Wildlife Photography Hides in Yemen

Yemen's mainland is inaccessible due to ongoing conflict, but Socotra Island — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Arabian Sea — remains one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife photography destinations, accessible by charter flight from Abu Dhabi. Socotra has been called the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean": its 63,000 years of isolation have produced 37% endemic plant species (including the iconic Dragon Blood Tree, whose scarlet resin bleeds from cuts in the bark), 90% endemic reptiles, and eight endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. The Socotra Sunbird, Socotra Starling, Socotra Sparrow, Socotra Grosbeak, Socotra Cisticola, and Socotra Warbler are all approachable and easily photographed on the island's trails. The white sand beaches of Detwah Lagoon, the limestone plateau of Diksam, and the ancient Dragon Blood Tree forests of the Haghier Mountains provide spectacular backdrops. Birding Ecotours, Birdquest, and Socotra Eco-Tours all run regular departures — typically October through April when charter flights operate from Abu Dhabi.