Most travel companies sell destinations. We live in one.
Socotra Outdoors was founded in 2021 by Aamer Thani Al-Lahmi — a Socotri local who grew up climbing the Hagier Mountains, fishing the reefs of Dihmri, and watching dragon blood trees bleed crimson at sunset. Aamer didn’t set out to build a business. He set out to share what he loves with people who could truly appreciate it.
That authenticity is the foundation of everything we do.
When you travel with Socotra Outdoors, you’re not just a guest on the island — you’re welcomed into our community. Every member of our team is Socotri-born and raised. Our English-speaking guides grew up speaking the ancient Socotri language at home. Our drivers know every track, wadi, and hidden viewpoint across the island. Our cooks prepare meals using local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.This is not a package tour assembled from a spreadsheet. It is a living, breathing experience built on real relationships, genuine hospitality, and deep knowledge of a place that few outsiders have ever seen.
When you book with a locally-owned agency, your tourism dollars have a different kind of impact. Rather than enriching a distant corporation, your money circulates directly within the Socotri economy — paying local wages, supporting local families, and funding the kind of sustainable stewardship that keeps this island pristine for future visitors.
Socotra is a fragile ecosystem. UNESCO’s World Heritage designation recognizes both its extraordinary value and its vulnerability. By choosing Socotra Outdoors, you become part of a model of responsible tourism that respects the land, the wildlife, and the people who call this island home.
We also believe that local knowledge produces better experiences. Our guides don’t read from scripts. They tell you what the dragon blood tree means in Socotri culture.
Aamer has spent his entire life on Socotra. His passion for sharing the island's wonders led him to establish Socotra Outdoors in 2021. He speaks English and Arabic and has an unmatched knowledge of Socotra's geography, ecology, and culture.
Ali brings over eight years of guiding experience to every tour. A top English graduate, he is one of the most fluent English speakers in Socotra — making every journey not just seamless, but full of rich stories, local insight, and genuine connection.
Socotra's terrain demands skilled navigation. Abodi knows every route, every weather shift, and every shortcut on the island. Away from the wheel, his infectious energy, love of dancing, and natural warmth make every guest feel genuinely welcome.
Fathi is as smooth behind the wheel as he is in style — a skilled driver with an unmistakable flair. Known across the team for his legendary taste in perfumes, stepping into his car is an experience in itself. Add his natural humor to the mix, and every journey with Fathi is as entertaining as the destination.
Ali is cool, calm, and consistently first to arrive — our fastest driver and the undisputed king of the pickup. His smooth demeanor behind the wheel and deep knowledge of Socotra's roads make him the go-to when speed and reliability matter most.
Emad is the heart of the camp kitchen — the mastermind behind every delicious meal that keeps the team and guests fueled and smiling. His passion for food and dedication to quality make every bite a highlight of the Socotra experience.
Khalid is the quiet backbone of every camp kitchen — calm under pressure and quick on his feet. When he's not keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, his easy spirit and love of dancing bring a welcome energy to every gathering.
We have one home. We intend to protect it.
Socotra Outdoors operates under a strict code of environmental responsibility. We leave no waste behind on our tours. We observe all protected area regulations. We maintain respectful distances from wildlife. We never take guests to sensitive sites that cannot handle visitor impact.
We believe adventure and conservation are not in conflict — they are partners. The best way to protect Socotra is to help people fall in love with it, through experiences that are honest, immersive, and sustainable.
