Early morning descent

Early morning descent

This is my last day on Socotra, and my early morning descent from my 2 days on top of Socotra in the Haghier mountains. During the descent I found so many…


Haghier mountains

Haghier mountains, Socotra

This cow looks out of place high up in the Haghier mountains, but hunger drives it higher and higher until there is nowhere to go. Without the cattle and…


Haghier mountains, Socotra

Haghier mountains, Socotra

If it weren't for the Dragon blood trees (Dracaena cinnabari) this could easily be taken for a high-altitude location perhaps in Eurasia. Judging by the…


Haghier mountains, Socotra

Haghier mountains, Socotra

A Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) surrounded by diverse, dense and lush vegetation. These mountains rise to above 1500 meters above sea level and are…


Haghier mountains, Socotra

Haghier mountains, Socotra

The vegetation in the Haghier mountains is dense and very diverse, with many species existing only on Socotra. All of this is possible because these mountains…


Haghier mountains, Socotra

Haghier mountains, Socotra

Socotra is a geologially diverse island, with coastal plains and sand dunes, limestone plateau with deep caves and gorges and the granite Haghier mountains.…


Socotra's montane forest

Socotra’s montane forest

Socotra is known for its hot and dry climate with sand dunes and dragon blood trees, but the island also has a forest! The Haghier mountains of the interior…


Skant dawn, Socotra

Skand dawn, Socotra

In this panorama you can see a clearing, which is an old structure of unknown origin. For generations this structure has been used by Socotris, and I too have…


Skand at night, Socotra

Skand at night, Socotra

A starry sky seen from the highest parts of Socotra, an amazing end to an amazing day. I wish I had many more nights in the Haghier (also called Haggeher or…


Campfire on top of Socotra

Campfire on top of Socotra

On top of Socotra, at 1500 meters above sea level, you are open to the elements, which often is fog and mist, which makes it very cold after sunset. This…