Z Adventures is proud to present the 2nd edition of Socotra Challenge on the remote island of Socotra, Yemen.  It is the only country in the world that starts with "Y"; hence an ideal opportunity for runners to complete the A-Z of marathon countries alphabetically.  We will take adventurers and sports enthusiasts on a cross-country journey filled with unique sports challenges and cultural immersion.  Our athletes have the option to partake in one or more events over a fun-filled vacation. The professionally managed official events will take place around various exotic locations on the island. Participants will get a chance to explore this unique island, meet like-minded adventure-athletes, and soak in the sights and sounds of this remote island. 

DATES: April 16 - 23, 2024

LOCATION: Socotra, Yemen

EVENTS:  Full Marathon, 10K, Dune Climb & Aquathlon (500m swim + 5K run)

PACKAGE: USD 3,575.00 per person. 
 
Services Included:

• Return flights from UAE to Socotra
• Airport transfer
• Visa for Yemen organised by the tour operator
• 4x4 private vehicle
• 7 nights accommodation in a single person tent
• Camping equipment
• Mattress, pillow, sheets and blankets
• English speaking, experienced Socotri guide
• Food: 3 meals per day
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Drinking Water
• Protected areas fees and other permit fees
• Boat ride to Shuab
• Local guides on specific excursions
• Entry fee to all 4 professionally-managed official races
• Unique finisher's medal for each race
• Sightseeing on the island
• Swag

Services Not Included:

• Nights in Hotel (USD 80 Single / USD 160 Double per night)
• Personal spending
• Personal insurance
• Guide’s and driver’s tip
• Snorkeling and/or diving equipment

Please note that the package is based on 7 nights camping.  However, runners who wish to avoid camping can stay in the only western style hotel on the island by paying the add-on.  Apart from the hotel room, the price includes daily shuttle service every morning to the campsite to meet up with other guests and drop-off back to the hotel in the evening. 
​

ABOUT SOCOTRA:

Socotra Island is part of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.  It is so isolated that a third of its plant life is found nowhere else on the planet. Notable are the dragon’s blood trees that look like flying saucers perched on trunks. Socotra Archipelago, in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, is 250 km long and comprises four islands and two rocky islets which appear as a prolongation of the Horn of Africa. The site is of universal importance because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species are not found anywhere else in the world. The site also supports globally significant populations of land and sea birds (192 bird species, 44 of which breed on the islands while 85 are regular migrants), including a number of threatened species. The marine life of Socotra is also very diverse, with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp.
​

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - AN AQUATIC PARADISE

We welcome you at the Socotra airport before heading to our traditional Socotri house, our choice to make you feel at home as soon as you set foot on the island. You’ll meet our local team and hit the road after a quick briefing. The road provides a first glimpse of Socotra’s unique territory as we continue along the northern coast to the eastern extremity of the island. Enjoy the scenic drive while passing small villages, pristine beaches, and strange plant life. Approaching Arher, dramatic twin sand dunes are set against the sheer rock faces creating a breathtaking contrast between the elements. 200 meters high, these monsoon-formed dunes surround a freshwater creek exiting a cave in the granite massive and end upon the beach: simply unbelievable. Enjoy the unspoiled beach, relax on the green grass or climb the massive dune to reach a fantastic vantage point. It is here we will enjoy dinner and camp for the first night..
​
Dinner and overnight camping at Arhar.​

DAY 2 - SOCOTRA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 

The day begins  with a proper breakfast and a short drive to the starting line of the 2nd Socotra Marathon.  Enjoy the scenic run which leads you all the way to the eastern extremity of the island while passing small villages, pristine beaches and strange plant life.

Approaching the finish line in Arhar, dramatic twin sand dunes are set against the sheer rock faces creating a breathtaking contrast between the elements.
200 meters high, these monsoon-formed dunes surround with a freshwater creek exiting a cave in the granite massive and end upon the beach: simply unbelievable.
​
After the marathon enjoy the unspoiled beach, relax on the green grass. It is here we will enjoy dinner and camp again for the second night.
​

DAY 3 - DUNE CLIMB & DRAGON'S BLOOD TREE EXPERIENCE

The day begins with a Dune climb race to reach a fantastic vantage point. This will be followed by a visit to Homhill, a name you will remember. Here you will hug the first Dragon’s Blood tree of your life. A narrow trail leads to the protected area of Homhill, which is also home to Frankincense trees, Adenium Obesum and a gorgeous natural pool.

