Expedition to the island of Dragon's blood trees
SOCOTRA
October 24 - 31, 2023
October 31 - November 7, 2023
ToSocotra Island, Yemen
October 31 - November 7, 2023
ToSocotra Island, Yemen
Socotra is an island of an extraordinary oddity, with its bizarre trees and rare animals, traditional nomadic life of local pastoralists and fishermen, and unearthly mountainous landscapes, merging with sand dunes and sliding right into turquoise ocean waters.
Socotra is considered to be the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, the island of Socotra contains some of the world's most astonishing and unique plant forms. More than a third of some 800 can be found nowhere else on our planet.
Probably unlike anywhere on Earth, Socotra has to be seen to be believed.
tour to to Socotra expedition to Yemen trip to the island of the Dragon's blood trees tour to the island in Indian ocean Galapagos of Indian ocean Arher Qalansiya beach Hadibo Hadibu
©️ MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS / Alexey Kolbov, 2021
Drone pilot and director: Alex Kolbov aka Mzungu
Music: Hans Zimmer "Now we are free" from Gladiator
Drone pilot and director: Alex Kolbov aka Mzungu
Music: Hans Zimmer "Now we are free" from Gladiator
Socotra 2022
©️ Maria Kolosova
©️ Maria Kolosova
Socotra is an island of an extraordinary oddity, with its bizarre trees and rare animals, traditional nomadic life of local pastoralists and fishermen, and unearthly mountainous landscapes, merging with sand dunes and sliding right into turquoise ocean waters.
Socotra is considered to be the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, the island of Socotra contains some of the world's most astonishing and unique plant forms. More than a third of some 800 can be found nowhere else on our planet.
Probably unlike anywhere on Earth, Socotra has to be seen to be believed.
Socotra is considered to be the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, the island of Socotra contains some of the world's most astonishing and unique plant forms. More than a third of some 800 can be found nowhere else on our planet.
Probably unlike anywhere on Earth, Socotra has to be seen to be believed.
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates:
– October 24 - 31, 2023
– October 31 - November 7, 2023
* The dates of the program depend on the flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and can be rescheduled for 1 - 3 days in one direction or another. Exact dates will be determined no later than 2 months before the start of the trip, after the release of the exact schedule of Air Arabia charter flights.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost of participation per person:
– 1890 USD subject to 11 – 12 participants,
– 1990 USD subject to 9 – 10 participants,
– 2090 USD subject to 7 – 8 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before May 24, 2023)
Everything is included (also full board, Yemen visa) except for:
- international flight to/from Hadibu (Sokotra),
- international medical insurance.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Dubai /Abu Dhabi/ Sharjah roundtrip: USD 400 - 600 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Abu Dhabi – Hadibu (Socotra) roundtrip: USD 1080 (We arrange and buy it for you, you reimburse).
Single supplement: 40 USD (single accommodation is provided upon request in the hotel in Hadibu. Single accommodation in tents is included by default)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO SOCOTRA
Day 0. October 23 (October 30), 2023. DEPARTURE TO UAE
International flight from your city to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah (UAE).
* Recommended flight from Moscow to Abu Dhabi / Dubai / Sharjah (UAE):
- any flight arriving in Dubai or Sharjah (UAE) or Abu Dhabi (UAE) no later than 3:00 am on October 24 (October 31).
Accommodation: no
Meals: no
Day 1. October 24 (October 31), 2023. ABU DHABI (UAE) - HADIBU (SOCOTRA, YEMEN) - QALANSIYA CITY - DETWAH LAGOON
Two-hour morning direct flight from Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Hadiba on a government charter flight (time to be confirmed).
Arrival to Socotra airport, Yemen. Meeting with a local guide who will accompany us whole trip.
Welcome to an exciting journey to a beautiful island where sun and sea dance in harmony. We get into four-wheel drive jeeps and immediately go to Qalansiya - the second largest city on the island. Here, nearby in the Detva lagoon, we will set up our camp. Our chef will welcome you with a delicious lunch.
After that you can walk along the lagoon, admire the dunes, and also enjoy swimming in the azure waters of the sea. In the evening we will climb a little higher to catch an amazing sunset that will leave an unforgettable impression in our hearts.
