Hadibu is the main town of Socotra, a dusty, low-rise place on the north coast of the island, between the sea and the jagged granite peaks of the Hagghier mountains, which rise to around fifteen hundred metres just behind it. These mountains catch the clouds, and their slopes are greener and wetter than the coastal plains, with streams, pools and a remarkable range of endemic plants. The island's population is small, and Hadibu, with its market, mosques and goats wandering the streets, is the only real town.
Above Hadibu, the Homhil plateau is one of the best places to see the island's famous plants in their natural setting: dragon's blood trees perched on the cliff edges, frankincense trees with papery bark, and bottle trees growing out of the limestone, with a natural infinity pool at the edge of the plateau looking down to the sea. Further inland, the Dixam plateau and the Wadi Dirhur canyon have the densest forests of dragon's blood trees. The island's people speak Soqotri, an ancient language related to those of southern Arabia, and have traditionally lived from fishing, herding and date palms.
As at the other end of the island, the honest truth for riders is that Socotra is not a riding destination in the usual sense. You cannot ship your own bike in easily, roads beyond the main ones are rough tracks, and visits are generally arranged through local tour operators with drivers. The political situation in Yemen remains complex, with different authorities and foreign influences on the island, and many governments advise against travel. Check the latest information carefully.
If you do get here, Hadibu is where you will find fuel, simple restaurants serving grilled fish, rice and goat, and small shops. The coastline nearby has beautiful beaches and dunes, with white sand piled up against the mountains. The best season is between the monsoons, from October to April, when the seas are calmer and flights more reliable; during the summer monsoon, strong winds lash the island and make travel difficult. Life moves slowly here, and patience is essential.