This unique itinerary combines two fascinating lesser-visited destinations: isolated Socotra Island and the Sultanate of Oman. Begin in Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its biodiversity and wealth of endemic species. Hike along majestic valleys dotted with groves of dragon blood and frankincense trees, and swim or snorkel from gorgeous white-sand beaches bathed in warm turquoise waters. The second leg of this adventure visits the Sultanate of Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Oman boasts ancient archaeological sites, soaring mountain ranges, wind-blown deserts, bustling markets, charming cities, and terraced lush gardens.
Enjoy some shade underneath Socotra’s endemic Dragon’s Blood Tree. With an umbrella-like shape, this tree has been economically important for centuries.
Feel the buzz at Al Habta—the long-standing goat and livestock market in Nizwa where farmers from all over Oman gather to barter and trade their animals at one of the finest traditional markets in the Middle East.
After visiting an outdoor souk for fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, enjoy an Omani meal that you prepared together with your local Arabic chef.
Rich’s serious love for all things nature have propelled him throughout the world. He’s spent just some of his life tagging sea turtles, teaching marine science, and spying on Arctic seabirds.
As a naturalist and expedition leader, Kristin’s been showing the world to eager explorers since 2005. Her stories of where the wild things are will keep you asking for more.
Arrive in Abu Dhabi and transfer to our group hotel to meet with Rich, Kristin, and your fellow travelers for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, board our short flight to Socotra. Our first stop is Ayhaft Canyon National Park, famous for its abundance of endemic trees, plants, and birds. The wadi is filled with interesting flora, including tamarind trees, cucumber trees, and a wide variety of birds such as Socotra sparrow, Socotra sunbird, and both Socotra and Somali starlings. Check in to our first camp, and settle in to your tent.
During our time in Socotra, our days will be expeditionary as we explore the island together. We’ll be staying in tents for all but one night of this itinerary and move camps one or two times for different views, scenery, and experiences.
Below are areas and places we hope to explore on the spectacular island of Socotra:
Diksam Plateau - Where the limestone gorge drops nearly 2,300 feet to the valley floor, walk along the edge of the gorge and see numerous groves of endemic dragon's blood trees.
Derhur Canyon - Lying along a dramatic chasm, slicing through solid granite, this lush canyon floor has been planted with palm trees and here we hope to find Bruce's green pigeons and laughing doves. Weather permitting, go for a hike amongst the many unusual and striking rock formations.
Firhmin Forest – Here we can find world's densest concentration of dragon's blood trees. Meet with locals to learn how they collect the precious red resin of these valuable trees.
Detwah Lagoon - This marine protected area is renowned for its magical landscapes and the tongue of white sand is surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters where stingrays are known to congregate along with a wide array of sea birds. Here we can swim in the warm waters and, with luck, spot spinner dolphins and cormorants
Dihamri Bay - Dihamri Marine Protected Area is home to one of the richest coral reefs on the archipelago. Relax in palm leaf huts and swim or snorkel in Dihamri Bay. The spectacular snorkeling in this area can include sightings of parrotfish, moray eels, rays, sea urchins, and with luck, sea turtles.
Homhil Protected Area - Keep your camera ready for the fabulous vista of deep ravines and vast plains on our drive to Homhil Protected Area. Stop at Qaria Lagoon, the largest on the island, to see flamingos, herons, greenshanks, and other waterfowl. Once at Homhil, choose to take a variety of nature walks, one of which will take you to a viewpoint with a natural pool and nice view of the village below, backdropped by the ocean. Here, find a great number of frankincense and bottle trees.
Arher Beach - At Arher, the westerly winds have produced immense sand dunes along the sheer rock faces standing nearly 500 feet high. Here we can climb the massive dune for some exciting exercise, or go for a relaxing swim in the beautiful surroundings.
After another of expeditionary exploration on the island of Socotra, drive to Hadibo and check in to the Summerland Hotel for dinner and overnight.
After a morning at leisure and lunch, board our flight to Abu Dhabi. Transfer to our group hotel and check in for dinner and overnight.
Departing guests on Socotra may book flights home at any time on day 10 of the program, following your included overnight in Abu Dhabi on day 9.
Incoming guests for Oman may arrive at any time on Day 1. You’ll be transferred to our group hotel in Abu Dhabi for dinner and overnight with Rich, Kirstin, and your fellow travelers.
After transferring to our group hotel in Abu Dhabi on Day 9, enjoy dinner and an overnight with your trip leaders and fellow travelers before leaving for Oman.
Please see our brochure for exact program dates.
Incoming Oman travelers arrive in Abu Dhabi. Transfer to our group hotel and meet with Rich, Kristin, and your fellow travelers for dinner and overnight.
Today, board our flight to Salalah. Check in to Al Baleed Salalah by Anantara and, time permitting, go on a short introductory tour of this lovely seaside city.
Today, visit the impressive Grand Mosque before joining a local archaeologist to tour Al Baleed, the remains of a 4,000-year-old city. Then head to Mughsail Beach to view seawater gushing through limestone “blow-holes” during high tide. Continue to Sumhuram, the ruins of an ancient port city dating back to the 4th century BC.
Gear up for a full-day 4x4-vehicle safari in the Dhofar Mountains. First stop: the evergreen Wadi Darbat, home to herds of camels, goats, and cattle. Then visit one of the world’s largest sinkholes before continuing into the mountain range of Jebel Samhan for a picnic lunch and an afternoon drive through scenic landscapes. Return to Salalah for dinner and overnight.