In the evening we will have a welcome dinner with the freshest seafood prepared for us by our talented chef.
Overnight in Detwah Lagoon, in tents for one or two (as you wish).
** Flight from Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Hadiba (Socotra, Yemen):
- direct government charter flight Air Arabia, departure from Abu Dhabi to Hadiba on October 24 (October 31), 2023, in the morning (time to be confirmed)
Accommodation: tents
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2. October 25 (November 1), 2023. DETWAH LAGOON - SHOUB BEACH
Early morning boat trip to Shoub Beach with a local fisherman. Sea trip accompanied by birds and long-nosed dolphins, we will have every chance to see them. The large cliff along the coast provides an excellent opportunity to observe seabirds nesting among the ledges. Due to its endemic nature, Socotra is considered the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, as it was named by a British scientific expedition in 1880.
It is also possible to go fishing from a boat.
Stop at the pristine Shoub beach with mangrove trees.
Relax on one of the most beautiful and deserted beaches on the island. The locals call it the "golden beach".
Upon returning to the camp, we will put on our coral slippers and go for a walk in the huge Detwah lagoon, accompanied by the Caveman, a local fisherman known in Qalansiya for his ability to catch a stingray with his bare hands!
Walk along the huge lagoon, which is famous for its sandy beach, picturesque landscapes, sea turtles, octopuses, ball fish, stingrays, sea shells, squids and other outlandish creatures.
The Caveman will try to catch rays, oysters, sea urchins or mussels. We can try something right by the sea, and we will take something to the cave, the temporary dwelling of the fisherman.
Here we will dine with octopus or squid caught by a Caveman. Traditional preparation of Socotri stingray for lunch.
After lunch swimming in the sea, as usual in Socotra!
We have the opportunity to fly a helicopter or an autogyro (a small motorized aircraft with a helicopter propeller) over the landscapes of Socotra by the request (for an additional fee of 100 USD, the cost is subject to change).
When the evening comes, we will find a place to admire one of the spectacular sunsets in Socotra.
Dinner and overnight in Detwah lagoon.
Accommodation: tents
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. October 26 (November 2), 2023. DETWAH LAGOON - DIKSAM PLATEAU - WADI DEHUR CANYON - FERMAHIN DRAGON TREE FOREST
After breakfast on the shore of the Lagoon, we are heading to the central part of the island, to the Diksam Plateau. Known for its dragon trees, this place is home to the nomadic Bedouin people. Let's stop here to take a photo from the Shebhan Viewpoint - one of the coolest photo spots in Socotra. Here you can meet cattle breeders and buy dragonwood beads or wicker boxes with fragments of this tree from local children.
Transfer by car to the forest of dragon trees Fermahin.
(This depends on the weather and road conditions. If it rains, the road may be impassable and only accessible on foot. This is approximately 12 km, 40 minutes one way, or 2 hours hiking one way.)
This forest of dragon trees is the largest on the island. Absolutely prehistoric views! The island of Socotra, off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the most amazing and unique forms of plants. More than a third of the approximately 800 species are found nowhere else on earth.
We will stop in the canyon for lunch in a very picturesque place. Then we continue our way to the mountains. Here in the middle of the forest lives a few people of Socotrians. We will meet and chat with them. Dinner and overnight in the dragon forest among these amazing trees.
Accommodation: tents
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. October 27 (November 3), 2023. FERMAHIN FOREST - OMAQ SAND BEACH - DEBUG CAVE - HAYF AND ZAHAK SAND DUNES
On Land Cruiser jeeps we will descend from the plateau and move to the southern coast of Socotra Island, to the sandy beach of Omaq. We walk along the beach and swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Then we will visit the Debug cave (easy trekking - 10 min). After this a trip to the large sand dunes of Haif and Zahak awaits us, going straight into the sea (40 min). We will climb the dunes of the largest desert of Socotra, take a walk and take pictures.
Return to the beach and sunset on the beach.
Night in tents (toilet and shower available in the guest house).
