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Socotra V

Socotra

Sunday 22 Mar 2026 Friday 27 Mar 2026

6 days · 5 nights

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Socotra is the perfect definition of remote island. Closest to Yemen and Somalia, its location has made it somehow an oasis in turbulent waters. Azure beaches, crystal clear water for snorkelling and diving, healthy corals full of fish and thousands of endemic species of flora and fauna make it a unique ecosystem. It's often called the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean", but it's so off the grid, maybe we should nickname the Galapagos "The Socotras of the Pacific"?

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Socotra – Arher Beach

  • We welcome you at the Socotra airport before heading to our traditional Socotri house, our choice to make you feel at home as soon as you set foot on the island. You’ll 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 passing small villages, pristine beaches and strange plant life. Approaching Arher, dramatic twin sand dunes are set against the sheer rock faces creating a breathtaking contrast between the elements. 200 meters high, these monsoon-formed dunes surround a freshwater creek exiting a cave in the granite massif and end upon the beach. Enjoy the unspoiled beach, relax on the green grass or climb the massive dune to reach a fantastic vantage point.

  • Overnight: Arher Beach (camping)

Day 2: Hoq Cave

  • The day begins with an early morning visit to the traditional village of Erissel. Here on the easternmost tip of the island we will interact with locals, witness the outstanding local fishermen’s activities, and visit a family house for a Socotri chai. After departing the village, we will head for cave exploration. Thanks to its karstic nature, Socotra features many cave systems. The huge mouth of Hoq Cave is reached by a two-hour hike, rewarding us with a spectacular underground channel. Speleologists have determined its full length to exceed 10 km; we will explore 2 km inside, admiring stalactites, stalagmites, ancient writings, and subterranean water supplies. After spelunking, we return to Arher. The afternoon is yours to relax or join a hike to the top of the plateau for a bird’s-eye view of the northern and southern shorelines—a highlight unique to this tour.

  • Overnight: Arher Beach (camping)

Day 3: Homhil & Dihamri Beach

  • We begin the day at Homhil, home to the first Dragon’s Blood tree you’ll ever hug. A narrow trail leads to this protected area, which also hosts Frankincense trees, Adenium Obesum, and a stunning natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean. After a swim, we continue to Dihamri marine protected area, home to one of Socotra’s richest coral reefs. Enjoy the afternoon snorkeling in the bay, observing parrotfish, moray eels, sea urchins, barracudas, sea turtles, and more.

  • Overnight: Dihamri Beach (camping)

Day 4: Diksam Plateau

  • We leave the coast and ascend to the Diksam Plateau, the heartland of the Dracaena Cinnabari (Dragon’s Blood tree). Small Bedouin settlements dot the landscape, and nomadic herders greet us at the edge of a massive gorge—the most spectacular limestone formation on the island, dropping 700 meters into the valley. We then pass through Fermhin Forest, filled with iconic Dragon’s Blood trees, and learn about the resin’s properties. Children often take shelter under the umbrella-shaped canopies. Descending 400 meters into Wadi Dirhur, we reach a hidden oasis with a freshwater pool and natural waterslide.

  • Overnight: Diksam Plateau

Day 5: Aomak Beach – Dagub Cave – Zahek Dunes

  • Leaving the highlands, we descend to the southern coast, where the land opens onto the Indian Ocean. After lunch, we visit Socotri villages scattered across the southern plain before arriving at Dagub Cave, long used for rituals and monsoon shelter. In the afternoon, we explore Socotra’s unique desert—Zahek’s dazzling white sand dunes. Climb, slide, or sit in awe of the vast beauty before sunset.

  • Overnight: Aomak Beach or Zahek Dunes (camping)

Day 6: Fly Out

  • After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for your return flight.

What this expedition offers

Accommodation. Full camping gear and tents.
Guides. Expert local guide and fixer.
Transport. Private 4WD cars with driver.
Visa Support. We will take care of your visas so you can pay and pick it up on arrival.
Food. Three meals a day with a drink (water or soft drink).
Entrance Fees. All entrance fees to natural reserves and conservancy areas on your itinerary.

Things to know

5.0·136 reviews
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