Socotra Island (Yemen)
& United Arab Emirates
Expedition to the United Arab Emirates & the magical island of Socotra - Yemen

Day 1 - Sun 10 April 2022: Arrival in Abu Dhabi, UAE

 

Welcome to the start of this expedition. Today, you will arrive in Abu Dhabi and enjoy a free day to explore around the city while we wait for everyone to arrive. We will have a group dinner together and get a good rest before taking off to Socotra tomorrow.

 

Accommodation: Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate or similar

Meals: -

 

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Day 2 - Mon 11 April 2022: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Socotra, Yemen

 

Our flight to Socotra departs around 10:00 and arrive 12:40. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and have a traditional lunch. 

 

In the afternoon, we will visit Delisha beach with pristine white sands full of crabs. You will relax while swimming both in the sea and in a freshwater lagoon. If you are full of energy you can climb a huge sand dune overseeing the beach. There is also a possibility of watching a fabulous sunset from Delisha.

Dinner and night in the hotel

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Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

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Day 3 - Tue 12 April 2022: Qalansyia/ Detwah Lagoon/ The Golden Beach of Shuab

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In the morning ,We will continue to neighboring Detwah lagoon which is a marine protected area renowned for its magic landscape. You will be charmed by a white sandy tongue surrounded by turquoise waters of the bay. This surely is one of the best views on the island. You can jump in the shallow sea there and enjoy the paradise. Only be careful with sting rays that can be seen in the lagoon. There is also an array of sea birds to be seen in the lagoon.          

We can take a boat to Shuaab area to see the dolphins playing and swim in near a very pure and clean long sandy beach, once arrive Shuaab area we can have a look on the mangrove area. Be sure to look out for Spinner Dolphins along the way. Cormorants also frequent the area. Once at Shu’ab we will have lunch and the afternoon is free to swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting, complete with mangroves. In late afternoon we take the boat ride back to Qalansyia. Line fishing may also be possible from the boat, if you want fish for dinner of course.        

                                                                 

Dinner and night in the hotel

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Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

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Day 4 - Wed 13 April 2022: Diksam Plateau/ Derhur Canyon/Fermhin Forest

 

After breakfast, we will drive to Diksam. Diksam Plateau and gorge is definitely the most spectacular limestone landscape feature on the island. The gorge drops 700 m (2295 ft) vertically to the valley floor. We will walk along the edge of the gorge to see attractive stands of Dragon's Blood Trees and the extensive limestone pavement. Sections of the plateau have partially slipped into the gorge, leaving 'lost worlds' accessible only to buzzards and vultures. The plateau is home to nomadic Bedouin herdsmen who move from one site to another with their herds. We will be welcomed by them with a cup of tea, where we can observe the many houses built into ledges where the plateau meets the gorge. 

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The forest in Diksom is the last Dragon's Blood woodland. Nowhere else in the world can one find Dragon's Blood Trees in such densities as growing here. Local people will show us how they used to collect - and still collect on a smaller scale -the precious red resin of the trees.

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After filling our cameras with as many pictures of the Dragon’s Blood Trees as we can, we will continue by road towards Derhur Canyon. After Dixam Plateau, the road plunges 400 m (1312 ft) into a profound chasm slicing through the granite, giving a completely different atmosphere from the airy heights of the plateau. The lush canyon floor has been planted with palm trees, in the shade of which lay Bruce's Green Pigeons and Laughing Doves. We can refresh ourselves by swimming in the wadi's deep pool, escaping the midday heat. 

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Dinner and overnight in a tent.

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Accommodation: Tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

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Day 5 - Thu 14 April 2022: Homhil/ Qaria Lagoon

 

Today we make our way to Homhil protected area, taking in the fabulous sceneries of deep ravines and plains along the way. We will stop at Qaria lagoon en-route. Qaria is the largest lagoon on the island and we can hopefully see Flamingos, Herons and Greenshank, amongst others. Once at Homhil, we can walk a selection of trails, one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool and a view village below on the plain and of the sea. Homhil is home to many Dragons Blood trees, the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra. Frankincense trees are also prevalent here and deserve a close look.

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Dinner and night in the hotel

 

Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

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Day 6 - Fri 15 April 2022: Dihamari Marine Protected Area    

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Early morning we will do your activities on Dihamri marine protected area. It boasts with one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. You can relax on the beach in palm leaf huts and swim and snorkel in Dihamri Bay. Snorkeling gear can be hired there. Marine species you will see underwater include: Parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, if you are lucky you will meet turtles. Divers can also use the services of Dihamri Diving center and go for a dive in Dihamri or another of superb diving spots of Socotra.       

                                                 

Dinner and night in the hotel

 

Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

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Day 7 - Sat 16 April 2022: Amek sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes

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After breakfast we travel to the south of the island, with visits to villages along the way. Our first destination is Amak beach where we can swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean. For lunch we will go to Dagub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave itself is of interest as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water that has seeped through the rock over time. We will then witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek which have been pushed up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of Socotra. If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the dunes for a view that is truly worth the effort. In late afternoon we take the drive to Delisha.

