Socotra (Yemen), My Paradise

Author: moon10
Date of Trip: January 2011

I have been in Socotra island (Yemen) 3 times in the last year: the first with an organized trip, the second and third as indipendent traveler… I know, unfortunately Yemen seems not to be so popular, but Socotra is different, so far from the Arabian peninsula, so far from the rest of the world… you will just enjoy your time outside the real world, you will forget every thing of your current life…

The secret that makes Socotra a paradise is its endemic nature and still uncontaminated culture of local people. Programs of eco-tourism are currently running to keep the island an authentic pearl of the Ocean, unique and still genuine.

My days in Socotra were just a full immersion in nature (sea and mountains) and all the advises of the local guide (Abdullah) make my stay just as dream… i still dream to go back soon!!

How to spend your time in Socotra? it is up to your choice: make agreement with locals about 1)relaxing on the best beaches, snorkeling, diving or just swiming in Indian Ocean or Arabian Sea but also in fresh water pools, 2)going on trips by boat and fish or swim with dolphins, or by camel on the mountains, or bicicling, 3)hiking or treking in the inland to find endemic plants like dragoon blood trees, incense and bottle trees or to birds watch… 4)exploring caves and climbing… but the best choice is just a mixture of all these activities.

Accommodation on the island is very simple: the capital Hadibo offers some hotels (**, ***, ****) but i strongly suggest to camp (free or at little fees in Protected Areas) on the beacheas or mountains. Transportation is by 4×4 cars (you need to hire also a driver since it is not allowed to drive to visitors) and local bus just connect villages but not tourist destinations.

For further information do not exitate to contact me or the nice guide that help me so much during my stay on the island abdulahsocotri@yahoo.com he will welcome you and be happy to get any new from friends out of Socotra who want to learn more on this special place Any improvment possiple to promote tourism on Socotra will help economic development of this place!!