Discovering the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’s unique flora and fauna
Since it was first surveyed by UN biologists in 1997, Socotra has been considered one of the most biologically diverse and distinct places on Earth. Its isolation has blessed it with an array of unique birds, reptiles, trees and plants. A third of Socotra's 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world. The limestone plateau and the Hajhir Mountains are the richest areas for endemic plant species, but endemics are found throughout the island in every type of vegetation.
One of the most iconic of its native plant species is a striking, umbrella-shaped tree with a thick trunk –the otherworldly dragon’s blood tree. It gets its name from the deep red sap within, which is gathered as a resin – and has a wide range of uses including as a dye, as incense and in traditional medicine. Another strikingly original tree is the Adenium socotranum, which are native Socotran trees that look like elephants’ legs with pink flowers on top - somewhat like a dwarfed baobab.
We work with local experts, to reveal all the flora and fauna secrets of this unique habitat. In addition, we also frequently arrange, on request for world-leading experts to accompany our clients in discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of Socotra. These are international specialists and include a wildlife conservationist and world-leading biologists.
Fabulous endemic Bird Watching
Socotra supports globally significant populations of land and sea birds - 192 species, which include a number of threatened species. 10 endemic species of bird are found on the island, include the Socotra starling, sunbird, bunting, sparrow and golden-winged grosbeak. This makes Socotra a dream location for bird watchers.
A stop at the coastal lagoons just to the east of Hadibu, the estuaries along the road to the airport or the estuary at Qalansiya are a must for interesting waders, flamingos and herons, such as the rare Indian Pond Heron. Other bird watching areas on Socotra are west coast with cormorants, Ghoba around the meteor crater lake, the heights of Dixham plateau and Arher for sea birds.
The following 25 specialties can all be seen: Persian Shearwater, Jouanin’s Petrel, Masked Booby, Brown Booby, Socotra Cormorant, Egyptian Vulture, Socotra Buzzard, Cream-coloured Courser, Sooty Gull, Saunder’s Tern, Brown Noody, Lichtenstein’s Sand grouse, Socotra Scops Owl, Forbes-Watson’s Swift, Socotra Cisticola, Socotra Warbler, Somali Starling, Socotra Starling, Desert Wheatear, Socotra Sunbird, Socotra Sparrow, Long-Billed Pilpit, Socotra Golden Winged Grosbeak and Socotra Bunting.
In addition to local experts, we can arrange on request for a regional expert Ornithologist to accompany you and show you the island’s endemics as well as other birds that are special to the island or difficult to see elsewhere.
Learn about the islanders’ ancient way of life
The Socotri way of life has changed very little in centuries: Socotra’s indigenous inhabitants have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years, almost completely isolated from the outside world. The island’s residents, scattered across 600 villages, but mostly on the north coast, in the principal city of Hadibu and the second largest town of Qalansiyah, still mostly rely on the island’s fish stocks, date-yielding palm trees and goats to survive. They still make a living from age-old pursuits like fishing, grazing and subsistence agriculture.
Until recently, occasional raids by Somali pirates and rusted, unused Soviet tanks were the only reminders of the world that lies beyond the ocean. There are few TVs and Wi-Fi only occasionally works well enough to deliver WhatsApp messages. Only over the last few years has the UAE offered to help rebuild schools, hospitals and roads, which had been destroyed by unprecedented cyclones in November 2015.
There are a number of sites of archaeological interest on Socotra, which include Dahaisi Cave, with its intriguing rock art. On request an archaeologist specialising in the Arabian Peninsula and early humans and their migratory paths outside of Africa, will accompany you and shed further light on the fascinating research and early history of Socotra and Socotrans.
Explore some of the largest natural caves in the Middle East
Socotra has many caves, more than 50, but the most famous and biggest is Hoq cave. After a walk of about one hour through some magnificent scenery, ascending 350m, you reach the mouth of the cave and vistas of the azure sea. The 3-kilometer cave offers an overwhelming beauty and variety of crystal decorations, like the huge hundreds of thousand-year-old speleothems (stalagmites, stalactites, calcite floors, etc.). The most prominent formation is a stalagmite that towers over a lake at the end of the cave. Thanks to the efforts of many international researchers we know that around the first centuries AD, people from east Africa, the Arabian mainland, west India, up to Palmyra visited this cave, sailing the trade routes between the 2 continents.
On request, an accompanying speleologist will be able to explain the scientific make up of caves, processes by which they form and how they change over time. For those interested in caving, we can arrange adventurous expeditions with caving experts deeper into the network of more challenging, less accessible caves.
Venturing inland for trekking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking
Socotra is an ideal place for trekking. You can set out on a more demanding trek, accompanied by camels or opt for easier trips around the island. Trekking activities will allow you to experience the island’s most interesting flora and fauna and explore the most inaccessible areas of the island, including the Dixham Plateau and the Hajhir Mountains. Dixham, in the centre of the island is bursting with groves of dragon blood trees, which are between 2-3,000 years old. Venturing into the Hajhir Mountains for a hike towards Skand – its highest peak at 1525m is a deeply memorable experience, especially as 80% of the Socotri endemic plants and birds are available in Skand Protected Area. We can organize climbing and abseiling routes and guides for those keen to have a higher adrenalin experience in Socotra’s mountains. Mountain biking is also possible on the island and routes cover asphalt roads, passes, dirt, sand and riverbeds.
Wadis and Canyoning
Socotra has a number of stunning palm-tree lined wadis with refreshing pools, including Wadi Dirhur, Sirhin, Kalesan and Ayhaft. Most of these can be explored by canyoning, on foot, or simply enjoyed during a luxurious picnic and afternoon swim in the natural pools.
Exploring Socotra’s beaches & sand dunes
There are countless enchanting white sand beaches to discover, many with majestic sand dunes, scattered around the coastal circumference and one is quite literally spoiled for choice. Detwah Lagoon, near the charming fishing town of Qalasiya is perhaps the most renowned, but wilder, equally beautiful beaches are easy to discover. These include: Aomak, in the south at the center of the Noged Plain, with its herds of camels and date tree plantations; Socotra’s highest sand dunes and fresh water streams and hot springs at Arher; the isolated and pristine Shuab Beach, only accessible by boat, with its excellent marine life spotting and fishing opportunities and finally Delisha and Kalansiya beaches.
Frontier Paragliding, Kite surfing & Wind Surfing
Only a handful of adventurous, frontier, trailblazing sportsmen have taken on the challenge of Socotra’s extreme wind conditions and have been rewarded by the dramatic and fascinating landscapes that the island offers. This is a dream land for paragliding and here you can play on small dunes in the South of the Island, the huge dunes in the North-East, or enjoy the beautiful island from more than 1000 meters above sea level in laminar lift. Kite surfing and wind surfing can also be organised for you, with relevant specialists and trainers, as required.
Star Gazing with experts
Far, far away from urban, light pollution the dark and clear skies of Socotra offer excellent stargazing. On request, a leading astronomer can join you to help you explore the mysteries of the night skies above Socotra.
