy to see why some ancient texts suggest Socotra is the cradle of humanity, the Eden of legend. Indeed, this island has captivated adventurers like Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, and the legendary Sinbad. It is home to extraordinary flora such as the UFO-like Dragon's Blood Tree, rare frankincense trees, cucumber trees, and pink desert roses.
Spanning 80 miles in length and 25 miles in width, Socotra is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots and is often referred to as the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean." In 2008, UNESCO declared the archipelago a World Heritage Site.Wherever you stand on the island, from sea level to nearly a mile high in the central Hajhir Mountains, you'll encounter sights found nowhere else on Earth. Its remote geography and relatively low human impact have preserved its ecosystems in extraordinary condition, making it one of the planet's most vital and well-protected island habitats.
Socotra is a Noah’s Ark of ancient flora and fauna, with its unique cultural heritage and traditions surviving to this day. Politically, Socotra belongs to Yemen, but it remains a safe and peaceful tourist destination. Isolated from Yemen's political unrest and conflicts, the island is secure and currently the only part of Yemen untouched by the ongoing civil war. We will travel directly from Abu Dhabi to Socotra, without setting foot on mainland Yemen. The local people of Socotra will warmly welcome us.
During our 5 or 8-day journey, we will explore the island's most impressive landscapes and capture its unparalleled natural beauty with our cameras. From towering white sand dunes to majestic mountain ranges, mysterious caves, and forests of Dragon's Blood Trees, countless breathtaking photo opportunities await. This extraordinary adventure will undoubtedly be one of the most remarkable experiences of your life, leaving you with memories to cherish forever!
Exclusive Itinerary: A deep exploration of Socotra Island, covering the island's western, central, southern, and eastern regions. You will capture the island's stunning lagoons, enchanting Dragon's Blood Tree forests, pristine white beaches, and majestic mountains, all while enjoying our exclusive, self-built luxury wilderness camp.
Rich Activities: Our itinerary includes a variety of activities such as coastal cruising, snorkeling, short hikes, bonfires, cave exploration, night-skystar, swimming, fishing, local cultural and flora/fauna knowledge sessions, photography workshops (covering phones, cameras, drones, and action cameras), as well as video shooting and related guidance.
Thoughtful Arrangements: Accommodations combine our luxury wilderness camp with the best local hotels, ensuring a comfortable and restful stay every night. You'll also have access to charging facilities and can stay in touch with your loved ones. Each day, you'll get to experience diverse culinary delights at different local restaurants.
Luxury Wilderness Camp: We have established a fully functional, cozy, and comfortable luxury wilderness tent camp on Socotra Island. The camp consists of 8 twin-bed tents, but accommodating only 12 guests at a time. The tents are equipped with inflatable mattresses, cotton bedding, carpets, furniture, and bathrooms with showers. The camp also includes charging facilities and wireless internet, ensuring a pleasant vacation.
Premium Quality: We use well-maintained Toyota Land Cruisers for the entire trip, with three guests per vehicle to ensure comfort. The camp chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using fresh, seasonal local ingredients.
All-Inclusive Service: To ensure you enjoy a worry-free vacation on Socotra Island, we handle everything for you, including flights, visas, accommodations, drivers, and chefs.
Day 0: Arrival in Abu Dhabi
We recommend arriving in Abu Dhabi today, where you can choose to stay overnight.
Day 1: Arrival Day – Welcome to Socotra
Please arrive at 6:15 AM at the Air Arabia check-in counter in Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport and find the dedicated Socotra check-in desk to complete your check-in and baggage drop. The flight to Socotra usually departs around 9:00 AM.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport. We will then proceed to our luxury tented camp for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset excursion to the Diksam Plateau, where you’ll have the chance to photograph the iconic Dragon’s Blood Trees. Afterward, we’ll return to the camp.
Accommodation: Socotra Luxury Camp (L/D)
Day2 – Day3: Dragon Blood Tree Forest and Southern Coast
The Dragon’s Blood Tree and Desert Rose are unique species native to Socotra and are a must-see for photographers and visitors. Over the next two days, we will explore and photograph the Dragon’s Blood Trees in the Diksam Protected Area and the surrounding Bottle Trees.
