SOCOTRA ISLAND
From Incense Road to Sorcerers and Dragons
Fram is a unique route with leading historians, archaeologists, ethnographers, naturalists and the best fellow travelers - like-minded people who develop the most advanced global projects.
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BUT THE IMPRESSIONS WILL LAST A LIFETIME.
7
ONLY SEVEN DAYS
The Socotra Archipelago is an absolute gemstone of Yemen and the entire Arabian region. It's a treasure trove of unique animals and plants, and it's the only place on Earth where you can find a bottle tree. The locals there have learned Arabic with time, but they still speak their native Socotrian, a language that was only very recently put onto paper by a group of Russian linguists.
We're heading to the main island of the archipelago, Socotra, which has been called "The Island of Happiness" and "the strangest place on Earth" at different times. We'll climb these beautiful snow-white dunes and swim in the Indian Ocean, eat freshly caught fish from paradise lagoons, explore caves, and travel around by jeeps and fishing boats. It's like we're trekking around in an ancient, unspoiled world dense with nature – it truly is the ultimate adventure!
We're heading to the main island of the archipelago, Socotra, which has been called "The Island of Happiness" and "the strangest place on Earth" at different times. We'll climb these beautiful snow-white dunes and swim in the Indian Ocean, eat freshly caught fish from paradise lagoons, explore caves, and travel around by jeeps and fishing boats. It's like we're trekking around in an ancient, unspoiled world dense with nature – it truly is the ultimate adventure!
price
$2900*
*The approximate
cost in rubles is rub.
cost in rubles is rub.
WHO ARE YOU
TRAVELLING WITH
WHO DID IT
Meet the guy who runs ecotourism programs on the beautiful Socotra island and owns a small reserve of incense trees, which have a significant historical value. He worked hand in hand with UNESCO to preserve this heritage. He's the one responsible for designing the routes that tourists take on the island. When he's not busy organizing activities, he indulges in his own ethnological research, documenting the unique lifestyle, dialects and culture of the locals. He even played a part in making a documentary showcasing the beauty of Socotra, which he will show us. He's a walking encyclopedia on the local flora and fauna, and he can tell us all about them. Ever heard of the Aloe that Alexander the Great sent troops to search for? He can teach us how to find the "right" one.
ISMAIL SALEM
WHAT WILL
WE SEE HERE?
photo socotra
Kalansiya
Shuab Bay
Dixam Plateau
Wadi Dirhu Canyon
Detwah Lagoon
Firmhin Reserve
Hadibo
Dunes Archer
Moomin Plateau
We're going to have an exciting start to our adventure! We'll all meet up at Abu Dhabi airport in the morning and then head over to the breathtaking Socotra island. Once we reach there, we'll make our way directly to the famous Detwah Lagoon, which is essentially the island's crown jewel! The lagoon boasts of pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, scattered rock formations, lively crabs, and even rare bird sightings. It's an idyllic spot to unwind and rejuvenate after a long journey. For the adventurous souls, we can even trek to the nearby peak to witness the lagoon's panoramic bird's eye view. The highlight of our day will be camping out on the beach under the stars and enjoying all that the island has to offer. It's going to be a pretty epic day!
We'll have a delightful breakfast and then embark on a car journey to Kalancia, the second largest city nestled right by the coast. Upon reaching the port, we'll board a fishing boat that will take us to Shuab Bay, a breathtaking and pristine spot on the island. The local fishing village folks keep to themselves, but this makes for a unique opportunity to learn from them and even try catching some fish with them. For those who seek adventure, you can choose to climb a mountain and marvel at the awe-inspiring panoramic views from the top. With any luck, we may even spot dolphins playfully jumping in and out of the waves on our way there. To top it off, we will get to unwind by camping out right by the ocean, creating an idyllic setting for a perfect night's rest.
We start the day by taking a boat ride back to Kalancia before making our way to the mountainous part of Socotra. The true treasure of the island is the Dixam Plateau – it's home to some impressive dragon trees and a community of nomadic shepherds.
The goats around here have a bit of a reputation for snacking on young trees, which can be a challenge for the young sapling.
