- Travel Socotra
Meet the people behind the adventure.
The Soul Behind the Experience
Get to know the people who make the magic happen — the guides, drivers, and local experts who are as much a part of the island as the land itself.
Meet
Abdullah – founder and the soul of the island
Abdullah was born and raised on Socotra. Today, he lives in Shuab – a tiny village where the beach stretches endlessly and the sea speaks its own language.
He became a guide in 2019, but the seed of that dream was planted much earlier.
“I was twelve when I met a tourist on the island,” he says. “Something about that moment stayed with me. I started to imagine myself guiding people one day.”
A decade later, that dream became reality.
Abdullah knows the island the way sailors know the stars. He feels the wind change in his bones and can spot dolphins long before anyone else notices a ripple in the water. Calm, precise, quietly confident – he’s the heart of our work on Socotra. The kind of man who says little, but always follows through.
And why does he love his job?
“For the people,” he says with a soft smile. “I love learning about other cultures, hearing stories, sharing mine.”
Meet
Roksana - founder, dreamer, part-time logistic wizard
Originally from Poland, living in Germany for nearly 15 years – Roksana once worked in a hospital, juggling shifts and syringes, until she realized life was too short not to chase something wild. Like an island in the middle of nowhere.
She’s the heart behind Beyond Socotra: organizing, emailing, booking, reassuring, occasionally yelling at Excel sheets, and dreaming big in the meantime.
She fell in love with Socotra the moment she saw a photo of a tree that looked like it came from another galaxy. One impulsive trip (and a few bold bank transfers later), she was on the island – and something clicked.
When she’s not planning your next adventure, she’s a proud (and very real) solo mom of a 15-year-old human she calls her greatest road trip partner.
They travel together. A lot. And sometimes, just sometimes, she manages to sit still for five minutes.
Abu Rami – the keeper of taste
Based in Hadibo, Abu Rami has been cooking for travelers for over 20 years. But „cooking“ doesn’t quite cover it.
He nourishes. He comforts. He knows exactly what you didn’t know you were craving.
His dishes are simple, honest, and deeply satisfying – full of flavor, warmth, and care. In his kitchen, time slows down.
He’s not just feeding bodies. He’s feeding souls.
Issa – the calm driver with fast feet
Issa lives in Hadibo and is one of our main drivers. He navigates Socotra’s wild terrain with ease – smooth on the wheel, calm in chaos.
Off duty, he’s a football player with serious skills and a love for dancing that shows up anytime there’s music in the air.
If he offers to teach you a few moves… say yes. Trust us.
Saeed – the youngest, and full of heart
Saeed is still in high school, but already plays a vital role in our team.
He helps in the kitchen, sets the table, serves with a quiet smile, and never misses a beat.
He’s learning English little by little, always curious, always observing.
Humble, hardworking, full of quiet drive – he’s growing into something special.
And we’re proud to grow with him.
Hussain – the quiet legend we call Boss
Hussain is one of those rare people you meet… and instantly like.
He doesn’t say much – just enough to make you laugh so hard you forget where you are. But don’t let the wit fool you. He’s no clown. He’s a man of stories, depth, and quiet experience.
He’s also one of our trusted drivers – steady, focused, and always just a little ahead of the road.
Hussain doesn’t work with us full-time – he’s a freelancer, always floating in and out like the tide. But when he’s around, something shifts. Things flow smoother. People smile more.
We call him Boss.
He doesn’t love the nickname – he’s far too humble for that.
But still… (And I’m telling you – Boss is Boss — Roksana 🙂 )
