Itinerary for Mainland Yemen-Socotra in one trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Seiyun
Day 2 – Shibam and Wadi Doa’n Day
Day 3 – Wadi Doa’n and Mukalla
Day 4 – Fly to Socotra, Hutan Dara (Dixsam Plateau)
Day 5 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes
Day 6 – Wadi Kalysan & Homhill
Day 7 – Arher and Crab Beach
Day 8 – Detwah Lagoon & Shoab beach Day
Day 9 – Departure from Socotra
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Day 1 – Arrival in Seiyun
The flight from Cairo to Seiyun departs at 9:30 am, arriving in Yemen by 3 pm.
If the flight departs on time, we’ll drive to a viewpoint to see Shibam over sunset. Then, we’ll have a welcome dinner and head to the bazaar to buy Yemeni clothes.
Overnight in Seiyun.
Day 2 – Shibam and Wadi Doa’n
In the morning, we’ll go to Shibam, the Manhattan of the Desert, and do a proper visit inside the town, including climbing one of the buildings.
Then, we’ll do a scenic drive to Wadi Doa’n, the most spectacular valley in Yemen, stopping in places like Al-Hajjrain, and Sif.
After checking in at the hotel, we’ll do a small trek to one of the nearby villages if we have time. Overnight in Haid Al-Jizil.
Day 3 – Wadi Doa’n and Mukalla
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the end of the valley, to Ribad town, Osama Bin Laden’s family hometown, while stopping in different villages.
Then, we will drive to the coastal city of Mukhallah, the capital of Hardamut and part of Al Qaeda territory from 2015 to 2016.
We’ll check in at the hotel and visit the old city of Mukallah.
Day 4 – Fly to Socotra, Hadibou & Hutan Dara
The flight from Mukallah departs at 10:45 am, arriving in Socotra at 11:45 am.
Upon arrival in Hadibou, we’ll go straight for lunch, followed by a quick stop at the currency exchange office.
Then, we’ll drive to Hutan Dara, the Dragon Blood Trees forest, where we’ll set up our camp. Overnight in Hutan Dara campsite.
Day 5 – Aomak beach & Zahek dunes
Day 5 of the tour will be a day which is going to be very special since you will be waking up in the middle of Dragon Blood Trees.
After breakfast, transfer to the south of the island to Aomak beach for a swim. Then, transfer to Zahek campsite for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll do a hike across the sand dunes towards the beach, one of the most unspoiled and best beaches in Socotra. Hiking time: around 2 hours, easy.
Overnight in Zahek campsite.
Day 6 – Wadi Kalysan & Homhill
Early start, breakfast and drive to Wadi Kalysan, a natural valley home to a massive and absolutely mind-blowing pool. Hiking time: around 1.5 hours, easy-moderate.
Then, we’ll head for Homhill, not without first stopping in a gorgeous butter tree forest. After lunch, we’ll hike down to Homhill Infinity Pool for another swim.
Overnight in Homhill campsite.
Day 7 – Arher and Crab Beach
Arher is one of the most popular sites in all of Socotra, popular for its colossal sand dunes overlooking the pristine beaches of this part of the island.
In the morning, however, we will offer the possibility to hike down from Homhill to the coast. Hiking time: around 1.5 hours, easy-moderate.
From there, we’ll transfer to Crab Beach, one of the most gorgeous campsites in Socotra. After lunch, possibility to hike up one of the highest dunes.
Overnight in Crab beach.
Day 8 – Detwah Lagoon & Shoab beach
We will start the day heading to Qalansiya, the second largest city in Socotra, a sleepy town with a fishermen’s atmosphere.
From there, we’ll take a boat to Shoab, a tropical beach only reachable by boat.
Then, we’ll go back to Qalansiya and make our way to our campsite in Detwah Lagoon.
In the afternoon, possibility of hiking up the highest hill in the area, the best viewpoint on the island and, in Joan Torres’ opinion, the best hike in all the Middle East. Hiking time: 4-5 hours, moderate-hard.
Overnight in Detwah Lagoon.
Day 9 – Transfer to Hadibou and departure
After breakfast, transfer to Hadibou International Airport.
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What’s Included
-Flights from Cairo to Seiyun from Mukallah to Socotra:
-Visa processing and respective fees for Yemen and Socotra
-Security clearance and permits
-All meals
-Transportation and driver around Yemen and Socotra
-English-speaking Yemeni guide & assistant
-International tour leader
-Airport transfers
-accommodation in tents or hotels
-Camping gear for Socotra
-WiFi throughout the trip
Not Included
-Return Flights
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