Detail
OUR DESTINATION
The Socotra archipelago is an oasis of calm, isolated in the northwest Indian Ocean off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia. It is a land of high mountains, pristine white beaches, and one of the world’s densest concentrations of plant and animal life found anywhere on the planet.
From June to September every year, strong monsoon winds hit the islands, contributing to Socotra’s inaccessibility. This inaccessibility has been a blessing for Socotra in recent years. There have been very low levels of human impact on the environment of the island compared to other global biodiversity hotspots. The island’s population remains small (around 60,000), and was a barter only economy as late as 1990. The island’s isolation also means that Socotra has been insulated from the ongoing civil war on mainland Yemen, making Socotra a safe and welcoming destination for the handful of tourists which make their way to the island each year.
FLORA & FAUNA
Socotra Island was designated a ‘Man and Biosphere reserve’ in 2003 and placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. There are thought to be 825 species of plants on the 3,796 km² island, of which 37% are endemic. Plants have been central to the island’s culture and trade throughout history; these include variants of commiphora, aloe, boswelia and dragon’s blood tree, which produce various resins including myrrh, frankincense and aloe. Since antiquity, dragon’s blood resin been used for lacquering wood, medicine, cosmetics and in dyes. In fact, Aristotle is rumoured to have recommended that Alexander the Great conquer Socotra in order to take control of the aloe trade.
Socotra is also an important home to many rare species of animals. This includes the endangered Egyptian vulture - which is declining globally but thrives on the island with a population of 800 pairs - a unique iridescent Tarantula called the Blue Baboon, as well as truly bizarre legless lizards and numerous endemic species of other reptiles, crabs and molluscs.
(c) Clare Doolan
GROUP TRAVEL
One of the best things about going on an ISHKAR trip is the group of people with whom you travel. Our trips attract informed, critically minded and adventurous people from all around the world.
Some of you will be drawn by the prospect of spending time in the remote wilderness, others will be drawn by the chance to learn about a fascinating and poorly understood part of the world.
We get to know everyone who applies to our trips over the phone. In this way we can curate groups guaranteed to enjoy sharing this extraordinary experience together. What unites everyone is the same curious spirit and desire to get far away from the typical tourist trails.
The Price
The price for this once in a lifetime trip is $3990. The price will include all food, transport and accommodation whilst in country. We will be assisted by guides who know the region inside out, providing access to areas rarely seen by tourists.
Email to apply now: explore@ishkar.com
Book a consultation with us: Click here.
Call us on: +44 7500 963326
* Where international payments are due, we request that you ensure the full amount is received, after all bank charges have been levied as per the price and currency stated on the invoice stated.
(c) Clare Doolan
TRAVEL SECURITY
We are uncompromising when it comes to the safety and security of our travellers and will not hesitate to alter plans or cancel trips due to changing security dynamics. Due to Socotra's remote location, it has been insulated entirely from the conflict on mainland Yemen. We do not travel to mainland Yemen.
Through working with our team of local guides we are able to stay abreast of any changes to the security situation if there were any.
Please see our Travel Security page for more information.
Your Guides
Tarim Contin-Kennedy
Although Italian, Tarim has spent much of his life growing up in Sana’a, where he learned to speak the local dialect near perfectly. From an early age he began routinely visiting Socotra, where he gained a passion for zoology and wildlife conservation. During his time in Yemen, Tarim contributed to renowned international publications such as Al Jazeera, The Guardian and Esquire on the topic of wildlife conservation in the Arabian Peninsula.
(c) Sebastian Opitz
ISHKAR Team Member
Your ISHKAR point of contact for the trip is Kate Bloomer. If you have any queries about the trip:
Email: explore@ishkar.com
Book a consultation: Click here.
Kate Bloomer ~ Head of Travel
brings a decade of experience designing tailormade tours for curious and discerning travellers. While she's explored corners of almost every continent, and lived on three, she's particularly drawn to the Middle East and Central Asia, and to parts of the world are a challenge to understand and navigate.
Kate has long admired ISHKAR's ethos and their dedication to exposing open-minded individuals to lesser known and misunderstood destinations through crafts, storytelling and travel. She first worked with ISHKAR on a trip to Socotra in 2021 and is proud to now be contributing her expertise to the team.
Contact:
kate@ishkar.com
+44 7500 963326
Highlights
01 / Socotra's
highest peak
Hike and camp your way from Socotra's north coast up to the island's highest point where 80% of the island's endemic species can be found
02 / Highland
goat herding
Hike up into the alpine meadows of the Hajhir mountains alongside goat herders. Learn from them about the arrival and importance of livestock on the island, and its impact on local flora.
03 / Salt
harvesting
Visit Socotra's salt ponds behind the mangroves and the shores, to learn about traditional harvesting techniques
04 / Remote coasts
and sea cliffs
Stay in remote fishing villages on the island's south-western tip, camping on sand dunes and spending siesta in the shade of houses built from salvaged shipwrecks
