Must-Visit Camping Spots on Socotra Island for Nature Lovers

Looking to plan a trip to Socotra Island to connect with nature? What better way to do so than by camping? Socotra happens to have many sites perfect for setting up your tent and snuggling in a sleeping bag with a view of the starry sky. Add camping to your Socotra tours, and you will also get the chance to witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises—and take home with you some amazing memories.

So, which of the many wonders of Socotra is also a great site for a night under the sky? Read this Socotra Island camping guide to find out!

A Socotran Traveler’s Guide to Camping Spots on Socotra Island

Many visitors, particularly those looking for adventure, prefer to camp. The beaches in Socotra Island are especially popular, more than the limited number of hotels in the town of Hadibo. While there have been improvements in local development over the past few years, accommodations in town are still quite basic.

Therefore, you may find that a campsite with good facilities provides a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Moreover, if you're planning to explore hidden gems and want to stay near your destination on the island, camping is your best bet. Take a look at some amazing sites for camping on Socotra Island:

- Arher Beach

Arher Beach is a wonder for its striking white sand dunes and turquoise waters. Located about an hour from the airport, it will either be your first or last camping destination during your island escapade. A camping trip to this beach is one of the perfect solo, couple, or even family-friendly activities to enjoy in Socotra.

The area to set up a tent is right on the beach—one of the best camping spots on Socotra Island. The facilities include all the essentials: toilet, showers, and cooking. Take a dip in the sea and walk leisurely on the soft white sands. If you're feeling adventurous, give yourself a challenge and climb a 100-meter-high sand dune for breathtaking views.

Tip: Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset, which you can catch if you climb a sand dune. Wake up early for another climb, and you’ll enjoy the sunrise views of the blue waters too!

- Homhil Protected Area

The Homhil protected area is one of the popular camping spots on Socotra Island for nature lovers, as it is illuminated with endemic Dragon’s Blood Trees, Bottle trees, and Frankincense trees. The picturesque coastal landscape completes the charm of the surroundings.

Climb the tad challenging plateau, and you will come upon a natural infinity pool. It is perfect to cool off after a hot day, all while taking in a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean.

The campsite is a slight way from the infinity pool, equipped with simple facilities. Here you can buy small packets of dried dragon blood resin and frankincense offered by locals from nearby villages.

- Diksam Plateau

The Diksam Plateau encapsulates the main essence of Socotra Island. The rough terrain is dotted with endemic alien-like Dragon’s Blood Trees. Nomadic Bedouin herdsmen tend to their goat herds as they travel constantly.

What makes this place a great candidate for Socotra Island camping is the anticipation of a sunset surrounded by the Dragon’s Blood Trees and the mesmerizing canyon below. Another highlight that makes Diksam Plateau on Socotra Island a must-visit is its lack of light pollution. Thus, the night sky here is full of stars—almost magical!

However, it's important to note that the plateau isn't equipped for camping, lacking facilities like toilets and showers. The rocky terrains can make setting up a tent tricky, and temperatures can drop quite low at night. So, be sure to bring warm clothing and good camping gear.

- Detwah Lagoon

Drive to the northwest of Socotra Island and you will come to Detwah Beach. The marine protected area is famous for its ethereal landscape, a wonderful coastline for swimming, and a beautiful place for camping on Socotra Island.

Tour Socotra Island with a local guide, and they can take you to viewpoints that give you the full scenic view of Detwah Lagoon—a white sandy peninsula jutting out into the sea surrounded by azure waters.

There is a good camping site with toilet and shower rooms, so you will have a great time staying here overnight. Fresh water is also available, but you will have to cook by yourself—or rely on your guides. Take some time out to spot and photograph various seabirds and marine wildlife in the lagoon.

- Aomak Beach

One of the characteristic white sand beaches on Socotra, Aomak is located at the south of the island. You can view the massive sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek villages, pushed up against the mountainside over time due to seasonal winds on Socotra Island.

Best of all, there is an organized campsite with electricity, shower, and toilet facilities. You can choose to cook yourself, but there are beachkeepers who can provide assistance if needed. Aomak Beach is not as crowded as Detwah, which makes it a notable addition to Socotra Island camping if you are someone who prefers tranquility.

Tips For Great Camping Experiences on Socotra Island

1. Minimize your impact on the delicate island ecosystem. For example, use biodegradable soap, take all your trash with you—and opt for designated camping areas.

2. A reliable tour operator will supply tents and sleeping mats. However, it is best to bring your own lightweight sleeping bag and other necessary camping gear.

3. Remember to charge your phone, camera, and other devices whenever you can at a well-equipped campsite. Not every location in Socotra has access to electricity.

Camping, Hiking, Swimming, and more with Socotra Specialty Tours

There’s so much to anticipate on Socotra Island, and organized camping can make your trip all the more fulfilling. As a local tour company, we can help you add great camping spots on Socotra Island, as well as make arrangements for camping gear and meals. Contact Socotra Specialty Tours today and become one step closer to an adventure you will never forget!