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 those who strive for the extraordinary! Discover and photograph 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 turquoise lagoons, 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 even female tourists can enter without any problems and feel completely free and safe.
Dates 2026
14.04-21.04.2026
Fully booked! - Waiting list
21.04-28.04.2026
Fully booked! - Waiting list
Dates 2027
02.04.-09.04.2027
Free places
09.04.-16.04.2027
Free places
Brief information
Including flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra and back
Including visa Yemen
Overnight stays in a single tent in the countryside
8 participants
Full board, 3 meals a day
Drinks included
Including all transfers on site
Landscape photography
Sustainable journey
Also for "non-photographers"
Saving dragon's blood trees
Price: 3900€
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 whole week to switch off and escape the daily grind - on our unforgettable Socotra trip, you will embark on a true journey back in time! Experience the real, original life far away from the modern world. For 8 days, immerse yourself in a time without the internet and without stress - pure deceleration and pure nature. 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 & Tour 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: We meet together at the airport in Abu Dhabi. As the flights to Socotra depart in the morning, I recommend arriving the day before and spending the night in Abu Dhabi. From there we will fly to the island together. The flight tickets are included in the price.
On our arrival in Socotra, we are warmly welcomed by our local guides and drivers. We then head to the capital Hadibu for lunch. We photograph the sunset in the highlands of Dixam - home to the famous dragon's blood trees. We end the day with an unforgettable view of the Milky Way during a night-time photo shoot. The starry sky on Socotra is indescribable.
Day 2: We start the day with sunrise on the edge of a spectacular canyon. There we photograph the impressive dragon's blood trees that stand on the cliff and offer a breathtaking view into the depths. We then visit the breeding station for the young dragon's blood trees. Our local guide Salem is dedicated to preserving this endangered tree species. With our trip, we are making a direct contribution to the protection of this unique ecosystem.
At sunset, we set off on an adrenaline-filled off-road trip into the surreal Firmihin Forest - the only dragon's blood tree forest on earth. On site, we photograph the trees in the golden light. We will also go out together that night to capture the Milky Way.
Day 3: We start the day with sunrise at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Firmihin forest. We then drive to the south of the island. There, a dreamlike dune landscape awaits us, which merges directly into the Indian Ocean. We have time to swim in the sea, relax and simply enjoy the moment. If you feel like it, you can even take a short camel ride along the dunes. We return to the dunes at sunset to capture them in the evening light.
Day 4: The day begins with sunrise in the dunes. After breakfast, we drive back to Hadibu and have lunch in a local restaurant. We then continue to the very east of the island. There we discover numerous crabs and their artfully shaped sandcastles. An unusual but exciting photo opportunity that shows us the diversity of the island in a completely different way. We camp right by the sea near the gigantic sand dunes of Arhrer.
Day 5: We set off early in the morning to climb one of the gigantic sand dunes of Arher. The dune landscape here is simply spectacular. The climb is strenuous, but the view from the top over the endless Arabian Sea is priceless. At lunchtime, we take a break and relax in the natural infinity pool, one of the most magical places on the island. Surrounded by rocks and with a view into the distance, this pool feels like a gift from nature. It is perhaps even the most beautiful natural infinity pool that our planet has to offer. In the evening, we head to the paradise of the bottle trees. The bizarre silhouettes of the blossoming trees in the soft evening light offer unique motifs and an almost fairytale atmosphere.
Day 6: We experience the sunrise in the Homhil, surrounded by flowering bottle trees. Impressive photos of this unique flora are taken here in the golden dawn. The journey then takes us to Dihamri, a true paradise for all those who love the sea and its hidden world. The species-rich, untouched coral reef is one of the most beautiful on the island and offers spectacular insights into the colorful underwater life. With a bit of luck, we may even encounter turtles while snorkeling. In the late afternoon, we continue to the west of Socotra. A fantastic viewpoint awaits us there, where we can enjoy the sunset and capture it in photographs.
Day 7: Early in the morning, we climb a mountain to photograph an impressive bottle tree with a perfect view of the turquoise lagoon. The panorama from up there is simply breathtaking and unforgettable. Afterwards, an exciting boat trip to a remote, secluded beach awaits us. With a bit of luck, we might spot dolphins along the way. We can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Swim in the sea or simply relax and enjoy. We end the day at sunset at another beautiful viewpoint on the lagoon.
Day 8: Photographing the sunrise at the lagoon. Transfer to the airport, farewell and return flight
*Exemplary program, subject to change
Not a photographer? No problem! We also organize other trips to Socotra.
Trip details
Travel information
- Travel dates see above
- Price: €3,900 | €1,500 deposit
- Meeting point: Abu Dhabi Airport, UAE
- maximum 8 participants.
- 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
- All 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
- Import fee for drones 105$
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 2027 are not yet officially confirmed! Allow a few days buffer in case the flight leaves on a different day. In the unlikely event that flights are not available, all payments made will be fully refunded. Flights to Socotra can be unreliable and connections may change at short notice. Prices are indicative from past tours and may vary slightly.
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
In March 2023, I traveled to Socotra for the first time to shoot a film. In April 2024, we set off on our first photo trip to Socotra - an incredible adventure full of unforgettable memories. This was followed by a unique trekking expedition in November 2024, during which we explored the island intensively on foot. The second adventure-packed photo trip followed in April 2025. But this is just the beginning: many more exciting adventures await us. When will you be joining us?
Socotra photo tour, April 2025
Socotra Trekking Expedition, November 2024
Socotra photo tour, April 2024
Socotra Film Production, March 2023
Customer testimonials
" Nick is a likeable young man. He knows his trade. The Socotra trip was very well organized and Nick was always on hand with help and advice. It was an impressive, unique adventure! Thank you! "
Christiane H.
Hobby photographer
"I am so grateful to have traveled to Socotra in 2025 with Nick and an incredible photo travel group. As a beginner photographer, I learned an incredible amount from Nick during the travel workshop. You could really feel that Nick is a passionate photographer who is happy to pass on his knowledge. Every obstacle was removed to make our stay and photo trip on Socotra as pleasant as possible. Even in retrospect, I know that I can always turn to Nick with any questions about photography. Thank you so much, Nick, for your tips and this unforgettable trip!"
Nana N.
Hobby photographer
" First of all, a big, big thank you to you again for the fantastic trip to Socotra. It was really great with you and the wonderful fellow travelers, really, I was "never bored", we laughed at the table from early in the morning until late at night. A wonderful trip is history. Nicole and I are not group travelers, we are always "alone" wherever we go.....but this trip was different....we were a wonderful great group, no one dropped out, everyone accepted "everything", Nick, mersi a lot! "
Hans-Peter and Nicole
Professional photographers
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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