Yemen

Yemen is a land of ancient cities, towering mud-brick buildings, and dramatic landscapes. Sana’a, with its unique architecture and centuries-old souks, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Shibam, often called the “Manhattan of the Desert,” rises from the Hadhramaut Valley in stunning vertical fashion. The island of Socotra, isolated in the Arabian Sea, is home to surreal plants and untouched nature. Yemeni cuisine, including saltah and spiced coffee, reflects deep regional traditions. Though conflict has made travel difficult, Yemen’s cultural richness and resilience run deep, shaped by millennia of trade, faith, and storytelling.

For most, visiting Yemen is not currently feasible due to safety concerns, but for those with access (often limited to the relatively stable Socotra Island or rare, guided trips through less volatile regions), the country offers a glimpse into a world few outsiders get to see.

Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its iconic tower houses, intricate stonework, and ancient mosques. Though much of the city has been damaged by war, its architectural uniqueness remains legendary. Shibam, nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Desert,” features mudbrick skyscrapers dating back centuries. The southern port of Aden was once a cosmopolitan hub and still holds echoes of its colonial past. But the real hidden jewel is Socotra, a remote island in the Arabian Sea with bizarre landscapes, dragon blood trees, and endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

Yemen, when travel is possible, is extremely affordable, but infrastructure is limited. In conflict-free zones, lodging options are basic, guesthouses, traditional homes, or tent camps. On Socotra, tourism is handled via organized eco-tours, often including meals, transportation, and guides. Food is simple but flavorful, expect saltah (a meat stew with fenugreek froth), flatbreads, lamb, dates, and spiced rice. Alcohol is banned, and outside food options are very limited, travelers usually eat whatever is available locally or what’s provided by their host.

Getting around Yemen is currently only possible in very specific circumstances, and often requires permits, local guides, or military escorts. Socotra is reached via weekly flights from countries like the UAE (when open), and there’s no public transport, just 4WD vehicles operated by tour companies. Arabic is the official language, and English is not widely spoken outside aid and tour sectors. Yemen is not considered safe in general, many governments advise against all travel due to armed conflict, landmines, kidnappings, and political instability.

Why Go to Yemen?

• Socotra Island & Endemic Wildlife: See the alien-like dragon blood trees, endemic birds, surreal beaches, and limestone plateaus of Socotra, one of the most biologically unique places on Earth.
• Sana’a’s Old City (if accessible): Marvel at the thousand-year-old tower houses, ornate facades, and bustling souks of Sana’a’s UNESCO-listed old town.
• Shibam’s Mudbrick Skyscrapers: Visit Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage site with towering mudbrick buildings that pre-date modern cities.
• Traditional Yemeni Cuisine: Sample dishes like saltah, fahsa, and bint al-sahn, often shared communally with fresh flatbread and tea.
• Mountain Villages & Terraced Landscapes: Explore ancient villages like Al-Hajjara perched on cliffs, with terraced farms climbing steep hillsides.
• Cultural Traditions & Qat Markets: Witness daily rituals like qat chewing, and observe Yemen’s unique blend of Arab, African, and South Asian influences.

Who Might Not Enjoy Yemen?

• Safety-Conscious Travelers: Yemen remains one of the most dangerous travel destinations in the world. Armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and airstrikes are ongoing in many parts of the country. Most governments strongly advise against all travel.

• Casual or First-Time Travelers: Yemen is not suited for inexperienced or unprepared visitors. Extreme caution, deep knowledge of local conditions, and high-level planning are essential for any kind of travel.

• LGBTQ+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships are illegal and carry severe penalties. LGBTQ+ individuals face serious risks both legally and socially.

• Unaccompanied Female Travelers: Due to conservative gender norms and unstable conditions, women traveling alone face significant challenges and may not be allowed to move freely without male accompaniment.

• Those Expecting Tourist Infrastructure: Most of Yemen’s tourism industry has collapsed. There are few functioning hotels, minimal transport options, and virtually no organized tour services.

• Travelers Sensitive to Conflict or Trauma: Bombed-out neighborhoods, displaced populations, and visible poverty are common. Travel here can be emotionally distressing for many.

• Vegetarians or Vegans: Dietary restrictions are hard to accommodate. Meat is central to Yemeni cuisine, and food options are limited, particularly outside major towns.

• People Who Require Medical Access: Healthcare infrastructure is severely damaged. In many areas, even basic medical care is unavailable, and emergency evacuation is difficult.

• Anyone Unwilling to Take Serious Risk: Due to political instability, active war zones, and lack of consular support, travel to Yemen carries risks that most travelers will find unacceptable.

Highlights

Sana’a and Qasr al-Silah: The Qasr al-Silah, a 7th-century citadel, sits in stark contrast against the modern capital of Sana’a. Crumbling city walls still surround the old city center, and the city itself can be seen from afar in all directions.

National Museum: this museum can be found in Taherir Square and features folk art, bronze statues, and prehistoric Islamic engravings.

Hajjah: a rugged countryside about a day’s travel from Sana’a, Hajjah is home to some of the country’s highest peaks. The former citadel sits on a hill of the same name, under which lie the prison cells used by the early Imams (Islam priests).

Mosques: Some of the notable mosques are the Great Mosque of Sana’a, constructed in AD 705, the al-Hadi Mosque, a center for Zaydism instruction, and the 14th-century Mosque of Sayyid Abdullah al-Aidrus, dedicated to the patron saint of Aden.

Shopping: The 1000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market sells various Yemeni souvenirs, from small handmade trinkets to local delicacies and spices. The Souk al-Nahaas sells belts, headdresses, and jambias, a type of curved dagger that every Yemeni man carries symbolically.

Fishing: Little Aden, sitting in the crater of an extinct volcano, contains several fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean. The Red and Arabian Seas also make good fishing sites.

Hiking and camping: the Haraz Mountains and the Sad’ah Basin both make excellent hiking and trekking spots. Sad’ah is particularly scenic, with its lush vegetation and fertile grape plantations.

Day trips: explore the many fruit plantations outside Sana’a. The Hadda Mountain has several small orchards growing almonds, apricots, peaches, and walnuts. The Wadi D’har is a valley village growing citrus fruits, grapes, and pomegranates.

Typhoid and polio are moderate risks, and malaria occurs throughout the country except in Sana’a. Mains water is safe to drink in the capital, but may be chlorinated in other areas. There are major hospitals in Sana’a and Aden, but medical facilities are limited outside major cities.

Crime rates are fairly low, but terrorism threats are high. Kidnapping and violent crimes against foreigners are common. Avoid traveling alone and at night, and if possible, travel outside the major cities only with a military escort.