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. October 28 (November 4), 2023. OMAQ BEACH - KELESEHAN CANYON - ARHER GIANT SAND DUNES
After breakfast, we will have a 3-hour drive to the Kelesehan Canyon, an amazing place known for its natural pools and fresh water cascades. We will see an unearthly landscape, one of the most unique in Socotra. The perfect place for swimming, canyoning and...your drone!
Then we will continue our way to the giant sand dunes of Arher, where right between the azure ocean and the black mountains there is a huge snow-white dune about 200 meters high. Here fresh and salt waters meet, creating a natural phenomenon.
Late lunch from our local team near the sand dunes of Arher - perhaps the most recognizable place on Socotra.
Swimming in the ocean, sunset photos and a special dinner from our chef. Overnight in tents on the Arkher beach under the sound of the waves.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. October 29 (November 5), 2023. ARHER SAND DUNES - HOQ CAVE - RAS ERISAL CAPE - ERISAL TRADITIONAL VILLAGE - ARHER BEACH
Our campsite is surrounded by gigantic dunes and is the best place to watch the sunrise, which is just fabulous. We wake up early in the morning (you can sleep a little longer, but miss the most beautiful sunrise in Socotra!), in order to climb the dune and take the best photos. Climbing time 40-60 minutes, height is 200 meters. After the descent - breakfast.
After breakfast, we go to the Hoq cave (40 minutes), from where our trek will start from the foot of the cliff. Hike to Hoq Cave (1-1.5 hours one way, climb 350 meters). The length of the cave is 2.5 kilometers, there are many interesting things inside: stalactites, stalagmites and water tanks. Ancient inscriptions are preserved on the walls here.
Hoq is the most beautiful cave of the island. It is advisable to take tripods, a flash and a headlamp with you, as it is dark inside the cave.
Then we will go back to the cars (1 hour), return to Arher beach and have lunch right on the seashore. After relaxing on the most beautiful beach of Socotra, we will go to the easternmost point of the island - Cape Ras Erisal - the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Huge waves, sperm whale bones and harsh landscapes of eastern Socotra.
In the evening, visit the traditional fishing village of Erisal, where the best fishermen of Socotra live. Acquaintance with fishermen and informal communication with local residents. Here we will buy tuna or king fish for dinner and in the evening we will try raw fish delicacies.
Dinner and overnight at Arher beach.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7. October 30 (November 6), 2023. ARHER BEACH - INFINITY NATURE POOL - HOMHIL NATIONAL PARK - DIKHAMRI MARINE RESERVE.
After breakfast, departure to Homhil National Park - a botanical garden with an amazing natural pool. The park is famous for its endemic plants - frankincense tree and dragon tree. Dragon blood trees grow only on Socotra. Bottle and cucumber trees are also common here.
After about an hour of trekking, we will reach a crystal clear fresh water pool overlooking the entire northern part of the island and the emerald infinity of the ocean. Perhaps that is why this place is also called the Infinity pool. This is definitely one of the best places in Socotra! Landscapes from a film about prehistoric times! Steep slopes with dragon trees growing on them, natural pools filled with fresh water.
The Homhil forest with dragon trees is considered the second home of Dracena Cinnabari in Socotra. After a walk through the forest and a cool swim in the Infinity pool, descend (no more than 1 hour) and drive to the northern part of the island to the beautiful Qaria palm Oasis, where lunch will be organized.
The journey continues! We go to the Dihamri Marine Reserve - the best place in Socotra for snorkeling and diving. Masks, snorkels and fins are provided (you can also bring your own). Diving is possible at an additional cost.
We explore the underwater world in the Dihamri Reserve, where one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago is located. There are many marine animals that we can see while swimming, snorkeling and/or diving. With a high probability, here you can simultaneously see parrot fish, moray eels, rays, octopus, turtles, sharks (during diving) and many other marine life.
Transfer to the airport area and overnight in a simple Heathrow hotel.
Accommodation: Heathrow Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8. October 31 (November 7), 2023. HADIBOU - ABU DHABI / DUBAI / SHARJAH (UAE) - RETURN FLIGHT
Today we have a final breakfast on Socotra before we head home.
After breakfast, we can take a short walk around the city, getting into its heart - the fish market, and buying souvenirs (this is not easy in Socotra).
