There’s a place you never thought would be on your travel list but after you see these photos, Yemen may just make the cut. OK, probably not for most of you, but you need to know Socotra, an island off the coast of Yemen and one of the most spectacularly show-stopping places in the world. We would go so far as to say, it’s game-changing.
Location
We know; the moment you hear Yemen, there are thoughts that do not include lifetime destination that come to mind. Socotra however is a peaceful enclave and completely unspoiled part of the world. Off the east coast of Africa, Socotora is an island in the Northwest Indian Ocean. It is a UNESCO heritage site because of its flora, fauna, marine life, and animals. It literally looks like another planet, and has rare species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. This makes it a key place to hit if you’re interested in nature conservation, or just really enjoy soaking up the rare beauty of remote corners of the globe. The photographs are already unreal that you see of Socotra, and yet they don’t even begin to give justice to the beauty of the island.
Overview
Starter reasons to want to travel to Socotra: lofty and expansive dunes, natural infinity pools, mountainous hikes, and limestone plateaus that open up to expanses. The four islands of Socotra are geological marvels to even the most well-traveled. We don’t use the word magical lightly, but that’s what Socotra is. Organic healing materials literally grow on trees here, and their use dates back to the Ancient Romans and Greeks. Moreover, Socotra is one of the few islands that was once attached to the continental land mass. So, if volcanoes make you nervous even when they’re dormant, this might just be the island for you.
Culture and Heritage
The people of Socotra have been dedicated to preserving and caring for the rich biodiversity of the region. They are to be thanked for the island’s maintenance as an unspoiled gem. Their community-based economic system created a rich history of bartering and agriculture. This allowed for an emphasis on prioritizing honoring the land and its resources.
Travel to Socotra
Socotra isn’t an easy destination to add to your travel list, as it requires a Yemeni visa. Luckily for you, Galavante can streamline this process, making your getaway headache-free. In fact, our Founder Christine is planning a week-long camping excursion in early 2024. If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of the 7 people who get to go along for the ride. It will be the trip of a lifetime.
This is a sketch of what’s in store for Socotra with Christine:
Day I
Arrival to Socotra from Abu Dhabi (2.5 hour flight)
Travel in all-terrain vehicles with full staff + crew to Detwah Lagoon with a stop through the local village of QalansiyahWelcome Dinner + Evening moon and stargazing
Day II
Journey by road and hiking to the Pink Queen
Boat excursion with snorkeling, swimming and exploring cliffs and local marine and fisherman life
Day III
Drive to Dragon Blood, with the famous Socotra trees
Day IV
Journey to The Dunes, with the iconic stretches of the most beautiful beaches in the world
This is just a snapshot of the itinerary, where the trip will provide all meals and as elevated camping as we can get in this part of the world. Travel to Socotra is more about the luxury of experience, which you may find is the most luxurious state of all.
