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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.
November 6th to 14th, 2025
$3950 US dollars
9 days
Tour leader to be confirmed
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, Hutan Dara (Dixsam Plateau)
Day 5 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes
Day 6 – Wadi Kalysan & Homhill
Day 7 – Arher and Crab Beach
Day 8 – Detwah Lagoon & Shoab beach
Day 9 – Departure from Socotra
The flight from Cairo to Seiyun departs at 9:30 am, arriving in Yemen by 3 pm.
If the flight departs on time, we’ll drive to a viewpoint to see Shibam over sunset. Then, we’ll have a welcome dinner and head to the bazaar to buy Yemeni clothes.
Overnight in Seiyun.
In the morning, we’ll go to Shibam, the Manhattan of the Desert, and do a proper visit inside the town, including climbing one of the buildings.
Then, we’ll do a scenic drive to Wadi Doa’n, the most spectacular valley in Yemen, stopping in places like Al-Hajjrain, and Sif.
After checking in at the hotel, we’ll do a small trek to one of the nearby villages if we have time.
Overnight in Haid Al-Jizil.
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the end of the valley, to Ribad town, Osama Bin Laden’s family hometown, while stopping in different villages.
Then, we will drive to the coastal city of Mukhallah, the capital of Hardamut and part of Al Qaeda territory from 2015 to 2016.
We’ll check in at the hotel and visit the old city of Mukallah.
The flight from Mukallah departs at 10:45 am, arriving in Socotra at 11:45 am.
Upon arrival in Hadibou, we’ll go straight for lunch, followed by a quick stop at the currency exchange office.
Then, we’ll drive to Hutan Dara, the Dragon Blood Trees forest, where we’ll set up our camp.
Overnight in Hutan Dara campsite.
Day 5 of the tour will be a day which is going to be very special since you will be waking up in the middle of Dragon Blood Trees.
After breakfast, transfer to the south of the island to Aomak beach for a swim. Then, transfer to Zahek campsite for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll do a hike across the sand dunes towards the beach, one of the most unspoiled and best beaches in Socotra. Hiking time: around 2 hours, easy.
Overnight in Zahek campsite.
Early start, breakfast and drive to Wadi Kalysan, a natural valley home to a massive and absolutely mind-blowing pool. Hiking time: around 1.5 hours, easy-moderate.
Then, we’ll head for Homhill, not without first stopping in a gorgeous butter tree forest.
After lunch, we’ll hike down to Homhill Infinity Pool for another swim.
Overnight in Homhill campsite.
Arher is one of the most popular sites in all of Socotra, popular for its colossal sand dunes overlooking the pristine beaches of this part of the island.
In the morning, however, we will offer the possibility to hike down from Homhill to the coast. Hiking time: around 1.5 hours, easy-moderate.
From there, we’ll transfer to Crab Beach, one of the most gorgeous campsites in Socotra.
After lunch, possibility to hike up one of the highest dunes.
Overnight in Crab beach.
We will start the day heading to Qalansiya, the second largest city in Socotra, a sleepy town with a fishermen’s atmosphere.
From there, we’ll take a boat to Shoab, a tropical beach only reachable by boat.
Then, we’ll go back to Qalansiya and make our way to our campsite in Detwah Lagoon.
In the afternoon, possibility of hiking up the highest hill in the area, the best viewpoint on the island and, in Joan Torres’ opinion, the best hike in all the Middle East. Hiking time: 4-5 hours, moderate-hard.
Overnight in Detwah Lagoon.
After breakfast, transfer to Hadibou International Airport.
End of the tour.
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
Flights (prices are approximate, depending on season)
– Cairo to Seiyun: 500 USD
– Mukallah to Socotra: 200 USD
– Socotra to Abu Dhabi: 490 USD
Single supplement: 230 USD (3 nights in hotel).
Tips. In Socotra, the local team will expect tips.
Local clothes for Yemen
Travel insurance (from €100)
November 6th to 14th, 2025
$3950 US dollars
9 days
Tour leader to be confirmed
For security reasons, the name of the hotels we stay will only be shared upon booking your spot.
The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share the room with another like-minded traveler from the group. Please note: we always try to group people of same gender and age but this can’t be always the case.
If you want a single room, you will have to pay an additional 230 USD.
And when camping?
When camping in Socotra, all tents are individual.
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.
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.
All nationalities, and that includes US citizens too.
We will limit it to a maximum of 11 people.
To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit. We accept payments in both Euros and US dollars. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.
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; arbitrary detentions, gunfire in the activity area; and/or violent crime.
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: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/yemen
FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen, and that includes the island of Socotra, due to the unpredictable security conditions and the lack of consular assistance.
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
Please check our General Conditions.
However, specific conditions might apply depending on the destination. Example: when the trip includes airfare.
Full details will be shared upon booking your spot.