Private trekking tours 2024-2025
At Socotra Trek Tours, we specialize in organizing trekking tours across the entire island. We offer a variety of remarkable hiking options suitable for tourists on both long and short trips. Some paths are challenging, designed for those who enjoy rigorous trekking activities and have a strong desire to discover the secret beauty of Socotra and capture amazing photos of hidden scenery.
We also accommodate those who prefer more comfortable paths and easy walks, which require less energy and provide opportunities to socialize with Bedouin people as you pass through villages. Socotra Trek Tours offers different levels of hiking tailored to your stamina, with fabulous views perfect for taking unforgettable photos.
What kind of trekking tours can be organized?
We offer tour packages ranging from two days to 4 weeks along the following routes:
- Skand mountain, the highest peak on the island, home to many endemic plants.
- The Hajhir mountain range, crossing through Adho Dimalah, Ayahaft Canyon up to Tinarrha, Dirhour Canyon down to the south through Wadi Hadalh, and Firmihin Mountain, which hosts the largest forest of Dragon’s Blood trees and Wadi Kalasihan.
During some treks through the Hajhir mountains, equipment can be transported by camels, and who knows, you might even have a chance to ride one!
👉🏽 Socotra Trek organizes private trekking tours at very competitive prices. However, if you prefer to be part of a larger group, this is also possible—just let us know when you book your trip.
Itinerary for a 1-week trekking tour of Socotra
Check in at 6:30 AM and depart from Abu Dhabi at 9:25 AM. Your arrival flight to Socotra is scheduled for 10:40 AM. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local Socotri guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. Afterward, we’ll head to Hadibo to check into the Socotra Diamond Hotel, then drive to the Dihamri Marine Protected Area. While the beach itself may not be spectacular, the sea offers a great diversity of flora and fauna. Everyone can choose between diving and snorkeling (equipment rental available). Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will take you on a trip to Ayhaft Canyon National Park. In the canyon (wadi), you can enjoy large freshwater pools perfect for swimming or soaking. Surrounded by Tamarind trees, Cucumber trees, and a wide variety of birds such as the Socotra Sparrow, Socotra Sunbird, and both Socotra and Somali Starlings, the park is considered a natural nursery due to its abundance of endemic species. Afterward, we will drive to the midpoint of Hajhir Mountain where we will have lunch, and then start a 2.5-hour trek with camels to the Adho Dimalah camping site.
We hike up Farah Mountain, a journey of approximately four hours round trip. Afterward, continue the trek through the Wadi of Asqalh. We will stop for lunch along the way before continuing with our camels to Dihamderh. The day concludes with setting up camp near a swimming pool.
After breakfast, we will continue our trek through the forest of Dragon’s Blood trees for about three hours. You will then rest under the shade of these trees for lunch. Afterwards, we will proceed to the campsite in Firmihin, where you will meet your vehicle and camp in the forest.
We continue the trek down to the canyon along the path, or alternatively, we will drive to the canyon. Once there, you can enjoy a swim before we make a quick stop at the nursery of Dragon’s Blood trees. Then, we drive to the south of the island, visiting villages along the way. Our first destination is Amak Beach, where you can swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Later, we drive to Degoub Cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave is of particular interest due to its many stalactites, stalagmites, and pools of water that have seeped through the rock over time. We will then visit the colossal sand dunes of Zahek, pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of Socotra. If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the dunes for a view that is truly worth the effort. The day ends with camping at Amak Beach.
We start the day by driving to Qalansyia, a charming and picturesque fishing town known for its traditional houses and narrow alleyways.
In the afternoon, we visit the protected Detwah Lagoon, renowned for its spectacular landscape. Stingrays can often be seen in the lagoon, so take care while swimming.
We will enjoy the sunset from the top of the local mountain, followed by an overnight stay at Detwah Lagoon.
After breakfast, we will embark on a boat tour to the stunning Shoab Beach. Along the way, keep an eye out for spinner dolphins and frequenting Cormorants. Once at Shoab, you’ll have the opportunity to swim, enjoy line fishing from the boat, and relax on this pristine beach surrounded by mangroves.
After returning to the Detwah campsite, we’ll enjoy lunch and visit Abdullah, known locally as the caveman. You will have the opportunity to dine with him on special seafood dishes and explore the area, including his cave.
Overnight at Detwah Lagoon, complete with festivities for your final evening!
After enjoying one last succulent breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport. It will be time to say goodbye, with our eyes and heart filled with warm memories.
Itinerary for a 2-week trekking tour of Socotra
Check in at 6:30 AM and depart from Abu Dhabi at 9:25 AM. Your arrival flight to Socotra is scheduled for 10:40 AM. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local Socotri guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. Afterward, we’ll head to Hadibo to check into the Socotra Diamond Hotel, then drive to Delisha Beach for a swim. This beautiful white beach is adjacent to the sea and a lagoon.
Enjoy the magnificent sunset from the sand dunes, where you can watch various ships passing by.
After breakfast, we will be driven to the base of the mountain where we meet the camels. We will then start trekking through the Hajhir Mountains. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the top of Addho Dimalah.
Hike Farah, the highest peaks of the Hajjaher Mountains, with lunch planned on the way back to Adho. After lunch, continue trekking down the Wadi. Overnight stay will be near the Wadi.
