Socotra’s Firmihin Dragon Blood Tree Forest faces a change in vehicle access. A Saba News Agency report dated 11 October 2026 describes discussions on implementing the governor’s decision to prohibit cars from entering Firmihin Nature Reserve. For travelers, the immediate priority is to confirm the permitted access arrangements before visiting.
What has been announced about Firmihin vehicle access?
Socotra Deputy Governor Raed Mohammed Al-Juraibi chaired discussions on putting the vehicle restriction into effect, and a committee was established to assess the reserve and recommend implementation measures. Read the 11 October 2026 Saba report (Arabic) for the official account.
The report does not establish a general closure to people on foot, nor does it confirm camping permissions. We therefore confirm walking access, stopping points and overnight arrangements with the relevant local contacts for each departure, rather than assuming that vehicle rules settle those separate questions.
Why the dragon blood tree forest matters
Firmihin is known for the umbrella-shaped canopies of Socotra’s dragon blood trees (Dracaena cinnabari). In its 15 June 2026 conservation report, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) described a community initiative combining awareness, restoration and the planting of 50 seedlings.
Protecting the forest is also part of how we plan visits: stay on permitted routes, avoid damaging roots or young plants, leave trees and resin untouched, and carry out all litter. Ask your guide where photography stops and camping activities are appropriate.
How our Firmihin visits and overnight camping will adapt
The arrangements in this section describe Socotra Journey’s service plans. They are not a statement that authorities have approved a particular route, campsite or transport method.
Guided walks from permitted access points
Where access is permitted, vehicles will stop at the authorized stopping point and guests will continue on foot with local guides. Routes will reflect current local instructions, weather and guests’ walking abilities. We will confirm the expected distance, terrain and walking time before the trip; no fixed walking duration is being advertised while access arrangements are being clarified.
Camel-assisted transport is being assessed
We are exploring camel-assisted journeys with local communities, including the possible transport of supplies where permitted. This is not yet a confirmed or included service. Any introduction will depend on suitable routes, conservation requirements, local authorization and animal welfare.
Overnight camping remains part of our offer
We continue to offer overnight camping in Firmihin, using areas where camping is authorized and subject to current local access permissions. Our team will adjust the movement of guests and equipment to match those requirements. We will confirm the campsite and access arrangements before departure and explain any necessary changes to affected guests.
For guests with existing bookings, we will adapt the necessary access and transportation arrangements without additional itinerary adjustment fees. Optional accommodation upgrades or additional services with third-party charges will be explained and agreed in advance.
Flexible itineraries and advance updates
Our aim is to retain the opportunity to walk among dragon blood trees, photograph the changing light and experience an overnight stay where permitted. If local instructions require a change, we will explain the revised plan, including its effect on walking, transport and camping, before the trip.
Questions travelers are asking
Can I still visit Firmihin Forest?
A visit must follow the access rules in force for your travel dates. Ask your operator to confirm the permitted approach and walking route; the cited vehicle announcement alone does not answer every visitor-access question.
Can I book a night in the forest?
Overnight camping remains in our offer, with the exact campsite and access arrangements subject to local permission. We confirm those details for each departure.
Is a camel journey guaranteed?
No. Camel-assisted transport is being explored and should not be treated as a confirmed booking inclusion.
Plan a visit with current local information
See our 8-day Socotra itinerary and travel planning guide for the wider journey. If you have a booking or a specific walking or camping requirement, contact our team so we can confirm the arrangements relevant to your departure.
Sources and update note
- Saba News Agency, 11 October 2026 — report on implementing the vehicle-entry decision for Firmihin Nature Reserve (Arabic).
- FAO, 15 June 2026: Conserving the Firmihin Dragon’s Blood Tree Forest — community conservation and seedling restoration.
Published and sources checked: 31 October 2026. Travel arrangements are Socotra Journey’s own operational statements. This article will be revised when further confirmed information affects our visits.