Transfer to Hadibu airport. Check-in for a flight to Abu Dhabi. Two-hour direct flight by state charter flight.
Transit international flight from Abu Dhabi back home. Or transfer by taxi to Dubai or Sharjah for departure from the international airport home.
* Recommended flight from Hadibu (Socotra, Yemen) to Abu Dhabi (UAE):
- direct government charter flight with Air Arabia in the middle of the day (time will be confirmed later).
** Recommended flight from Abu Dhabi / Dubai (UAE) to Moscow:
- any flight departing from Dubai, Sharjah (UAE) or from Abu Dhabi (UAE) not earlier than 1:00 am November 1 (November 8), 2023 (time will be confirmed later).
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The dates of the program depend on the flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and can be rescheduled for 1 - 3 days in one direction or another. Exact dates will be determined no later than 2 months before the start of the trip, after the release of the exact schedule of Air Arabia charter flights.
– October 24 - 31, 2023
– October 31 - November 7, 2023
* The dates of the program depend on the flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and can be rescheduled for 1 - 3 days in one direction or another. Exact dates will be determined no later than 2 months before the start of the trip, after the release of the exact schedule of Air Arabia charter flights.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost of participation per person:
– 1890 USD subject to 11 – 12 participants,
– 1990 USD subject to 9 – 10 participants,
– 2090 USD subject to 7 – 8 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before May 24, 2023)
Everything is included (also full board, Yemen visa) except for:
- international flight to/from Hadibu (Sokotra),
- international medical insurance.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Dubai /Abu Dhabi/ Sharjah roundtrip: USD 400 - 600 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Abu Dhabi – Hadibu (Socotra) roundtrip: USD 1080 (We arrange and buy it for you, you reimburse).
Single supplement: 40 USD (single accommodation is provided upon request in the hotel in Hadibu. Single accommodation in tents is included by default)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO SOCOTRA
Day 0. October 23 (October 30), 2023. DEPARTURE TO UAE
International flight from your city to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah (UAE).
* Recommended flight from Moscow to Abu Dhabi / Dubai / Sharjah (UAE):
- any flight arriving in Dubai or Sharjah (UAE) or Abu Dhabi (UAE) no later than 3:00 am on October 24 (October 31).
Accommodation: no
Meals: no
Day 1. October 24 (October 31), 2023. ABU DHABI (UAE) - HADIBU (SOCOTRA, YEMEN) - QALANSIYA CITY - DETWAH LAGOON
Two-hour morning direct flight from Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Hadiba on a government charter flight (time to be confirmed).
Arrival to Socotra airport, Yemen. Meeting with a local guide who will accompany us whole trip.
Welcome to an exciting journey to a beautiful island where sun and sea dance in harmony. We get into four-wheel drive jeeps and immediately go to Qalansiya - the second largest city on the island. Here, nearby in the Detva lagoon, we will set up our camp. Our chef will welcome you with a delicious lunch.
After that you can walk along the lagoon, admire the dunes, and also enjoy swimming in the azure waters of the sea. In the evening we will climb a little higher to catch an amazing sunset that will leave an unforgettable impression in our hearts.
In the evening we will have a welcome dinner with the freshest seafood prepared for us by our talented chef.
Overnight in Detwah Lagoon, in tents for one or two (as you wish).
** Flight from Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Hadiba (Socotra, Yemen):
- direct government charter flight Air Arabia, departure from Abu Dhabi to Hadiba on October 24 (October 31), 2023, in the morning (time to be confirmed)
Accommodation: tents
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2. October 25 (November 1), 2023. DETWAH LAGOON - SHOUB BEACH
Early morning boat trip to Shoub Beach with a local fisherman. Sea trip accompanied by birds and long-nosed dolphins, we will have every chance to see them. The large cliff along the coast provides an excellent opportunity to observe seabirds nesting among the ledges. Due to its endemic nature, Socotra is considered the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, as it was named by a British scientific expedition in 1880.
It is also possible to go fishing from a boat.
Stop at the pristine Shoub beach with mangrove trees.
Relax on one of the most beautiful and deserted beaches on the island. The locals call it the "golden beach".
