The Isle of Flora and Fauna

Socotra

  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR
  • Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna - ISHKAR

Socotra: The Isle of Flora and Fauna

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£500.00
Sale price
£500.00
Regular price
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Regular price
£500.00
Sale price
£500.00
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Tax included.

Journey with experts in ornithology and ethnobotany across the jagged mountains and pristine white beaches of Yemen's island, Socotra for 8 days. The island is home to some of the world’s most unusual looking plants and animals.  

Our next departures will take place in March, July and October 2024.

We interview all those that apply to join the trip.  Once selected, participants will be required to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit of $1200 to secure their place on the trip.

Payment of the trip balance and flights and visas will then be due 60 days prior to departure.

To express your interest and for further information, please contact us at: explore@ishkar.com, or book a consultation with us by clicking on the button above.

What?

A rare opportunity to journey around Socotra – the sparsely populated Yemeni island of mountains, isolated coastal landscapes and one of the densest concentrations of unique plant and animal species found anywhere on the planet.

We will be accompanied by Socotri experts who will introduce us in to the wealth of endemic species on the island.

Where?

Socotra, Yemen.

When?

We will be operating three 8-day journeys in March, July & October 2024. Please get in touch for more precise dates.

Who?

The trip is open to all adventurous and inquisitive minds who are eager to learn about Socotra’s unique environment.

A basic level of fitness will be required in order to hike for up to 6 hours over rough terrain. We will be camping throughout the trip, so being comfortable with sleeping outdoors is also a must!

We will be a small team of up to 8 people, accompanied throughout by our guide and a member of the ISHKAR team.

Due to high demand we interview everyone who applies to join ISHKAR trips.  Your group travel experience is as important to us as the destination experience.

Cost & Booking Information

The total price for the trip is $3990*. A 30% non-refundable deposit of $1200 is required to secure your place on the trip.

Full payment (including flight & visa costs) is due 60 days prior to departure.

Additional costs:

Flights Abu Dhabi to Socotra (return) - $950

Visa - $160

Please note that by paying the deposit, you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions.

For further information, contact us at: explore@ishkar.com, or to book a consultation with us: Click here

* 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.

Reviews

Reviews

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 Soqotra 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) Tarim Contin-Kennedy


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) Tarim Contin-Kennedy


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

Ali Yahya

Ali has spent the majority of his life on Socotra.  After studying in Malaysia, he decided to return to Socotra to work at the nexus of tourism and the environment.  He has worked for various international environmental organisations on Socotra including the Environmental Protection Authority and the UN Global Environmental Facility.

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

Kate brings a decade of experience designing tailor-made 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 / Dragonblood tree resin harvesting

Follow a Socotri ethnobotanical expert into the world’s densest dragon’s blood tree forest to observe the careful selection and harvesting of natural resin, and learn about its variety of valuable uses.

02 / Visit nature's pharmacy

Visit a traditional pharmacy where you will learn from a Socotri ethnobotanist about the medical uses of various plants and animals. Visit an apiary to sample some of the bee products used in healthcare and learn about the close relationship between bees and the local flora.

03 / 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, transhumance, and its impact on local flora.

04 / Hoq cave

Marvel at the stalactites and sample the rumoured-to-be healing waters from the underground pool.  Delve into the history of pictograms dating back to 1st century BC which are believed to have been made by people from India, Southern Arabia, Ethiopia, Ancient Greece and Bactria.

Testimonial

Ishkar's trip to Socotra was a truly once in a lifetime experience which we will treasure forever. We loved every minute of it, and wouldn't have changed a thing. Thank you for bringing this place to life for us and for making it so special.

Kate Bloomer - “Socotra Flora and Fauna” traveller 2021

Ishkar did a terrific job in providing a truly authentic, safe, and compelling experience in Socotra, a place that is not easy to visit. All the guides were welcoming, helpful, motivated and engaging. They put a lot of effort into creating a unique and memorable itinerary that focused on chasing the best light for photography and showcasing the best Socotra has to offer. We were able to see beautiful landscapes, learn about the diverse and endemic flora, as well as meet wonderful local people and see how they live. It was great to spend time with a group who was so passionate about photography while appreciating and respecting local cultural values, norms and beliefs. I would highly recommend anyone to do this trip!! Definitely one that I will not forget for many years to come. Thank you Ishkar and the entire crew for making it possible!

Eva Ho - “Socotra x Simon Norfolk” traveller 2021

Ishkar and the local on-the-ground team did an amazing job making a remote island accessible. The staff was great, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; the arrangements were logical and practical, and the experiences and guests were fun and unique.

