Pohodniška Socotra – naTOURa.si

October, 9 - 18, 2023

ten-days trip • plain • jeeps • camels

Socotra is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those who want to experience unspoiled nature with unusual species of plants and animals that can be found only here and nowhere else in the world. Because of its uniqueness, the island was included in the list of World Heritage Sites UNESCO. Many endemic plants and animals can be best observed by walking in nature. The exclusive program offers a three-day hike to the highest mountains of the Island Haghier, while you spend the remaining days snorkeling, exploring dragon tree forests, walking in the lagoon and swimming. A trip for all nature and hiking lovers.

WE RECOMMEND REGISTERING AT LEAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE IN ORDER TO SECURE FLIGHT TICKETS ON THE ABU DHABI - SOCOTRA DIRECTION, BECAUSE THEY SOLD OUT VERY QUICKLY DUE TO GREAT INTEREST AND WITH ONLY ONE FLIGHT WEEKLY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THEM.

Day 1: Monday, October 9, 2023

Departure from Slovenia and flight Ljubljana - Istanbul - Abu Dhabi.

Day 2: Tuesday, October 10, 2023

In the morning flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. After completing all formalities at the airport, drive to Wadi Ayhaft where you will explore the gorge, swim in a natural pool and get in touch with the unusual flora and fauna of the island for the first time. In the late afternoon drive to Dihamri beach. Camping.

Day 3: Wednesday, October 11, 2023

After breakfast you will go snorkeling to the most beautiful coral reefs of Socotra. You will be able to observe many species of fish, corals, starfish and other marine organisms. For less enthusiastic swimmers, there is the possibility to explore the beach and its surroundings with many interesting plant and animal species. After lunch, we will leave Dihamri beach and head to Homhil Plateau, which is considered a true botanical garden. We will learn about frankincense boswellia, bottle tree, tree cucumber, aloe and many other endemic species, revealing their adaptations to the particular conditions to which they have adapted in a long evolutionary development. We walk from the plateau to the natural pool that offers a view of the Arabian Sea. A perfect idyll before dinner and camping on Homhil Plateau.

Day 4: Thursday, October 12, 2023

After breakfast, we drive to Wadi Denaghen, which stretches south of the capital Hadibo. There camels and their guides are waiting for us. We load all the luggage and equipment on the camels and walk from Wadi Denaghen to the Haghier Mountains, the highest elevation of the island (about 1500 m above sea level), where we will be rewarded with a beautiful landscape with many endemic species of plants and animals and the traditional architecture of the locals.

Walking: 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Friday, October 13, 2023

On the second day of the trek, we begin with a descent between the highest peaks of the mountain range to Wadi Da'asqalah and continue our journey to Wadi Daahzhz. This area is known for its extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna and the most beautiful views of Socotra. The rest of the day we will swim in the wadi and explore the surrounding area.

Walking: 6 hours.

Day 6: Saturday, October 14, 2023

After breakfast we will continue our hike to Wadi Daerh, where we will be accompanied by many endemic plants and birds, as well as green pastures where nomadic shepherds graze their cattle. Along the way we will be rewarded with magnificent views of the picturesque landscape with unusual rock formations. At the end of Wadi Daerhu, vehicles will be waiting for us to take us to Fermhin Plateau, where we will set up camp under the dragon trees.

Walking: 3-5 hours.

Day 7: Sunday, October 15, 2023

After breakfast, we walk through the forest of dragon trees, then we drive to the Dixam Plateau and from there to the northwest of the island, stopping first at the village of Ghubba to see the cenotes and ancient salt pans there. From there we continue our journey towards Qalansiya and the nearby Detwah Lagoon, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore the lagoon with its many water birds and sea crabs, or climb the mountain above the lagoon. Camping at Detwah Lagoon.

Day 8: Monday, October 16, 2023

In the morning boat trip to the beach of Schuab. With luck, we will be accompanied on the way by dolphins and many species of birds that nest or feed on marine organisms in this part of the island. Along Schuab beach there are still remnants of mangroves to which we will hike, and then we will have some time for swimming before returning. The afternoon is free to explore and swim at Detwah Lagoon. Overnight stay at Detwah Lagoon.

Day 9: Tuesday, October 17, 2023

After breakfast drive to Hadibo, time to shop local products, then drive to the airport, flight Socotra - Abu Dhabi.

Day 10: Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Flight Abu Dhabi – Istanbul – Ljubljana.

Each participant will receive a brochure with a presentation of the nature of Socotra and the most common plant and animal species in Slovenian.

Guiding: Janja Benedik and a local guide.

The general terms and conditions are an integral part of the program. They are available on the website https://natoura.si.

Cena na osebo, če bo na potovanju

15 oseb: 1.380,00 € + letalske karte (pribl. 1370,00 €).
13-14 oseb: 1.430,00 € + letalske karte (pribl. 1370,00 €).
11-12 oseb: 1.460,00 € + letalske karte (pribl. 1370,00 €).
9-10 oseb: 1.530,00 € + letalske karte (pribl. 1370,00 €).
6-8 oseb: 1.680,00 € + letalske karte (pribl. 1370,00 €).
Cena letalskih kart velja na dan objave programa (marec 2023).

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

letalski prevoz na relaciji Ljubljana – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi – Ljubljana, letališke pristojbine in takse,
letalski prevoz Abu Dhabi – Socotra in Socotra – Abu Dhabi,
entry visa for Socotra,
all transports with 4 x 4 vehicles in Socotra according to the program, rental of drivers/cooks,
to hire camels and their guides for the duration of the trek in the Haghier Mountains,
boat trip to Schuab beach and back,
7 x overnight stay in tents, rental of tents and sleeping mats,
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner), on the first day of arrival in Socotra only lunch and dinner, on the last day in Socotra only breakfast; on the way from Slovenia to Socotra and back passengers organise their own food at the airports,
accompanied by a local Socotian guide with a good knowledge of the local flora and fauna,
the guidance of a Slovenian guide with knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of Socotra,
entry fees for protected areas,
costs for the preparation and organization of the trip.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

additional food and drink,
anything not specifically stated,
tip for the local guide and drivers (about €20 per person).

IF AIR TICKETS OR OTHER COSTS GO UP IN PRICE BETWEEN PUBLICATION (MARCH 2023) AND DEPARTURE, WE WILL ACCOUNT THE CHANGES IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP. IN THIS CASE, WE NOTIFY REGISTERED PASSENGERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE V OF THE GENERAL TRAVEL TERMS.

During their stay on Socotra, passengers are not specifically covered by health insurance, nor are their property or any damage (personal injury, theft, car accidents, kidnapping, terrorist attacks, unrest in the country, natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides, etc.) - each passenger takes out their own insurance through an agency or directly with the insurance company;
we are not responsible if in case of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides, ... the travel program must be changed,
we are not responsible for accidents or injuries during trekking and their consequences,
in the event of an increase in the price of gasoline, airline tickets or other prices, the price of the arrangement may increase,
we are not responsible for cancellations, delays or changes of flights of airlines and their consequences (higher costs, non-implementation of the entire programme),
if the airline cancels the flight and it is taken over by another airline, we will not cover any additional costs,
we do not assume the consequences of loss of luggage during air transport, all possible costs are borne by the passenger.
special medical care (e.g. vaccination) is not required before departure.

There are currently no covid-19 restrictions for Socotra.