Currently we are not travelling to Yemen - wonder why?
Hopefully the situation will calm down and once again the stunning beauty of this region can be enjoyed by everyone.
Below is our last extension tour to the island of Socotra, often thought of as another planet.
SOCOTRA
A Journey to the Island of Bliss.
this has to be one of the most unique places on the planet, in fact some feel they have landed on another planet when they see the flora!
Monday 04 December, 2010
This morning we depart on a morning flight from Al Mukalla to Socotra. An island known in antiquity as the “Island of Bliss”. This strange and magical land is a natural museum, casting its spell on all visiting its shores. Our journey from Hadibo, the capital, will take us to the east of the island and the Ras Dihamri Marine Reserve where we can snorkel amongst pristine coral reefs, or trek around the area with a local guide. Overnight camping on the beach.
Tuesday 05 December, 2010
Today we have an optional trek from Deleisha Beach to the Hoq Cave, another of Socotra’s little known secrets. The two hour climb is quite steep in parts walking through dense and varied undergrowth, through thickets of desert rose and cucumber trees. But it is well worth the effort not only for the unusual vegetation and the amazing views of the coast, but for the spectacular cave that stretches for 4 kms into the rock. Early archaeological finds dating back to Alexander the Great have been found. This huge cave holds a wealth of Socotri history. Inside we can see an abundance of exceptional stalactites, stalagmites, ancient writing on the cave walls and also what appears to be a picture of an old trading ship, preserved over the ages by a calcite glaze. There is also evidence to suggest that the cave was used for ritual purposes by the presence of mysterious altars. Trek back to Deleisha then drive to Arher Beach where we can see spectacular dunes piled for hundreds of metres against the limestone cliffs. Set up camp tonight on the soft white sand at the foot of the dunes.
Wednesday 06 December, 2010
Drive to the foot of Jebel Hamidero on the Momi Plateau. From this point it will take just over an hour and a half to trek upwards to the frankincense forest in the Homhil valley. It is a beautiful walk, not difficult, and you will see lots of wonderful trees, i.e. frankincense, myrrh and dragon’s blood. A large limestone pool awaits us at the top where we can swim and take in the spectacular views along the coastline. Then a short walk to the Homhil protected area where camp will be set up for us in a grove of frankincense trees.
Thursday 07 December, 2010
This morning we drive to the Diksam Plateau taking us to the central and southern part of the island. Here we explore the largest area of dragon’s blood trees for which Socotra is justly famous. The resin from these trees was once much prized by Roman soldiers and gladiators as an ointment for disinfecting battle wounds. Today it is used by local craftsmen to decorate pots and incense burners, and also as a rust treatment paint for the locals' cars!
We reach the Shebahon viewpoint for a fabulous panorama over the Daerhu canyon. This is a deep water-cut canyon filled with rusty-coloured lavas, Dragon’s Blood trees, luxuriant palm groves and freshwater pools. It is an easy walk down to the wadi (river) for a picnic lunch near the freshwater pools. There will be time here for swimming. Short drive to Zahek for camping on the beach.
Friday 08 December, 2010
Return to Hadibo where we visit the UNDP information centre, the old market, women’s handicraft centre, seaport and the old Portuguese church. Overnight at a Hotel in Hadibo.
Saturday 09 December, 2010:
This morning we continue our tour driving west to Qalansyia (95km) for a look around this charming and picturesque fishing town with its traditional houses and narrow alleyways. After having lunch under the palm trees in the wadi of Qalansyia, we move to the protected area of the Detwah Lagoon, a beautiful tidal saltwater lagoon where we can have a swim or just a stroll along the beach. Overnight camping on the beach.
Sunday 10 December, 2010:
Drive to the western Haggier and the Wadi Ayhaft canyon, another impressively green wadi with towering mountains. The unmade road climbs steeply between rock cliffs. Here we can see adeniums, dragon’s blood, frankincense, and cucumber trees, and so many of the wonders which only Socotra has to offer. Picnic lunch in the wadi before returning to Hadibo and hotel for overnight.
Monday 11 December, 2010:
Transfer to Socotra airport for our flight back to Sana’a. Tour ends.
Cost: A$2198 per person and includes all accommodation, all meals, all transport by private landcruiser, English speaking guide, domestic airfares and all government/local taxes.
