You know Grasp The Adventure loves taking you to hidden gems so we couldn't possibly end the year without offering the biggest hidden gem of them all... Socotra! This island off of Yemen is rightfully nicknamed the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean because of its rich biodiversity and the fact that it is home to 308 endemic plant species. We'll be exploring hidden caves, mixing in with the locals and understanding their culture, rejuvenating in oasis and swimming in crystal clear beaches all whilst camping every night in a breathtaking location under the starry night.
WHY VISIT SOCOTRA WITH GRASP THE ADVENTURE:
We've got countless reasons but here are some.
At Grasp The Adventure, our number 1 goal is to promote the spirit of adventure and the love of nature while forming bonds as strong as the mountains we hike on. We sincerely view all the hikers that joined our previous trips as friends and family, this is why we do our best to keep them safe and happy at all times. So besides going on awesome hikes to jaw-dropping sights, you’ll also be making new, like-minded friends.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
Remain calm and read on!
1) So you want to join but you’re also freaking out that you may not be experienced enough for this trip, well you really shouldn’t be. The unique thing about this trip is that it is not completely a hiking adventure; instead, each day will offer different activities that revolve around nature and all the beauty Socotra has to offer.
2) The adventure will involve a fair amount of day hikes but no multiple day hikes. The longest hike will be around 5-6 hours and will not be technical or exceptionally difficult.
3) This trip is all about diversity; the activities will range from exploring caves and mixing in with the locals to camping and swimming in pristine, untouched beaches; read the itinerary to find out all the details.
PRICE INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Our price includes all the essentials from the moment you set foot in Socotra to the moment you depart in addition to the flights of course. We do not believe in hidden costs that surprise travelers, that is why we include things like guide/driver tips so that you don't need to worry about anything. Please refer to the table below for more detail:
INCLUSIONS
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Return Abu Dhabi to Socotra Chartered Flight
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Visa if needed
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Comfortable tents (Double basis)
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Camping equipment
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Guided treks
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Guides, chefs and drivers for the entire trip
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All transportation in Socotra
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Boat ride to Shoab
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Complete tent set-up
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Tips for drivers, guides and chefs
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3 meals per day, throughout trip
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Professional photography of the trip
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Grasper merchandise surprise
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Covid-19 test in Socotra for departure back to Abu Dhabi
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All the adventures mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
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Travel health insurance
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
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Single Stay Supplement (Contact the team to know if it is possible and the extra cost)
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Diving Trip
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Snorkeling and diving equipment
RECOMMENDED ADVENTURE PACKING LIST
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Original Passport
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Duffel bag for all your belongings
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Day Pack with rain cover
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Water Storage (bladder or canteen)
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Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good grip
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5-6 wicking/sports t-shirts
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3-4 pants suitable for outdoor adventures
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6-7 sets of undergarments
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6-7 sets of socks
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Swimsuit/trunks
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1 fleece jacket
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1 rain jacket
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Head torch
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Power bank
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Sun hat
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Sun glasses
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Waterproof plastic bags to put clothes in
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Sandals or slippers or sneakers
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Microfibre face towel
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Microfibre body towel
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Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Fresh Buzz, toilet paper, hairbrush, feminine products)
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Personal First-Aid (Vitamins, hydration tablets, sleeping pills, altitude sickness pills)
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Lip balm
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Moisturizing cream
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Nose drops
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
CARE FOR THE PORTERS
As usual, we try to do our best to benefit the country we are visiting by only dealing with high standard companies that ensure high living standards for their porters and guides.
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Note: Tips for the entire crew are included in the total cost of the trip and will be handled by Grasp The Adventure team, so you don’t need to worry about it. Tip amounts are calculated based on guidelines provided by the local company. If you want to go the extra mile, you can donate any of your clothes/gear to the locals at the end of the trip; they will really appreciate it.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Introduction to Socotra
We will meet at the airport at 6 AM sharp as the chartered flight to Socotra departs at 8 AM. As soon as we land, our local team will be waiting to welcome us at the airport and transport us to our traditional Socotri house where we'll meet the rest of the team, get introduced to the rich Socotra culture and receive the trip briefing. Next, we'll hit the road and traverse along the northern coast as we make our way to the eastern extremity of the island. Finally, we'll arrive at Arher, dramatic twin sand dunes are set against the sheer rock faces creating a breathtaking contrast between the elements. 200 meters high, these monsoon-formed dunes surround with a freshwater creek exiting a cave in the granite massive and end upon the beach. We will climb up the dune to reach a fantastic vantage point before enjoying dinner and camping for our first night in this hidden paradise.
