Trekking expedition | 11 days / 10 nights
Trekking across the mountains
The 11-day trekking expedition
A three-day mountain traverse with camel support, followed by a wide island circuit. This is Socotra at walking pace - through granite wadis, high camps, dragon blood forest, lagoons, dunes and the eastern coast.
At a glance
- Starting price
- From $1,399 per person
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Expedition style
- Three-day supported mountain trek followed by a 4x4 island circuit
- Activity
- Challenging - consecutive mountain days and additional day hikes
- Accommodation
- Full-service camping, including remote mountain camps
- Best for
- Experienced hikers who value immersion over speed
- Trek support
- Socotri mountain team and camels carrying shared camp equipment
The journey
Roads reveal only part of Socotra. Beginning at Wadi Daneghan, this route enters the Hajhir Mountains on foot and continues through Kishan, Adoho Dema'alah, Fa'arah and Dersemoh before reaching Firmihin Forest. Granite, freshwater, endemic plants and remote camps replace the quick succession of roadside viewpoints.
After the traverse, the journey opens into a six-day island circuit: Detwah and Shu'ab in the west, Aomak and Zahek in the south, then Kalisan, Homhil, Arher, Hoq Cave, Cape Irsal and Delisha in the east. The result is demanding but balanced - a deep mountain beginning followed by time to swim, recover and understand the island as a whole.
Why travel this route
- Cross part of the Hajhir Mountains on foot with a Socotri team and camel support for shared equipment.
- Camp beyond the road among granite peaks, wadis and highland vegetation.
- Climb Fa'arah and continue to the freshwater pools of Dersemoh.
- Reach Firmihin's dragon blood trees on foot rather than arriving only by vehicle.
- Complete the mountain traverse with a west-to-east circuit reaching Cape Irsal and Delisha.
- Spend ten nights outdoors and let walking, weather and camp life set the pace.
Itinerary
Day by day across the island
Day 01
Arrival at Shahb Beach
We meet at Socotra Airport and make the short transfer to Shahb Beach. The afternoon is kept light: a walk along the coast, time to reorganise your kit and a detailed briefing with the trekking team.
Over dinner we review the mountain section, what stays in the vehicle and what moves with the camel team. The first night is for settling into camp before the road ends tomorrow.
OvernightShahb Beach
Day 02
First day of trekking
After an early breakfast, we drive to Wadi Daneghan and meet the camel handlers who support the traverse. Shared supplies and camp equipment are loaded, and we begin walking into the Hajhir.
The route threads through granite wadis and vegetation found only on Socotra, including croton and bottle trees. We pause for lunch around Kishan, then continue to Adoho Dema'alah for dinner and a first mountain camp beneath open sky.
OvernightAdoho Dema'alah
Day 03
Second day of trekking
We start before the heat builds and climb towards Fa'arah, a summit of roughly 1,500 metres. The ascent takes about two hours in normal conditions, with a similar descent, and opens a long view over Hadiboh, the coast and the broken granite of the range.
After lunch, the trek continues to Dersemoh. Freshwater pools among the rocks offer a place to wash off the trail and ease tired legs before the evening meal. Camp is simple, remote and exactly where it needs to be.
OvernightDersemoh
Day 04
Into Firmihin on foot, last day of trekking
The final day of the traverse moves from the Hajhir landscape towards Firmihin. Dragon blood trees begin as scattered forms and gradually gather into a forest, changing the scale and shade of the route.
With local hosts, we learn how the tree's red resin has traditionally been collected and used. Later, we walk out again for low light across the plateau before returning to camp among the trees.
OvernightFirmihin Forest
Day 05
From the highlands to Detwah
Vehicles rejoin the expedition and carry us west to Qalansiyah. After three days on foot, the open water of Detwah Lagoon feels like a new chapter: broad, bright and constantly rearranged by the tide.
We explore the shore and climb to a nearby viewpoint in the softer afternoon light. The rest of the day is deliberately easy, with time to recover, eat and watch the lagoon change.
