Hoq Cave — Attraction in Socotra

Hoq Cave on Socotra Island is a hidden gem that offers both a challenging hike and a stunning natural experience. Located near the village of Saqra, this cave is one of Socotra's largest, stretching over 3 kilometers. The trek to the cave, which takes about two hours, winds through the rugged Momi Heights, featuring unique vegetation and steep, rocky paths. Despite the challenging terrain, the hike is manageable for those with moderate fitness levels.

The interior of Hoq Cave is cool and expansive, showcasing an array of impressive geological formations. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones that have formed over millennia from mineral-rich water deposits. The cave's grandeur is enhanced by its high ceilings and wide passages, although some areas require careful navigation. The spot with the most preserved stalactites is particularly breathtaking and adds to the cave's allure.

A local guide is essential for the trek and exploration inside the cave. Guides ensure safety, provide fascinating insights into the cave's history and features, and help spot local wildlife like Egyptian fruit bats. Inside the cave, it’s recommended to bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water due to the cave's dark and sometimes wet conditions.

The journey to Hoq Cave is not just about the destination but the entire experience. The breathtaking views from the cave's entrance and the unique underground landscape make the effort worthwhile. This adventure is a must for anyone visiting Socotra, offering a memorable blend of natural beauty and...

The largest cave in Socotra - Hog (Al-Hoq), is 3 kilometres long/deep (this cave is in the opening scene of last year's Jurassic movie: 'Jurassic World'). This cave is located in the precipice in the northeastern part of Socotra. The great granite wall towers over the shores of the Island. Al Hoq Cave is far and a long walk, uphill from the main road. The ascent, walking which is the only way uphill, to the cave takes approximately 2 hours and is quite an adventure, exerting and exhausting; but every bit worth the effort.

During the long walk uphill: the soothing sound of birds, insects and the wind; the view around: the exotic, colorful, alien plants and trees all around; the dramatic rocks and stones, all the way down to the turquoise sea in the far distance - makes the walk going up and returning downhill very pleasant and truly...

A nearly untouched cave, it was incredible to walk through the pitch black space that seemed to eat sound. With so few tourists, I hope it can stay like this - with just a small string to guide the path along intricately designed mineral formations and monolithic stalagtites a stalactites. It's a bit of a hike up the hill to reach the cave. The cave itself is three kilometers, but at about one kilometer, there is a pond and the trail ends. If course, it's dark and despite the heat outside, can be quite cool inside so arrive prepared. We found the air quite clear, but those sensitive to dust may...