With
their own distinctive climatic, environmental, geographical and
natural characteristics, these islands are scattered in the Red
Sea and the Arabian Sea. Most of them are situated in the Red
Sea parallel to the coastal land. Kamaran is considered the
major island with the highest population. It is located close to
the strait of Bab al-Mandab, thus it is of strategic
importance. Kamaran has few land animals. Mayoon (Perim) Island,
is also located in the strait of Bab al-Man dab, and has
strategic importance. The islands in the Arabian Sea are
situated more closely. Socatra is the biggest; it is famous for
its unique trees which are significant for their medical and
economic values. A number of other small islands are found
close to Socatra, among them is Abdul-Kori island, and al-Akhaween
(Samha And Darsa) Island are considered the major ones.
Kamaran Island:-in
Red Sea
Correctly named as such, this is the biggest Yemeni island in
the archipelago stretched within the Red Sea. It is extending
eleven miles long and 4.5 wide with the adjacent province of
Al-Saleif Port of Al-Hodeidah. It was first mentioned in the
history of world ports in 525 A.D.
Socatra:-in
Arab Sea
Socatra in one of Yemen's largest islands, with as area of
3650km. it's also the country's most interesting isle. Lying
about 510km. southeast of the mainland, the island has developed
in near total isolation from the rest of the country. This
accounts for the extraordinary fauna and particularly flora
found on the island. The island has also developed its own
culture and dialects (Socatra & Mahra).
One of the oldest inhabited regions worldwide transports
visitors back into the world of thousand and one nights.
Close to nature and unspoiled natural beauty,
Yementhis age-old center of
civilization preserves a way of life that has hardly changed
since the middle ages.
Socotra
Islandis the largest island
of the
Landof
Sheba, approximately 120 Km
long by 40 Km wide and a population of 55000 with their own
district language and culture, they also speak the Arab
language of
Yemen. The coastal area is
inhabited by fishermen majority of African origin, using
African huts whereas the Wadis are inhabited by Nomads of
Arab origin and the mountains region is inhabited by Nomads
& Descendants of an old South Arabian tribe speaking the old
Arabian dialect Socotri related to the Mahari dialect.
Socotrais a member of a group
of four outlying islands Abd Al-Kuri, Samha & Darsah. There
are also interesting affinities with other groups of islands
including
Seychelles& some remote islands
of the
Atlantic Ocean.
Socotra is more closely linked with Africa than Arabia
makes it a unique
islandof
Hybrid Flavor, its separation from Africais believed to have
occurred approx. six million years ago, as a result, many
animals & plants that live today on the island are endemic
species. This island finds itself at a convergence of eras &
culture due to its strategic location & valuable incense and
trade throughout centuries has seen the influence of many
African groups & European nations including Greek,
Portuguese & British. The native Socotrans are simple, kind,
and hospitable to visiting tourists.
Being virtually isolated from the rest of the world for
a long period,
Socotraremains one of the most
fascinating places on earth. An island that provides unique
opportunity & challenge has Arabia's greatest plant & animal
diversity. Many animals & plants that live today on
Socotraare found nowhere else on
earth. The very high degree of endemism makes the island an
important place in terms of global wildlife conservation.
It is believed that some of the plants & animals found
on
Socotraare in fact ancient relics
of a much larger land mass which has been preserved here as
a result of the fact that the Haghir Massif has not been
totally submerged for at least 135 Million years. The
absence on any indigenous mammals is reported to be further
indication of the island's very ancient origins, possibly
from time before mammals appeared on earth.
While the people help make
Socotraa haven in a hostile world,
the island is also a natural wonderland. From the aqua
lagoon at Qalansiya to the snow-white dunes at Ras Momi,
from the alpine meadows of the
Haggier
Mountainsto the desolation of
Nowgad,
Socotrais a land of surprising
contrasts. Rising to over 1700 meters, the
Haggier
Mountainsloom over Hadibo,
Socotra's administrative capital.
The red granite of the peaks has been stained a ghostly gray
by the lichens, which grow thickly above tree line.
Perennial streams radiate from the misty heights, green
ribbons of life teaming with endemic fish and freshwater
crabs. Limestone plateaus fan east and west, providing
alkaline soils for the iconic Dragon's Blood Tree. Bottle
trees grow in such profusion that entire hillsides turn pink
following winter rains. Cucumber trees, statuesque relative
of the melon, provide fodder for starving animals during
times of drought.
