Socotra for Solo Travelers - Tips for Solo Traveling in Socotra

Where solo travels for some people means being actually surrounded by people in a busy urban center, other solo wanderers prefer places less explored. Socotra Island is one of those perfect destinations for solo travelers who love nature and don’t want to be restricted by a group in order to explore freely. That said, when you visit Socotra, practice caution as a lone tourist—as you do when traveling alone anywhere else in the world.

Exploring Sensibly: A Guide to Solo Traveling In Socotra

Some solo travelers tend to hesitate at the idea of solo traveling to Socotra Island as it is a part of Yemen. However, rest easy and go ahead with solo traveling in Socotra. The island stays disconnected from the social and political tensions of the mainland. However, you will have to observe the local traditions the same way when exploring other parts of the world.

Looking forward to the lone exploring the Dragon’s Blood trees, infinity pools, numerous mesmerizing beaches, and the best hiking trails on Socotra Island? Here are some tips for solo traveling in Socotra right from local tour experts to make your journey convenient!

Map Out Your Itinerary Beforehand

Rule number one when solo traveling in Socotra which is a remote island: have a prepared approach to the travel. The go-with-the-flow approach is fun, but not the smartest idea when it comes to Socotra travel. Planning each part of the adventure means you're all set with regard to accommodation, transport, payments, and an emergency plan. That being said, do keep an open mind and be flexible for any unexpected changes.

Know About Flights to Socotra

You have the option to go to Socotra via Egypt or UAE (Abu Dhabi). The Abu Dhabi option is a more convenient, seamless option for solo travelers. However, only one flight per week leaves for Socotra from Abu Dhabi. The chartered flight typically reserves seats for locals and humanitarian workers but also sells leftover seats to tourists.

The even more challenging part of Socotra for solo travelers is that the availability of seats is announced on short notice (usually a couple of months before peak tourism season begins). The ideal plan of action here is to connect with a local group tour for information and reservation of flights.

Pack Well, but Pack Light

You will be completely responsible for constantly carrying all your stuff when solo traveling in Socotra. This is the case for the entire journey if will are camping and not staying at a standard tourist accommodation. Therefore, pack light—only the essentials for journeying through a diverse terrain (read The Ultimate Packing Guide to Socotra Island).

Since you can rent snorkeling gear from snorkeling and scuba diving points at various popular tourist locations on the island, consider skipping these amongst the more miscellaneous items.

Don’t Hesitate to Befriend Other Tourists

One of the best tips for solo traveling in Socotra is getting to know other travelers. Even as an introverted solo traveler, strike up a conversion or two each day as you explore. You can start familiarizing yourself with others right from your flight. Only a handful of tourists enter Socotra each day.

Pro Tip: For exploration at ultra-remote locations such as the Hajhir Mountains and Shoab Beach, consider a group tour. Conversing with other tourists will help you figure out any group tours happening. You can accommodate these in your itinerary and avoid the hassle of lone traveling to cut-off areas.

Camping can be better than Traditional Accommodations

Socotra Island is primarily underdeveloped as it does not receive sufficient attention by authorities. The tours and guides available are by locals. That said, you may not find the hotels at Socotra too ideal.

Since you are not traveling with family, one of the helpful tips for solo traveling in Socotra is to rely on a camping setup. Also, you’ll find lots of other tourists around you at popular camping sites such as:

· Arher Beach

· Dihamri Marine Reserve

· Homhil Protected Area

· Detwah Lagoon

· Diksam Plateau

If you plan your itinerary right, you will end up at these locations at nighttime for rest and revival. Additionally, most of these spots actually offer the most spectacular views and photo opportunities at sunset and sunrise (which is why these are popular for camping).

Always Have Connectivity & Safety Essentials

Some of the challenges in Socotra for solo travelers are getting easy access to electricity for charging phones, cameras, and other things. Therefore, where you do get access, set out with a full batter—and a fully-juiced power bank is also a must-have.

Socotra is generally safe for solo travelers—including solo female travelers. However, be prepared as you would with any solo travel, taking precautions such as carrying a pickpocket-proof bag, pepper spray/taser, and similar safety items. Additionally, stay connected and let someone you trust know about where you are going each day.

Customize Your Trip with a Local Group Tour

As a solo traveler, and dedicated to this way to this way of fulfilling your wanderlust, you may not want to stick with a group all the time. Lucky for you, you can customize a journey with a local tour guide company. Get help with acquiring the visa, booking a flight, and transportation to and from the airport with the tour company.

For places such as the Hoc Caves where a local guide can help ensure your safety, you can choose to explore along with your group. As for the rest, you can choose to be on your own. So, it’s a win-win all around!

Organize a Safe and Enjoyable Trip with Socotra Specialty Tours

As local travel experts in the Socotra Islands with complete familiarity with the terrains and a strong professional network, we can help you make your adventure here memorable. Reach out to Socotra Specialty Tours to get the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide. Give us a call at +971 50 850 4432 or send us a message to secure your tour today!