Travel to Socotra island, which is completely separate from the mainland like a hidden gem deep in the Indian Ocean, famous around the world when it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2008.
The Socotra Islands in Yemen have long been a land of mystery, and over the centuries, travelers returning from the islands of the Indian Ocean have brought with them bizarre stories - of plants that secrete blood. dragons and cucumbers, agarwood groves and towering towers in the mist...
Socotra is an island in the Indian Ocean about 250 km off the coast of Yemen. It is known for its unique and unusual landscape, including towering dragon blood trees, giant cucumber trees, and desert landscapes. Socotra is also home to a number of endemic plant and animal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Socotra Island Yemen. Image; @My Free Range Family
While civil war rages in Yemen, there is one part of that country that is completely safe to visit - Socotra Island Travel.
Socotra is a popular destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers. There are several things to see and do on the island, including hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling... Visitors can also explore the island's villages and learn about the local culture. direction.
Socotra Island is the natural wonder of Yemen. Photo: @rolfgemperle
Socotra has a long and rich history, dating back to at least 2000 BC. The island was once an important trading center and its strategic location made it a target of conquest by various powers over the centuries. In recent years, Socotra has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural beauty and remote, unspoiled atmosphere.
Island Travel Guide Socotra
Things to know before traveling to Socotra
Socotra is an ancient land separated from the African continent in the time of Gondwana. Quite different from the mainland Yemenis, the Soqotri are a Semitic ethnic group originating from Socotra. The island has been inhabited for at least 2,000 years. The inhabitants speak Soqotri and are predominantly Sunni Muslims.
Despite being located along one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, Socotra remains firmly outside the network, with locals living a traditional life system has not changed for many centuries.
The coastline is dotted with serene beaches, clear waters, white sand dunes. Photo: @meetthemoments
Coming to Socotra from the flashy, modern world of Abu Dhabi is definitely a culture shock! Traveling to Socotra is like going back in time back to the way of life that existed in the 19th century!
Socotra is a sparsely populated, largely undeveloped island home to about 50,000 residents, most of whom live in traditional villages.
The only places on the island where you'll find electricity are two towns - Hadiboh and Qalansiya, which have a total population of 12,000 and more goats.
Elsewhere, some villages have solar panels and can generate electricity.
People on Socotra Island. Photo: @welcometosocotra
The only accommodation, shops, banks and services are in Hadiboh. If you require something as simple as a power outlet to charge anything, you'll need to go back to Hadiboh or Qalansiya.
As for communication - internet and phone signals are almost non-existent on Socotra. The only signal towers are in two towns, but even there, the Wi-Fi signal is very weak.
Outside of towns, the only chance for locals to get a phone signal is to drive to a high point. They all know the places that provide the best signal. A trip to Socotra is just a complete and real disconnect from the outside world during Socotra island travel.
The flora of oceanic islands is often particularly rich in species and exhibits a high degree of endemism. Photo: @adventuresoflinicki
From exotic flora, to the most breathtaking landscapes, Socotra offers a variety of breathtaking sights. This is an island famous for its exotic, otherworldly landscapes - unlike any other on planet Earth.
Aware of the island's importance to humanity, UNESCO declared the entirety of Socotra a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Socotra is an ancient land of alien landscapes - a shining jewel in the Indian Ocean, largely intact and untouched by the modern world - a rewarding travel destination for those Truly intrepid travelers!
Socotra Island boasts a unique, diverse and stunning topography. Photo @adventuresoflinicki
Geographical location of Socotra . island
When traveling to Socotra island, you need to know that this is an island of the Republic of Yemen in the Indian Ocean. Although Yemen is part of the Middle East, Socotra, located off the coast of Somalia and an extension of the African continent, is considered part of Africa.
Socotra is the largest of the four islands in the Socotra archipelago and occupies about 95% of the archipelago's land area.
The island is located 380 km south of the Arabian Peninsula and has a length of 132 km and a width of 50 km. Somalia lies 400 km to the west.
Socotra has three geographical features: a narrow coastal plain, a limestone plateau, and the 1,503-meter-high Hajhir Mountains, which rise behind the main town of Hadiboh.
The interior of the island is home to desert and barren landscapes, as well as lush forests and rolling hills. Photo: @yemenfans
Interesting facts about the history of Socotra
For centuries, Gujarati (Indian) sailors have called the maritime route near Socotra "Sikotro" which means the lion of Socotra constantly roars, referring to the sea.
Since ancient times, Socotra has been world renowned for its aromatic and healing resins, endemic resins, aloes, amber, musk, and pearls as well as the central role it has played. in the Arab shipping industry.
As far back as 2400 BC, Socotra has supplied abundantly not only frankincense, myrrh, and aloe but also Dragon's Blood resin, which, according to legend, was rubbed on before battle by gladiators to speed wound healing. their love.
A land of frankincense and of miraculous aloes that healed the Greeks and Romans in times of war, Socotra was also a place for sorcerers, genies and monsters. Myths and legends proliferate. From Plato to Marco Polo claimed that their sorcerers were the strongest in the world. There are living flying snakes, its mountains are believed to hide a nest of the Phoenix, and the equally wonderful Roc, the giant bird described by Sinbad the Sailor.
Socotra Island Animals. Photo @rjtravelagency
The origin of the word 'Socotra' remains a mystery with countless stories existing. Many believe it comes from the Sanskrit term 'dvipa sukhadhara' which literally translates to 'island of happiness'.
Another possible origin of the name is from the Arabic words 'souk' meaning bazaar and 'qotra' meaning drops referring to dripping agarwood.
Travel to the island of Socotra and explore the breathtaking landscapes. Photo: @lecockaigne
The ancient Greeks called it Dioscorida as mentioned in the 'Peryplus of the Erythrean sea', a first-century Greek navigational manual. Dioscorida means island for the Dioskuri (Castor and Pollux), the protectors of sailors and sailors in Greek mythology. The book says that the island is: “very large, with deserts and swamps, rivers and crocodiles, many snakes and large lizards”.
Those beasts may have disappeared but the island remains a biodiversity gem in the Arabian Sea, with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) designating it as one of the five most important islands in the world. world leader in biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Most nationalities require a visa and can only be obtained through local tour operators, after you have signed up for a tour.
The only way to travel to Socotra is to join an 8-day, all-inclusive camping tour. The tours correspond to a once-weekly UAE government charter flight from Abu Dhabi, operating every Tuesday. All expenses must be paid in USD cash, although there is the option to pay for your flight via bank transfer. There are only a few tour operators and they will sponsor your visa so that you can enter the republic of Yemen.
The tour operator Socotra provides tents and beds plus meals. All campsites are in nice locations but most have no facilities.