In the morning, we will hike through the forest of Dragon’s Blood trees and continue our walk to Wadi Dirhur, where you can swim in a natural pool and have lunch. We will say goodbye to the cameleers and spend the night on the Diksam Plateau.
We will trek with a local guide to Skand Mountain, which stands about 900 feet high, with the round trip taking approximately 6 hours. Skand is home to more than 150 endemic plants. Along the way, we will also see unusually beautiful rock formations. Overnight stay will be at a homestay in Diksam.
In the morning, take a walk through the village and visit the local garden, where efforts are being made to cultivate new Dragon’s Blood trees. Then, drive towards the southern coast, stopping at Nogud.
Pause at the expansive sand dunes of Zahek and Hayf near Amak Beach, where you can swim in the sea. Visit the cave of Degoub, with lunch either at the cave or at Amak Beach, depending on the sunlight.
Dinner and overnight stay at Amak Beach.
We will make a stop at Wadi Difarhou before driving to the Dihamri Marine Protected Area. Although the beach itself may not be spectacular, the sea offers a great diversity of flora and fauna.
Everyone can choose between diving, snorkeling (equipment rental available), or joining local fishermen at sea. Enjoy freshly caught fish from the sea for dinner at Dihamri.
Overnight stay in Dihamri.
We will take a trip to Ayhaft Canyon National Park. In the canyon (wadi), you’ll be able to swim or soak in large freshwater pools. Surrounding you will be Tamarind trees, Cucumber trees, and a wide variety of birds including the Socotra Sparrow, Socotra Sunbird, and both Socotra and Somali Starlings. Ayhaft is considered a natural nursery, cherished for its rich abundance of endemic trees, plants, and birds. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
We start the day by driving to Qalansyia, a charming and picturesque fishing town known for its traditional houses and narrow alleyways.
In the afternoon, we visit the protected Detwah Lagoon, renowned for its spectacular landscape. Stingrays can often be seen in the lagoon, so take care while swimming.
We will enjoy the sunset from the top of the local mountain, followed by an overnight stay at Detwah Lagoon.
After breakfast, we will embark on a boat tour to the stunning Shoab Beach. Along the way, keep an eye out for spinner dolphins and frequenting Cormorants. Once at Shoab, you’ll have the opportunity to swim, enjoy line fishing from the boat, and relax on this pristine beach surrounded by mangroves.
After returning to the Detwah campsite, we’ll enjoy lunch and visit Abdullah, known locally as the caveman. You will have the opportunity to dine with him on special seafood dishes and explore the area, including his cave.
We’ll head to Homhil National Park, where you can see the iconic Dragon’s Blood trees along with many others, such as the Bottle Tree and the Cucumber Plant. After an hour’s walk, we’ll reach an amazing crystal-clear pool with a view over the southern part of Socotra. Die-hards can descend from the mountain, while others can walk back to the car and be driven down towards the beach.
Next, we’ll drive to Arhar, a unique point where fresh and salt water meet. Here you’ll find giant sand dunes. Explore the area on your own or climb the 300m high sand dune.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
This morning, we will make an early start and drive to the base of Hoq Cave in Terbak village. Before the sun gets too hot, we will hike up to the cave entrance. The cave is over 3 km long and features a water pool at the end, along with a wealth of Socotri history. Inside, you’ll see ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline formations.
After lunch, we’ll drive to Ras Ersil, the easternmost beach of Socotra. There, you can visit a fishing village and see fishermen’s equipment on the coast. A whale skeleton brought by waves from the Indian Ocean lies on the shore. We will have the chance to go fishing with local fishermen, or you can choose to relax and swim at the beach.
Dinner and overnight stay in Arhar.
We will drive down to the magnificent Wadi Kalysan, where you can enjoy swimming in the natural pools. The area features many pools surrounded by various types of limestone rocks. You will have lunch there. Overnight stay at Delisha Beach.
We’ll spend the day in Hadibo, learning more about life in Yemen. Our visits will include:
- Women’s Market, including the spice market
- Fish Market
- Door manufacturers
- Local school
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
After enjoying one last succulent breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport. It will be time to say goodbye, with our eyes and heart filled with warm memories.
What is included
- Airport transfer
- 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a driver
- English speaking, experienced Socotri guide
- Accomodation in tents. We pitch tents and we fold them for you.
- Mattress, bed sheets, pillow, and blanket
- Food: 3 meals a day + snacks
- Drinking water (please bring a reusable bottle)
- Support for carrying your equipment during hikes
- Local guides on specific excursion
- Protected area fees and other entrance fees
- Boat trip to Shoab beach
What is not included
- Guide and driver tips
- Flights to and from Abu Dhabi (about 950 USD)
- Visa fees (about 150 USD)
- Travel insurance
- Snorkelling & diving equipment
Any questions related to your trip to Socotra?
If you have any questions about our camping group tours or need more information about traveling to Socotra, we’ve got you covered. For details on flights and visa arrangements, visit our How to get there page. For additional tips and useful information to help you prepare for your visit, check out our useful information to visit Socotra page. These resources are designed to ensure you have all the information you need for a seamless and enjoyable adventure with Socotra Trek. Feel free to contact us directly as well, using the below form. 👇🏽
Ready to visit Socotra?
Let’s get in touch!
You can also contact us directly:
- via email: socotratrek.tours@gmail.com
- via Whatsapp: +967 777 948 334
Adnan, ready to make your journey unforgettable.