Cocculus balfourii

Cocculus balfourii

On my way down from my 2 nights in the Haghier mountains I encountered many incredible plant species, many only found here. As it was my last day time was in…


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…


Hypericum balfourii

Hypericum balfourii

Socotra is the only place on earth I have encountered hypericum trees! The Haghier mountains of socotra is home to many species of hypericum, but this one…


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…


Socotra startrails

Socotra startrails

I will never forget the 2 days I had on top of Socotra in the Haghier mountains. This is the highest of them all - Skand - looking west. At this time there's…


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…