Socotra is changing. As more travelers discover the island’s surreal dunes, Dragon Blood Trees, turquoise lagoons, and untouched wilderness, its most iconic locations are busier than ever. Campsites that once hosted a handful of tents now fill up quickly sometimes with dozens of groups competing for space, views, and quiet. But for our guests, that crowded experience stays far away.
At Traveling Socotra, we’ve secured exclusive, private campsites near all the island’s main natural attractions. These sites are legally reserved for our use only, thanks to land agreements that ensure no other agency can camp there. This gives our guests unmatched privacy, serenity, and access to Socotra’s landscapes in the way they’re meant to be experienced. We’ve included photos showing the difference between crowded public campsites and our private ones—and the contrast is striking.
Why Exclusive Campsites Matter in a Growing Tourism Environment
The rise in tourism brings both excitement and responsibility. While Socotra deserves to be shared with the world, the surge in visitors has created:
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Overcrowded campsites
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Noise pollution
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Reduced photographic opportunities
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Tension over limited flat camping areas
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Environmental strain on fragile ecosystems
Our private campsites solve this problem by protecting space, managing impact & plastic waste, and keeping the guest experience peaceful and premium. You won’t sleep shoulder-to-shoulder with other groups. You won’t wake up in a sea of tents. You won’t lose the feeling of solitude that makes Socotra special.
Erisel – Private Access Close to Arher Dunes
Arher Dunes is one of Socotra’s most visited sites—and it shows. The main camping area often becomes crowded during peak months.
Just a short distance away, our private Erisel campsite offers:
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The same turquoise bay
- The same breathtaking dunes (close by)
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The same dramatic cliffs
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But without the crowds
It’s tranquility with the landscape still untouched.
Fermhin Forest – Under the Dragon Blood Trees
Fermhin Forest attracts a large number of agencies, which means the main area fills up quickly.
Our exclusive forest campsite provides:
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A private grove of Dragon Blood Trees
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Total quiet and solitude
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Pristine photography conditions for both sunrise and sunset
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A magical, secluded overnight experience
It’s Fermhin as it once was—ancient, mysterious, and yours.
Detwah Lagoon – A Secluded Slice of Paradise
Detwah Lagoon is not only stunning—it’s one of Socotra’s busiest overnight spots.
Our exclusive lagoon campsite ensures:
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A calm, quiet shoreline
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No crowded tent clusters
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Peaceful nights beside the water
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Easy access for exploring the lagoon’s marine life
Detwah has never felt so serene.
How We Give Back: Protecting Socotra Through Action
Having exclusive campsites isn’t just a luxury feature—it’s part of a larger mission to protect the island as tourism grows. We want the increase in visitors to bring as much positive impact—and as little negative impact—as possible. That’s why we’ve launched and support several on-island initiatives:
1. Plastic Collection & Clean-Up. We organize plastic collection efforts with our guides and guests, removing waste from beaches, wadis, forests, and dunes. Every trip contributes to keeping Socotra clean.
2. Strict Leave-No-Trace Practices. Our camps are built with minimal impact in mind. We train our staff to uphold these standards every day:
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Remove everything we bring
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Leave campsites cleaner than we found them
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Avoid damage to plant life and delicate soils
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Minimize fire impact and waste
3. Supporting Local Culture & Communities. We are committed to ensuring that tourism uplifts Socotris. This includes:
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Hiring local staff and guides
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Supporting local food suppliers and small businesses
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Promoting traditional culture, crafts, and stories
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Ensuring our campsite agreements financially support local families directly
Our goal is not just to operate on the island, but to genuinely contribute to its future.
Why Exclusivity + Sustainability Is the Future of Socotra Travel
Socotra should feel wild and intimate—not overrun. By securing private campsites, using premium low-impact luxury tents, and committing to sustainability and community-first practices, we’re ensuring that Socotra stays Socotra, even as more people come to experience it. Our guests enjoy:
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More space
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More quiet
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More respect for the environment
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Less disturbance to wildlife
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A deeper, more meaningful connection to the island
This is the kind of tourism Socotra needs—and it’s the experience we’re proud to offer.
A Better Way to Experience Socotra
As tourism grows, crowding becomes inevitable—but your experience doesn’t have to suffer. Our exclusive campsites protect both your comfort and the integrity of the island.
Private. Peaceful. Sustainable.
This is the future of travel on Socotra.
