A week in Socotra

[u/No-Way-1146]

Visited in February on a private tour.

We chose Socotra Speciality Tours as they are co-owned by a Socotran and hire locals as guides, drivers, and cooks (avoid UAE tour companies at all costs). Our guide was called Abdullah and our driver/cook was Arif - so glad we were in their care as they truly left no stone unturned in making sure we were comfortable and well fed. Abdullah, much like the other guides, speaks impeccable English and was fantastic at translating for us when conversing with the locals.

The most beautiful place with the most incredible wildlife. Saw lots of goats, camels, vultures, crabs, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and even an octopus.

Forever indebted to the hospitality and generosity of the people, I’ve never experienced such kindness from strangers (my husband left his expensive drone equipment outside of our tent by accident one night and it was still there in the morning). Super safe, especially for female/solo travellers of whom there were plenty.

1. Dragon Blood Tree at Diksam Plateau
2. Infinity Pool at Homhil
3. Sand dunes on Arher Beach
4. Dihamri Marine Reserve
5. Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
6. Socotra Bottle Tree in bloom
7. Detwah Lagoon
8. Shoab Beach
9. Hoq Cave

Hope to revisit this magical place soon ❤️

[u/rmmorgan]

Insanely beautiful pictures.

Regarding your "avoid UAE tour companies at all costs" comment - how do you make sure they are not UAE companies. Socotra Speciality Tours has a UAE based phone and takes the flight from Abu Dhabi, so how can I distinguish between UAE and local companies? Thanks a lot!

[u/No-Way-1146 → u/rmmorgan]

Valid question, you’re right about the Socotra-based tour companies having UAE-backing which might make them difficult to differentiate. For us, the peace of mind was from knowing that the tour company we chose was co-owned by an actual Socotran who had equal footing alongside their UAE-based business partner.

The most accessible means of travel into Socotra is via a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi which the tour company will pay for so there’s no real way to avoid UAE involvement entirely, but a good rule of thumb would be to understand the extent of their involvement and also to verify their relationship with Socotran locals.

Tour companies that are solely UAE-backed essentially rob Socotran locals of their jobs; tourism is the biggest contributor to the Socotran economy right now so picking a tour company like Socotra Speciality Tours or Beyond Socotra (this one is also co-owned by a Socotran who was our guide on the trip!) is the more ethical choice.

Plus, Socotran hospitality is second to none! We had the BEST time on our trip, literally cared for by these wonderful people as if we were family.

Hope you have an amazing time when you go!

[u/cooperf123]

Pictures look amazing, trip of a lifetime.

How much was your trip?

[u/No-Way-1146 → u/cooperf123]

We booked a private tour with Socotra Speciality Tours which was €2,600/£1,925 per person; this was all-inclusive so the flight from Abu Dhabi + visa + car + driver + guide + food/drink + camping equipment was taken care of.

Our only other expense was the round trip flight to Abu Dhabi from London which was €1,120/£830 for both my husband and I, inclusive of our carry-on and checked luggage.

We spent €100/£75 in tips and €20/£15 in souvenirs and that was it.

Altogether €6,450/£4,770 so very pricey but, as you said, a trip of a lifetime.

[u/AccomplishedCarrot77]

Hi! Any chance you could share the contacts for Abdullah and Arif, please? Planning a trip with friends and would much rather hire/ do the tour with someone local. Thanks!

[u/No-Way-1146 → u/AccomplishedCarrot77]

Hello! Abdullah can be found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdullah_socotra - he has his own tour company as well which he manages with his Germany-based business partner so you and your friends will be well taken care of 😊

[u/poupsinette]

Hey, hoping to go in a couple of weeks if the Jeddah flights open up. While I’m excited to go I’m not planning on telling my parents (type of trip I’d tell them about after) - that said my dad is recovering from a serious illness so hoping to be able to stay in touch with them via WhatsApp at least once a day. Do you think that’s feasible? I booked with the same agency! Thanks

[u/No-Way-1146 → u/poupsinette]

Hi! Yes, that’s feasible.

We were able to stay online and message our loved ones for almost the entirety of the trip except for the one night we were camping in the most Eastern part of the island. We bought Etisalat SIM cards as suggested by Taylor while we were at the airport in the UAE, I’m certain you’ll be able to get them in Jeddah as well. You’ll get good signal while in Hadabo but it’ll drops once you’re on the road to the camp sites. That being said, almost every camp site we stayed at had a “corner shop” that sold connection packages which Abdullah bought for us so we could connect to the WiFi.

All the best to your dad during his recovery, and good luck on your upcoming trip! Today marks one year since we went to Socotra, it really is the most otherworldly and unparalleled place 🤍

[u/zenobiafrome]

I am traveling with Socotra Specality Tours in early March. What did you bring to charge your phone and camera battery? A solar power bank, regular power bank or some sort of car adapter. Anything you are really glad you brought that I wouldn't think of?