Yemen

Reasons to visit Yemen:

– Its status as one of the world’s oldest centres of civilization.
– 05 locations/sites on UNESCO World Heritage List
– It has always been a popular tourist destination because of its central location in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
– The Queen of Sheba, a figure mentioned in the Bible and the Quran, is said to have lived in Yemen.
– Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
– As of this writing, Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East.
– The Old Walled City of Shibam has something for everyone. More than 500 mud brick towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorn this city.
– Mocha, one of the world’s most popular types of coffee, was named after Yemen’s Mocha city, which was once the center of the world’s coffee trade for over 500 years.
– The best time to visit Yemen is the months of October and April.
– The low season (flights) to visit Yemen is in January.
– Sayadiah- The Arabic word “Sayd,” which signifies fish, is the source of the name “Saadiah.” Rice and fish are the main ingredients in this dish, popular in Aden and the surrounding coastal regions.
– Castles and mountains of Taiz
– Beaches and volcanos of Aden
– Palaces and Islamic art in Sanaa – The old part of the city was acknowledged as a World Heritage. Ghumdan Palace, Great Mosque, and Samsarat Al Mansurah are considered the main attractions of the city.
– Nature and architecture in Hutayb
– Socotra – On UNESCO World Heritage List – Socotra Archipelago, in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, is 250 km long and comprises four islands and two rocky islets which appear as a prolongation of the Horn of Africa. The site is of universal importance because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world.

Beautiful Locations & Reasons to Visit Socotra:

– Hoq Cave – This cave is 3 km deep, but visitors can only walk 1km in. Stalagmites and stalactites which have formed over thousands of years are intriguing but perhaps what impresses the most is the sheer depth and size of Hoq Cave.
– Homhil, Infinity Pool.
– Arher Beach – Probably one of the most impressive beaches in Socotra. Giant dunes reach from the cliffs to the sea and if you camp in Socotra, you’ll park your tent right in between.
– Dihamri – protected marine area for snorkelling
– Wadi Kalisan – The walk to the wadi is easy, about 20 minutes and the swim is beautiful.
– Firhmin Forrest – Home of the Dragon Blood Tree
– Hadibo
– Detwah Beach and Lagoon – Separated from the town of Qalansiah by a small rocky peninsula it seems completely deserted.
– Abdullah the Cave Man – Abdullah was born in the cave and grew up there, and he has become somewhat of a sensation these days with visitors
– Shu’ab Beach – Shu’ab beach can only be reached by boat. Look out for sting rays and other fish life as you speed towards Shu’ab beach.
– Zahek Sand Dunes – On the Southern Indian Ocean side of Socotra are the Zahek sand dunes. This side of the coast is slightly more rugged and so the beaches here often have a wave