THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Explore Socotra’s dragon’s blood forests, desert rose valleys, white dunes and lagoons, combining hotels with three nights of camping for landscape photography.
Dragon’s blood forests
Photograph dragon’s blood trees in Dixam and Firmihin, with camping for morning mist, sunset and night-sky sessions.
Desert roses and canyons
Explore Kalysan Canyon, bottle-tree valley and Homhil for desert roses, rock formations and water.
White dunes and lagoons
Photograph Arher and Omaq dunes, Detwah Lagoon and fishing village life.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Limei Li →Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
Limei Li
Specializes in children's portraits, portrait photography and mobile photography. She has worked in professional photography travel and portraiture since 2012. She regularly provides mobile photography training for the municipal and Pingshan procuratorates, Agricultural Bank of China, rural commercial banks, the water group, China Southern Power Grid, the municipal planning and land commission, the ocean administration, Jiuzhou Construction, Marriott's fitness club, the BMW owners' club and other organizations. Photography journeys She has led groups to the Balkans, Russia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Japan, Chiang Mai, Turkey, Semporna, Singapore, Iran, Israel, Italy, India, Indonesia, Jordan and Vietnam, as well as Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Sichuan, Suzhou, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Yunnan and Zhejiang. Selected awards and exhibitions Excellence awards in the Hantu Imaging China WeChat competition, Charming China National Photography Exhibition, Toronto International TIPF documentary category and Sirui Mobile Photography Competition; gold in the documentary category of the Shenhong Photography Competition; work exhibited at the Dali and Vancouver international photography exhibitions.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Mar 8 · Asia/AdenGuangzhou–Jeddah
Accommodation:Overnight flight or transit
DAY 02Mar 9 · Asia/AdenJeddah–Socotra–Arher white dunes
Fly to Socotra in the morning, arriving at the island's airport in the afternoon. Meet the local team and visit the Arher white dunes for aerial photographs of white sand and translucent sea. Return to the capital, Hadiboh, and check in at the hotel.
Accommodation:Hadiboh hotel
DAY 03Mar 10 · Asia/AdenHadiboh–Kalysan Canyon–bottle-tree valley
After breakfast, drive to Kalysan Canyon, arriving before midday. Marble-white rocks surround green pools, made especially vivid by the midday light. Both distant views and aerial compositions are rewarding. After lunch, visit the bottle-tree valley, the area with the highest concentration of desert roses. Photograph their unusual trunks and abundant blossoms. Camp in the valley and photograph desert roses beneath the stars.
Accommodation:Camping in bottle-tree valley
DAY 04Mar 11 · Asia/Adenbottle-tree valley–Homhil National Park–Hadiboh
Rise early to photograph desert roses in morning light. After breakfast and a short rest at camp, drive to Homhil National Park. The park is home to hundreds of rare plant species found nowhere else, and offers scenes of desert roses growing alongside dragon's blood trees. You may also encounter the rare Egyptian vulture. The park's natural infinity pool opens onto expansive views. Return to Hadiboh in the evening and check in at the hotel.
Accommodation:Hadiboh hotel
DAY 05Mar 12 · Asia/AdenHadiboh–Wadi Difa Canyon–Dixam Nature Reserve
After breakfast and a short rest, drive to Wadi Difa Canyon. Its dramatic scenery also provides excellent distant views of the dragon's blood forest. Photograph dragon's blood trees on the hills and canyon landscapes en route before reaching Dixam Nature Reserve. Tonight, camp in the dragon's blood forest. Vast starry skies, gnarled branches and the warm glow from tents provide excellent photographic elements.
Accommodation:Camping in Dixam Nature Reserve
DAY 06Mar 13 · Asia/AdenDixam Nature Reserve–Firmihin Forest
Spend the entire day photographing the dragon's blood forest. Rise early for its misty atmosphere, as a soft veil of fog reveals a different beauty from the night before. After lunch, walk through Firmihin Forest within the reserve, known for its 'plain dragon's blood trees' and desert roses. Observe the gnarled branches and blood-red resin closely. At dusk, photograph sunset, afterglow and silhouettes; aerial views of the forest at sunset are spectacular.
Accommodation:Camping in Firmihin Forest
DAY 07Mar 14 · Asia/AdenFirmihin Forest–Dagub Cave–Omaq white dunes–Hadiboh
Photograph the dragon's blood forest in morning light, then return to camp for breakfast. Drive to Dagub Cave to photograph its natural stalactites. Rest after lunch, then photograph the extensive Omaq white dunes in the afternoon. Return to Hadiboh for urban cultural photography. Stay at a hotel tonight and recover from several nights of camping.
