Experience Socotra - Photo Tour into another world
Ready for an unforgettable adventure on a unique island in the Indian Ocean? Then the Socotra photo trip is just right for you! The perfect vacation for all those who strive for the extraordinary! Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this secluded island. Socotra is home to an amazing variety of endemic plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The main attraction is the striking dragon's blood tree, which towers majestically over the landscape with its red resin and umbrella-shaped crown. It is the symbol of the island.
During our one-week trip, we will explore the most impressive landscapes of this island and capture the incomparable beauty of nature with our cameras. From gigantic white sand dunes and majestic mountain formations to mysterious caves and a forest full of dragon's blood trees. There is a wealth of impressive photo opportunities on offer here.
Socotra is part of Yemen, is it safe to travel?
Socotra is isolated on the Horn of Africa between Yemen and Somalia. Politically, the island belongs to Yemen, but is a very safe and peaceful destination. It is mainly controlled by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Due to its great distance from the Yemeni mainland, Socotra remains unaffected by the political unrest and conflicts that occur in some parts of Yemen. Travel is via Abu Dhabi and the Yemeni mainland is not entered at any time. The inhabitants of Socotra are a very warm people and welcome us with open arms. There is no crime on the island, and female tourists can also enter without any problems or restrictions.
Brief information
04.11-16.11.2024
Trekking expedition - Fully booked!
01.04-08.04.2025*
Places available: 0/7 - Fully booked! Additional availability may be possible, please contact us.
14.04-21.04.2026*
Places available: 6 / 7
Private trips possible on request
Landscape photography
7 participants
Overnight stays in a single tent in the countryside
Full board, 3 meals a day
Drinks included
Including flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and back
Including visa Yemen
Including all transfers on site
Also for "non-photographers"
Saving dragon's blood trees
Price: 3600€ (1500€ deposit)
The most extraordinary adventure of your life.
Prepare yourself for adrenaline-filled rides in Landcruisers, the rugged off-road vehicles take us to the most remote places on the island and offer us the opportunity to explore spectacular landscapes that few people have seen before. Socotra is one of the most extraordinary destinations and (still) a hidden gem that few people know about. Join us on this journey and discover Socotra before the big tourism arrives. This week is packed with adventures you will never forget.
Landscapes that will blow you away.
An island full of diversity, look forward to it:
- gigantic white sand dunes
- surreal dragon's blood trees
- Mysterious caves
- magical beaches
- breathtaking gorges
- beautiful lagoons
- intact coral reefs
- species-rich fauna
- endemic plant species
- and much more.
Time off. Life on.
Treat yourself to a full week to switch off and escape the daily grind - experience real life on our Socotra trip! During these unforgettable 8 days you will be offline, without internet and without stress. Socotra + YOU - an unbeatable combination for your time out!
We take care of everything.
So that you can enjoy your vacation on Socotra without a care in the world, we take care of all the organization for you. We take care of your flight, visa, tent set-up, transportation, food and much more. You can relax completely and just let the adventure come to you.
Flight tickets & visa
We organize your flight ticket from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and back. We also take care of the organization for your Socotra visa.
Photography Coaching
I will provide you with advice and assistance and show you how to capture the impressive landscape of Socotra perfectly with your camera.
Accommodation in a tent
We will provide you with a tent, a mattress and bed linen and will also set it up for you.
Boat tour
We take a boat trip to a remote beach. With a bit of luck, we may encounter dolphins along the way.
Transportation
We have several off-road vehicles at our disposal. Each vehicle is driven by an experienced driver. Sit back and enjoy the off-road adventure.
Local Guide
Our local guide Salem + team will be at our disposal during our entire trip.
Catering
Throughout our trip on Socotra, a kitchen team will accompany us and prepare three meals a day for us. Drinks are also included.
Whatsapp group
A WhatsApp group with all participants will be set up to facilitate the exchange of information.
Tour guide
Nick Schmid, Photography Coach & Guide
As a landscape and nature photographer, I will show you how to successfully capture the unique landscape on Socotra with your camera. I have already explored the island extensively and know where the best photo spots are.
