About Socotra

Read more about The Island itself, The Flora, The Fauna and The People to familiarize yourself with Socotra

The Island

The Socotra Archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa being located some 240km east of Cap Guardafui (Somalia) and some 380km south of Ras Fartak, (Al Mahrah, Yemen).
Along with its neighboring islands: Abd Al-Kuri, Samha and Darsa, it forms the Socotra Archipelago: one of the most botanically diverse island groups in the world.

The Flora

What sets Socotra apart from other islands is its distinctive flora and fauna, with over 700 species found nowhere else on earth. The most iconic plant on the island is the dragon’s blood tree, with its umbrella-shaped canopy and blood-red sap. Other notable plants include the cucumber tree, bottle tree, and desert rose. As for animals, Socotra is home to a number of endemic species, such as the Socotra cormorant, Socotra grosbeak, and Socotra golden-winged grosbeak, as well as the rare and elusive Arabian leopard

The Fauna

Socotra is known for its incredible biodiversity. The island’s isolated location and harsh climate have allowed for the evolution of a variety of endemic and rare species of animals, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. One of the most iconic animals on Socotra is the Socotra cormorant, a seabird with striking blue eyes and a distinctive hooked bill. These birds can be found nesting in large colonies along the island’s rugged coastline, and are known for their striking plumage and graceful diving abilities

The people

The native people of Socotra are known as the Soqotri and have a rich culture and traditions that have been passed down for generations. They have their own language, which is spoken by around 50,000 people, and a unique way of life that revolves around fishing, herding, and agriculture. Visitors to Socotra can immerse themselves in the local culture by staying in traditional guesthouses, trying local cuisine, and participating in cultural activities

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries and there…

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