Travellers' Tips for Socotra

Socotra is a unique island in every way. The Archipelago stepped out towards sustainable ecotourism only recently and you should take this fact into account. There are some tips how to get the most of your stay on the magic island.
 

When to go

Climate is a crucial issue to consider when planning your trip to Socotra. Avoid the monsoon season from June till September when strong winds sweep the island and most local people leave for the mainland. However, if you are a surfing enthusiast come in July when wind is growing in speed and waves are getting higher.

The best time for your visit is from January till March when it’s not too hot yet and the sea is crystalline.
 
In April and May the sea is still fantastic but the temperature is on the rise. You will need plenty of spare clothes to change frequently.
 
From October to December, the island puts on a fresh green coat after the monsoon season. The climate is mild with a chance of an odd shower.

When planning your trip don’t forget to check this year’s term for a Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Since no consumption of food and drinks is allowed during the day and many services stay closed travelers are recommended to choose another time for their journey.

 

What to bring along

• Prepare well for outdoor activities which will form most of your stay in Socotra.
 
• Take enough light and comfortable clothing made of modern functional materials that absorb sweat and dry quickly. You will need to change your clothes often. Don’t forget shoes or trekking sandals suitable for walking on stones. You will also need a hat and a sun cream.
 
• Due to possible lack of water, especially when sleeping outdoors, bring a pack of towelettes. You can also buy an aseptic cleansing lotion for cleaning your hands.
 
• In the evening, you will appreciate an anti-mosquito repellent. A mosquito net will be provided in hotels, eco-lodges and campsites. You don’t need to worry, the risk of malaria is low in the Archipelago.
 
• Having your own sleeping bag is not necessary since all camping gear is provided at the campsites. However, you might like to spread your own bed sheet on a borrowed mattress.
 
• Bring a torch for camping and for unreliable electricity supplies in Hadibu. You can also buy a solar lamp in the Women’s Development Association in Hadibu.
 
• If female travelers want to swim in the sea, instead of bikini bring a baggy T-shirt and a pair of leggins to cover your legs. It is not compulsory but you will feel better not getting long stares.
 
• Bring enough cash since no ATM is available on the island. You can exchange dollars and euros in local bank branches in Hadibu. However, the currency rate will be less convenient than on the mainland.
 
• The only mobile phone network operating in Socotra is the Yemen Mobile which doesn’t work with GSM mobile phones. You would need to buy a CDMA mobile phone to be able to call home from the island. Even then, only Hadibo and some minor parts of the island are within the coverage.
 
• Internet is available only in Hadibo. There is an Internet cafe close to the main mosque providing five laptops with a high speed connection for the price of 20 YR per minute. The cafe is open between 4 pm and 11 pm when electricity suppy from the public network is available. The staff speaks very good English.
 
• Although there is a hospital in Hadibu medical service is of quite a low standard in Socotra. Bring your own first-aid kit, you are most probably to need pills against diarrhoea and a cream for insect stings. If needed, there are local pharmacies in Hadibu.
 
• You don’t need any special vaccination for visiting Socotra. You should have just a common traveler’s set of vaccination including Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and meningitis. Risk of malaria is low on the island and its incidence among local population has been significantly lowered by the UNDP project in recent years. You don’t need to take any antimalarial drugs.

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Did you Know

Biodiversity includes natural diversity at different levels, from ecosystems to species to the molecular level (genes).

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