Yemen Off The Beaten Path

 
by Denis_Romanov
 
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Denis_Romanov
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Denis_Romanov
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Denis_Romanov
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Denis_Romanov
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by erikute3534
 
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Socotra

by traveldave

Socotra is the main island in an archipelago of four islands that is located in the Indian Ocean, off the tip of the Horn of Africa. The other smaller islands include Abd al Kuri, Samhah, and Darsa. Socotra is administered by Yemen on behalf of the Banu Afrar Mahra Sultanate of Qishn and Socotra. The islands are also claimed by nearby Somalia.Socotra is about 1,400 square miles (3,625 square kilometers) in size, and is 80 miles (130 kilometers) from east to west, and 18 to 22 miles (30 to 35 kilometers) from north to south. Geologically, the island consists of a coastal plain, a central limestone plateau, and the Haghier Mountains. It is one of the world's most isolated islands of continental origin, rather than of volcanic origin. It detached from the ancient continent of Gondwana about 6,000,000 years ago, and has been slowly drifting eastward away from the African continent since...

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Wadis

by traveldave

Wadis are canyons carved through the mountains by prehistoric rivers 10,000 to 2,000,000 years ago. Some of the larger wadis contain permanent rivers or streams, but most are dry for most of the year. However, during the rainy season, many wadis are subject to flash floods. And because water runs through the wadis during the rainy season, their soil generally retains moisture, even during the driest months. This moisture, coupled with a benign, sunny climate, means that wadis are some of the most fertile areas in the desert regions of Yemen. Wadis are used to grow such crops as bananas, mangoes, oranges and other citrus fruits, papayas, pomegranates, dates, figs, coffee beans, all sorts of vegetables, and several varieties of cereal.Because of the lush foliage that grows in most wadis, they are good places to observe wildlife, such as mammals and birds. On my trip, we spent a lot of time...

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The Dragon's Blood Tree

by traveldave

The umbrella-shaped dragon's blood tree is endemic to Socotra, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It is an iconic symbol of Socotra, and is one of the most photographed features of the island. The tree is unique, and is probably distantly related to the baobabs of Africa and Madagascar. (There are other "dragon's blood trees" native to the Cape Verde and Canary islands, but they are of a different species).The dragon's blood tree gets its name from the red resin obtained from small cuts in its trunk and branches. The resin was harvested in ancient times, as it was believed to have medicinal properties, and was used to make red dye. The resin was traded to the Arabs and ancient Mediterranean civilizations via the Incense Road, along with frankincense and myrrh. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabs used the dragon's blood resin as a cure-all for such ailments as diarrhea,...

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The Hodeidah Fishing Port

by traveldave

The Red Sea is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world, and abounds with such fish as barracuda, bonito, dorado, sailfish, skipjack tuna, and yellowfin tuna, among many others. The city of Hodeidah is Yemen's main Red Sea port, and is home to many of Yemen's 70,000 traditional fishermen. The Hodeidah fishing port is an interesting place to visit as the fishermen return from the sea. Their colorfully painted fishing boats are based on traditional designs, although most now contain motors. As the fishermen unload their catches, the fish is put on ice and displayed in the port's sheds, where the lots are put up for auction. During busy times, the port can be a noisy and smelly place, but at the same time colorful and great for photographic opportunities.The way of life of Yemen's traditional fisherman is in jeopardy. Large fishing vessels from foreign countries are increasingly...

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Qalansiyah

by traveldave

Qalansiyah is a small fishing village located near the west end of Socotra. The village is dirty and ugly, and there is nothing in the village itself that would be of interest to tourists. However, visitors do go to Qalansiyah mainly to hire fishing boats to see nearby enormous, spectacular cliffs that are over one thousand feet (305 meters) high and drop straight down into the sea. The rock is very weathered and fractured, and riddled with holes and caves. The water at the base of the cliffs is shallow with a sandy bottom, and is therefore an amazing turquoise in color.My group went to Qalansiyah not only to see the cliffs, but primarily to look for sea birds that cannot be seen from shore. We were successful, and saw some birds that are very difficult to see in other parts of the world. Early in the morning the sea was calm, but as happens most afternoons, the wind picked up and the...