Dinner and night in the hotel

 

Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

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Day 8 - Sun 17 April 2022: Hoq Cave/ Arher freshwater creek and beach

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After breakfast we will drive to Hoq Cave. As we make our way to Hoq Cave, we will have the chance to see some great scenery: beautiful beaches and low-lying shrub lands with endemic trees.

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Due to the limestone plateau and mountains, there are many cave systems on Socotra. During our expedition, we will explore one of the biggest caves, Hoq, with its subterranean water supplies, underground dwelling animals, and archaeological findings. The 2.5-hour uphill trek to the cave entrance will be tough but it's definitely worth the effort once we reach this cave system that is at least 10 km (6.2 mi) long. Inside, during an easy walk of 2 km (1.2 mi), we will admire many huge stalagmites, stalactites, and a rim pool, taking photographs along the way.

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We will drive to Arher where sand dunes standing 150 m (492 ft) high have been piled up against the sheer rock faces by the prevailing westerly winds. In Arher there is a fresh creak coming out from a granite massive is meeting salty sea water on the beach. You can relax on green grass around the creak, swim in the sea or if you feel fit you can climb a huge sand dune to get a fantastic view over this charming spot. In late afternoon we take the drive to Hadibo.

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Dinner and night in the hotel

 

Accommodation: Arabian sea hotel Hadibo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

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Day 9 - Mon 18 April 2022: Socotra, Yemen - Abu Dhabi, UAE

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After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for a flight back to Abu Dhabi, UAE departing around 14:00 and arriving 16:40. Check in at the hotel and dinner together.

 

Accommodation: Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate or similar

Meals: Breakfast

 

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Day 10 - Tue 19 April 2022: Dubai city tour

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After a PCT test in the morning, we visit the famous Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Then, we take off to Dubai for a city tour. Visit the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Take an Abra boat across Dubai Creek to the gold souk where you can stroll around and do your shopping. In the evening, visit Global Village - as known as Disneyland of the travel world. You can walk around freely shopping for products, enjoy cuisines, and watch performances from around the world.

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Drive back to Abu Dhabi (Please inform our team if you would like to depart from Dubai Airport for your flight)

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Accommodation: Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate or similar

Meals: Breakfast

 

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Day 11 - Wed 20 April 2022: Abu Dhabi - Departure

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Transfer to the airport and depart on your flight home

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Meals: Breakfast

 

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Includes:

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• Yemen Tourism visa

• Tourism Permission

• Security Clearance

• Transportation with driver

• Accommodations and meals indicated

• Fees of the Protected Areas. 

• Thai/English-speaking team leader & English-speaking local guide

• Trekking guide for Huq Cave (Socotra)

• Cook with pick-up car for lunches (Socotra)

• Boat trip Shau'ab beach

• Round trip ticket Abu Dhabi - Socotra (ticket price is subject to change)

 

Excludes:

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• International flights to/from Abu Dhabi 

• UAE Multiple-entry visa

• Fees for COVID19 tests where applicable

• Travel Insurance

• Personal expenses

• Head torch for caves in Socotra

• Tips of driver and guide

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Visa: Thai passport holders can obtain a multiple-entry visa for UAE via your airline website. Please see more information at https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-exploring-the-uae/tourist-visa

 

Entry visa for Yemen will be pre-arranged and picked up on arrival. Please contact us for updated visa information and advice.

 

Recommended flights:

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• 10 April 2022 Bangkok-Abu Dhabi 18:25-21:45 Etihad EY 405

• 20 April 2022 Abu Dhabi-Bangkok 08:45-18:25 Etihad EY or 21:45-07:20 (+1 day) Etihad EY 402

 

*Flights are subject to change

 

Saga club discount:

 

You are automatically offered our club membership after your first expedition. The following discount applies: 3% on 2nd trip, 5% on 3rd trip, 7% on 4th trip or 10% all after. This cannot be combined with the early bird discount. 

 

Payment & Deposit:

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• 35% deposit payment is required for reserving your spots

• Balance payment is due 60 days before the departure date. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of booking.

• If the booking is made within 60 days of departure date, full payment is required. 

 

Cancellation policy:

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• In any case of cancellation, 20% of deposit payment is refundable or the whole amount can be kept as credits for any other Saga expeditions within 2 years of cancellation date. 

• In any case of cancellation, if full payment is made, a full refund will be issued minus 10% cancellation fee and any cost to the third parties.

• If the cancellation is due to COVID19, a full refund will be issued minus any cost incurred. We always attempt to maximize the refund for our client’s benefit! 

• In the event of premature departure during the expedition for any reasons, no refund will be issued. 

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Important note:

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All of our expeditions take you through one of the most challenging roads in the world. While the Saga team endeavors to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered as an approximate agenda of activities rather than a rigid schedule. Trip itineraries are subject to last-minute, and on-the-ground revision due to weather, road conditions, government and local restrictions, and other reasons beyond our control. Note that the order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions (i.e. state of roads, market days, etc.). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible. Your safety is always our first priority!