Upon returning to the camp, we will put on our coral slippers and go for a walk in the huge Detwah lagoon, accompanied by the Caveman, a local fisherman known in Qalansiya for his ability to catch a stingray with his bare hands!
Walk along the huge lagoon, which is famous for its sandy beach, picturesque landscapes, sea turtles, octopuses, ball fish, stingrays, sea shells, squids and other outlandish creatures.
The Caveman will try to catch rays, oysters, sea urchins or mussels. We can try something right by the sea, and we will take something to the cave, the temporary dwelling of the fisherman.
Here we will dine with octopus or squid caught by a Caveman. Traditional preparation of Socotri stingray for lunch.
After lunch swimming in the sea, as usual in Socotra!
We have the opportunity to fly a helicopter or an autogyro (a small motorized aircraft with a helicopter propeller) over the landscapes of Socotra by the request (for an additional fee of 100 USD, the cost is subject to change).
When the evening comes, we will find a place to admire one of the spectacular sunsets in Socotra.
Dinner and overnight in Detwah lagoon.
Accommodation: tents
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. October 26 (November 2), 2023. DETWAH LAGOON - DIKSAM PLATEAU - WADI DEHUR CANYON - FERMAHIN DRAGON TREE FOREST
After breakfast on the shore of the Lagoon, we are heading to the central part of the island, to the Diksam Plateau. Known for its dragon trees, this place is home to the nomadic Bedouin people. Let's stop here to take a photo from the Shebhan Viewpoint - one of the coolest photo spots in Socotra. Here you can meet cattle breeders and buy dragonwood beads or wicker boxes with fragments of this tree from local children.
Transfer by car to the forest of dragon trees Fermahin.
(This depends on the weather and road conditions. If it rains, the road may be impassable and only accessible on foot. This is approximately 12 km, 40 minutes one way, or 2 hours hiking one way.)
This forest of dragon trees is the largest on the island. Absolutely prehistoric views! The island of Socotra, off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the most amazing and unique forms of plants. More than a third of the approximately 800 species are found nowhere else on earth.
We will stop in the canyon for lunch in a very picturesque place. Then we continue our way to the mountains. Here in the middle of the forest lives a few people of Socotrians. We will meet and chat with them. Dinner and overnight in the dragon forest among these amazing trees.
Accommodation: tents
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. October 27 (November 3), 2023. FERMAHIN FOREST - OMAQ SAND BEACH - DEBUG CAVE - HAYF AND ZAHAK SAND DUNES
On Land Cruiser jeeps we will descend from the plateau and move to the southern coast of Socotra Island, to the sandy beach of Omaq. We walk along the beach and swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Then we will visit the Debug cave (easy trekking - 10 min). After this a trip to the large sand dunes of Haif and Zahak awaits us, going straight into the sea (40 min). We will climb the dunes of the largest desert of Socotra, take a walk and take pictures.
Return to the beach and sunset on the beach.
Night in tents (toilet and shower available in the guest house).
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. October 28 (November 4), 2023. OMAQ BEACH - KELESEHAN CANYON - ARHER GIANT SAND DUNES
After breakfast, we will have a 3-hour drive to the Kelesehan Canyon, an amazing place known for its natural pools and fresh water cascades. We will see an unearthly landscape, one of the most unique in Socotra. The perfect place for swimming, canyoning and...your drone!
Then we will continue our way to the giant sand dunes of Arher, where right between the azure ocean and the black mountains there is a huge snow-white dune about 200 meters high. Here fresh and salt waters meet, creating a natural phenomenon.
Late lunch from our local team near the sand dunes of Arher - perhaps the most recognizable place on Socotra.
Swimming in the ocean, sunset photos and a special dinner from our chef. Overnight in tents on the Arkher beach under the sound of the waves.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. October 29 (November 5), 2023. ARHER SAND DUNES - HOQ CAVE - RAS ERISAL CAPE - ERISAL TRADITIONAL VILLAGE - ARHER BEACH
Our campsite is surrounded by gigantic dunes and is the best place to watch the sunrise, which is just fabulous. We wake up early in the morning (you can sleep a little longer, but miss the most beautiful sunrise in Socotra!), in order to climb the dune and take the best photos. Climbing time 40-60 minutes, height is 200 meters. After the descent - breakfast.