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The Dixem Plateau

by traveldave

The interior of Socotra is dominated by the Dixem Plateau, a 5,000-foot-high (1,520-meter-high) escarpment that runs east and west across most of the island. Geologically, the plateau is made up of limestone which is permeated with karstic caverns. I thought that much of the rock looks like it is made of Swiss cheese. Several deep canyons criss-cross the plateau, the largest and most impressive being Wadi Di Rhur.Until recently, the Dixem Plateau was relatively inaccessible, but a new cross-island paved road has made access to the interior easy. The views from the edge of the plateau over the coastal plain toward the sea are spectacular. And the Haghier Mountains can be seen from most of the Dixem Plateau, and form a backdrop that provides ample photographic opportunities.The soil on top of the plateau is alkaline, so few plants can grow there. Most of the vegetation consists of rough...

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Mahweet

by traveldave

Mahweet is the capital of al-Mahweet governorate, one of the most rugged, mountainous, and spectacular regions in Yemen. The region is characterized by mountaintop villages and ancient fortresses, of which there are 26.Mahweet is a popular destination for tourists because of its panoramic vistas, fascinating architecture, and mild climate. The buildings of Mahweet are clustered on a sharp ridge of al-Masna'a Mountain, 6,726 feet (2,050 meters) in elevation. The village has its own distinct style of architecture, and is still surrounded by a medieval wall and protective towers.In contrast to most of Yemen, the climate in Mahweet is generally crisp and cool, especially at night.

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Hajah, beautiful mountain town

by rie707

I went on a field trip to Hajah about 2.5 hours drive North-West of Sana'a. The drive there is stunning - especially the last hour - and the contrast between the bare mountains and the lush environment of Hajah is stunning. I loved this very active rural town.

mosques everywhere

by starstudio

Yemen is an Islamic country. You will find mosques everywhere, including some which were constructed during the lifetime of the prophet Mohammed . Islam had its birth in Yemen and the people of this land are anxious to demonstrate the peaceful ways and hospitality to strangers that are a vital part of Islam. Forget everything you have read or heard about Islam in the press and TV.This will be a great part of your Yemen experience.Ofcourse dont try to change their mind. If they are hapy, just enjoy this way of life and the coulture.

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the attractions

by starstudio

Unlike other countries, where tourists usually are driven or transported from their hotels to a particular site or attraction, Yemen is the attraction! The best way to experience this ancient and exotic land is to move through it, enjoying all of the ecological and cultural elements in your surroundings.

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Unique Places in Yemen

Top 3 Hotels in Yemen

Arabia Felix  Sanaa

 6 Reviews and 22 Opinions  absolutely PERFECT! We had all we need - hot water, cable TV, views and very interesting stay.... 

 Hotels in Sanaa

Shibam Hotel  Shibam

 2 Reviews and 0 Opinions  I didn't stay there, but went there in early afternoon hoping for a cup of tea. But they don't have... 

 Hotels in Shibam

Al Hawta Palace Hotel  Say'un

 1 Review and 10 Opinions  Al Hawta Palace Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Say'un and is set in lovely landscaped... 

 Hotels in Say'un

9 Hotels in Yemen
 
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The Place

Reviews and photos of Yemen attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Yemen sightseeing.

Experience Yemen
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Yemen
  1. Sanaa Off The Beaten Path
  2. Socotra Off The Beaten Path
  3. Tarim Off The Beaten Path
  4. Al Mukalla Off The Beaten Path
  5. Ta`izz Off The Beaten Path
  6. Ibb Off The Beaten Path
  7. Hababah Off The Beaten Path
  8. Kawkaban Off The Beaten Path
  9. Al Hudaydah Off The Beaten Path
  10. Zabid Off The Beaten Path
  11. Al Hajarayn Off The Beaten Path
  12. Thila Off The Beaten Path
  13. Al Mahwit Off The Beaten Path
  14. Sif Off The Beaten Path
  15. Sana' Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Yemen

 

Popular Regions in Yemen

Muhafazat Hadramawt Off The Beaten Path  Aden Municipality Off The Beaten Path  Muhafazat al Hudaydah Off The Beaten Path  Muhafazat al Mahwit Off The Beaten Path  Muhafazat al Bayda' Off The Beaten Path 

More Regions in Yemen

Questions and Answers

natykrishna profile photo

Q:  Hi, i want to travel to hodeidah and then to Mukalla.Can I get flight from hod to Mukalla and Mukalla to saana? 

Fluffy_bunny profile photo

A: The only domestic carriers are Yemenia and Felix. There are no direct connections from Hodeidah to Mukhalla. You'd have to go via San'a. Of note, San'a airport has closed... 

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