DAY 3:

The day has arrived. After stuffing your face with as much hummus for breakfast as physically possible, we’ll make our way to the airport outside Cairo reading for our anticipated flight to Socotra Island, Yemen. The island has been hurting for years with the international sanctions, it’s been cut off internationally, so flights running from Egypt are a huge bonus to the community. Get excited, we’re nearly there.

3 or 4 hours later, immigration taken care of (thanks to our fixers, we’ve got you covered!), we’re off to town, a short 12km drive to Hadibu Capital city for our local guest house check-in, followed by a late lunch in a local restaurant, and time permitting, a visit to Wadi Ayhaft surrounded by breathtaking Hajher mountains, dotted with endemic species of trees. Back to the hotel for dinner and we’ll overnight in Hadibu.

DAY 4:

After breakfast in the town, we’ll make our way in the 4X4s to the northeast of the island lies, to the spectacular plateau of Homhil. We’re right in at the deep end here, instant beauty. Homhil is a protected landscape, covered in frankincense, myrrh, and the mythical Dragon Blood trees. The area is also rich in bird species, reptiles and insects. No half measures here though, we’re going straight to the top, so leave your flipflops in your bag.

After the climb, you’re rewarded with the most incredible panoramic ocean-view. After posing with the Dragon Blood trees, we have a beautiful 1.5-hour hike to reach our drivers in the nearby seaside village, where we continue driving to Dihamri marine protected area, a natural sea reserve, the underwater paradise offers some of the best snorkeling in the middle east.  The Dihamri Reserve is inhabited by an enormous variety of fish species and magnificent coral reefs. Googles and snorkels are available.

Tonight is our first-night camping, you couldn’t ask for a better location. Hope someone brought some speakers!

DAY 5:

Waking up in paradise. Our local guys will make breakfast for us, then we’ll go for a dip with some snorkeling in Dihamri.

After drying off, it’s a quick drive to the bottom of Hoq Cave. Get your sneakers back on and soak up the 1.5hrs hike to the cave entrance. Looking back at the Arabian sea as you climb is always a great excuse for a breather, we’re in no rush, don’t worry.

From the entrance, we can hike 3kms deep inside the cave (make sure you have your head torch and proper shoes), we’ll have a local guide with us, so we won’t get lost. After returning, we’ll hop back in the jeeps, and head towards Archer, home to the Socotra’s monumental sand dunes, complete with the crystal clear river flowing from the mountains, illustrating the true uniqueness of the area. A magical place for camping, where we can chill, or if you’re still feeling energetic, hike up one of the dunes. The view of the coast from the top is pretty epic.

DAY 6:

Get ready to jump back in time today. After morning coffees at camp, Dixam is calling. Found in the central part of the island, you suddenly find yourself in prehistoric times. Plateau and canyons with unique endemic Dragon Blood trees (Dracena). The endless play of shadows and colors in the setting sun portrays bizarre images that are hard to believe. Swimming in a rocky pool in the valley is a reward for a stroll along the stony path of an incredible landscape.

This place is my favourite location in all of Socotra. That night, we’ll camp in Wadi Dirhur

DAY 7:

After breakfast in Wadi Dirhur, soaking up the views, we’ll visit the Dragon Blood trees forest in Firmhin, and then return to Wadi Dirhur to continue driving to the southern part of the island where we’ll nip into the Digub cave for a lunch break inside the cave.

After lunch, we’re off to Aomak, Noged and Zahek – the most remote areas of Socotra, and the longest beach in Yemen, overlooking the Indian Ocean. A quiet place lined with long beaches with snow-white sand inviting us to relax or explore the nearby villages. Quiet moments by palm tree oasis, where the desert stretches along the ocean coast, there is an incredible scenery of sand dunes for photographers, then return to Hadibu from the old road (read: bumpy road!) for overnight in a local guesthouse.

DAY 8:

Today is the reason why one day Socotra will be famous. The most impressive place on the island, Qalansea (Ditwah lagoon). We’ll spend the afternoon here, walking around the lagoon, hiking the central mountain to gain the full panoramic view of the area, swimming in the ocean. After years of traveling, watching paradise being changed to chain hotels, this place will blow your mind.

This evening, we camp near the lagoon in order to take an early morning boat trip to Shuab beach.

DAY 9:

Taking our local boat from Qalansia village takes an hour or so. We’ll arrive in isolated, incredible location, the sandy Shoab beach with an electric turquoise color. The monumental mountain staring back at us, the remoteness of the beach guarantee peace and a true travel experience. Pop on your snorkel, look for flocks of dolphins, turtles and rare species of birds and enjoy the crystal clear water all the way.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Qalansia to meet the drivers and drive to Hadibu for overnight in our guest house.

DAY 10:

That’s almost a wrap folks. We’ll have the morning to explore gorgeous little Habido. The bazaar, the fish market, grab a coffee with the locals, then we’ll take our lunchtime flight back to Cairo (expect delays!) in time for a transfer to our hotel in Cairo and one last group dinner. A hot shower, some proper internet and a beer are in order!

DAY 11:

Depart Cairo anytime.