Let’s swim in the infinity pool, surrounded by the most unusual flora on the planet, overlooking the turquoise ocean below.

In the afternoon we’ll drive back to Arhar in order to visit the traditional village of Erissel. Here on the easternmost tip of the island we will interact with locals, witness the outstanding local fishermen’s activities and visit family’s house for a Socotri chai. 

​Afterwards we will dine and camp once again at the stunning Arhar beach.
​

​​DAY 4 - 10 KM RUN IN A PLACE APART

We leave the coast heading to Diksam plateau, the true home of the Dracaena Cinnabari. Small settlements are hidden around the crevasses of the valley where nomadic Bedouin herdsmen will welcome us on the edge of a gorge: the most spectacular limestone landscape on the island. The gorge drops 700 meters to the valley floors, with views providing a remarkable atmosphere of prehistory. We continue through the unique and oddly shaped Fermhin forest, where Socotra’s iconic Dragon’s Blood abound everywhere! Here we will get to know the famous resin and its miraculous properties, while local children seek cover under the upside down umbrella-shaped canopies.

On this plateau you’ll run just before sunset probably the most unique and mesmerizing 10 km of your life. Dinner and overnight camping in Diksam underneath the Dragon’s Blood trees.
​

DAY 5 - SANDY BLISS

In the morning we keep exploring the plateau.  We follow the road as it descends 400 meters into Wadi Dirhur and plunge into a profound chasm slicing through the granite. Here we enjoy one of the island's greatest secrets: an oasis surrounding freshwater pool with natural waterslide.  Afterwards leaving the central highlands we head west to enjoy the last two days of relaxation and sport activities in paradise. We head to Detwah lagoon which is a protected area situated at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The lagoon is a blessed ecosystem adorned with a breathtaking white sandy tongue surrounded by warm turquoise waters of the bay, one of the
most beautiful beaches on the planet.
​
Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon.
​

DAY 6 - UNFORGETTABLE AQUATHLON

How does it feel to wake up in such a remote and idyllic place? Detwah lagoon is just before you with its magical landscape and an array of sea birds, stingrays and other oddly shaped fish.

We get ready for the Aquathlon, 500m swimming followed by a 5K beach run set in one of the most astonishing environment on earth. 

In the afternoon you can either walk on the endless sand bank emerging from the crystal clear shallow waters or join a fascinating hike to the highest peak of the surroundings. This surely is one of the best views on the island.

Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon.
​
​

DAY 7 - ETHEREAL FEELINGS

More adventure awaits: the spectacular boat cruise along the cliffs of the western coast towards the beach of Shuab is very likely to reward us with sightings of spinner dolphins. Once we’ve reached the shore of Shaub, we’ll indulge in this remote and pristine beach getting ready to feast on delicious fresh seafood brought by local fishermen or even caught by you. In the afternoon we cruise back and have another chance to swim alongside dolphins.

Upon returning to the village of Qalansyia, which lies at the north/west tip of Socotra and it’s the second biggest settlement of the island, we will get lost in the narrow alleyways, meeting friendly people and many curious children. The beach is dotted with fishing boats and the market is very lively. If you are a passionate fisherman, Socotra is a fishing paradise.

Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon.
​

DAY 8 - FAREWELL

After an early breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back.

​

JOIN THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE
                       
Socotra island is very safe. The island has always been difficult to reach, especially in the past few years where it has been isolated from the rest of the world due to the Yemeni civil war & Covid-19 outbreak. However,  Socotra has not been affected by the dynamics of the mainland.
 
You are one of the first intrepid traveller to come back here so be prepared for some unforeseen situations or delays. The flight booking process is still a bit archaic, but proved to be very reliable in the past months.

We recommend planning to stay in Abu Dhabi at least one extra day as the Socotra-Abu Dhabi flight may get delayed.
 
For any questions or to request more information feel free to reach out via EMAIL
​

​TOUR PARTNER
​

​ZX-Tour is our exclusive partner in Greater China Area (China mainland, China Taiwan, China Hong Kong and China Macau). If you are a runner from Greater China Area and want to register, please visit www.zx-tour.com or send email to du@zx-tour.com to get more information.