Homhil Protected Area

Homhil is a plateau in Socotra's northeast holding dragon's blood trees together with the bottle tree, Dendrosicyos socotranus, a swollen-trunked cucumber relative that is the only tree in the cucumber family anywhere, and a set of endemic frankincense species. A natural pool sits at the edge of the escarpment with the coast dropping away beyond it, which is the image most visitors take away.

The landscape

• The bottle trees - the only tree in the cucumber family, found only here.
• The dragon's blood stand - the Dracaena on the plateau above.
• The escarpment pool - the natural basin at the cliff edge above the coast.
• The frankincense - the endemic Boswellia species on the slopes.

When to go

October to April is the cool season and the practical window. The summer monsoon from June closes the island's transport. The pool depends on recent rain.

What to expect

The pool can be dry or low outside the wetter months. The track up is rough and needs four-wheel drive. Access to Socotra requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Arher is east, and Hadibu is west.