Socotra
is home to more than 900 species of plants, some 305 of
which are endemic to the island, and there are certainly
many more plant species that have yet to be discovered. For
example, Dr. Tony Miller of the
Royal
Botanical Gardenin
Edinburghrecently collected the
first known specimens of a tiny carnivorous plant, which
grows on moist tree trunks in the higher reaches of the
Haggier
Mountains. .
One of the most famous Botanical curiosities of
Socotrais the Dragon's tree, the
tree is so named because any injury to the bark results in a
deep red liquid excreting from the scar compared in the past
to the "Blood of Dragons"
Birds, insects and underwater life which is considered
very poorly explored areas of this fascinating island has
received relatively little attention from the scientific
community. There may be also undiscovered species of insects
on
Socotra. Because of the persistent
monsoon winds, many Socotran insects have evolved relatively
small wings, an adaptation, which prevents them from being
blown out to sea. Other arthropods include immense
centipedes which can reach a length of more than 20
centimeters and give a nasty pinch, at least two species of
freshwater crabs, and huge spiders which spin yellow webs
across woodland gaps, harmless to humans, but intimidating
nonetheless. At least 80% of
Socotra's reptiles are endemic,
and herpetologists believe that there are still several
undiscovered species on the island.
About 145 species of birds have been recorded here, 8 of
which can be found nowhere else including the Socotra
Bunting, Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird, Socotra Sparrow,
Socotra Warbler, and Socotra Cisticola. With new species
being found every year, Ornithologists also believe that
more detailed study of the ten endemic subspecies will lead
to the splitting of some to full specific status. This most
obvious bird to the visitor, however, is the ubiquitous
Egyptian Vulture, known locally as Al Baladiya Socotri for
its habit of cleaning up everything from kitchen waste to
human feces. Outside of Hadibo,
Socotrais a wonderfully clean
place, thanks in large part to these active scavengers.
Few terrestrial mammals live on
Socotraalthough there are some
bats and a species of genet. The sea surrounding the island
teams with whales and dolphins, however, Sperm Whales,
Short-finned Pilot Whales, Spinner, and Bottle-nosed
dolphins have all been spotted close to shore. Socotran
waters also abound in fish, ranging from tiny bright-reef
dwellers to great spotted Whale Sharks more than 15 meters
long.
Crystalclarity makes this a divers
dream.
A trip to
Yemenis considered an experience
of a way of life long since lost to the modern world, a
dream destination of unusual record, a very rich mixture of
archaeological, cultural, traditional arts, natural and
historical heritage, a picture of a different age.
Includes 5 days in Socotra, covering the highlights in
the Island. Designed for more comfort
using 4WD vehicles and overnights at the hotel. For detailed
itinerary and availability.
PROGRAM TWO:Socotra
Island(12 days)
Includes 8 days in Socotra, covering the most
interesting sites in the Island. Designed for more comfort
using 4WD vehicles and overnights camping & at the hotel.
For detailed itinerary and availability.
PROGRAM THREE:SocotraAdventures (15 days)
Includes 12 days of unforgettable adventures in
Socotra, covering most of the
island. Designed for adventure lovers, 9 nights camping,
camel trek & boat rides. For detailed itinerary and
availability.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:Diving & Birdwatching
"A trip
to
Yemen
............different age"
The modern visitor to
Socotrais a pioneer, an adventurer
setting out to discover an uncontaminated, long hidden
world! It follows that he or she will find extreme natural
beauty, but without many of the trappings of "civilization".
Hotel accommodation, eating facilities and the road system
are simple, and those requiring western comforts should
beware nothing truly rewarding in life comes without effort,
and a little sacrifice!
With
their own distinctive climatic, environmental, geographical and
natural characteristics, these islands are scattered in the Red
Sea and the Arabian Sea. Most of them are situated in the Red
Sea parallel to the coastal land. Kamaran is considered the
major island with the highest population. It is located close to
the strait of Bab al-Mandab, thus it is of strategic
importance. Kamaran has few land animals. Mayoon (Perim) Island,
is also located in the strait of Bab al-Man dab, and has
strategic importance. The islands in the Arabian Sea are
situated more closely. Socatra is the biggest; it is famous for
its unique trees which are significant for their medical and
economic values. A number of other small islands are found
close to Socatra, among them is Abdul-Kori island, and al-Akhaween
(Samha And Darsa) Island are considered the major ones.