Yemen
A Land of Ancient Highland Cities, Incense-Route Legends, and the Otherworldly Island of Socotra
Tours in
Yemen
Discover
Yemen
At the crossroads of Africa and Arabia, Yemen blends highland cities, desert canyons, and the otherworldly island of Socotra. Explore the souqs and tower houses of Sana’a, the mud-brick “skyscrapers” of Shibam, palm-lined Wadi Dawan, and the terraced Haraz Mountains; then trace maritime history in Aden and unwind on its beaches. From dragon’s-blood trees and dune-framed lagoons to mountain sunsets and market mornings, Yemen rewards travelers seeking big landscapes and authentic culture.
Adventure Highlights:
- Hike terrace paths in the Haraz Mountains with licensed local guides; keep to established trails and avoid disturbing village farmlands.
- On Socotra, choose low-impact activities—snorkeling, hiking, dhow/boat trips—and avoid off-road driving on dunes or fragile plateaus.
- Explore wadis and canyons such as Wadi Dawan (Hadramawt) with a licensed local guide; keep to marked paths, avoid entering unregulated caves, and never touch or deface rock formations.
Cultural Encounters:
- Dress modestly (shoulders/legs covered; headscarf for women when entering mosques) and remove shoes before entering homes or holy sites.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women, and avoid military sites or checkpoints.
- Learn a few Arabic greetings, respect prayer times, and during Ramadan avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Local Life & Flavors:
- Stay in family-run guesthouses, hire community guides/drivers, and buy crafts like silverwork, baskets, and Socotri honey directly from makers.
- Practice fair bargaining in souqs and tip service staff appropriately; never give money or gifts directly to children—support vetted community projects instead.
- Enjoy Yemeni dishes (saltah, mandi, bint al-sahn) and coffee from Mocha—choose eateries that use local produce.
Explore
Yemen
Socotra Island
Otherworldly and wildly photogenic, Socotra is famous for dragon’s-blood trees, white-sand dunes, and turquoise bays. Swim and snorkel at Detwah Lagoon and Dihamri, boat to Shoab Beach, and explore karst caves and wadis for a true edge-of-the-world adventure.
Sana’a Old City
A UNESCO treasure of gingerbread-style tower houses, carved doors, and buzzing souqs. Enter through Bab al-Yemen, wander spice and silver markets, and catch golden-hour views from a rooftop as the call to prayer echoes across the city.
Shibam, Hadramawt
Nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Desert,” Shibam’s mud-brick high-rises rise dramatically from the wadi floor. Pair your visit with nearby Seiyun, Tarim, and Wadi Dawan for palatial architecture, palm oases, and desert-canyon scenery.
Read About
Yemen
Discover the wonders of this beautiful country
