Socotra is a small island that belongs to the country of Yemen. With its unique biodiversity, it's a must visit for sure. In the Arabian Sea, Socotra has
roughly over 42,000 inhabitants in an area of 3,796 square kilometers.
This means the island is “barely inhabited!” (anyone thinking the same as me? The best travel destinations are this ones ahah, no people to stand in your pictures!!).
Socotra Island is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the
world. The island is well known for its Dragon Blood Trees and its
surreal landscapes full of towering sand dunes and deep canyons. But let's focus on the Dragon Blood Trees: Yes, this is about this trees! Diksam Plateau it's located in the hightlands, and is like a natural park full of this kind of amazing and unique trees. The thing avout this trees is that they are million years old, almost immortal, and the liquid they split is red like blood, giving it's notorious name!
How to visit:
The only way you can get to Socotra Island is by flying from
either Seiyun, Yemen or from Cairo, Egypt – with a layover in Seiyun. Yemen Airways (Yemenia) is the only airline flying to Socotra and currently, it only has one flight a week. And you have to pay the visa... it's 100 dollars.
I know Yemen is a place of war, but Socotra, far from the mainland, it's relatively safe: the island is politically unstable, which makes traveling to Socotra a bit harder – though still safe.
October to May is the best season to visit, but the peak months are
October, November, and February. These months are not too hot and not
too rainy, which are perfect for hiking and doing outdoor stuff, which
is basically the main thing to do in Socotra. This time is also great
for wildlife.
I saw on the internet that nearby you have a natural swiming pool on the lower part of
the canyon after long offroad car ride, and there are lots of dragon blood trees nearby!
Just check this out for help in the flights, visas and tours:
Happy journeys in Yemen!