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Day 2: Erissel, Hoq Cave & Arher Hiking
The day begins with an early morning visit to the traditional village of Erissel. Here on the easternmost tip of the island we will interact with locals, witness the outstanding local fishermen’s activities and visit family’s house for a Socotri chai. After departing the village we will head for cave exploration. We will begin with a 2 hour hike to the entrance of Hoq cave before venturing 2 km into the cave; admiring stalactites, stalagmites, ancient writings and subterranean water supplies. We will then return to Arher for a hike to the top of the plateau to enjoy bird’s-eye-view of both sides of the northern and southern shorelines. Once again, we will end our night with dinner and camping under a starry night sky.
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Day 3: Dragon Blood Trees & Hidden Pools
A narrow trail leads to the protected area of Homhil, which is also home to Frankincense trees, Adenium Obesum and a gorgeous natural pool. We'll swim in the infinity pool, surrounded by the most unusual flora on the planet, overlooking the turquoise ocean below. In the afternoon we drive to nearby Dihamri marine protected area. It is one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. Relax and snorkel in the bay enjoying the unique combination of underwater flora and fauna such as parrotfish, moray eel, sea urchins, barracudas, sea turtles and more. For those licensed, diving is available to one of many surrounding shipwrecks for an extra cost. Now this is what we call a day well grasped! A well earned dinner will be served as we sit around sharing exciting stories before camping the night by the beach.
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Day 4: Exploring Canyons & Gorges
After breakfast, we'll drive to Hadibo to begin a 4 hour hike that'll take us deep into the mountains of Wadi Ayaft to enjoy breathtaking views. Next, we meet up with our cars and continue onwards to Diksam. Small settlements are hidden around the crevasses of the valley where nomadic Bedouin herdsmen will welcome us on the edge of a gorge: the most spectacular limestone landscape on the island. The gorge drops 700 meters to the valley floors, with views providing a remarkable atmosphere of prehistory. We continue through the unique and oddly shaped Fermhin forest: where Socotra’s iconic Dragon’s Blood abound everywhere! Here we enjoy one of the island greatest secrets: an oasis surrounding freshwater pool with natural waterslide. After an enjoyable swim, we'll have our dinner and camp on the Diksam Plateau.
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Day 5: Highest Peak of Socotra
Today, we'll be going on a 6-7 hour hike in Skand between rare trees and incredible landscape to the highest peak of Socotra. This hike will leave you awestruck but the adventure doesn't end here. Afterwards, we'll continue onwards to the village of Qalansiya which lies at the north/west tip and it’s the second biggest settlement of the island. We will get lost in the narrow alleyways, meeting friendly people and many curious children. Tonight we'll be camping at the Detwah lagoon.
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Day 6: Boat Rides & Dolphins
How does it feel to wake up on such a remote and idyllic beach? We move to Qalansiya port dotted with fishing boats and its lively market. Our boat will be waiting for us to take us to shore of Shoab, expect sightings of spinner dolphins while we're on the boat! We’ll indulge in this remote and pristine beach setting and get ready to feast again on delicious fresh seafood brought by local fishermen or even caught by us. In the afternoon we sail back to the port having the unique chance to swim with dolphins. Enjoy the sunset walking on the endless sand bank emerging from the crystal clear shallow waters. Once again, we'll have dinner and camp at the Detwah lagoon.
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Day 7: Hadibo & Delisha
After breakfast, we'll head back to the capital, Hadibo, to get our Covid-19 tests done (required to travel back to Abu Dhabi and included in the price of the trip). Next, we continue driving onwards to the beautiful pristine beach of Delisha. We'll spend our last day on this magical island relaxing by the beach, snorkeling, playing games, sharing stories and reminiscing over the incredible week we spent. Like all our trips, the farewell dinner will be emotional yet filled with laughter, joy and maybe even tears. Our final night of camping will be by the beach of Delisha.
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Day 8: Farewell Socotra
After an early breakfast, we'll drive back to the airport and bid our local team farewell. It may be the end of the trip but the memories, friendships and bonds formed on this adventure will last a lifetime. Grasp the Adventure is about forming a community and we guarantee that the people you meet on such trips will have a great impact on your lives. We cannot wait to grasp many more adventures with you and continue to form bonds stronger than the mountains we hike.
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