Yemen
Because of continuing political upheavals, all our trips to YEMEN are on hold until further notice.
The reputed home of the Queen of Sheba, Yemen has been at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia for thousands of years thanks to its position on the ancient spice routes.
Remote communities exist amongst the stunning landscapes of open desert, dramatic mountain ranges and beautiful, empty coastline. The country still has the feel of 'old Arabia' and tradition is a byword here with centuries-old agricultural methods still practised and some of the most extraordinary examples of mud and stone architecture anywhere in the world.
Yemen boasts hugely varied landscapes, from magnificent mountains to lush fruit-growing valleys to semi-arid plains and wide sandy beaches. The towns and cities hide souks and spice markets, mosques, castles, ancient city walls and spectacular Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture. The country is home to numerous significant archaeological sites, while adventure travellers can enjoy camping and trekking in, among other places, the unique Socotra archipelago, which counts over 270 endemic species among its enormous range of wildlife.
A trip to Yemen by not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but for the truly adventurous and inquisitive traveller, this fascinating country is a must.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
What to do in Yemen
Buy Coffee In Sanaa's Souk
Sana'a
Yemen vies with Ethiopia in their claims to be the original home of coffee. An essential element in Yemeni culture, coffee is a much loved and sought after commodity. You certainly won't find any Starbucks or Costa here, but wandering the intricate streets of the capital's souks and haggling over a kilo or two of the precious bean is a wonderful way to spend an hour or two.
Camp Wild On Socotra
Socotra
Socotra has some wonderful beaches with some basic but wonderful fixed campsites. However few people ever get to explore the beauty of the mountainous interior so if you are prepared to trek, places such as Scand & Fermhin offer great opportunities for wild camping under the stars. Camels will carry the equipment but there are no roads here so it is a chance to enjoy nature at its best.
Chew Qat In A Rooftop Mafraj
Sana'a
To become a qat eater, like so many chewing Yemenis, is to partake of an ancient tradition once widespread across the Arabian peninsula and possibly stretching back even to the Pharaohs, who called this euphoric leaf, eaten fresh, 'a divine food'. To get scientific, the qat plant, that probably originated in Ethiopia, contains an amphetamine-like stimulant called cathinone. On a rooftop mafraj though, a traditional Yemeni sitting room, cross-legged with gorgeous cushions, drapes and hot tea, it is a perfectly civilised way to become an initiate, chat, chew and (for most people) wonder why something that tastes like privet hedge is so popular in the country!
See Queen Victoria In Aden!
Aden
Aden broke off the yoke of British Colonial rule as recently as 1967. Although today there are only a few vestiges of that era, the most striking perhaps is a statue of Queen Victoria which still adorns a local park in the centre of this once key port in the British Empire.
See Sanaa's 14000 Tower Houses
Sana'a
Sanaa is undoubtedly one of the world's most spectacular cities. With an almost untouched old city, the sight of 14,000 UNESCO protected tower-houses is truly one to behold. Most of the houses are still owned by 1 family each and typically range in height from 5-9 floors. Each floor has a separate function with some levels being used for food storage, others for general living and usually the top for socialising and entertaining. The tower-houses are achingly photogenic and although found throughout the whole country, the sheer quantity found in the capital, means that this is the best place to see them.
Snorkel from Socotra Island
Socotra
Yemen's isolated Socotra Island, and linked archipelago, has been described as one of the most alien looking places on earth, and boasts plant species found nowhere else. On land you'll see frankincense & myrrh trees, the iconic dragon's blood tree as well as the so-called bottleneck tree, which looks like something out of a Tolkien novel. However the snorkelling is also superb with some amazing coral reefs to explore and as you're pretty much guaranteed to have the beach to yourself, it is likely to be a most memorable experience.
Stay In A Converted Palace
Seiyum
One of the most evocative places to stay in the whole country is the converted Al-Hawta palace in the east of the country. Lying only a few kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shibam, this remote palace still has some parts built in the old Hadrhami style and evokes a sense of the wealth that once flowed through this region when it was a major stop on spice trading routes.
Trek The Haraz Mountains
Manakha
Trekking in the Haraz Mountains not only offers astounding scenery but it also allows for relaxed visits to some spectacularly located local villages. Coffee and qat, a mild narcotic reminiscent of privet hedge are grown here and although you are only 3hrs from the capital, Sana'a, these mountains are a world away from the urban hustle. There are some very easy day walks available or for those who desire it, major 4-5 day treks can also be undertaken.
Trek The Haraz Mountains
Sana'a
Trekking in the Haraz Mountains not only offers astounding scenery but it also allows for relaxed visits to some spectacularly located local villages. Coffee and qat, a mild narcotic reminiscent of privet hedge (!) are grown here and although you are only 3hrs from the capital, Sana'a, these mountains are a world away from the urban hustle. There are some very easy day walks available or for those who desire it, major 4-5 day treks can also be undertaken.