Scott Blanksteen - “Socotra x Simon Norfolk” traveller 2021

If Socotra is part of Yemen, is it safe to travel there?

The island’s remote location has insulated it entirely from the conflict on mainland Yemen. You may notice military bases on Socotra, but these are not involved in the fighting.

At ISHKAR ensuring the safety of our travellers is at the heart of what we do. For more information surrounding our approach to security read this page.

What is the situation on mainland Yemen?

Yemen’s internationally recognised government (supported by a Saudi led military coalition) and Iran- backed Houthi rebels are fighting against each other for control of the country.  This conflict has been ongoing for 7 years and is often referred to by analysts as a proxy war; Iran against Saudi Arabia.  The conflict has displaced more than one million people and has resulted in what the UN has called the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

The USA is involved in attempts to broker a ceasefire in the country and more recently Iran and Saudi Arabia have held direct  talks in Iraq.  The talks aimed to open up diplomatic channels and therefore reduce tension in the region

How will Covid-19 affect the trip?

In order to protect both our travellers and those that our travellers come into contact with, we mandate a strict set of COVID-19 protocols which include social distancing, usage of hand sanitiser and the wearing of face coverings.   Our COVID-19 procedures are based on up to date advice from the World Health Organisation in addition to following local requirements. Along with our security information, we ensure to send out our COVID-19 procedures document to every traveller.

All travellers (regardless of vaccination status) are required to obtain a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to departure.  Within 24 hours prior to departure travellers (regardless of vaccination status) must also obtain proof of a negative rapid antigen test result.   Proof of both these tests must be sent to ISHKAR prior to departure, and its cost will covered by the traveller, not ISHKAR.

Should ISHKAR decide to cancel a trip as a result of COVID-19 or should a traveller be unable to take part in the trip as a result of COVID-19, you will be offered options including a full refund as per our COVID-19 Travel Policy.  Any further questions, please take a look at our COVID-19 Travel FAQs, and our generic COVID-19 Protocols, or contact a member of the team: explore@ishkar.com

What is the weather like in March?

Soqotra has a tropical desert climate, influenced by the monsoon winds that blow from the north-east in March. The monthly average rainfall is 18mm over an average of 3 days (very low). It’s mostly dry, but there may be intermittent showers. Temperatures can rise to 30 °C during the day and drop to 15 °C at night in the mountains.

Where can I see the exact itinerary?

We do not publish our itineraries online.  We will give further information about the itinerary upon enquiry. Please write to explore@ishkar.com to request the trip information pack.

What is included in the cost?

The cost includes all accommodation, guiding, road transport, breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance fees.  It does not include international flights into and out of Socotra, visa fees, insurance, excess luggage charges, cameras, alcohol, additional food and drinks, medical expenses, tipping.

When do I need to book?

As early as possible, this trip is likely to be booked up fast.  A deposit of $650 will secure your place, and the final balance needs to be paid 60 days prior to departure. You can pay this online, or via bank transfer directly to us.

How easy is it to get a visa?

We will apply for your visa on your behalf - the standard cost of the visa is $150 per person.

When do I need to book my flights?

If you are thinking of applying, please email us at explore@ishkar.com and we will send you the flights you will need to book, in order to ensure that all travellers’ arrivals are coordinated for arrival into the UAE prior to our flight to Socotra.

How much does the return flight cost from the UAE - Soqotra?

The return flight costs $860 per person.  ISHKAR will arrange for this flight, however you will be invoiced separately for this along with your visa.

Do I need special insurance?

You are required to have full travel insurance specific to the region and the activities. 

If you are unsure if your existing travel insurance policy will cover you, we can suggest specialist insurance companies.

We use Battleface and highly recommend it. Other options include (but are not limited to): Clements, World Nomads, Petersen, Cambell Irvine or The Universal Insurance Co Ltd.

Will I be able to travel on my own?

We will stay as a group for the duration of the trip. You may choose to travel on your own before the start or after the finish of the trip, but whilst travelling with ISHKAR you are requested to remain with the group.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Socotra is often considered in line with Yemen, however is not currently facing the same health risks as the mainland. Please speak with your doctor to ensure you have the correct vaccinations for remote travel on Soqotra.  

What do I need to bring?

We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.

Where will we be staying?

We will be camping throughout the trip - all camping equipment will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own sleeping bag.  There will be one night in a hotel in Hadibo.

Can I come on my own?

Yes of course! Individuals and small groups are equally welcome. Personally, we also think this could be the perfect trip to experience with a friend, parent, child, or partner!

Can I book even if I don’t live in the UK?

Yes of course, our travellers always come from a mix of different countries. You will just need to arrive in the UAE in time to catch the flight to Hadibo.

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