Salem AlKeabany, Local Guide
Few people know Socotra as well as Salem. As a local, he spent his childhood here and has dedicated his entire life to the island. He will show us the most beautiful places on Socotra with passion and dedication.
Day 1: We meet together at the airport in Abu Dhabi. The Socotra flights always depart in the morning, so I recommend arriving a day in advance and possibly staying overnight in the airport hotel. Together we fly to the island (flight tickets are included in the price), where we are welcomed by our local guides and drivers. We will then head to the capital Habiboh for lunch. We will visit a shipwreck and spend the sunset on Di Hamri beach. Red rocks make a great photo motif for the sunset. Overnight stay at the campsite in a tent.
Day 2: We start the day with sunrise on the beach, followed by an exciting snorkeling experience. This place is particularly known for its species-rich and untouched coral reef, which gives us fascinating insights into the diverse underwater life. With a bit of luck, we may even see turtles. In the afternoon, we will drive to the eastern end, where the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. Overnight stay at Camp Arher
Day 3: Once again we will climb the dunes and photograph the sunrise with a view of the Arabian Sea. At lunchtime we will explore the Hoq Cave. A mysterious cave that has not yet been fully explored. Here we can marvel at fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. We then make our way to Dixam, the home of the dragon's blood tree. On the plateau, we will photograph the sunset and the Milky Way. Overnight stay in Dixam
Day 4: We will spend the sunrise on the edge of a canyon. Here we will photograph dragon's blood trees standing on the cliff with a fascinating view into the canyon. At lunchtime we will visit the dragon's blood tree conservation project. For sunset, we will take an adventurous road into the Firmihin forest to photograph the sunset. At night we will set off to photograph the Milky Way, the starry sky on Socotra is indescribable.
Day 5: Sunrise in the Dragon's Blood Forest. At lunchtime we make our way to the south of the island, where we will drive to the wonderful Zaheq dunes. Those who wish can ride a camel across the dune landscape. Sunset at the dunes
Day 6: Sunrise at the Zaheq dunes. The journey then continues to the west of the island. Here we stop at the fishing village of Qualashia and climb a mountain. The view of the lagoon from the top is fabulous.
Day 7: An exciting boat trip to a secluded beach is on the agenda today. With a bit of luck, we may spot dolphins along the way. In the afternoon, we return to Habiboh, where we can take a look at the town and buy souvenirs.
Day 8: Sunrise at a large reef wreck. Transfer to the airport, farewell and return flight.
*Exemplary program, subject to change
Travel information
- Travel dates see above
- Meeting point: Abu Dhabi Airport, UAE
- maximum 7 participants.
- Local Guides
- Photography Guide
- 3 Driver
- Cook with kitchen team
- Overnight stay in a tent 7 nights sleeping outdoors in nature
- Suitable for beginners and advanced users
- Non-photographing partners can also take part in this trip
- Photographic support and tour guide by Nick Schmid
- Local guides, driver, cook, kitchen team
- Including flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and back
- Visa Yemen
- All transfers on the island in Landcruisers
- Full board, 3 meals a day
- Drinks
- All overnight stays at campsites in the countryside
- Tents and foam mattresses are provided
- Boat trip to a deserted beach
- Image reviews during the trip
- Information event before the trip via Teams/Zoom
- Packing list
- Voltage transformer for charging the devices
- Snorkeling equipment
- Travel insurance certificate § 651s (BGB)
- Arrival / Flight to Abu Dhabi
- Travel insurance
- personal expenses
Price: 3600€
Payment
Payment is made in advance by bank transfer. In order to book the trip, a deposit of €1,500 is required so that we can organize flights, visas and the like. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 60 days before departure. You will receive the details for the final transfer by email after your booking has been received.
Refund and cancellation
If a participant decides to cancel their reservation, they may do so at any time, but once the deposit has been paid, it is no longer fully refundable.