Watch Sunset Over Shibam
Seiyum
The east of Yemen is home to the immense Wadi Hadramawt and Shibam a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the "Manhattan of the Desert". This striking city of medieval skyscrapers is a unique site and apart from wandering through the shaded streets and meeting with the locals, a nearby vantage point provides the perfect viewpoint for sunset photographs.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
Where to stay in Yemen
Bilquis Hotel
Marib
The Bilquis Hotel is a modern four star hotel located near the ancient city of Marib and the historical Marib Dam....
Burj Al Salam Hotel
Sana'a
Once an old Sanaa town house, the traditional Burj al Salam hotel has taken ten years of renovation under strict UNESCO...
Mercure Aden Hotel
Aden
Built in 2003, this four star international hotel enjoys an enviable location at the Gulf of Aden seaside, overlooking...
Al Hawta Palace Hotel
Seiyum
The Al Hawta Palace Hotel was once the family residence of a local Sheikh, and has been completely renovated with...
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
Yemen Travel Guide
Aden
Aden is an important port in the south of the country and, until Yemen's unification in 1990, it was capital of the republic. Its natural, ancient harbour lies in the crater of a long extinct volcano and the town has several sub-centres around the bay. Long coveted because of its position on the sea route from Europe to India, it was ceded to Britain in 1839 and the British East India Company stationed troops here to prevent attacks against shipping. It was ruled as part of British India until 1937 when it became a colony in its own right. After the loss of Suez in 1956 it was Britain's main base in the area until independence was granted in 1967.
Seiyum
Seiyum is the area's main town and has long been the 'de facto' capital for the nearby Wadi Hadramaut clans. Seiyun is the largest town in the Wadi Hadramaut, a 380km wadi which is the biggest in the Arabian Peninsula and runs for 180km through a stony desert along a valley. This area has been settled since at least the 3rd century AD and brilliant green fields run alongside the wadi. The area is also known for mud-brick architecture and palaces. Seiyum itself is an attractive city surrounded by palm groves, irrigated fields and shimmering red near-vertical rock cliffs soar on both sides.
Hodeidah
Al-Hodeidah is a port town on the Red Sea coast that expanded from a small fishing village during the 15th century into the home of the military fleet. Today it is famous for its fish market where all kinds of fish are sold fresh off the boats and it is Yemen's second largest port after Aden.
Mukalla
Although dating back to the 8th century, it was not until the 17th century that Mukalla became a major port town due to its strategic position. In the late 19th century it became the capital of the Qu'aiti Sultinate which was to become part of the Aden protectorate under the British. A main trading post between India and Africa, it still is today one of Yemen's most rapidly growing cities. Its economy is based upon the fishing industry, and there is a main fish-meal factory. Fish, tobacco and other products are exported and boat building is also an important part of city's economy.
Sana'a
Often referred to as the world's oldest city, Sana'a has been Yemen's capital since the country unified in 1990. Legend has it that Noah's son Shem founded the city, shifting its exact location after a passing bird moved his original marking ropes further east. It lies on a plateau at 2,200m and there are several large mountains in the near vicinity. Since the 1960s the city has experienced a period of rapid growth and today is one of the fastest-growing capitals in the world.
Marib
Marib is one of the most famous places in Yemen as a result of having supposedly been the ancient city of Bilquis, capital of the Queen of Sheba. Whatever the actual veracity of this, there is no doubt that it has been inhabited pretty much since the dawn of man and grown to be a wealthy city due to its strategic position that allowed it to control the lucrative Incense Route.
Ta'izz
The medieval capital of Yemen under the Rasulid Dynasty, Ta'izz is now the third largest city in Yemen and one of the country's most cosmopolitan places, mainly due to the large student population. From the 13th through to the 15th century, the city enjoyed a golden period under rulers who encouraged the development of literature, architecture and medicine.
Socotra
The island of Socotra is an unspoilt gem often cited as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”. With its abundance of unique and sometimes rather bizarre flora & fauna, this island is an absolute must for those wanting to see nature in its pristine state. From its deserted beaches and its frankincense & myrrh trees to its wild mountains and superb snorkelling opportunities, this land will not disappoint.
Manakha
Manakha is an ancient Yemeni fortified stronghold in the Jebel Harraz Region. Traditionally home to the Ismailis who built their defensive towns in the high mountains, Manakha is the principal town in the area. The town has steep, narrow streets, stone forts and fortified stone houses – a result of its strategic position from the times of the Ottoman occupation, as it served as a base for protecting supply lines between Sana’a and Hodeidah. The area is known for its fortified villages and beautiful scenery of terraced hillsides planted with coffee, millet and qat.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
Yemen Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to enter Yemen.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
Your will require a letter of invitation which WF will supply, once received your visa can either be bought in person at the embassy or through a visa company such as;
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Yemen, though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Yemen so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Yemen
