We were contacted by Erica, who wanted to show you the island of Socotra. Frankly, we had no idea where this island was on a map, or what there was to discover. So we thought we’d share with you what Erica showed us. Although she’s not from Soqotri, she fell in love with the island and its inhabitants. She joined the adventure of a local agency to promote this magnificent island through social networks.
Special attention here:
Yemen cannot be a tourist destination in its current state, including on the islands of Socotra and Mayun, which are Yemeni territory, or along the coast because of the risk of kidnapping and the insecurity linked to the conflict. Consular assistance will be virtually impossible.
Information from diplomatie.belgium.be
Socotra Island
Also known as Soqotra, this island, the pearl of Yemen, lies in the Indian Ocean, at the northeastern tip of Somalia, 352 kilometers southeast of the coast of Al Mahrah governorate, Yemen.
What to see in Socotra
Socotra, which covers an area of 3,579 km² (a territory the size of Normandy in France), is the largest island in the archipelago of the same name. It boasts exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. Here’s what Socotra has to offer:
- Unique biodiversity: Socotra is home to some 700 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The famous “dragon’s blood trees”, the dracaenas, and the strange “cucurbits” are fascinating examples.
- Lunar landscapes: imagine craggy mountains, white sandy beaches, hidden caves and strange rock formations. Socotra offers a setting worthy of a science-fiction film.
- An unspoilt culture: the inhabitants of Socotra, a mix of Arabs, Greeks and Indians, live in harmony with nature.
- Adventure and hiking: explore the Haghier Mountains, dive into the crystal-clear waters and meet the local fishermen. A paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
“Embrace Socotra” what is it?
A local agency made up of a team of young Socotra natives, born and raised on the island. At the heart of Embrace Socotra is Ali Ahmed Al, a Socotra native and founder of the agency. Ali and his team are committed to making your visit unforgettable by sharing the beauty and hospitality of their homeland.
With their tours, you can experience the island’s culture authentically, thanks to a road trip worthy of the name. Their all-inclusive packages include a local guide, driver and personalized program. You can explore the mountains, go hiking, enjoy the beach, visit protected areas, snorkel, watch dolphins and much more.
You can contact them on their Instagram page or simply visit their website www.embracesocotra.com for all the information you need.
Don’t hesitate to share your experience of this destination with us, it sounds sublime.
However, we have no plans to go there in the near future. Firstly, Belgium prohibits us from traveling there at the moment, but also because of the difficulty of reaching the island (indeed, no flight is possible without going through an agency), the unavailability of a choice of accommodation through Booking or other sites of this type due to the instability of the region (the island is part of Yemen).
(source: diplomatie des affaires étrangères).
