- Heed the advice of your guide at all times
- Don’t import or export any biological material or alien species from or the to Island
- Do not leave or discard any litter.
- Don’t drop your cigarette butts anywhere–dispose of them properly
- Don’t swim in sea or rivers unless your guide recommends it
- Don’t make erratic movements as this will frighten or aggravate the wildlife
- Don’t drive off the roads in game reserves and national parks
- Don’t raise your voice or speak loudly inside cave… whisper!
- Don’t feed fish (this creates dependency)
- Don’t touch or damage corals
- Use only dead wood to set up a fire
- Ask permission before taking photographs of locals, especially women
- Wear well-covered dresses while you are in the town or in the villages or where there are local people nearby because this could offend the locals.
- Be aware of the amount of plastic bottles you will be using on your overland tour if you buy bottled water continually. You have to take them back to Hadibo to be sent to the waste dump.
- Don’t take shells and pieces of corals.
- In the most Socotra villages, children and women sell some local products and handy crafts. It is a custom to haggle over prices, and if you take the time of it, it can be the best experience with lots of laughter and good humor, however, don’t haggle the sellers down to the last “Ryal” - he/she is only trying to make a living.
- Children might ask you for money or sweets. At this time, we encourage you not to hand out either of these things or even school supplies, like pens and paper, because this creates an expectation with the children that all tourists will provide these items which will encourage the children to beg and will enable dependency. If you would like to donate educational items, speak with your tour guide and he will direct you to the right establishment to oversee its distribution.
- In general Socotrans are friendly and are just curious to see the tourists and a big group of vehicles. Some times they come around the campfire at night to see what is happening. It could be a great way to interact with the locals. But please treat all the locals and their home with respect, after all, you are traveling on and through their territory.
- Because this is a Muslim country, open gay and lesbian lifestyles are not allowed and sexual interactions of any kind is forbidden with the locals.
- Support local businesses and community initiatives by buying local items rather than imported goods.
- Do not hesitate to show your conservationist attitude.
