About
Traveling Socotra

Meet Ali, a Socotran environmental specialist with over a decade of international project experience. Amid Yemen’s turmoil since 2011, he’s led volunteer efforts promoting environmental solutions and community development, such as women empowerment and socio-economic development of local communities around the protected areas. Ali is passionate about showcasing Socotra’s rich heritage, eager to reveal its beauty to others.

Abdul, our seasoned tour leader and expert, boasts over 15 years in eco-tourism. He’s an expert in Socotra’s wildlife and eco-tourism. What Abdul really loves is sharing his extensive knowledge of the island’s hot-spots, endemic species, and cultural folklore with guests. His family and friends describe him as smart, honest and friendly.

Abody is our professional driver who takes you around the island’s hot places in his 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, e.g. wadis, mountains, cliffs, sandy beaches and white deserts. Abdulziz is also a professional cars mechanic and he can fix any type of car, no matter the problem. So when you get some mechanical problems, no need to worry at all, as Abody will usually fix it within a few minutes.

Amer, our master food chef, specializes in crafting delicious Socotri and Yemeni dishes. He’s thrilled to offer guests a flavorful menu, including fish, seafood, grilled meat, rice, bread, salads, and more. With training in tour services and Yemeni cuisine, Amer ensures an exceptional culinary experience, enriched by his expertise.

Famhi is our local ranger who is born and based in Detwah Lagoon protected area; the only Ramsar wetlands site in Yemen. He is our guide during the outdoor activities in this area to explore its secret breathtaking landscapes and beauty. Very active, sociable and talkative, and he will not hesitate to answer all your questions regarding all the secrets of his lagoon.

He is our multi-skilled asset who knows about the island’s legends and ancient stories. He loves to make the guests feel very happy and get some fun through his interesting and funny ways of telling stories and legends. What he lacks in the English language, he makes up through his urge to dance and his knowledge about the island’s poetry and music in its different types – and he definitely loves to share some of it during your tea and camping sessions.

Hani is one of our master drivers with extensive experience and deep knowledge about cars. He can handle any vehicle, regardless of type or size. Since he was young, his passion for cars has driven him to gain vast expertise in driving and repairing mechanical issues. Hani knows the roads of Socotra better than anyone, having traveled to every village and area, even the most remote ones. Besides his skills and knowledge of all tourist and cultural spots in Socotra, Hani is kind and cheerful, always ready to help and ensure the safety and enjoyment of travelers.

Being in the travel photography and marketing business since many years, Tim has made it to more than 50 countries – but Socotra instantly made it to the top 3 places of his list. He fell in love with not only the insane landscapes of the archipelago, but also the feeling of traveling here – pristine and raw. After meeting Johan and Ali, it was clear that he would join forces to show more people the beauty of the island, in a sustainable way.

As a traveling drone photographer Johan continuously travels across our beautiful planet to search out those unique and undiscovered places and angles. When he visited Socotra, he immediately knew this island was an untouched and hidden gem!

And so – while talking to Ali in Socotra – the idea was born to help other people discover a piece of this magic. With 15 years of international sales experience and 5 years of organizing his own group trips, Johan knows how to create a unique travel experience!

Come say hi at @johan_drone_adventures

As a passionate drone photographer from the Netherlands, Ellemieke brings her eye for detail and love for travel into everything she does. Whether she’s capturing the coastline from above or helping travelers with their questions, she’s always chasing the perfect angle.

With her friendly energy and lightning-fast replies, Ellemieke is the heart of our customer service. She’s here to make sure every question is answered and every request is handled with care. So if you reach out—you’re already in great hands.