After breakfast, we go to the Hoq cave (40 minutes), from where our trek will start from the foot of the cliff. Hike to Hoq Cave (1-1.5 hours one way, climb 350 meters). The length of the cave is 2.5 kilometers, there are many interesting things inside: stalactites, stalagmites and water tanks. Ancient inscriptions are preserved on the walls here.
Hoq is the most beautiful cave of the island. It is advisable to take tripods, a flash and a headlamp with you, as it is dark inside the cave.
Then we will go back to the cars (1 hour), return to Arher beach and have lunch right on the seashore. After relaxing on the most beautiful beach of Socotra, we will go to the easternmost point of the island - Cape Ras Erisal - the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Huge waves, sperm whale bones and harsh landscapes of eastern Socotra.
In the evening, visit the traditional fishing village of Erisal, where the best fishermen of Socotra live. Acquaintance with fishermen and informal communication with local residents. Here we will buy tuna or king fish for dinner and in the evening we will try raw fish delicacies.
Dinner and overnight at Arher beach.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7. October 30 (November 6), 2023. ARHER BEACH - INFINITY NATURE POOL - HOMHIL NATIONAL PARK - DIKHAMRI MARINE RESERVE.
After breakfast, departure to Homhil National Park - a botanical garden with an amazing natural pool. The park is famous for its endemic plants - frankincense tree and dragon tree. Dragon blood trees grow only on Socotra. Bottle and cucumber trees are also common here.
After about an hour of trekking, we will reach a crystal clear fresh water pool overlooking the entire northern part of the island and the emerald infinity of the ocean. Perhaps that is why this place is also called the Infinity pool. This is definitely one of the best places in Socotra! Landscapes from a film about prehistoric times! Steep slopes with dragon trees growing on them, natural pools filled with fresh water.
The Homhil forest with dragon trees is considered the second home of Dracena Cinnabari in Socotra. After a walk through the forest and a cool swim in the Infinity pool, descend (no more than 1 hour) and drive to the northern part of the island to the beautiful Qaria palm Oasis, where lunch will be organized.
The journey continues! We go to the Dihamri Marine Reserve - the best place in Socotra for snorkeling and diving. Masks, snorkels and fins are provided (you can also bring your own). Diving is possible at an additional cost.
We explore the underwater world in the Dihamri Reserve, where one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago is located. There are many marine animals that we can see while swimming, snorkeling and/or diving. With a high probability, here you can simultaneously see parrot fish, moray eels, rays, octopus, turtles, sharks (during diving) and many other marine life.
Transfer to the airport area and overnight in a simple Heathrow hotel.
Accommodation: Heathrow Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8. October 31 (November 7), 2023. HADIBOU - ABU DHABI / DUBAI / SHARJAH (UAE) - RETURN FLIGHT
Today we have a final breakfast on Socotra before we head home.
After breakfast, we can take a short walk around the city, getting into its heart - the fish market, and buying souvenirs (this is not easy in Socotra).
Transfer to Hadibu airport. Check-in for a flight to Abu Dhabi. Two-hour direct flight by state charter flight.
Transit international flight from Abu Dhabi back home. Or transfer by taxi to Dubai or Sharjah for departure from the international airport home.
* Recommended flight from Hadibu (Socotra, Yemen) to Abu Dhabi (UAE):
- direct government charter flight with Air Arabia in the middle of the day (time will be confirmed later).
** Recommended flight from Abu Dhabi / Dubai (UAE) to Moscow:
- any flight departing from Dubai, Sharjah (UAE) or from Abu Dhabi (UAE) not earlier than 1:00 am November 1 (November 8), 2023 (time will be confirmed later).
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The dates of the program depend on the flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and can be rescheduled for 1 - 3 days in one direction or another. Exact dates will be determined no later than 2 months before the start of the trip, after the release of the exact schedule of Air Arabia charter flights.