After a long day, we'll have some delicious dinner and stay at an amazing campsite owned by a local sheikh. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!
The goats around here have a bit of a reputation for snacking on young trees, which can be a challenge for the young sapling.
After a long day, we'll have some delicious dinner and stay at an amazing campsite owned by a local sheikh. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!
We are beyond excited to head out and explore the Wadi Dirhur Canyon! It's a stunning natural formation caused by a rift in the earth's surface, and it's home to various species of fascinating avian life. While some locals believe that djinn may have taken up residence there, we're not the least bit intimidated – we're going to tackle that canyon like real pros! Next, we'll make our way to the breathtaking Firmkhin Nature Reserve, where we'll hike through an authentic forest of breathtaking dragon trees for a few hours.
Later in the day, we'll have the fantastic opportunity to visit a local residence and experience the traditional lifestyle of the hospitable Socotrian people. Finally, as the sun begins to set, we'll venture down to the Sreroh dunes to witness a truly magical sunset and spend the night in this awe-inspiring location. It doesn't get much better than that!
Later in the day, we'll have the fantastic opportunity to visit a local residence and experience the traditional lifestyle of the hospitable Socotrian people. Finally, as the sun begins to set, we'll venture down to the Sreroh dunes to witness a truly magical sunset and spend the night in this awe-inspiring location. It doesn't get much better than that!
Today, our plan is to explore Hadibo, the main city of Socotra, and also the capital of the whole archipelago. We won't be spending much time there, and after a quick little tour, we'll be headed over to the eastern tip of the island where you'll find one of the most amazing beaches ever. It's got white sand that'll blow your mind, and some truly breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Oh, and don't forget about the massive crab colony too! We'll be taking a dip in the ocean and then setting up camp in the Archer Dunes.
Today we're going to explore the Archer dunes, which are the largest ones on the island. During the monsoon season, these dunes unleash strong winds that churn up sand from the beach and carry it to nearby mountains. While we're there, we're going to give sandboarding a shot with some special boards. From the top of the dunes, you'll witness breathtaking views of the surroundings and even discover some caves in the rocks. After an exciting morning, we'll take a break for lunch, then head to Hoq Cave, which is about the size of a decent metro station. It may not be the largest cave on Socotra, but it is open to tourists and worth checking out. Later on, we'll have a tasty dinner of local fish at our camp.
We will start our day by indulging in a delicious breakfast and then head over to the famed Moomin Plateau. This area is renowned for its one-of-a-kind bottle trees, which are exclusive to Socotra. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the mesmerizing "bottle grove" before proceeding towards the breathtaking Kalesan Gorge, where we'll discover some of the purest freshwater pools you'll ever behold. To wrap up our exciting day, we'll make our way to the illustrious DiHamri Marine Reserve, a perfect spot for some awe-inspiring snorkeling. Believe us, it will be an absolute blast!
We'll nestle in for the night at Hadibo.
We'll nestle in for the night at Hadibo.
We'll be catching a return flight home.
WE ONLY HAVE SEVEN DAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE REGION, SO IT WILL BE INTENSE, GET READY
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
FAQ
You need a visa to travel, which we can help you with. Documents required for obtaining a visa: - A passport that is valid longer than your trip; - Three photos of the established sample (three by four centimeters in size); - Questionnaires signed personally, in triplicate. Handwritten as well as printed version is allowed; The duration of a visa is from one to three days. It is valid for thirty days from the date of receipt. If you have a valid visa in your passport or have an entry stamp to Israel - tell us about it in advance An invitation from the host - we will provide this.
Travel medical insurance is required.
Accommodation, excursions, routes, guide, transport, separately organized, high-quality and complete meals (separate chef, kitchen, water, drinks and natural juices throughout the day without restrictions).
Plane tickets to Abu Dhabi and airfare from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and back $860, visa ($150), medical insurance, souvenirs.
We are conscious travelers: we respect local customs, love to learn new things and understand the meaning of the places we visit.
You can go on this trip with children from 7 years old, if they already had travel experience.
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