This morning, board our flight to Muscat. Browse the National Museum of Oman, the largest museum in the Sultanate and across from the Sultan’s palace in Old Muscat, where some of the city’s most historical architecture can be found. Check in to the Chedi Muscat for dinner and overnight.
Today, board a local boat for a leisurely one-hour cruise to the Damaniyat Islands, a nature reserve. Upon arrival, we spend our time swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island. After a full day, enjoy a sunset cruise back along the scenic coastline. The rest of the evening is at leisure to pursue your own interests, with dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Depart Muscat to Wahiba Sands via Sur. Wahiba Sands is a vast region of massive undulating red and white sand dunes. The ever-changing patterns of the desert are a photographer’s delight. Sunsets here are especially stunning. Check in to the Desert Night Camp and settle into your well-appointed tent, complete with en suite bathroom.
After breakfast, visit Wadi Bani Khalid, punctuated with caves and large pools that have a constant flow of water. Continue along Wadi Al Madeen, a dry riverbed to Jebel Akhdar, the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain range. After lunch at an Iranian restaurant, check in to Alila Jabel Akhdar and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning, embark on a culinary adventure, beginning with a visit to the souk to select fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat. Return to the hotel and learn how to prepare your own Omani meal with guidance from the hotel's Arabic chef. Then, hike through several villages to meet local farmers and learn about life in this remote area.
This morning, visit Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman. From here we have a spectacular view into Wadi Nakhr, the Grand Canyon of Arabia. Stroll along the famous “balcony walk” where the canyon walls drop 3,000 feet to the valley below. This afternoon, visit the beautiful villages of Al Hamra and Misfah.
After breakfast, depart overland for Nizwa to watch the festival-life Friday livestock auction. Then, visit the Nizwa Fort and Jabrin, some fine 17th century castles. Enjoy lunch in Nizwa before returning to Muscat. En route, visit the village of Birkat Al Mauz for a walk through the lush green date plantations. Check in to the Chedi Muscat.
Today we visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman which can accommodate an impressive 20,000 worshipers. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own, or simply relax at the hotel. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
SOCOTRA
9 Days
February 10 – February 19, 2025
OMAN
13 Days
February 18 – March 2, 2025
SOCOTRA & OMAN
21 Days
February 10 – March 2, 2025
The Socotra trip starts and ends in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Oman starts in Abu Dhabi, UAE and ends in Muscat, Oman.
Socotra is a destination for adventurers and nature lovers. It is worth noting that the facilities are not like more modern and developed destinations due to limited infrastructure. During our time in Socotra, we will have six nights of simple tented camping. While we find this a unique opportunity to sleep with stunning views and under the stars, it may not be for everyone. The Summerland Hotel, where we spend one night is basic but does provide air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
Rich in heritage and home to pristine coastline, craggy mountains, and miles of desert, much of Oman offers elegant opulence. Accommodation in Oman is impressive, with everything from deluxe tented hideaways in the desert to extravagant beach resorts featuring world-class spas. Our set of accommodations were carefully chosen for their services, location, uniqueness, and style.
Where the majestic Al Hajar Mountains meet their luminous reflection in the serene waters of the Gulf of Oman, The Chedi Muscat rises amidst an elegantly landscaped twenty-one-acre garden oasis with 158 Omani influenced guestrooms and villas. Spend your day enjoying the unique attractions of Oman’s capital city, and after a long day of touring, relax in your stunning hotel offering luxury, elegance, comfort, and boundless Omani hospitality.
Nestled between a private beach and freshwater lagoon, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara celebrates cultural treasures while majestic design reflects Oman’s coastal fortresses. Garden walkways are lush with palms and water features. Relax on your balcony to a lullaby of waves, soak up garden nature from a majlis-style daybed, and sip sundowners on a terrace that flows onto white sands.
Surrounded by endless sprawling red gold dunes, Desert Nights Camp is an intimate 5-star hotel in Wahiba Sands. Retreat to your private Bedouin style tent with its surrounding expanse of silken sand and luxurious accommodation. Oman styled cozy sit-outs, a luxurious bed under a linen canopy, and tasteful Arabian furnishings await. Warm and efficient service is available to guests whenever required and bathrooms are fully supplied with amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, and bath products. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh will take you back in time to a medieval world.
Inspired by ancient forts, traditional Omani construction techniques using local stones are combined with contemporary architecture to create a uniquely relaxing environment, from the pool to the spacious suites that look out to mesmerizing views of the cliff and mountains. Known to be one of the most sought-after Oman luxury resorts, the signature features of this hotel include fort-like doors crafted from solid wood; the iconic rose pattern that adorns the lobby, inspired by the damask roses that grow in this region; and a large fireplace in the lobby that warms guests in the chillier months after an invigorating day out in the mountains. The resort grounds also feature aflaj water systems, mirroring Oman’s traditional system of irrigation channels.
Committed to a sustainable future, this landmark Jabal Akhdar hotel is constructed according to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) principles, and is designed in harmony with the environment, preserving the extraordinary natural beauty of the region.
Per Person: $12,590
For a single room, add: $2,490
Per Person: $11,490
For a single room, add: $4,490
Combo Savings: $1,500
14 travelers
9 nights accommodation on Socotra
12 nights accommodation on Oman
20 nights accommodation on the combo trip
All meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and beer
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees and taxes
Gratuities
Internal air between Abu Dhabi/Socotra and Dubai/Salalah/Muscat
Arrival and departure transfers
