Useful info

Advice and Tips

1. The only way to travel around Socotra is with a licensed local agency that handles the necessary visa/flight and provides services (vehicles, drivers, guides, full service).
2. Purely individual tourism is currently not possible on the island. There are no car rentals or other necessary tourist facilities. Grocery and drinking water stores are very limited and available only in a few places on the island.
3. Only the capital, Hadibo, offers hotel accommodation. Hotel standards do not meet European quality, but it is a suitable option for travelers who do not prefer camping and sleeping in the wild. A new 3-star hotel was built – opened in 2022; price on request.
4. The island is still difficult to access, either by boat or plane. Most supplies must be imported, so food prices are higher than in Slovakia and fuel prices are also significantly higher than on mainland Yemen.
5. The program for travelers is designed to include full services – local drivers and guides, accommodation, 4x4 vehicles, full board including drinking water, soft drinks, camping equipment rental, full cooking gear, entrance fees to nature reserves and camping fees, and a boat trip to the farthest point of the island.
6. Food on Socotra depends on local availability. Nevertheless, we strive to provide above-standard service! We have fresh fruit and vegetables daily! Meals are always prepared from fresh ingredients, without the need for transport when possible. Meals usually include fresh high-quality fish (tuna, kingfish, grouper), meat (goat, lamb, chicken), served with cooked vegetable sauce, rice, pasta, and flatbreads. Breakfast typically includes cooked beans (foul), eggs, fresh flatbreads, honey, cheese, jam, Nutella, milk tea, or coffee. Drinking water, soft drinks (chilled if possible), tea/coffee are available all day.
7. Recommendations for appropriate clothing! Since you'll be among locals and the program includes visiting native villages, it's necessary to respect local dress and behavior rules. Although people are slowly getting used to tourists from different cultures and you can sunbathe in swimwear at the beach, locals are not yet ready to see you like this in town, at the airport, or on the street. Knee-length shorts (for men) are now acceptable. Women should choose loose-fitting clothing covering the backside, and may wear blouses or short-sleeved shirts – but no tank tops. Show respect for local traditions by loosely covering your hair with a scarf – you'll receive a warm response and open the door to Socotran hospitality.
8. Only extra services such as renting fishing boats, diving gear, special requests, or extra excursions are paid separately from the full package.
9. Please remember to always ask for permission before taking photos! Do not photograph strategic places or people – the port, government buildings, soldiers, or local women. Especially men should avoid approaching or speaking to local women.

Essential Items & Info for Visiting Socotra

• Camping: All camping equipment is provided, including dining gear, etc.
• Tents, mattresses/pillows, blankets are included. If you prefer your own, bring a sleeping bag/summer type or a self-inflating mat.
• For camel trekking tours, your own sleeping bag and mat are required!
• Refillable water bottle, flashlight (ideally a headlamp), sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Backup power source, power bank – charging possible in vehicles.
• Toiletries, biodegradable wet wipes for intimate hygiene.
• Travel first-aid kit, medications as needed, for diarrhea, broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Clothing for public places / Hadibo / airport / villages – women: long dresses/pants, long sleeves, scarf for head (optional); men: long trousers. For outside public areas – comfortable summer sportswear, swimwear, light sweatshirt/jacket, sports shoes/sneakers, head covering, sunglasses.
• Suitcase or backpack? Both are possible – up to your preference. Small sports backpack for hikes is recommended.
• Mobile network: Socotra now has a 3G GSM network, but it's very slow and unreliable! A UAE/Etisalat SIM card works best. Connection is available near Hadibo and a few other places. Most of the island has no signal. For my personally guided groups, I can temporarily provide satellite connection – Starlink!
• Dollars/cash/payment: There is no ATM or bank transfer option on the island. All $10/$20/$50/$100 bills must be new and issued in 2008 or later! $100 bills must have the blue stripe and be in perfect condition – no tears, marks, or damage – or they may not be accepted!
• Toilets/hygiene: While camping in protected areas, basic showers/Turkish toilets are available at most locations. For 2–3 days, we will camp at places without facilities, only with access to freshwater or seawater.
• Sleeping: Couples are expected to share one tent (please let us know in advance if otherwise). Solo travelers will get their own tent. We have several tent types and choose the most suitable depending on weather, season, and usage. Sleeping outdoors is also possible.
• For the 2025/2026 season, we opened a new camp on the southern coast at Aomak Beach. One night here is included in the weekly tour. It is the first private camp on Socotra, exclusive to our guests of Socotra.cz / Socotra Exclusive Tours. The 5000 m² beachfront area is fully fenced for privacy. Our camp includes three European-style toilets and showers, two stone shelters, and an airy dining area that offers shade for eating and relaxing.
• Program/itinerary: The 8-day itinerary is our "know-how" (also possible as 5 days or extended to 11, 12, or 14 days), crafted from our many years of experience to comfortably cover the TOP of Socotra and more. There's no need to worry about a precise daily schedule – you'll see it all!
• We adapt the itinerary on-site and aim to avoid large groups (15–20 people) from other companies, especially now that there are 2 flights per week, increasing tourist movement on the island.

Top Highlights from Socotra