Travelers to Socotra must understand that Socotra is an eco-tourism system and fairly new to the international tourist market, hence the Socotra hotel accommodation standard, though good, may not be up to the same international accommodation standards that you would expect. We at Socotra Guide Adventure tours believe that this only adds to the mystic of the island of Socotra.

Getting to Socotra Island

Yemania Airlines servers two flight per week between Sana’a- Mukkala – Socotra Island (Friday). And Aden – Mukkala – Socotra island (Monday). Flight duration is almost three hours. And a new flight has been recently added on Wednesday. There is new flight to Socotra every day felix Airlines servers every day to Socotra from Sana’a (And Aden – Mukkala- Socotra island (Monday).

When to go

Climate is an important consideration. And this depends on your interest. Nature enthusiasts should go from early October to late April. The monsoon occurs in July till mid August (during July in the south east and south west of the island, wind surfing activity can be arranged). Generally, wildlife and natural viewing is most rewarding from the end of January through May.

Visa and Money matters

You can obtain a three months visa on your arrival at Sana’a airport (the capital of Yemen). As soon as you have cleared through customs, change some money into Yemeni Riyal (YR.), at the airport, or when in Sana’a at the any money exchanger (recommended) or you can exchange money at national bank on Socotra .There are about 198 Riyals to the USD and 250 to ERO. Take cash hard currency with you, USD is acceptable on the island ERO as an alternative. Master Card, Visa Card, Cheques are not acceptable.

What to take along with you

• Comfortable, light, casual clothing.
• Sleeping bagged.
• Some thing worm to wear at night in winter and in the high altitudes.
• Comfortable well walking shoes with good grip or sneakers.
• Protective clothing and sun lotion for the tropical sun.
• Personal toiletries and any personal medication such as, some headache tablets, some things for digestive upsets, disinfectant.
• Antiseptic wipes.
• Films and spare camera batteries.
• Torch/ flashlight with spare batteries.
• Strap-on water – bottle for day hike.
• Money belt for valuables (you don’t have to take expensive or expensive looking jewellery to Socotra).
• Strap-on water – bottle for day hike.

Health requirements

Socotra is not a malaria region, there are some mosquitoes in some places but the malaria prophylactic is not recommended. Cholera is not present on the island at all. Drink only bottled mineral water; it’s readily available in Hadibo and Qalansiya. Consult your doctor and dentist or travel health clinic for advice and preventive measures. The hospitals on the Island offer less than adequate service. Pharmacies are presented around Hadibo.

Time Zone: GMT + 3 hours.

Power supply: 220v AC; plugs are generally two-pin and multiple plugs.

Languages:

Socotri is the local language, Arabic is the official and formal language; English is spoken by the people working in the tourism industry.

Religion: All the people follows Islam.

Telephone:

Telephone lines are available to major town of Hadibo, country code: (+967), followed by a one digit number for an access provider (5). After the international and access codes, number should be six digits including three initial digits for the geographical area (660).

The cheapest way to make international phone calls is to use a telephone card and call from booth telephone line or mobile telephone. Telephone cards can be purchased at most shops in the main market. GSM system is not working on the island. Hitherto, only CDMA cavers north and west of the island remain in Hadibo, Dicksam plateau, and Qalansiya.

Internet:

Internet access is slow and expensive (It costs about $6 per hour.). There is internet cafés exist in the large town of Hadibo.

Post office:

The post office is located at the at the center of the town Hadibo, in Socotra Telephone Central building

Travel Tips

Eco- friendly travelers to Socotra…

It is important to respect and conserve the natural and environment of each country you visit; within Socotra Island. Nature has granted Socotra with many beautiful elements which need to be preserved so, that the next visitors can enjoy Socotra’s exquisite beauty. There is also an interesting culture on Socotra that should be respected, “remember how you would be treated in you own home country”. We are committed to conserve our island. So only we invite you to share with us this cooperation in this regards. Wherever you go, only take memories and leave foot prints! We have put together a few guidelines and environmental tips for keeping on good terms with locals and nature!

Please:

Heed the advice of your guide at all times.

• Don’t import or export any biological material or alien species from or the to Island.
• Do not leave or throw any litter.
• Don’t drop your cigarette but anywhere–dispose of them properly.
• Don’t swim in sea or rivers unless your guide recommends it.
• Don’t make erratic movements as this will frighten or aggravate the wildlife.
• Don’t drive off the roads in game reserves and national parks.
• Don’t raise your voice or speak loudly inside cave… whisper!
• Don’t feed fishes (this creates dependency).
• Don’t touch or damage corals.
• Use only dead wood to set up a fire.
• Ask permission before taking photographs of locals specially women.
• Wear well covered dresses while you are in the town or in the villages or where are local people surrounding you because this offending the locals.
• Don’t take shells and pieces of corals.

Children might be asking you for money or sweets, bear in mind that it is not allowed to hand money over children ( by handing money to children you encourage begging) and the dental treatment is not readily available on the Island. We recommend handing out pens, pieces of paper and clothes.

Support local business and community initiatives by buying local items rather than imported good.