Welcome to Abu Dhabi!
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 2 | October 8th | Socotra International Airport |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 2 | October 8th | Socotra International Airport |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 2 | October 8th | Hadiboh |
Our lovely hotel in Hadiboh
Our lovely hotel in Hadiboh
Di Hamri Marine Conservation Area is an impressive coral reef full of wildlife!
The beach was mainly fossiles!
Breakfast at Modern Shabwa before starting our trek.
Wow! Look at these lobsters!
Typical grocery display in Hadiboh
Prepping the camels for the trek
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh. Lunch time! From now one, the landscape turns from arid to afrotropical. Spectacular change of scenery!
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Following the Wadi di Negehen on the way up to Adho di Meleh.
Socotra Freswater Crab (Socotrapotamon socotrensis)
Socotra Freswater Crab (Socotrapotamon socotrensis)
The socotra crew at Adho di Meleh
Our campsite at Adho di Meleh
Our campsite at Adho di Meleh
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 3 | October 9th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi di Negehen - Adho di Meleh Pass |
Prepping the campsite
Prepping the campsite
Chilling out before dinner
Foggy evening at Adho di Meleh Pass campsite
Chilling out before dinner
We spent a nice evening around the campfire sharing songs and histories.
Sunrise at Adho di Meleh Pass
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
Climbing to a fantastic lookout over the Haggeger mountains and the sea
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
Great lookout!
Impressive spires on the north face of Mount Haggeger, probably waitinh to be climbed.
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
Socotra skink (Trachylepis socotrana)
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
Socotran Chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus)
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 4 | October 10th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Adho di Meleh - Wadi Dhamdhar |
Prepping the campsite beside the wadi
Bath time!
Using local herbs to take care of the camel's wounds caused by the tighened ropes.
Using local herbs to take care of the camel's wounds caused by the tighened ropes.
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
We spend the first day stretch hiking along the Wadi Dhamdhar
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.
Aysha, our guide in the mountains, was so kind as to show us his home when at the mountains. A humble but tidy and, by the looks of it quite comfortable, dwelling.The rope hanging from the ceiling had multiple uses: slaughtering of goats, preparing of butter, or to swing a crying baby.
The beginning of the last climb of the trek, from Wadi Dhamdhar to the Rokeb di Firmihin highland plateau.
Wadi Dhamdhar Valley
Wadi Dhamdhar Valley
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Wadi Dhamdhar Valley
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Wadi Dhamdhar Valley
Climbing to Rokeb di Firmihin highland plateau. Two days ago, we camped at Adho di Meleh Saddle, seen at the back of us.
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
Rokeb di Firmihin Highland Plateau
It rains in Socotra!
It rains in Socotra!
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Part of the Socotra crew
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest
Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 5 | October 11th | Mount Haggeher Trek | Wadi Dhamdhar - Firmihin Forest |
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 6 | October 12th | Socotra South Coast |
Degub Cave
Degub Cave
Degub Cave
Degub Cave
Degub Cave
Degub Cave
Amoak Beach
Amoak Beach
Amoak Beach
Amoak Beach
Amoak Beach
Amoak Beach
Siesta and relax at Amoak Beach
Siesta and relax at Amoak Beach
Our capsite at Amoak Beach
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
Zahek Sand Dunes
The barren arid plains of Noged
The biggest Socotra Dragon Blood Tree
Rokeb di Firmihin Plateau with Mount Haggeher
In the 1970-90s, Socotra Island was part of the South Yemen aka Democratic Yemen, which was a pro-USSR communist state (in fact, the only communist state on the Arabic Peninsula). To protect the island from any potential invasion from the mainland, the USSR gracefully installed several dozen old and rusty T-34 tanks (from the days of WWII), along the sand dunes of the north coast. Most were broken and couldn’t really operate other then just act as cannon guns facing the sea. Today, they are some of the first landscape objects da you get to see as you leave the Socotra airport and drive along the northern coastline.
In the 1970-90s, Socotra Island was part of the South Yemen aka Democratic Yemen, which was a pro-USSR communist state (in fact, the only communist state on the Arabic Peninsula). To protect the island from any potential invasion from the mainland, the USSR gracefully installed several dozen old and rusty T-34 tanks (from the days of WWII), along the sand dunes of the north coast. Most were broken and couldn’t really operate other then just act as cannon guns facing the sea. Today, they are some of the first landscape objects da you get to see as you leave the Socotra airport and drive along the northern coastline.
In the 1970-90s, Socotra Island was part of the South Yemen aka Democratic Yemen, which was a pro-USSR communist state (in fact, the only communist state on the Arabic Peninsula). To protect the island from any potential invasion from the mainland, the USSR gracefully installed several dozen old and rusty T-34 tanks (from the days of WWII), along the sand dunes of the north coast. Most were broken and couldn’t really operate other then just act as cannon guns facing the sea. Today, they are some of the first landscape objects da you get to see as you leave the Socotra airport and drive along the northern coastline.
In the 1970-90s, Socotra Island was part of the South Yemen aka Democratic Yemen, which was a pro-USSR communist state (in fact, the only communist state on the Arabic Peninsula). To protect the island from any potential invasion from the mainland, the USSR gracefully installed several dozen old and rusty T-34 tanks (from the days of WWII), along the sand dunes of the north coast. Most were broken and couldn’t really operate other then just act as cannon guns facing the sea. Today, they are some of the first landscape objects da you get to see as you leave the Socotra airport and drive along the northern coastline.
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
African Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus segnis)
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Arabian Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)
Mixed flock of Sooty Gull (chthyaetus hemprichii) and Heuglin's gull (Larus fuscus heuglini)
Detwah Lagoon
Arabian Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan) nests
Arabian Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan) nests
Puffer's skeletons
Puffer's skeletons
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Detwah Lagoon
Readying the boats at Qalansiyah Beach
Readying the boats at Qalansiyah Beach
Readying the boats at Qalansiyah Beach
Cayuco Experience!
Cayuco Experience!
Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
| Socotra Oct '24 | Day 7 | October 14th | Shoab Beach - Gulf Dove |
Shoab Beach
Shoab Beach
Shoab Beach
Shoab Beach
Cayuco Experience!
Welcome comitee at Qalansiyah Beach
Welcome comitee at Qalansiyah Beach
Welcome comitee at Qalansiyah Beach
Welcome comitee at Qalansiyah Beach
Salt pans in a sinkhole. During the rainy season, the sinkhole fills with salty water. Then, during the dry season, as the water level goes down, this water gets stagnant and evaporates, leaving behind the much needed salt cristals.
Mount Haggeher as seen from the North Coast.
In early November 2019, the waves swept a dilapidated Tanzanian-flagged chemical/oil tanker built in Japan in 1985 called the ‘Gulf Dove’ carrying approximately 7000 metric tons of oil derivatives onto the coast of Delisha, east of the capital of Socotra, Hadibo. After remaining untouched for some years, it is now being dismantled piece by pice at night.
We spent our last evening in socotra exploring the area around the Gulf Dove shipwrevk. We had the chance to take some beautiful inspiring pictures.
We spent our last evening in socotra exploring the area around the Gulf Dove shipwrevk. We had the chance to take some beautiful inspiring pictures.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market.
Hadiboh fish market. Tomato Hind (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
I guess I won't be welcome in the USA any time soon...
