The Caves

The Caves on the island of Socotra are many varied in terms of size, shape and location. But there is Cave that even if you are one of those who do not give interest in exploring caves, this Cave will captivate you to discover it yourself because it is worth a visit. It is Hoq Cave

 the Hoq cave which is located in the northeast of the Island. Hoq Cave consider as the largest one on Socotra.

Hoq Cave is a remarkable natural wonder with an abundance of stunning crystal formations and speleothems. Speleothems, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite floors, are created over thousands of years in caves through the slow deposition of minerals. These formations can vary in size, shape, and colour, and they often create a breathtaking and otherworldly environment inside caves. Finally, even those not so interested in spelunking activities will leave Hoq Cave thoroughly impressed. To take adventure to reach to the cave from the village. It is mandatory to take bottle of water, a headlamp or torch flashlight with you and a local guide who used to about that place and have experience and valuable information and exploration about the area and inside the cave as it can be dangerous and easy to lost.

Along the way up to the cave, you will see rare trees and wonderful plants, and while you are at the top of the mountain, you will overlook a vast water and a view that will live in your mind for the rest of your life.

The duration from village to the cave about one hour and forty minutes to reach to the entrance of the cave, but its deserve a visit. Without exaggeration the cave will amaze you. While cave’s interior about three kilometres long.

  By the way, if you are from who are interesting of caves as the speleologists said, there are also other hard to reach caves stretching for many kilometres deep into the island. Most of Socotra’s caves are still explored by speleologists.

local inhabitants

the local residents of Socotra have their own language, lifestyle and their culture

Local population of Socotra Island: Statistics show that the number of local residents of Socotra Island ranges between forty-four thousand and one hundred and twenty. Most of the inhabitants of Socotra live on the main island of the archipelago, specifically in the main city, Hadibo. The other islands are either sparsely inhabited or uninhabited. All of them speak Socotri language which is  different language from the main land and never been spoken anywhere else except the Socotri people. 

Jobs and crafts practiced by the people of the island: Socotra Island is distinguished by the diversity of its economic activities, as a large portion of its population works in the field of fishing, and it has a large fish reserve, and there is palm cultivation, which contains more than 25 types of dates. The population widely practices the profession of herding in the mountains and plateaus, which has provided a large livestock wealth on the island.

One of the most prominent aspects of Soqotri culture is their traditional way of life, which is focused on fishing, farming, and livestock herding. Many Soqotris live in small villages throughout the island, and rely on the land and sea for their live hoods. in spite of all of that

still the majority of the local inhabitants maintain on their original socotri culture.  first of all original socotri language. it is an ancient unwritten language of pre-Islamic origin, and including traditional conservation techniques , natural medicine, fishing methods and orientation at the sea.

Honestly, Socotri people are very friendly, peaceful and hospitality. Despite the difficult life they live and their limited income, they are considered among the most generous people. They welcome guests and honour them with what they have.