Socotra is the most unusual island in the world. The nearest land is 350 km away, and its entire ecosystem develops in complete isolation, which has resulted in the formation of unique and unique forms of fauna and flora. This extraordinary place combines extraordinary life forms from Africa, Europe and Asia, therefore it has become a great mystery for scientists and biologists.
Socotra is open to tourism again
The first tourists appeared on the island in 1990, they were delighted with the pearl of the travel world, full of beautiful nature, stunning landscapes, mountains, caves, bays, beaches and unusual vegetation.
Pierwsi turyści pojawili się na wyspie w 1990 roku, zachwycali się oni perełką podróżniczego świata, pełną pięknej przyrody, zachwycających krajobrazów, gór, jaskiń, zatok, plaż i nietypowej roślinności.
A long pause for terrorism
Długa przerwa na terroryzm
Socotra belongs territorially to Yemen, therefore it had close ties with terrorism in its period. Yemen was at war for a long time, and Islamic terrorists were trained in the mountains of the island, and it was impossible or very inadvisable to travel to the island due to the possibility of kidnappings.
For a year now, the island has reopened to tourists. Unfortunately, getting to the island is neither easy nor cheap. The first option is a cargo ferry from Yemen. This trip is associated with long sailing times and the whim of the ship's captain. The ferry is not a commercial ferry and the decision whether or not to sail is made by the captain. He can spend any.
Dixam Plateau and Dragon Trees
When wandering around the island, we often come across dragon trees, the so-called "dragon trees". These are plants with a characteristic umbrella shape. This tree produces a specific sap called dragon's blood. The substance was used as a medicine in antiquity.
Currently, this red liquid, which is a natural antibiotic, is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Preparations from dragon's blood strengthen the body's immunity, and are also used in the treatment of skin allergies and difficult-to-heal wounds.
Dihamri reserve Bottle (cucumber) tree
There are also very rare species of other trees on the island, including the bottle tree. When the sun's rays fall on it, its bark gives the impression that it is gilded. Countless numbers of them grow on the island, their wonderful flowers add to the beauty of the tree.
Dihamri is also a great base for snorkeling or diving. The reserve boasts one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago and a huge diversity of fauna and flora.
Momi Plateau - Kelesehan Canyon - Arhe
This is one of the most amazing places in Sokor, famous mainly for its natural freshwater pools.
There are also giant sand dunes up to 300 m high and the beautiful Hoq Cave.
Hoq Caves in Arher
Inside, about 2.5 km long, you can see numerous stalactites, stalagmites and terrace pools. The cave also hides amazing archaeological finds, such as wooden tables with Aramaic inscriptions from 258.
Detwah
The Detwah Lagoon is a protected marine area. It is famous for its spectacular landscapes, a beautiful sandy beach, and the incredible wealth of underwater life. It is an amazing pleasure to walk on this huge lagoon.
Detwah - Shoub Beach
Detwah - Sandunes dunes
A trip to the beach where nobody is there, except for a handful of tourists, is an amazing experience. Sailing on it with a rented boat, you can meet herds of dolphins accompanying the participants of the cruise.
What's the best way to get to the island?
The second option is to fly from Abu Dhabi, as there are no direct connections to the island. Flights take place once a week and you need a Yemeni visa for this, which can only be obtained through an agency or tourist office. The cost of the visa is $ 100, and the 2-hour flight is $ 900. So much for the technical sides, now about what is worth seeing on Socotra, and there is a lot of it. There is practically no accommodation there. Trips are organized, and accommodation is mainly in camps or tents.