Cost includes:
• Accommodation in hotel in Hadibu (in TWIN rooms)
• Accommodation in tents along the itinerary: SINGLE accommodation or DBL for the family couples
• Full board: three times a day meals throughout entire itinerary cooked by our chef and his assistant, the kitchen moves by their own pick-up car and always on time for meals
• Special dinners, soft drinks and fruits
• Drinking bottled water throughout the whole trip
• All transfers according to the itinerary by 4WD cars (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, 3 clients in each car), all with air-conditioning, driven by local experienced drivers
• Airport transfers
• Tents, mattresses, cushions and sheets and camping gear and furniture. Possibility to wash yourself with fresh water every evening
• All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary
• Boat trip to Shoub
• Socotra traditional dance (some 15 dancers, 1-2 hrs long)
• All permits for visiting protected areas, National parks
• Yemen visa full support: documents, visa fees and processing (USD 100 cost included)
• English speaking local guide throughout all trip and special Hoq cave guide
• Russian- and English speaking team leader throughout all itinerary.
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid) :
• International flight ticket Abu Dhabi (UAE) - Hadibu (Socotra) - Abu Dhabi (1080 USD per pax, may be changed)
• International flight ticket from your city to Abu Dhabi / Dubai (UAE) roundtrip, taxi transfers between airports
• International medical insurance
• Tips for local team
• Personal expenses
• Additional activities: diving, flight on autogyre or helicopter
• Single accommodation in Hadibu
To take with:
• long sleeve wear set, wear set for hot weather
• very light jacket for cool nights
• comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers with thick soles
• flip flops
• coral slippers (aqua shoes) for walking on a rocky bottom
• swimwear
• cap/hat
• raincoat
• forehead torch
• big backpack/bag for luggage (not more than 80 liters capacity)
• small backpack for radial walks for personal stuff and photo-, video cameras (20-25 l)
• sleeping bag for +15/+20 degrees weather (optional)
• anti mosquito repellents
• sunblock cream
• sunglasses
• personal hygiene items (towel, soap, wet tissues)
• personal medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydrone, court plaster, your personal medications)
• photo and video camera / drone,
• tripod and flash light
• more spare batteries and power banks
• bottle for drinking water
• Accommodation in hotel in Hadibu (in TWIN rooms)
• Accommodation in tents along the itinerary: SINGLE accommodation or DBL for the family couples
• Full board: three times a day meals throughout entire itinerary cooked by our chef and his assistant, the kitchen moves by their own pick-up car and always on time for meals
• Special dinners, soft drinks and fruits
• Drinking bottled water throughout the whole trip
• All transfers according to the itinerary by 4WD cars (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, 3 clients in each car), all with air-conditioning, driven by local experienced drivers
• Airport transfers
• Tents, mattresses, cushions and sheets and camping gear and furniture. Possibility to wash yourself with fresh water every evening
• All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary
• Boat trip to Shoub
• Socotra traditional dance (some 15 dancers, 1-2 hrs long)
• All permits for visiting protected areas, National parks
• Yemen visa full support: documents, visa fees and processing (USD 100 cost included)
• English speaking local guide throughout all trip and special Hoq cave guide
• Russian- and English speaking team leader throughout all itinerary.
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid) :
• International flight ticket Abu Dhabi (UAE) - Hadibu (Socotra) - Abu Dhabi (1080 USD per pax, may be changed)
• International flight ticket from your city to Abu Dhabi / Dubai (UAE) roundtrip, taxi transfers between airports
• International medical insurance
• Tips for local team
• Personal expenses
• Additional activities: diving, flight on autogyre or helicopter
• Single accommodation in Hadibu
To take with:
• long sleeve wear set, wear set for hot weather
• very light jacket for cool nights
• comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers with thick soles
• flip flops
• coral slippers (aqua shoes) for walking on a rocky bottom
• swimwear
• cap/hat
• raincoat
• forehead torch
• big backpack/bag for luggage (not more than 80 liters capacity)
• small backpack for radial walks for personal stuff and photo-, video cameras (20-25 l)
• sleeping bag for +15/+20 degrees weather (optional)
• anti mosquito repellents
• sunblock cream
• sunglasses
• personal hygiene items (towel, soap, wet tissues)
• personal medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydrone, court plaster, your personal medications)
• photo and video camera / drone,
• tripod and flash light
• more spare batteries and power banks
• bottle for drinking water
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5LOW PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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