Diksam is known as the homeland of the Dragon’s Blood Tree, including the famous Firmihin Forest. One of the days, we will venture along a rugged path to capture breathtaking shots of the area.
Although the Dragon’s Blood Trees are mainly found in the Diksam area, overgrazing by goats has significantly reduced their numbers in many regions, except for the well-preserved Firmihin Forest, which is protected by deep surrounding canyons.
We will also visit the southern part of the island to explore the stunning Zahak Sand Dunes and a mysterious cave filled with fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and sand formations.
Accommodation: Socotra Luxury Camp (B/L/D)
Day 4: Dancing with Dolphins and Lagoon Sunset
Early in the morning, we head to Qalansiyah Beach, where you’ll take a boat trip to watch dolphins. Enjoy drone photography, swimming, and relaxing on the pristine beach with crystal-clear waters. You’ll also have the chance to capture photos of local children playing along the shore.
Afterward, we will have lunch at Detwah Lagoon and spend the afternoon photographing the sunset there.
In the evening, we return to Diksam Camp. After dinner, you can photograph the night sky, capturing the Milky Way or star trails framed by Dragon’s Blood Trees.
Accommodation: Socotra Luxury Camp (B/L/D)
Day 5: Dragon’s Blood Tree Sunrise & Diving
Start the day by witnessing the sunrise over the Dragon’s Blood Trees. After breakfast, we head east, stopping in Hadiboh, the island's capital, to visit the local market.
Following lunch, we’ll check into a hotel and visit a nearby fishing village to explore a shipwreck. we venture to Dihamri Marine Reserve, the best spot on Socotra for snorkeling and diving.
We will explore the underwater world in the Dihamri Reserve, home to one of the most vibrant coral reefs in the archipelago. Here, a multitude of marine animals inhabit the waters, which we can encounter during swimming, snorkeling, and/or diving. There is a high chance of spotting a parrotfish, moray eel, rays, octopus, turtles, sharks (during diving), and many other marine creatures simultaneously.
Snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins, will be provided (you can also bring your own). Diving is available at an additional cost.
Accommodation: Hotel with private bathroom and Wi-Fi (B/L/D)
Day 6: Extraordinary Eastern Coast Journey
Begin the day with a sunrise photoshoot at the white sand dunes of Arher Beach. The huge white sand dunes are a perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which is truly magical on Socotra. We get up early in the morning and climb the dunes to take the most beautiful photos. The climb takes 40-60 minutes and reaches a maximum height of 200 meters. (You don't want to miss the most beautiful sunrise on Socotra!) After coming down, we have breakfast. After breakfast, relax on the most beautiful beach in Socotra.
In the afternoon we will go to Queen Sheba Beach, located at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, to admire the amazing scenery. Huge waves, whale skeletons and rugged landscapes await us. At nightfall we visit the traditional fishing village of Erisal, home to the best fishermen of Socotra. We will buy tuna or kingfish and enjoy a delicious dinner made of raw fish. Dinner is at Archer Beach. After dinner we return to the hotel to sleep.
Accommodation: Hotel with private bathroom and Wi-Fi (B/L/D)
Day 7: Natural Pools and Bottle Tree Sunset
Today, our adventure takes us deeper into the island. After breakfast, we will drive to Kalysan Canyon, where you’ll witness one of the world’s natural wonders – a series of dazzling, malachite-green pools surrounded by massive white boulders and steep canyon walls. Take a refreshing swim in this paradise, a perfect escape from the 35°C heat.
Later, we will visit Homhill Protected Area, a prehistoric national park with breathtaking views. This location offers fantastic photography opportunities with Bottle Trees, Frankincense Trees, and the iconic Dragon’s Blood Trees. There’s also a stunning natural pool by the cliffside, making it an unforgettable experience.
Today is the final dinner on the island! We will be participating in a folklore evening, where we will have the opportunity to witness the traditional dances of the Socotri people.
Note: During the rainy season, the road to Homhill may be washed out and require a hike to access the area. Repairs are usually completed by mid-December.
Accommodation: Hotel with private bathroom and Wi-Fi (B/L/D)
Day 8: Farewell, Socotra Island
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the staff and head to the airport for your flight back to Abu Dhabi.
