Socotra, often called a "Paradise on Earth," is a unique island located 350 km from mainland Yemen, in the northwest Indian Ocean, near the Gulf of Aden. With its remarkable biodiversity, including endemic species such as the iconic Dragon Blood Tree, and the Bottle Tree, and a remarkable 90% of its reptile species, it stands as a natural treasure of universal significance. This isolation fostered an ecosystem that developed independently from the mainland, making Socotra one of the world's most biodiverse and fascinating islands.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest among travellers to visit the country but in the past, going to Socotra poses significant challenges due to Yemen's ongoing political instability. While Socotra remains largely unaffected by the mainland conflict, travellers must navigate complex logistics. Flights often go through the UAE or Oman, and visas can be difficult to secure. Yemen itself is considered a dangerous destination because of the war, but Socotra is generally seen as safer due to its remoteness.
Geographically, Socotra shares similarities with Oman, being part of the same Arabian Peninsula maritime region. These two regions are not only linked by their proximity but also by a shared history of seafaring, trade, and the natural diversity of flora and fauna.
Like Oman, Socotra is home to several resilient plant species adapted to arid environments. Both regions boast rugged mountain landscapes and have a longstanding tradition of self-sufficiency rooted in agriculture, fishing, and trade, which defines the way of life for their inhabitants. Socotra, much like Oman, is shaped by its natural environment, where traditional livelihoods such as fishing, camel herding, and date farming remain central to everyday life.
For travellers from Oman, Socotra has become more accessible than ever before. Historically, reaching the island was challenging, especially before the construction of its airport in 1999. Today, visitors can fly directly from Abu Dhabi to Hadibu, Socotra’s capital, on a chartered flight organized through local travel agencies.
"Since 2023, I'd been organising Adventure Tours in Socotra during the local tourism season, i.e. from October to May. This is a mix of 4x4 expeditions, boat tours to visit places only reachable by the sea, and hiking. These 8-day tours allow us to cover the most magical spots of the island," shared Naura Zoubir, an adventure travel specialist for 20 years who also serves as an eco-tourism consultant and trekking guide.
Ever the wanderer, Naura had been across the region and was mesmerised by Oman and finally set up shop here, organising tours also for those who wanted to magic of the Sultanate.
While also busy promoting Oman as a destination, Naura also fell in love with Socotra. Having visited it, she was mindblown by the charm of this place, which not many people know about.
During one of her visits, she realised that there was a potential to expand her tour services to Socotra, giving people the beautiful opportunity to experience the beauty of Oman and Yemen's remote island.
"During December, January, and February, I organise a 1-week trek with camels in the Hajhir mountains, which can be combined with the 8-day adventure tours. During these trips, we use eco-campsites and wild camping as the island decided to develop itself as an eco-tourism destination," she shared.
"I work in partnership with an accredited Socotri Travel agency that is authorised to process the issuance of Socotra visas on behalf of our guests. They also take care of the flight ticket booking, as this is a governmental charter flight and only Socotri Travel agents can buy the tickets on behalf of the clients," she explained.
"I offer different options to travel to Socotra. I organise group tours, which allow individual travellers to join the same tour and get a discounted price. I also organise private tours, as well as customised trips," she added.
Addressing the safety of travel to Socotra, Naura said that she has visited Socotra already and has assessed its situation. She also said that for any of her trips, safety is one of her major concerns.
"Traveling to Socotra is generally considered safe, despite Yemen's ongoing conflict on the mainland. Socotra, due to its geographic isolation, has been largely unaffected by the political instability and violence in Yemen. The island operates separately from mainland Yemen's conflict zones and is often seen as a peaceful destination," she said.
"While Socotra itself is considered safer, I also stay informed about regional developments and follow travel advisories. For anybody taking the trip, it is important to remember that infrastructure on the island is basic, and emergency services are limited. This is why working with reputable tour operators is crucial. It's important to be well-prepared for the journey and this is part of what I look into," she shared.
"For those interested in exploring this untouched haven, inquiries can be made via WhatsApp at +968 9281 6846 or through my Instagram @naurazoubir for more details and the latest updates on tour packages," Naura invited.
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