Operating Airlines To Socotra
Yemenia Airlines from Jeddah
Current flight information: There are two weekly flights to Socotra from Jeddah to Socotra operated by Yemenia Airways.
The first flight departs Jeddah at 11:00 AM (Jeddah time) and arrives in Socotra, Yemen at 2:30 PM (Yemen time). Upon arrival in Socotra, you will proceed through immigration to have your passport stamped and will need to present a copy of your visa. Afterward, you will collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where our team will be waiting for you.
Accommodation
ECO- Wild camping
Most of our itineraries are “ ECO- Wild camping “. At night we pitch tents in various spectacular corners of the island while ensuring your journey is as comfortable as possible. We provide you with all the basic and necessary camping amenities: personal tent, mattress, bed sheet, blanket, pillow, and pillowcase. Arabic-style toilets and showers are available at the camping sites, and of course, Gazebo will be built with tables and chairs. At night time, we will build a campfire with carpets and pillows around it to relax and indulge in the unique nature of Socotra.
Hotels
Socotra Island is an Eco-tourism system and is still new to the international tourism market. The hotel accommodation on Socotra is simpler than most you’re probably familiar with buth it’s pretty good and improving yearly.
For the time being, there are five hotels in Socotra; four of them are located in Hadibo, the capital city of Socotra, and one is near Socotra airport in Mori. Three of the hotels are pretty basic (Diamond Hotel, Socotra Hotel, and Taj Socotra Hotel), the fourth hotel, Heathrow, is quite good, and the fifth hotel, Summerland Hotel, is the best hotel in Socotra. The Heathrow hotel has European style and high furniture and a single room costs 100 USD and a double room costs 140 USD per night, both rates including breakfast.
Internet & Mobile
Internet may be accessed in a few places in Socotra with an Etisalat SIM card (easily purchased in the Abu Dhabi airport), but the connection is very slow. Our guides are also able to provide hotspots if needed but we suggest that you use this time to get disconnect and truly connect with the unique beauty and majesty of Socotra…
Food/Drinks/Refreshments
We at the Socotra Native Tours provide you with three meals a day with the freshest quality regional foods: fish and seafood in coastal areas and fresh meat such as chicken, sheep, and goat in the mountainous areas. We also provide Socotran-grown fruits and vegetables, home-cooked Middle Eastern dishes, freshly laid eggs, homemade pasta, and rice. Tea is a popular drink, served either with mint or milk and coffee is often flavored with spices. Let us know any food requirements, such as vegetarianism or allergies, so that we are prepared for any changes to the menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided by professionally trained cooks.
When Should You Visit Socotra?
The ideal time to visit Socotra is at the end of September after the monsoon season.
September – October
Usually warm and windless. The Island looks fresh and clean after the summer winds. This is a good time for sea-based recreation, diving, sea trips, and trekking.
November
Some episodic rainfalls and storms. Rainwater flows down slopes and come together to form rapid stream flows in Socotra’s canyons.
December – January
” Velvet” season on Socotra, when all the trees of the Island come into leaf. It is the best time for walking and trekking. The northeast breeze creates good conditions for kite-surfing but may rough up the sea and restrain diving activities.
February – March
The most “beautiful” time on Socotra, when Dragon Trees and Desert Roses, trees which look like wine barrels, bloom with flowers, and the sea calms down.
April – May
Gets rather hot (30-34ºC/86-93ºF). The sea is calm and the water is water. It’s a good time for quiet and comfortable private tours.
June-July-August
Strong monsoon winds. As winds blow, the severely dry dirt and dust from the ground begin to blow through the air. In the mountains, the air temperature may fall down to 12ºC (54ºF). High waves prevent fishermen from going to sea.
