These sand dunes have to be seen to be believed — though a gander on Google Earth gives you an idea of their size. They nestle up against the steep cliffs of Socotra's northeastern coast, and rise several hundred meters towards a cliff face pocked with caves. The sand is fine grained and white — walking up these dunes takes far more effort than you might think as you are dragged back with every step.

The sand dune I walked on came with a handy stone ledge about half-way up — hence this panorama.