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Z Adventures is thrilled to present the 3rd edition of the Socotra Challenge on the breathtaking island of Socotra, Yemen. As the only country in the world that starts with "Y," it offers a perfect opportunity for runners aiming to complete the A-Z of marathon countries alphabetically.
This extraordinary adventure will take participants on a cross-country journey, blending exhilarating sports challenges with authentic cultural experiences. Whether you choose to participate in one event or multiple, every moment promises excitement and discovery.
Our professionally organized races will unfold across the island’s most stunning and exotic locations. Beyond the race, participants will have the chance to explore Socotra’s natural wonders, connect with fellow adventure-athletes, and immerse themselves in the island’s captivating sights and sounds.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience — where sport, adventure, and culture meet on one of the world’s most remarkable island
DATES: January 20-27, 2026
LOCATION: Socotra, Yemen
EVENTS: Full or Half Marathon, 10K, Dune Climb & Aquathlon (500m swim + 5K run)
PACKAGES: We have 2 packages for the tour.
1) PACKAGE (7-Nights): USD 3,575.00 per person.
Services Included:
2) PACKAGE (3-Nights): USD 2,750.00 per person.
Services Included:
Services Not Included:
This extraordinary adventure will take participants on a cross-country journey, blending exhilarating sports challenges with authentic cultural experiences. Whether you choose to participate in one event or multiple, every moment promises excitement and discovery.
Our professionally organized races will unfold across the island’s most stunning and exotic locations. Beyond the race, participants will have the chance to explore Socotra’s natural wonders, connect with fellow adventure-athletes, and immerse themselves in the island’s captivating sights and sounds.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience — where sport, adventure, and culture meet on one of the world’s most remarkable island
DATES: January 20-27, 2026
LOCATION: Socotra, Yemen
EVENTS: Full or Half Marathon, 10K, Dune Climb & Aquathlon (500m swim + 5K run)
PACKAGES: We have 2 packages for the tour.
1) PACKAGE (7-Nights): USD 3,575.00 per person.
Services Included:
- Return flights from UAE to Socotra
- Airport transfer
- Visa for Yemen organized 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
2) PACKAGE (3-Nights): USD 2,750.00 per person.
Services Included:
- Return flights from UAE to Socotra
- Airport transfer
- Visa for Yemen organized by the tour operator
- 4x4 private vehicle
- 3 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
- Local guides on specific excursions
- Entry fee to 3 professionally-managed official races
- Unique finisher's medal for each race
- Sightseeing on the island
- Swag
Services Not Included:
- Personal spending
- Personal insurance
- Guide’s and driver’s tip
- Snorkeling and/or diving equipment
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.
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:
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DAY 1 - Tuesday 20 January 2026
AN AQUATIC PARADISE & DUNE CLIMB 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. This is where we run our first race, the DUNE CLIMB just before sunset. After the race, we will enjoy dinner and camp for the first night. Dinner and overnight camping at Arhar. |
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DAY 2 - Wednesday 21 January 2026
SOCOTRA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2026 The day begins early with a proper breakfast before the start of the 3rd 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 lunch, dinner and camp again for the second night. |
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DAY 3 - Thursday 22 January 2026
DRAGON'S BLOOD 10K 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 10K of your life. Dinner and overnight camping in Diksam underneath the Dragon’s Blood trees. |
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DAY 4 - Friday 23 January 2026
SANDY BLISS Today is when the tour ends for the shorter itinerary. Guests will be driven to the Socotra airport to catch their flight to Abu Dhabi. For the 7-day itinerary, more fun awaits! Leaving the central highlands, we descend to the southern coast where the plateau ends and the endless panorama of the Indian Ocean opens. The destination is Aomak with its immaculate white sandy beaches. After lunch, we drive between Socotri villages scattered around the southern plain before reaching Dagub cave. This grotto has some very interesting rock formations and it has long been used by villagers for ritual purposes and to shelter their cattle in the monsoon season. The afternoon is dedicated to another mind-blowing Socotra feature: a desert within an island. The appearance of Zahek’s blinding white sand dunes will delight even the most experienced Sahara traveler. Climb, slide down, meditate and wander around for some astonishing views before sunset. Dinner and overnight camping next to or in the middle of Zahek dunes. |
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DAY 5 - Saturday 24 January 2026
AQUATIC PARADISE Wadi Kalissan is one of Socotra’s hidden wonders. The dirt track heading southeast passes through some very remote areas of the island where you can experience the Socotri alien-looking landscape at its best. A 40-minutes hike down to the wadi takes us to this spectacular series of turquoise pools of fresh water, fed by small waterfalls, set in smooth, white limestone. It’s a unique playground for swimming, jumping, diving, and climbing. In the afternoon, we drive to the nearby Dihamri marine protected area, home to one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago. Relax and snorkel in the bay enjoying the unique combination of underwater flora and fauna such as parrotfish, moray eel, sea urchins, barracudas, sea turtles, and more. For those experienced, diving is available! Dive directly from the shore or from a boat to enjoy and explore the unique and colorful underwater environment. Dinner and overnight camping at Dihamri beach |
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DAY 6 - Sunday 25 January 2026
UNFORGETTABLE ENTHUSIASM Detwah lagoon is a protected area situated at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the currents of the Indian Ocean. With its magical landscape and an array of sea birds, stingrays, and other oddly shaped fish, the lagoon is a blessed ecosystem adorned with a breathtaking white sandy tongue surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. The village of Qalansiya lies at the north-west tip and it’s the second biggest settlement on the island. We will get lost in the narrow alleyways, meeting friendly people and many curious children. In the afternoon you can join a fascinating hike to the highest peak of the surroundings. The highlight of the day, though, will be a special lunch with the famous caveman Ellai and sunset tour of Qalansiyah village. Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon. |
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DAY 7 - Monday 26 January 2026
BOAT RIDE TO SHUAB & AQUATHLON How does it feel to wake up on such a remote and idyllic beach? We move to Qalansiya port dotted with fishing boats and its lively market. If you are a passionate fisherman Socotra is a fishing paradise. More adventure awaits! The spectacular boat cruise along the cliffs of the western coast towards the beach of Shoab is very likely to reward us with sightings of spinner dolphins. Once we’ve reached the shore of Shoab, we will indulge in this remote and pristine beach setting, enjoying the crystal clear waters and the colourful boats resting on the peaceful waves. If the sea conditions are favourable, we can snorkel and jump from rocks on our sea journey. In the afternoon we sail back to the port having the unique chance to swim with dolphins. Enjoy the last sunset with the most amazing Aquathlon on the beach. Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah lagoon. |
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DAY 8 - Tuesday 27 January 2026
FAREWELL All good things come to an end. After an early breakfast, we drive you to the airport for your flight back. As nature rules the island, this itinerary may vary according to different seasons and weather conditions. We may also follow this itinerary backward. Support local communities, enjoy eco-tourism at its best, go places no one has been before. Welcome to Socotra! |
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. 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
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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. |