Yemen + Socotra in one trip

Nov 6-14
9 Days
3750

We are finally traveling to Yemen and Socotra in one single trip, where we’ll have the chance to discover the jaw-dropping architecture of Yemen, and the natural wonders of Socotra, in only 9 days. 

Considered a destination from a fairy tale by all travelers, Yemen is the Mecca for intrepid adventurers, the one destination that has always awed each and every visitor for its rawness and untouched culture, combined with a jaw-dropping architecture and mesmerizing valleys.

On the other hand, Socotra is an isolated island rich in a very unique flora and fauna that made them become a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

BOOK NOW

November 6th to 14th, 2025

€3750

9 days

Tour leader to be confirmed

travelers who joined us say

Itinerary

Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.

Day 1 – Arrival in Seiyun

Day 2 – Shibam and Wadi Doa’n

Day 3 – Wadi Doa’n and Mukalla

Day 4 – Fly to Socotra, Qalansyia, the Golden Beach of Shuab

Day 5 – Dixsam Plateau

Day 6 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes

Day 7 – Dihamari Marine Protected Area

Day 8 – Wadi Kalisan & Momi Surinieteen, Homhil PA

Day 9 – Departure from Socotra

Day 1 – Arrival in Seiyun

  • Fly from Cairo to Seiyun at 9:30am, arriving in Yemen by 2 pm.
  • Check-in at the hotel and drive to see sunset over Shibam
  • Welcome dinner and head to the bazaar to buy Yemeni clothes
  • Overnight in Seiyun

Day 2 – Shibam and Wadi Doa’n

  • Shibam, the Manhattan of the Desert. Proper visit inside the town.
  • Scenic drive through Wadi Doa’n, the most spectacular valley in Yemen
  • Lunch and a small hike to a village
  • Visit Buqshan Palace
  • Overnight in Haid Al-Jizil

Day 3 – Wadi Doa’n and Mukalla

  • Drive to the end of the valley, to Ribad town, Osama Bin Laden’s family hometown, while stopping in different villages
  • Drive to the coastal city of Mukhallah, the capital of Hardamut 
  • Lunch in a seafood restaurant
  • Visit Mukhallah Old City
  • Overnight in Mukhallah

Day 4 – Fly to Socotra, Qalansyia, the Golden Beach of Shuab

  • The flight from Mukallah departs at 10:45 am, arriving in Socotra at 11:45 am
  • Transfer to Detwah Lagoon, a marine-protected landscape composed of white sand and turquoise waters.
  • From there, we will take a boat to Shuaab, where we’ll have the chance to spot dolphins.
  • Dinner and overnight in Detwah campsite

Day 5 – Dixsam Plateau

  • After breakfast, we will head for Dixsam Plateau; the most spectacular limestone landscape of the island
  • Dinner and overnight in Diksam

Day 6 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes

  • In the morning, head to the south of the island, stopping at Amak Beach, a crystalline water paradise.
  • For lunch, we’ll head to Dagub cave, overlooking a scattering of traditional small towns below.
  • We will also witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek
  • Dinner and overnight camp at Amek beach.

Day 7 – Dihamari Marine Protected Area

  • Today we’ll start with a marine protected area nearby Dihamri, where we will see one of the richest coral reefs of the archipelago.
  • There will be the possibility of doing some snorkel, with high chances to see: parrotfish, moray eel, rays, and turtles.
  • Dinner and Overnight at Dihamari PA

Day 8 – Wadi Kalisan & Momi Surinieteen, Homhil PA

  • After breakfast, we will drive to Wadi Kalisan.
  • On the way, we’ll stop at Qaria lagoon, the largest lagoon on the island, where we can hopefully see flamingos, herons and greenshank.
  • Focused on Homhil protected area for a small hike, trying to spot Dragon Blood trees.
  • Dinner and overnight at Homhil outside the campsite.

Day 9 – Departure from Socotra

  • After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Hadiboh airport to fly back to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
  • End of the tour.

Gallery of photos

Included

Visa processing and respective fees for Yemen and Socotra

Security clearance and permits

Armed escorts in Yemen mainland

Transportation and driver around Yemen and Socotra

English-speaking Yemeni guide & assistant

International tour leader

Airport transfers

8 nights of accommodation (3 nights in hotels, and 5 nights camping)

Camping gear for Socotra

Not Included

Flights (prices are approximate, depending on season)
– Cairo to Seiyun: €490
– Mukallah to Socotra: €190
– Socotra to Abu Dhabi: €460

Single supplement: €220 (3 nights in hotel).

Tips. In Socotra, the local team will expect tips.

Local clothes for Yemen

Snorkel and diving gear. All equipment hire is extra.

Travel insurance (from €100)

BOOK NOW

November 6th to 14th, 2025

€3750

9 days

Tour leader to be confirmed

FAQ

Which hotels do we stay at?

For security reasons, the name of the hotels we stay will only be shared upon booking your spot.

How does the room distribution work?

The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.

If you are a solo traveler, you will be sharing the room with another like-minded traveler from the group. We always try to group people of same gender and age together but note that this won’t always be the case.

If you want to have your own single room, you will have to pay an additional €220.

And when camping?

When camping in Socotra, all tents are individual.

How to get a visa?

We will take care of that, don’t worry.

You don’t need to visit the embassy, everything will be arranged via email and all you’ll need to do is send us a passport copy, a passport photo, and a filled-out form.

How do I get into Yemen?

Twice a week, there is a flight operated by Yemenia Airways that goes from Cairo to Seiyun.

The flight must be booked via a tour agent based in Cairo, and we will take care of that.

More information will be shared upon booking your spot on the tour.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities, and that includes US citizens too.

Information about the risks and dangers of the trip:

The traveler is expressly informed that the activities included in the travel itinerary are adventurous and/or take place in conflict zones, which entail dangers and imply the risk of physical, and psychological injuries, and/or death for the traveler.

Due to the characteristics of the destination and/or activities, the specific risks and dangers of the trip are, by way of example but not limited to, those listed below:

War; terrorism; political instability; slipping, tripping, or falling; exposure to allergens; falling or slipping into the water while near the shore; fallen trees; temperature fluctuations; extreme or partial darkness; landslides; falling rocks; mudslides; gunfire in the activity area; mentally or physically unstable or criminal participants; negligence by participants; all types of outdoor injuries, including brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, illnesses or ailments, exposure to pathogens, viruses, or diseases, including but not limited to contracting Covid-19; hypothermia, heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and hyponatremia; errors in judgment by the tour leader; inadequate or incorrect medical care; getting lost; or emotional distress resulting from exposure to any of the aforementioned.

Regarding the potential dangers of the destination, travelers are advised to consult the travel recommendations for the destination country provided by their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, in the case of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these recommendations can be accessed on the following link.

In this regard, the FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.

How does payment work?

To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.

More details will be shared upon booking.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, if you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance, this is non-negotiable, and it must be with IATI

Why do we have to book it with IATI?

Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for a very long time. We know their CEO, the marketing team and we do a lot of collaborations together so in the unlikely case something happened, we’d know what to do.

Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel.

You may also benefit from a 5% discount if purchasing it from the below link.

Get a quote here to claim your discount

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.