Local guides & crew
Our own guides, supported by local drivers, cooks and camp crew.

SIGNATURE · 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Begin at Detwah Lagoon, climb into the dragon blood highlands, cross the southern dunes and follow the coast to Arher, Hoq and Homhil.
8 days through Socotra’s changing landscapes, with time for local life and unexpected moments along the way.
Visa, island transport and meals included. Flights and tips excluded. Solo departures incur a 60% surcharge. Camel riding and scuba diving are paid optional activities and are not included by default. Tell us in advance or ask your guide on the island; pricing and availability are confirmed locally.
CHECK AVAILABILITYTHE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Our own guides, supported by local drivers, cooks and camp crew.
Private solo trips available with a 60% surcharge.
2–3 guests per vehicle with a local driver.
Camp meals, drinking water and snacks included. Vegetarians should check additionally.
Simple camping throughout the island, with the final night in Hadiboh. Accommodation can be discussed with the team.
Limited Starlink may be available at selected camps when conditions allow. Do not expect continuous connectivity.
FOLLOW THE ISLAND
The itinerary may change with weather, sea conditions, flights and local guidance. Meals and overnight arrangements may also vary by departure.
Meals are prepared by the camp crew using locally available ingredients. Menus vary throughout the journey.
Arrival · Detwah Lagoon
Meet the team on arrival and travel to Detwah Lagoon on the northwest coast. Settle into camp between the lagoon and the sea, then climb to a viewpoint where bottle trees frame the white sandbar and turquoise water below.


AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping at Detwah
Shu’ab Beach · Detwah coast
Set out by boat for Shu’ab Beach when sea conditions allow. Keep watch for dolphins along the way, with no promise of a sighting. Spend time on the beach and, if arranged locally, try fishing with your boat crew. Back on the coast, take in the lagoon from higher ground and look for the island’s distinctive bottle trees.


ON THE TABLE
If fishers return with a suitable catch, there may be an opportunity to buy fresh fish or lobster for a meal. Availability, preparation and any extra cost are agreed locally.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping on the Detwah coast
Dixsam Plateau · Firmihin
Leave the coast for the limestone highlands of Dixsam and Firmihin. Walk among dragon blood trees, take in the canyon views, and settle into a forest camp. As night falls, gather by the fire beneath the trees before sleeping in the highlands.


AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping at Firmihin
Digub Cave · Zahek
Travel south and explore Digub Cave before continuing to the white sands around Zahek. The afternoon leaves time for walking among the dunes and slowing down beside the sea.


AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping on the south coast near Zahek
Wadi Kalisan · Arher
Explore Wadi Kalisan, where pale rock walls frame clear freshwater pools. The walk includes uneven ground and a climb on the return. Swim only where the guide considers conditions suitable. Continue to Arher, where sweeping white dunes descend towards the Arabian Sea, and settle into camp on the coast.


AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping at Arher
Arher dunes · Hoq Cave
Wake to the sound of the sea and the first light on Arher’s white dunes. Those who wish can climb the sand for a wider view of the coast. Later, follow the uphill trail to Hoq Cave and explore its limestone formations with a guide. Allow for sustained walking, uneven surfaces and a slower pace in the cave.


AT THE END OF THE DAY
Camping at Arher
Dihamri · Homhil
Explore the coast at Dihamri, with snorkelling or observation arranged according to the sea and local guidance. Continue to Homhil, walking through a landscape of dragon blood and bottle trees towards a natural pool when access and conditions allow. Return towards Hadiboh for the final night.


ON THE TABLE
Share a final island dinner and talk over the week with your fellow travellers. Optional local food experiences can be discussed in advance, subject to availability.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
Basic hotel planned; final arrangement confirmed with the team
Hadiboh · Departure
Pack up and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Departure timing follows the confirmed flight arrangements, with the team coordinating the final transfer.

AT THE END OF THE DAY
Departure day
THE XUNYE DIFFERENCE
We leave room for local encounters, spontaneous stops and the interests that make the journey yours.

01 / FROM THE COAST
When the catch allows, choose fresh fish or crab with local fishers and share a table of seafood, rice and island dishes prepared by the camp crew.

02 / A LOCAL MEAL
An optional local goat barbecue can be arranged in advance, subject to availability and additional cost.

YOUR OWN INTERESTS
A longer pause for photographs, tea with someone you meet, or a quieter walk. Tell us what interests you and we’ll make room where we can.
Local food experiences are optional and depend on availability. Tell us about dietary needs before booking.
START PLANNING
Tell us what draws you to the island. We’ll help shape the next steps.