Name: The Lost World of Socotra | NYE in Socotra, Yemen
Start: 2024-12-31T06:30:00+04:00
End: 2025-01-03T15:00:00+04:00
Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport

The Lost World of Socotra | NYE in Socotra, Yemen

When a whole week in Socotra is just a little too much paradise, why not make a short trip to tranquility, have a little taste of endemic civilization, and a small excursion to an island paradise unlike any you’ve ever seen! Join us for extended weekend in Socotra, where the Dragon Bloods sway and the blue waters spray. You’ll wonder why you didn’t stay a week!
Lying in turquoise seas between Arabia and Africa hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Yemen is one of the world’s most untouched archipelagos, the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, a treasure trove of biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth! From the umbrella-like Dragon Blood trees to the freshwater crabs scurrying across white sandy beaches, even the small population going about their lives unaffected by the world around them, you’ll think you’ve discovered a lost world on another planet.
Used since antiquity as a medicinal cure-all, the crimson-red resin of the Dragon Blood tree earned its name through legends of battles between dragons and elephants and withstood millennia on this island paradise since the dawn of humankind. Recognized for its strange appearance, like an upside-down umbrella, it’s found only on Socotra and cannot survive anywhere else on Earth.
Besides the Dragon Blood tree, Socotra is home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna endemic to the island, from tiny Socotri scorpions and terrestrial reptiles to countless birds, ghost crabs, bats, and chunky, pink-flowered bottle trees, the entire island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site!
Life evolves on Socotra uninterrupted from the modern world, before the airport was built in 1999, the only way to see the island was on a cargo ship! When such paradise is in our own neighborhood, making extended weekend possible to a place where such beauty is not long for this world to the Island of Happiness.
Let's go!!
Day 01 // Arrival, Hoq Cave, Arher Freshwater Creek & Beach
After arrival and immigration formalities, hop in our 4x4s and head to Hoq Cave. Along the the way we’ll get our first taste of the beautiful scenery of Socotra, pristine beaches, low-lying shrub lands, endemic trees. Stop for a picnic lunch and refresh before we start trek to the cave.
The full length of the cave is nearly 10 kilometres, but we’ll just be taking an easy and cool walk of 2 kilometres. We’ll admire the stalagmites, stalactites, and reach rim pool before turning around. We’ll descend back to our rides and drive to Arher, where 150-meter sand dunes are piled high against the sheer rock faces from prevailing westerly winds.
There is a freshwater creek flowing from the massive granite before it reaches the sea, perfect spot to freshen up from the day’s exploring. Here you can relax on green grass, take swim in the blue sea, or if feeling adventurous, climb atop the sand dunes next to our camp for panoramic views over eastern tip of Socotra.
Day 02 // Homhil & Wadi Kalisan
After breakfast at camp, we’ll pack up and drive to Wadi Shafa and start our trek up to the Homhil protected area with more fabulous sceneries, you’ll think you’re in prehistoric times! The moderate ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours up the ravine.
Once we reach the top, we will explore surrounding walking trails through the dragon blood and bottle trees. Some of the most spectacular views await while floating above the sea and mountains. After we’ve explored the area, we’ll descend back down the ravine and move onwards to Wadi Kalisan.
We’ll take a short walk down the wadi and take a dip in smooth white stone pools before heading to our camp for the night in Delisha surrounded by stunning mountain views and Dragon Blood trees.
Day 03 // Qalansiya, Detwah
After breakfast, drive to the western side of the island to fisherman’s town of Qalansyia with it’s traditional Socotri houses and narrow alleys with long beach of fishing boats ready to set off for catch of the day. Alternatively, we can take a walk down Shu-ab beach.
We’ll continue on foot to the Detwah lagoon, renowned for its magic landscapes of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Day 04 // Farewell Socotra
After early breakfast, head to airport for short flight back to Abu Dhabi.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate with limited facilities ahead.
Activities: Trekking/swimming/caving/camping.
Duration: 4 days
Trip Start & End: Direct flights ABU DHABI
Accommodation & Meals: Camping, all meals included.
You'll need a light sleeping bag, tents and mattresses provided.
Cost: 7500 AED all incl. flights and visa until NOV 16th. Past deadline we do not guarantee availability or the cost.
Flights:
AUH – SCT 9:00-10:20 Report at check-in at 06:00AM
SCT – AUH 11:50-15:05
Visa: included in trip budget.
Specifically Excluded: Insurance - compulsory.
See yah in Socotra x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]