Why Is Diksam Plateau On Socotra Island A Must-Visit

You’re excited to plan your itinerary for a visit to Socotra Island, but unsure of the best, must-visit places. Whether you are traveling solo, as a group of friends, or with family for Socotra adventure tours —a trip to the remarkable Diksam Plateau Socotra is a no-brainer. Read on to learn more about this charming part of the island!

Reasons to Add Diksam Plateau Socotra to Your Sightseeing Adventures

Consider visiting Diksam Plateau a significant moment in your life. You've chosen Socotra likely out of your love for nature and the extraordinary sights. What better, more ethereal, than a landscape rife with endemic Dragon's Blood Trees and other unique flora and fauna?

The plateau is located at the center of the island, an elevation between 2000-3000 feet. You will go through a rocky terrain to reach there, and continue on foot to properly explore the plateau and the surrounding sites. Let’s get in to the top reasons why visit Diksam Plateau on Socotra Island.

- Dragon’s Blood Trees

First up on the Diksam Plateau travel guide: Dragon’s Blood Trees. These alien-like trees are a significant part of the charm that draws travelers from around the world to the island. In fact, the endemic tree is even featured on Yemen’s coin!

Dragon’s Blood Trees are both eerie and charming and one of the unique natural sights in Socotra. With a veiny trunk that rises into an umbrella-like canopy and features a veiny structure, every single tree will make for a magnificent backdrop in your photographs.

These trees, the most popular symbol of Socotra, are what make the trip to and traipse through the Diksam Plateau worth the trip. In this stunning landscape, you will see hundreds, if not thousands, of Dragon's Blood Trees. For the best experience, make sure you are present at the plateau at sunset. The umbrella-shaped silhouettes of the trees contrast beautifully with the red-orange light of the setting sun.

- Red ‘Dragon’s Blood’ Resin

No Diksam Plateau travel guide is complete without mentioning one of the most striking features of the Socotra dragon blood tree. The deep crimson sap when cut is one of the most captivating things on this island for many reasons:

· This sap has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries.

· The color and purpose add to the tree’s mystique and allure.

· Dragon’s Blood sap is also useful in dyes, incense, and varnish.

You will find many people on the island selling packets of the signature red resin. Getting off the main road by Diksam Plateau Socotra, you'll pass through a quaint village. Here is where you can purchase Dragon’s Blood (resin!), which has amazing immune-boosting benefits.

More interesting history about this blood-red sap is that it was a vital medicine for gladiators in Ancient Rome to minimize blood loss and speed up the healing process.

- Firmihin Forest

What makes Diksam Plateau even more special is Firmihin Forest, located by the Diksam Plateau Socotra —often seen as a part of it. The alien-looking forest becomes even more eerie due to the fact that it has the largest population of Dragon’s Blood Trees, as well as many other endemic plants and trees. On example are the ‘bottle’ trees with superbly wide water-storing trucks, with delicate flowering atop.

The Firmihin Forest showcases Socotra Island’s extraordinary ecological richness (read Must-See Socotran Plants to learn more about the island’s unique flora). The unique shapes of various endemic trees create a surreal landscape in Firmihin Forest and Diksam Plateau. Yet, the setting is some charmingly otherworldly!

Additionally, this forest serves as a serene setting for nature lovers, or those who prefer peace and quiet for meditation and contemplation on their travels. You can connect with an ancient environment in Firmihin Forest, truly experiencing its status as a biodiversity hotspot.

- Wadi Dirhur Canyon

As you make your way past the Diksam Plateau, you can go down a steep dirt road. This will lead you directly into the heart of Wadi Dirhur (Dirhur Valley).

The stunning valley is another one of the highlights of a trip to the Diksam Plateau, as a simple hike proves why Socotra is the perfect destination for a digital detox. The large limestone structures in Wadi Dirhur run between the Diksam Plateau and the Firmihin Forest.

It is best to take a stroll down to the canyon floor rather than going through bumpy transportation. After a pleasant time amongst nature on the plateau, enjoy a refreshing dip in freshwater pools in the canyon.

Go for the services of a reliable local guide for travel tips for Diksam Plateau Socotra. You will be able to find the best spots for dips, strolls, and photography. Explore Wadi Dirhur further and on to the lesser known spots with your guide. You will also find discover caves that remain homes to mountain shepherds.

- Nature and Wildlife

Visiting Socotra Island in search for the unique wildlife? Start with the Socotra Bunting, which is a rare bird, primarily spotted in the grassy areas of the Diksam Plateau. This species is one of nearly a dozen birds that are endemic—unfortunately also classified as endangered.

If you're planning to go bird-watching on the island, be aware that spotting the Socotra Bunting can be quite challenging. Diksam Plateau is also home to Socotra Starling, which can be found throughout the island. When it comes to animals, you will spot camels being shepherded. There are also bats near cave entrances, and rarely Civet cats that roam around the island in search of prey.

You can go bird watching at Diksam Plateau, but its best to have a daytime trip. While camping is one of the many budget-friendly things to do on Socotra Island, the scenic plateau is not one of the ideal spots to spend the night due to lack of facilities. You may go for stargazing for a limited part of the night. However, arrange a daytime trip to the rocky terrain to get your fill of nature sightings.

Plan a Trip to Diksam Plateau with Socotra Specialty Tours

The journey around Diksam Plateau Socotra is one of the most memorable things to experience on the island. And we can help you plan yours seamlessly!