T R A V E L W I T H N A T
to
Socotra
October 21-28, 2025
April 7-14, 2026
I have partnered with the #1 rated local tour company in Socotra on Travel and Leisure to bring you an off-the-beaten-path adventure like never before.
Tour Info
What: 8 day/7 night wild Socotra camping group tour
When: October 21-28, 2025 and April 7-14, 2026
Where: Socotra - an island of the Republic of Yemen located in the Indian Ocean in the Middle East
Who: 12 spots available (18+)
Tour Cost: $2,200 + $980 RT flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and $170 visa = $3,350 (RT flights to/from Abu Dhabi not included)
In order to book, a $600 non-refundable security deposit must be sent via Zelle through my full name and email (Natasha Perez hello@travelwithnat.co - no m). In addition to the signed and returned Terms and Conditions and a photocopy of your passport***. This is crucial to reserve your flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra as flights are limited and there are two flights a week (one on Tuesdays and one on Fridays).
After, there is a 6-part payment plan (tour cost must be paid in full 45 days before start of tour).
Itinerary
Welcome to Socotra! We will start our journey with a scenic drive to the first destination of our camping adventure, Shoab Beach.
On the way, we’ll see local villages, endemic plants and animals of all kinds. If we’re lucky, we might even see a dragon blood tree! After our long drive, we’ll arrive to a completely empty, golden sand beach, surrounded by enormous cliffs on one side and local fishing villages on the other. The only people you will see are locals and the island wildlife. Keep a look out for dolphins swimming off the coast of the beach as they are known to get close.
Our beachside campsite and tents will be waiting for us and we’ll enjoy locally caught fresh seafood for dinner and get some much needed rest by the waves!
On day 2, we’ll take a boat ride from the shores of Shoab to the coastline of Qalansiyah Beach.
During the boat ride, we’ll get to witness gigantic cliffs and if we’re lucky, pods of spinner dolphins. Feel free to swim with them if you’d like, but please be respectful and don’t touch!
Once we arrive to the town Qalansiyah, we’ll do two hikes (one at sunset), and spend the day on the beach relaxing. On this day, we will also meet the famous “Caveman” of Socotra.
On day 3, we will visit Diksam plateau and Firmhen forest! The plateau is located at an elevation of over 700 meters above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The plateau is home to the island’s famous dragon’s blood trees, which are a unique species found only on Socotra Island. These trees have a distinctive umbrella-like shape and produce a bright red sap that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Today’s adventure takes us to the Zaheq Sand Dunes and Omak Beach. On the way, we will see towering cliffs, mountain villages, random oasis and beautiful bottleneck and dragon trees.
In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby Digub Cave, a natural wonder that is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight! (One will be provided for you in case you forget). The night will be capped off by a fresh lobster dinner (season depending) and camping on the beach or next to the sand dunes.
On our fifth day we’ll explore the stunning landscapes of Wadi Klisen, a deep valley created thousands of years ago surrounded by towering cliffs and filled with crystal-clear pools of water.
You will see Egyptian vultures hovering overhead, numerous bottleneck trees and huge cliffs towering above.
After exploring the valley and swimming in the pools, we will head to the nearby Momi Plateau - a stunning landscape of rugged peaks and rolling hills that is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including Dragon Blood trees.
We will finish the day with a short hike to Homhil, a breathtaking viewpoint that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
The day will start with a trek down to the Homhil Infinity Pool. The trek is challenging but worth it, as the views from the pool are simply breathtaking.
A natural “infinity” pool that has formed perfectly for us in the last thousand years. The pool creates the illusion of stretching on forever, overlooking the Arabian sea and local villages below. Truly one of the coolest sights on the whole island.
On the way back, we will stop at Hoq Cave, a natural wonder that is filled with unique rock formations and ancient inscriptions. The cave is still very raw and untouched so be careful as you explore it. There are no handrails or paved paths.
After a long day of exploring we traverse to our own secluded camp at Arher Beach - a stunning stretch of coastline consumed by enormous sand dunes that are created during the monsoon season.
On our last full day in Socotra, we will wake up for sunrise atop the sand dunes. There are two options to choose from, easy and hard dunes to climb. Up to you which one you pick, if any!
After a truly special sunrise, we will head to the easternmost point of the island - the spot where the Indian Ocean and Arabian sea meet.
Next stop is the Dihamri Marine Protected Area where you can snorkel or dive if you’re certified. The area is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. If you’re really lucky you will see spinner dolphins and maybe even a whale shark!
We will end the day camping at Dihamri or Arher.
Sadly, time to get back to reality! The group will enjoy a big going away breakfast followed by some free time. After, we’ll drive everyone to the airport, exchange hugs, and begin the journey back home!
FAQ
What is included?
Camping gear
Tents (set up/taken down for you daily)
Mattress, bed sheets, comfy pillow, blanket
Protected area + permit fees
Transportation throughout the tour (4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser)
Socotri local guide (English speaking)
3 meals a day cooked by a chef
Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Roundtrip flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra
Entry visa
What is not included?
Roundtrip international airline tickets to Abu Dhabi
Travel insurance
Additional activities
How to get to Socotra: Fly to Abu Dhabi then connect on a direct flight to Socotra (organized by Travel with Nat and local tour company - included in trip cost)
What is the weather like in Socotra in March? 80 degrees Fahrenheit are the highs, and the lows are 70 degrees Fahrenheit. March falls during the island’s dry season.
Reserve your spot now
Send an email to hello@travelwithnat.co to secure your spot!