YEMEN

Socotra Island, located off the coast of Yemen, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by nature enthusiasts. This paradise boasts breathtaking landscapes that seem to belong to another world. Its unique ecosystem is home to a plethora of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. From the iconic Dragon's Blood trees, with their distinctive umbrella-like canopies, to the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, Socotra Island offers an immersive experience that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Its untouched beauty and remoteness make it a true sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. Travelers are captivated by its surreal landscapes, turquoise seas, and ever-changing dunes, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime. Socotra Island is a true testament to the wonders of our natural world, a place where magic and serenity converge in perfect harmony.

In May 2021 I had the opportunity to visit Socotra Island, Yemen! It’s not easy to get here, but let me go over everything you need to know on how to get here and the top things to see.

Where is Socotra Island?

Located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 240 kilometers east of the Horn of Africa, Socotra Island stands as a true testament to the marvels and mysteries of our natural world. This hidden gem, part of the Republic of Yemen, boasts a unique location that sets it apart from any other destination on the planet.

Socotra Island's distinct geological history has contributed to its extraordinary array of flora and fauna that exist nowhere else on Earth. Its isolation from the mainland, coupled with the convergence of subtropical monsoons, has created the perfect breeding ground for a myriad of rare and endemic species to thrive in this exclusive haven. Towering dragon's blood trees, bulbous bottle trees, and velvety frankincense trees punctuate the landscape, while dense forests, freshwater springs, and pristine beaches surround them.

HOW TO GET TO SOCOTRA ISLAND

Getting to Socotra Island isn’t as simple as booking a flight and going; you must go with a tour operator who can set up your visa. These days, most flights to Socotra fly from Abu Dhabi, UAE but you used to also be able to fly from Cairo, Egypt. Of course, your best bet is to speak with your tour operator to figure out what’s best for you.

As for tour operators, check out Crazy Puffin Adventures! I personally love Crazy Puffin and lead expeditions for them; sometimes it’s easier to have everything laid out and get all your questions answered by native English-speakers. But if you’d rather go with a local tour agency to support the community directly check out Socotra Eco-Tours.

When to visit Socotra Island

Tours to Socotra Island only operate for half of the year, from October until early May. After May is monsoon season, so everything closes up until the fall. I went in May at the end of the season, and let me just say this was the worst possible time to visit because the heat was on average 46 degrees Celsius (about 115 Fahrenheit), even at night. The winds would pick up so sand would be blowing constantly, so the weather was not pleasant to say the least. But it was still an incredible trip! I highly recommend going earlier in the season; the best time is between November and February so you get to see the pink blooming flowers on the bottle trees, which are a relative of the baobab tree.

What to pack for socotra Island

Yemen is a Muslim country, but because of the remote feel of Socotra Island, you won’t have to worry about appropriate dress. Most tours are wild camping, plus I wouldn’t recommend doing a tour if you’re not, otherwise you’re really missing out on the whole experience! Of course bring one outfit that’s not too revealing if you’re planning on being in the capital of Hadiboh, but for the most part I was in shorts, tank tops, and a bikini the entire trip. Anyways, here are my must-have’s to pack for Socotra Island:

CLOTHES:

My top recommendation for clothes is lightweight and sweat-wicking since you’ll be camping for a week without a shower.

SPORTS TANK TOP: This is one of my favorite tank tops and have several! It’s my go-to for the gym and hiking, looks cute but keeps you cool and the sweat away from your skin.

LIGHTWEIGHT JOGGER PANTS: I originally bought a pair of these from Target but found these dupes from Amazon and love how they come in way more colors! They are super thin and lightweight so they hardly take up space, not to mention are also great in the heat but can also provide good cover at night in case there’s a breeze. I use these for all my Africa / Middle East trips. Definitely bring shorts though!

QUICK DRY TOWEL: Quick dry towels are a must when camping, but I recently discovered the pocket quick dry towel by Sea to Summit and it’s my new staple. Not only does it do a great job of drying you off unlike some plush microfiber towels, but it also packs up to the size of your index finger.

TEVA SANDALS: A must for hiking in places where you’re going to be in and out of the water! Chacos are great too but I personally think Tevas look better with regular clothes.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out my Amazon storefront for more recommendations on what I bring on trips.

ELECTRONICS & ACCESSORIES:

EXTERNAL BATTERY: You won’t have much of a way to charge your phone or batteries, so it’s imperative that you bring a good external battery to charge everything! I was able to charge my phone five times, but I also recommend bringing a USB plug with multiple ports for the car’s cigarette lighter so you can top off your electronics on the long drives.

DJI MAVIC MINI 3 PRO: Having a drone in Socotra is a must, but I highly recommend bringing your mini. Unfortunately if it’s a Mavic Air or larger they will confiscate it (I know from experience) so the mini is the perfect size.

CAMERA CLIP FOR BACKPACK: This is one of my favorite photography accessories for hiking with a backpack! It makes it so easy to have your camera within arm’s reach when you see something you want to snap a quick photo of on a hike, versus having to pull it out of your backpack and set it up.

TRAVEL ORGANIZER: As a backpack traveler, I find it so important to stay as organized and compact as possible. This is great for storing all your cables, SD cards, batteries, or whatever other stray accessories you have!

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out my Amazon storefront for more recommendations on what I bring on trips.