Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra is an island located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa and is part of Yemen. Socotra's isolation contributed to the island's unique biological and botanic environment. It's perhaps best known for it's Dragon's Blood trees which produce a red sap resin that has been used for dying and stains, in particular for violins. The island has spectacular beaches, rugged mountains, beautiful gorges, idyllic streams and pools, fragrant Persian violets scenting the air, interesting wildlife and hospitable Socotrans. These photos are from November 2010.