Socotra travel guide

Socotra travel guide

Due to its remarkable biodiversity, with over a third of the local plant species found nowhere else, Socotra has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 40,000 inhabitants, though, it's not just a nature reserve.

The Island is new to tourism, so if you are looking for a luxurious vacation this is not the right destination. However, Socotra is a perfect destination for the adventurous and nature loving travelers. Socotra takes pride in their eco tourism and values their spectacular plant and wildlife that may sometimes be only found on this island. Although the lodging and facilities may not be the same as more modern and developed locations, Socotra is a beautiful and magnificent destination choice. Great care is shown to both guests and the environment.

Socotra is an eco tourism system with limited infrastructure and new to the international tourist market, and therefore the hotel accommodations are not quite like other destinations. However there are four hotels in Hadibo: Taj Socotra Hotel, Hafijj Hotel, Socotra Hotel, and Summer land Clay Matthews Kids Jersey Hotel. These hotels may not be the most luxurious, but they do provide air conditioning, televisions, and refrigerators in all of the rooms. Most of the rooms at these hotels have their own bathroom, but there are a few rooms at the Hafijj Hotel and Socotra Hotel that must share bathrooms. Fortunately, there is a restaurant in each of the hotels with simple yet delicious cuisine. Considering Socotra is a fairly new eco tourism destination, their facilities are decent. In addition, there is also another hotel at the airport as well as multiple guest houses around the island.

The most popular lodging is actually camping on the beaches. There are several campsites that allow tourists to www.packersnflofficial.com/Nike-Aaron-Rodgers-Jersey.html barbeque on the beach with beautiful mountain views in the background. Tourists can choose to purchase camping tour packages which include a driver or guide that will show tourists around the beaches as well as provide meals during John Kuhn Kids Jersey their stay. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the island.

When to go:

Climate is an important consideration. And this depends on your interest. Nature enthusiasts should go from early October to late April. The monsoon occurs in July till mid August (during July in the south east and south west of the island, wind surfing activity can be arranged). Generally, wildlife and natural viewing is best from the end of January through May.

[edit] Get in

As of February 2012 there are flights from Sana'a/Socotra and Aden. These stop at Riyan Mukalla Airport.

Yemenia Airlines offers one flight per week on Thursday morning;

Felix Airways offers three flights per week on Monday morning, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning;

Flight duration is about two hours.

[edit] Get around

There is a public bus from the airport to Hadibo and from Hadibo to Qalansia. Beside these www.packersnflofficial.com/Nike-Aj-Hawk-Jersey.html two buses, there is no public transport, but car rental with driver is available. There is a lot of walking and hiking along with camel back rides available.

[edit][add listing] See

Socotra is considered the jewel of biodiversity in the Arabian Sea. Although the region is small, it is characterized by unique land and marine biodiversity.

The interior of the island is dominated by the beautiful and green Hagghier mountains and limestone plateau. While on the outer coastline, breathtaking natural beaches have pure white sand dunes and palm trees. Socotra Isand is very rich and is home to many rare spectacular species of reefs, fish, birds, plants, and trees which are not found anywhere else in the world. The limestone plateau and the Hagghier Mountains are the richest areas for endemic plant species, but endemics are found throughout the island in every type of vegetation. One of the most famous plants is the Dragon's Blood Tree "dracaena cinnabara" which exists only on Socotra and nowhere else on the Earth. The tree got its name because Clay Matthews Youth Jersey if any damage is made to the bark then a dark red liquid oozes out.

The Dragon's Blood John Kuhn Green Jersey Tree is an umbrella shaped tree that can survive even in the dry heat climate of Socotra

There is also the Desert Rose (adenium obesium) which looks like a blooming elephant leg. Also found in Socotra's landscape is the ever strange and extremely rare Cucumber Tree. In addition there are over 120 species of birds and about 190 species of butterflies. There is so much beauty all around the island, it is difficult not the appreciate to magnificent scenery and wildlife.

Hiking: The Scant, Tinnera, Firmihin, Dersmotin regions, are the most popular destinations for trekkers. Hiking is for everyone and even for those who are less athletic. However for more difficult and high altitude trails, it is recommended to be accompanied by a local guide.

Camel back ride: It is an opportunity to get to know and enjoy the spectacular scenery and relaxed the rhythm of ancient time. This is more of a less active adventure. The camel back rides provide a more relaxing ride over plateaus and colorful panoramas and mountains.

Surf: Socotra has excellent conditions for surfing. The best time to come for this activity is during the monsoon season from June up to late August. In July the wind speed can reach up to 60 mph and you have to be aware of such conditions. Since the winds and be very rough it is recommended that only experienced surfers participate.

Scuba dive/ Snorkel: Dive into the tropical warm weather filled with coral reefs. Enjoy swimming among the hundreds of species of fish and marine life such as barracudas, monkfish, dolphins, rays and even mantas. Diving for all ages and levels.