Note: The itinerary may be adjusted based on weather conditions, road conditions, and campsite availability.
Price:$3700USD/PP
Cost included：
3-4 nights in a luxury tent camp and 3-4nights in hotel (air conditioning, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi) in twin-shared rooms.
Yemen visa full support: documents and processing
Full board: three times a day meals throughout entire itinerary cooked by our chef and his assistant, the kitchen moves by their own pick-up car and always on time for meals
Special dinners, soft drinks and fruits
Drinking water throughout the whole trip
All transfers according to the itinerary by 4WD cars (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, 3 clients in each car), all with air-conditioning, driven by local experienced drivers
Airport transfers
A luxurious tent camp equipped with a generator, Starlink, restaurant tent, tea break tent, kitchen, and four bathrooms. Possibility to wash yourself with fresh water every evening
All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary
Boat trip to Shoub
Socotra traditional dance (some 15 dancers, 1 hrs long)
All permits for visiting protected areas, National parks
English speaking local guide throughout all trip
Wi-Fi at hotels and camps.
Charging facilities at the camp.
A local English-speaking guide and a professional photographer as the tour leader.
Cost excludes：
International flight ticket Abu Dhabi (UAE) - Hadibu (Socotra) - Abu Dhabi (950 USD per pax, may be changed)
International flight ticket from your city to Abu Dhabi / Dubai (UAE) roundtrip, taxi transfers between airports
International medical insurance
Yemen visa fee (150 USD)
Tips for local team
Personal expenses
Additional activities: diving, flight on autogyre or helicopter
Single accommodation in Hadibu
DEPARTURES & BOOKING
Tuesday Groups
03 February 2026 - 10 February 2026 (Available)
10 February 2026 - 17 February 2026 (Available)
17 February 2026 - 24 February 2026 (Available)
24 February 2026 - 03 March 2026 (Available)
03 March 2026 - 10 March 2026 (Available)
10 March 2026 - 17 March 2026 (Available)
17 March 2026 - 24 March 2026(Available)
24 March 2026 - 31 March 2026(Available)
31 March 2026 - 07 April 2026 (Available)
07 April 2026 - 14 April 2026 (Available)
3 nights in a luxury tent camp + 4 nights in hotel
Friday Groups
06 February 2026 - 13 February 2026 (Available)
13 February 2026 - 20 February 2026 (Available)
20 February 2026 - 27 February 2026 (Available)
27 February 2026 - 06 March 2026 (Available)
06 March 2026 - 13 March 2026 (Available)
13 March 2026 - 20 March 2026 (Available)
20 March 2026 - 27 March 2026(Available)
27 March 2026 - 03 April 2026(Available)
03 April 2026 - 10 April 2026 (Available)
10 April 2026 - 17 April 2026 (Available)
4 nights in a luxury tent camp + 3 nights in hotel
We offer customized adventure tours to meet your every need.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group of friends, we can tailor the experience for you.
For private customized tours, you are free to choose your own dates.
Payment Options & Informations
Payment methods:
Payment by bank transfer or online. Online payments will incur an additional fee of 3%.
A deposit of USD 1000 and round-trip airfare from Abu Dhabi to Socotra of USD 950 is required at the time of booking, and the final balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking that covers cancellation
Do I need cash and various currencies?
Credit cards are generally not accepted in shops, supermarkets, gift shops, hotels and restaurants in Socotra.
We kindly ask that you pay tips in cash in US dollars or Euros. Cash payments require new, undamaged banknotes.
Disclaimer
We highly recommend that you purchase travel and medical insurance in your home country. Your domestic medical insurance and private health plan will not cover you while you are travelling overseas.
Refund policy
If a participant decides to cancel their reservation, you may do so at any time. However, once the visa processing fees and round-trip airfare to Socotra Island have been paid, these amounts are non-refundable. For the remaining balance, the following cancellation options apply:
A. Cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure are eligible for a full refund.
B. Cancellations made 90 to 119 days prior to departure will receive a refund of the remaining balance, less a $400 administrative fee.
C. Cancellations made within 90 days of departure are non-refundable, and no remaining balance will be returned.
Hadibo city, Socotra island, Republic of Yemen
Email:booking@socotraluxurycamp.com
