Welcome to Socotra — Local services in Socotra

Let's begin by stating that Socotra is undeniably a paradise on Earth, and nothing can prepare you for the extraordinary and otherworldly experiences you'll encounter there – and I mean this quite literally, every single day! After extensive research across various media channels, we chose the Welcome to Socotra tour agency, and we couldn't be more delighted with that decision. Writing this review now, I hope it aids those selecting a tour operator for their journey to this magical island. From the first moment we started to collect information about trip details, prices and itinerary, Welcome to Socotra was always prompt in answering and giving all necessary details, including arranging our visa and buying airline tickets, but also answered all questions we ever had. I'll try to sum up why you should book a tour with them, although I could write at least 10 pages about that. 😉 They possess in-depth knowledge about the island, accumulated through years and years of organizing tours, not to mention that even the owner of the agency resides on the island for a significant part of the year. Our English-speaking guides, Marion and Wagdi, welcomed us at the airport and accompanied us every day, providing guidance throughout the island. They kept us informed about the next day's activities, talked about the island, and answered all our questions. They also provided us with attire recommendations, and what to include in our backpacks. The food served was simply outstanding – not only did we have three meals a day, but we also enjoyed fruit, snacks, and fresh tea between meals. Despite expecting “toilette in the wilderness” situation, each camp provided showers and toilets for your daily routines. Welcome to Socotra has established several camps on the island, a commodity not every tour operator offers to their groups. The itinerary was meticulously planned, ensuring we were the only group at specific location, allowing us to fully enjoy the scenery and capture as many photos as we desired. Our English-speaking driver, Abo Adel, engaged us in conversations about Socotra, sharing insights into its history and culture as we traveled between locations. Our fellow members of the group were like-minded people, so we got along so well and enjoyed everyday conversations and games we played in the evening! Lastly, the agency is deeply connected with the people of Socotra, creating a sense that every team member is genuinely a part of the island. This was a unique experience that we have not experienced on any other trip, or from any other tour operator. And to conclude - we travelled as a couple with our 9-year-old daughter, for whom this was also an unforgettable experience she will remember for a lifetime. Thank you for everything, Welcome to Socotra, we genuinely hope to cross paths...

Probably the best team on the Island! Expert guides: Wagdi is involved in guiding tours since he was a baby, there is not someone in Socotra that knows as many languages and as many anecdotes as him. A true well of informations and curiosities, an example of integrity and professionalism. And what about Marion: she’s the most interesting and involved person I have known on the Island. She’s a sort of beautiful Wonder Woman with iron balls, full of knowledge and passion. You fall in love with her since the first smile at the airport. Thank you for sharing your passion with us! And then the drivers… super skilled on every hard path! And at the same time so funny!! Hamid is like a good friend, a big brother, always smiling, always in good mood, always ready for “Despacito”, he’s just the best. And AbuAli… the party guy, super funny, great dancer, great comedian, the superstar of the week! Fisal the gentleman, always ready to open the car door for you… Bosamira the charming guy, be careful! All the ladies fall in love with him. And my favourite above all: Ali the chef, not only good in cooking… his true skill is dancing! A sort of super cool breakdancer… just wow!! The rhythm flows through his veins and you risk to melt at every step he makes. I know that I skipped some of the crew, because the team is huge, always following us everywhere, to make everything perfect. Ah! And the cherry on the cake: the charming monkey Matteo, he’s the boss, sorry one of them, but he’s the one that followed us during the week. His presence made everything also more special. Never seen anyone climbing so wildly. Goosebumps! Thank you everyone for this once in a lifetime adventure! Wilderness and comfort perfectly matched. I definitely left my heart on the Island. Socotra I miss you

PS: Sorry but I invented how to write your names. I will learn how to do...

I think this is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited! WelcomeToSocotra did an amazing job of showing guests as much of the island as possible in a short period of time (7 days).

Our guide, Elena (anthropologist) was extremely knowledgable about Socotra, it's people, the flora and fauna, as well as having a huge amount of regional experience, she was an amazing guide and I learned a lot from her. It was a small group of nine people from all over the world, all looking for an amazing experience that you don't get on most trips.

The local staff were amazing. Kind and friendly, always smiling and very accommodating.

However, do your research. Socotra gets HOT! It's camping, (or glamping, depending on what you are used to) so be prepared. The staff erect and dismantle your tents at each location, and food is prepared for you fresh each day, there's fresh water and cold (soft) drinks, and snacks when you need them. Showers and toilets are at each location, however the hygeine and availability is not always optimal. Again, it's a camping trip. To be honest, it was better than expected, but I've had experience camping (with and without facilities) but there were people in our group that expected something different.

I could go on forever about this amazing trip, but I suggest you see for yourself. Do it sooner rather than later as with all the tour companies now in Socotra and land being sold to investors, I'm not sure how long this beautiful island will...