OvernightDetwah Lagoon
Day 06
The western cliffs and Shu'ab
Subject to wind and swell, we board a local boat in Qalansiyah and follow the western cliffs to Shu'ab. The route passes seabird habitat and open water where spinner dolphins are sometimes seen.
At the beach, there is no schedule to beat. Swim, walk or rest before the return crossing and a second night at Detwah. After the mountain effort, this slower day is part of the design.
OvernightDetwah Lagoon
Day 07
Aomak and the Zahek dunes
We cross towards the south coast and stop at Aomak, a long beach open to the Indian Ocean. Conditions decide whether the water invites a swim or a walk along the shore.
Later, we enter the dunes of Zahek on foot. Wind redraws the ridgelines each day, and the late sun brings depth to a landscape that can look almost flat from the road. We camp in the south nearby.
OvernightSouth coast near Aomak
Day 08
Kalisan and Homhil
At Kalisan Canyon, white limestone and freshwater replace the sand. We walk to the pools and swim when levels and conditions are safe, then continue towards Homhil Protected Area.
A short trek through bottle and dragon blood trees reaches Homhil's natural pool above the coast. We camp in the protected area, surrounded by a very different expression of Socotra's endemic flora.
OvernightHomhil Protected Area
Day 09
A slower day at Arher
We continue east to Arher, where a freshwater stream crosses the sand at the foot of immense dunes. After the mountain traverse and several travel days, the programme leaves room to choose your pace.
Climb the dune for a high view, swim close to camp, follow the freshwater or rest in the shade. Staying overnight means we see Arher after day visitors have gone and before the next morning begins.
OvernightArher Beach
Day 10
Hoq Cave, Cape Irsal and Delisha
An early hike leads to Hoq Cave. The uphill approach is substantial, and the cave itself extends into darkness through limestone formations, mineral pools and traces left by visitors from earlier centuries.
After descending, we continue to Cape Irsal at Socotra's eastern edge, with open water on both sides of the headland. Later, we pause at Delisha Beach before returning to Arher for the final dinner and a last night beside the dunes.
OvernightArher Beach
Day 11
Departure
After breakfast, we break camp and transfer to Socotra Airport. The plan is kept flexible around the confirmed flight time, with the priority on a calm, reliable departure after ten nights in the field.
Our way of travelling
Camping is not a gap between the highlights; it is the structure of this journey. During the mountain traverse, camels carry shared camp equipment while guests walk with the personal items specified in the final packing brief. Local knowledge decides the line, the water stops and the safe pace. Nothing is won by racing the Hajhir.
Good to know
This is a challenging expedition with consecutive days on rough, unmarked mountain terrain. You should be comfortable walking for several hours, climbing and descending on loose ground, and sleeping in remote camps with limited facilities. Distances, camp positions and summit plans can change after the guide assesses weather, water and the group.
Is this expedition yours?
Choose this route if multi-day hiking is already part of your life and you want the roadless interior to be central, not optional. It is best suited to experienced walkers who can maintain a steady pace, accept simple camp life and stay positive when the terrain or weather changes the plan.
What the price includes
From $1,399 per person
- Meet-and-greet at Socotra Airport, with transfers at the beginning and end of the expedition.
- A dedicated 4x4 vehicle and Socotri driver throughout the route.
- A maximum of three guests per vehicle, so every traveller has a window seat.
- Three freshly cooked meals each day, together with snacks and drinks.
- Ten nights of fully supported expedition camping, including three private Socotra Unseen camps reserved for our guests and set away from the island's busiest shared camping areas.
- Your own standard tent, mattress, pillow and blanket; a luxury tent upgrade can be added on request.
- All camp setup and packing handled by our crew, with a comfortable communal seating area plus portable shower and toilet facilities.
- An English-speaking Socotri expedition guide from arrival to departure.
- Specialist local guides or protected-area rangers for caves, canyons and forests whenever the route requires them.
- Entrance fees for every protected nature reserve included in the programme.
- Shared meals, nights under the stars and, very often, friendships that travel home with you.
Required additions
- Return Jeddah-Socotra flight: $1,100.
- Official Socotra tourist visa: $200.