Accommodation:Hadiboh hotel
DAY 08Mar 15 · Asia/AdenHadiboh–Dolphin Bay–Detwah Lagoon–Hadiboh
Rise early for Shuab Beach and take a speedboat to photograph dolphins swimming and leaping in clear water. There may be opportunities to see hundreds at once. Morning seabirds and fishermen heading out from Shuab Beach provide further subjects. After breakfast, visit Detwah Lagoon for classic aerial compositions of blue water and desert roses. Walk along the shore and photograph the lagoon. After lunch, visit the nearby fishing village to photograph welcoming children, whose natural smiles and enthusiasm for interacting with visitors make engaging subjects. Warm afternoon sunlight intensifies the water's color, creating an excellent time for photographs with sea and fishing boats as a backdrop.
Accommodation:Hadiboh hotel
DAY 09Mar 16 · Asia/AdenSocotra–Jeddah
Sleep in, then enjoy free time after breakfast. Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule and say goodbye to Socotra.
Accommodation:Transit at Jeddah or overnight flight
DAY 10Mar 17 · Asia/AdenJeddah–home cities
Return to China and conclude the photography trip.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang / Limei Li
- IncludedFull-trip personal assistance from a Chinese-speaking tour leader;
- ExcludedPotential tips for travel-service staff and people being photographed;
Transport
- IncludedOff-road vehicles throughout, with 3 participants per vehicle;
- ExcludedAll flights from your departure city to Jeddah and between Jeddah and Socotra, round trip;
Travel details and reference schedules
The following flights are references, not confirmed group bookings. Confirm departure and transfers before booking. The instructor will take the following flights: Outbound: March 8, Guangzhou–Jeddah, SV883 / 22:30 / 03:25 +1 day March 9, Jeddah–Socotra, IY525 / 11:00 / 14:00 Return: March 16, Socotra–Jeddah, IY526 / 14:45 / 19:10 March 17, Jeddah–Guangzhou, SV882 / 01:05 / 15:25 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website.
Photography
- Dragon’s blood forests
- Desert roses and canyons
- White dunes and lagoons
Photography details
Dragon’s blood forests Photograph dragon’s blood trees in Dixam and Firmihin, with camping for morning mist, sunset and night-sky sessions. Desert roses and canyons Explore Kalysan Canyon, bottle-tree valley and Homhil for desert roses, rock formations and water. White dunes and lagoons Photograph Arher and Omaq dunes, Detwah Lagoon and fishing village life. Dragon’s blood forests Desert roses and canyons White dunes and lagoons Included · Photography instruction and services throughout; Excluded · Potential tips for travel-service staff and people being photographed;
Accommodation
- 9 nights
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- IncludedHotel accommodation on Socotra and three nights of camping; hotel and camp details require confirmation.
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: Overnight flight or transit Day 2: Hadiboh hotel Day 3: Camping in bottle-tree valley Day 4: Hadiboh hotel Day 5: Camping in Dixam Nature Reserve Day 6: Camping in Firmihin Forest Day 7: Hadiboh hotel Day 8: Hadiboh hotel Day 9: Transit at Jeddah or overnight flight Day 1 · 2027-03-08 Overnight flight or transit Day 2 · 2027-03-09 Hadiboh hotel Day 3 · 2027-03-10 Camping in bottle-tree valley Day 4 · 2027-03-11 Hadiboh hotel Day 5 · 2027-03-12 Camping in Dixam Nature Reserve Day 6 · 2027-03-13 Camping in Firmihin Forest Day 7 · 2027-03-14 Hadiboh hotel Day 8 · 2027-03-15 Hadiboh hotel Day 9 · 2027-03-16 Transit at Jeddah or overnight flight 9 nights Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Included · Hotel accommodation on Socotra and three nights of camping; hotel and camp details require confirmation. Excluded · Single supplements requested by participants;
Meals
- IncludedMeals during the Socotra itinerary.
- IncludedBottled drinking water for every participant each day.
Visa
- IncludedVisas for the entire journey;
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Hotel accommodation on Socotra and three nights of camping; hotel and camp details require confirmation.
Off-road vehicles throughout, with 3 participants per vehicle;
Meals during the Socotra itinerary.
Visas for the entire journey;
Photography instruction and services throughout;
Full-trip personal assistance from a Chinese-speaking tour leader;
Main entrance tickets to all attractions;
Travel accident insurance;
Bottled drinking water for every participant each day.
Not included
All flights from your departure city to Jeddah and between Jeddah and Socotra, round trip;
Potential tips for travel-service staff and people being photographed;
Single supplements requested by participants;
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone, fax, pay television, late-night meals, drinks, postage, luggage handling and evening activities;
In force majeure circumstances such as natural disasters, war or strikes, or exceptional events including flight delays or cancellations and consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional expenses, including visas, accommodation, meals, transport and national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless try within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Other unspecified additional service charges and personal expenses;
Other additional expenses not listed under inclusions.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Asia/Aden. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.