Here are the fixed compensation rates:
- up to 120 days before the start of the trip 25% of the total cost
- less than 120 days before the start of the trip 50% of the total cost
- less than 60 days before the start of the trip 80% of the total cost
- from 30 days before the start of the trip 100% of the total cost
Additional fees may apply if binding travel services have already been booked by Nick Schmid Photography with third parties, such as flights or hotel bookings. In this case, the customer will be invoiced for any cancellation fees. The date stated on the website is the start of the trip.
Requirements:
- Basic physical fitness, the hikes last up to 2 hours.
- Desire for adventure and a foreign culture
- Campinglust, we will only sleep outside and do not always have sanitary facilities.
- Camera or smartphone
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months
Important notes:
* The flight dates for April 2025 are not yet officially confirmed! In the event that flights are not available, all payments made will be refunded in full. Flight connections to Socotra can be unreliable, it cannot be ruled out that connections may change at short notice. Prices are indicative from past tours and may vary.
I recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance and international health insurance for your trip. Equipment insurance is also recommended to protect you financially against damage or loss of your photo equipment.
I will create a Whatsapp group with all participants so that we can be in constant contact with each other.
Socotra documentary
In March 2023 I was on Socotra for 14 days to shoot a movie. Watch my documentary "Socotra - Photographic expedition to a strange world" here for free.
Our mission: to save the dragon's blood trees
The dragon's blood trees on Socotra are threatened with extinction. On this trip we would like to contribute to the protection of these important endemic trees. For every photo tour taken, 500 USD will be donated to the conservation of the dragon's blood trees.
Past tours
The first photo trip to Socotra took place in April 2024. An incredible adventure with many great memories lies behind us.
Frequently asked questions
No, Socotra is an extremely peaceful destination. Although the island is part of Yemen, it is characterized by its remote location, which makes it safe. Socotra has a family atmosphere, the people are warm, hospitable and there is no crime. We will reach the island via Abu Dhabi and will never set foot on the Yemeni mainland.
Yes, although there are few local women in public on Socotra due to the cultural conditions, female tourists can feel absolutely free and safe at all times.
You will only have electricity on Socotra in the city. I therefore recommend bringing enough camera batteries with you. We will charge the batteries from the cigarette lighter during our car trips. I will provide a voltage hike. It is advisable to bring additional power banks and possibly solar panels. I will be happy to help you if you have any questions.
That depends on where we are. There are very basic showers and toilets at most campsites, but not everywhere. It is advisable to bring wet wipes as hygiene standards are not very high.
No, we provide a separate tent for each participant.
No, our local partner provides the camping equipment (tent, mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket). For hygienic reasons, however, you can also bring your own bedding and tent.
In Socotra, payment is made in Yemeni rials, but USD is often accepted as well. It is best to take some USD with you if you want to buy something. It is advisable to have the USD changed into Rial. We can do this locally in the capital Habiboh. There are no ATMs and card payments are not possible.
You don't need a professional camera to come along! The main thing is that you have a camera that you can adjust manually. Cameras from any manufacturer are welcome.
If you don't have a camera, I can lend you one for this trip, please contact me in advance!
My personal recommendation:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Wide-angle lens
- Travel zoom
- Telephoto lens
- Tripod
- ND / polarizing filter
- Powerbanks
Yes, with pleasure! Everyone who is interested in Socotra is welcome on my trip. The program is designed for photographers, but you are also welcome to join me and enjoy nature without a camera.
If you are looking for a good internet connection, you are in the wrong place. A slow mobile phone connection is only available in the city and in a few places. We will spend most of our trip in nature, enjoying life and being offline. 😉
The flights are included. There is currently no way to get Socotra flights online. I am in close contact with the locals and will organize round trip tickets from Abu Dhabi for you.
The visa for Yemen is also included in the price. You will receive a digital copy shortly before your departure. We will then receive the original visa on site. Please make sure that your passport is valid.
Yes, that is also possible. I would be happy to take care of the entire organization for your private trip to Socotra! I can book flights, visas etc. and organize everything you need. Please contact me about this, preferably via WhatsApp.
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