Socotra

Drive to neighbouring Detwah lagoon, a marine protected area renown for its magical landscape. Relax by the golden sands and turquoise waters of the bay, while taking in one of the best views on the island. It is possible to swim here although mind the sting-rays!
Then we take a boat trip to Shuaab. On the boat we hope to see Spinner Dolphins, Cormorants and you will be able to line fish off of the boat. Explore the long sandy beach and mangrove area before lunch.
In the afternoon there will be free time for swimming and to soak in the surroundings before the boat ride back to Qalansyia.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Hodibo.

Drive to Diksam Plateau and gorge, the most spectacular limestone landscape feature on the island. The gorge drops vertically to the valley floor. You will be able to walk along the edge of the gorge where you will see Dragon’s Blood trees.
Sections of the plateau have partially slipped into the gorge, leaving ’lost worlds’ accessible only to buzzards and vultures. The plateau is home to nomadic Bedouin herdsmen who move from one site to another with their herds. We will be welcomed by them with a cup of tea and see houses built into ledges where the plateau meets the gorge. The forest in Diksam is the last Dragon’s Blood woodland.
Local people will show you how they used to collect – and still collect on a smaller scale – the precious red resin of the trees. After Diksam Plateau a dramatic change in landscape onto the lush canyon floor, home to Bruce’s Green Pigeons and Laughing Doves. Cool down by swimming in the wadi’s deep pool.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Hodibo.

Drive to Homhil protected area.

En-route we will stop at Qaria, the largest lagoon on the island where we shall hopefully see Flamingos, Herons and Greenshank.

At Homhil, there is a selection of trails, one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool overlooking a village and the sea. Homhil is also home to Frankincense trees.

Afterwards we will drive to Arher where sand dunes have been piled up against the sheer rock faces by the prevailing westerly winds. You can relax on green grass around a freshwater creek, swim in the sea or if feeling fit climb a huge sand dune to get a fantastic view over this charming spot.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Hodibo.

A day at Dihamri marine protected area. It boasts with one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. You can relax on the beach in palm leaf huts and swim and snorkel in Dihamri Bay. Snorkelling gear can be hired there. Marine species you will see underwater include: Parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, if you are lucky you will meet turtles.

Dinner and overnight in hotel in Hodibo.

After breakfast we travel to the south of the island, visiting villages along the way. The first stop is at Amak beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean.

Lunch will be at Dagub cave, overlooking traditional villages. The cave itself contains many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water that have seeped through the rock over time.

After lunch we shall visit the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek that have been pushed up against the mountainside by seasonal winds. There will be an opportunity to climb the dunes for a view worthy of the effort.

Dinner and overnight in hotel in Hodibo.

If the group feel capable and happy to trek, we will drive to Hoq Cave.

One of the biggest caves on the island, with subterranean water supplies. The 2.5-hour uphill trek to the cave entrance is tough but rewarded by the cave system spanning over 10km long. As we walk inside, we will admire many huge stalagmites, stalactites, and a rim pool.

If not then we will head to Kalyson canyon for a less demanding walk.

Dinner and overnight in hotel in Hodibo.

Transfer to Socotra airport