Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
Getting there
The connecting flight is from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We can assist you through the whole process on request. There are two flights each week, on Tuesday and Thursday.
Tickets for this route cannot be booked online — the booking has to be made by a licensed operator on the island, which is part of what we can handle for you on request.
- Route
- Jeddah ⇄ Socotra
- Frequency
- Twice weekly — Tuesday and Thursday
- Tour season
- End of September to early May
Visa
We arrange your Socotra visa and handle the immigration paperwork, including the pre-approval before you arrive. Send us a clear colour copy of your passport at least 30 days before you travel — processing usually takes two to three weeks inside that window.
- Send passport copy
- At least 30 days before travel
- Payment
- Cash on arrival, separate from the tour price
- Not available for
- Holders of Israeli passports
Visa fees change periodically — contact us for the current rate. The fee is separate from your tour price and is paid in cash on arrival.
When to come
We run tours from the end of September to early May. The best months are November to March.
The island closes to us in June, July and August, and sometimes for part of May — the monsoon wind makes the sea impossible and the camps unworkable. We would rather turn a booking away than take you in conditions that spoil it. Flights are also restricted during this season.
What to bring
Travel light, and bring good protection from the sun. That is genuinely most of it.
We provide the camping side of things — sleeping bags, tents, lights, and Starlink internet at camp. You do not need to carry any of it with you.
Camping is in single tents, with a mattress or a sleeping bag. Double tents are available on request.
The cars have USB charging, and the camps have a solar power charger.
Money
Bring US dollars in cash. Local exchange is available on the island once you arrive.
Around $500 is a sensible amount for personal spending across a tour — your food, transport, guiding and entrance fees are already included.
Bring notes printed in 2009, 2013, 2017 or newer. Bills with older designs are routinely rejected by vendors, guides and authorities on the island, even when they are perfectly legal tender in the United States.
Dress, and being a guest here
Dress is not strictly enforced, and nobody will trouble you about it. A head covering is recommended for women in town, and it is appreciated rather than required.
Is Socotra safe?
Yes. Socotra sits far out in the Indian Ocean, away from the conflict on the Yemeni mainland, and it is not affected by it. Crime is close to non-existent, and visitors are met with real hospitality.
You will not be travelling alone in any case — you are with our guides and drivers throughout.
On tour
- A satellite communication device travels on every tour.
- Our guides are trained in first aid.
- A first-aid kit travels in the lead vehicle.
- Groups of six or more travel with a minimum of two vehicles.
Practical
- The Socotra visa You do not apply for the Socotra visa yourself. We handle the whole immigration process for you, including the pre-approval before you arrive. Send us a clear colour copy of your passport at least 30 days before you travel.
- What to pack for Socotra Travel light, and bring good protection from the sun. That is genuinely most of it — we provide the camping equipment, so the heavy things are not yours to carry.
- The best time to visit Socotra We run tours from the end of September to early May. The best months are November to March. For the rest of the year the island is closed to us.
Common questions
- Is Socotra safe?
- Yes. Socotra sits far out in the Indian Ocean, away from the conflict on the Yemeni mainland, and it is not affected by it. Crime is close to non-existent, and you are with our guides and drivers throughout.
- Why a maximum of 8?
- The licensed guide rides with the group, so eight travellers means three Land Cruisers — two carrying three guests, and one carrying two guests plus the guide. Small groups, and every window seat.
- Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
- No — none are needed, though taking them is a safe measure and entirely up to you.
- What is the food like? Can you cater for vegetarians or allergies?
- Vegetarian food and allergies are no problem — just let us know.
- Are the toilets and showers at camps basic or proper?
- The camps are basic. At the hotel they are proper.
- How fit do I need to be?
- Fit enough for rough travel — the roads are very bumpy.
- Can children come? Is there an age limit?
- Yes, children are welcome and there is no age limit — though we would not recommend bringing newborns. Travellers with severe back pain should also speak to their doctor first, as the roads are very bumpy.
- Can women travel alone with you?
- Yes, women travel with us on their own.
- Is there phone signal? Can I contact home?
- Outside Hadibo you are connected through our Starlink. In Hadibo itself there is mobile service.
- What happens if there is a medical emergency?
- We take you to Hadibo, where there is a main hospital.
- Do I need travel insurance?
- Up to you.
Ask us anything
Itineraries are sent on request. Message us and we will reply personally.
The itinerary is part of our know-how and we will be happy to send it to you upon request.
Fastest reply