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Land
of Sheba, where wonders never cease
 The
mystery of the past and the thrill of discovery remain
to be experienced when traveling different places in
Yemen. However, modern accommodations awaits the travelers
in major cities like Sana'a, Aden, Taiz, Mukalla, Hodeidah
and others.
Transportations:
Air
transportation is available to most big cities on a
local level. International flights are available to
Sana'a, Aden, Hodeidah, Mokalla and other airports.
Yemenia maintains direct international serves to major
cities in Europe, India, and the Middle East. Most Yemen
visitors arrive at Sana'a International Airport and
then proceed with Yemenia to other cities.
Ground
transportations between smaller cities is cheapest by
collective taxi but more comfortable by having a private
taxi. Small groups tend to travel in four-wheel drive vehicles
with driver provided by many different companies.
A private transport and an experienced driver gives
the visitor more freedom to explore remote places and
manage the time as preferred. In addition, the cost of
a reliable transportation and the driver is worthwhile.
Inside
the cities, usually there will be a buses or minibuses
that is very cheap. But it serves from and to certain
places. Another option for transportation is taxis which
are available everywhere down the street.
Some tourists prefer to rent a car which is not a bad
idea. You would need an international driving license and a make sure to maintain all the important papers
for the car that shows that ownership of the car and
an authorization for driving it from the cars rental
agency. Some agencies offers an experienced driver who
will take care of everything about the car and may help
you get to know important places to see. Some of them
work as tour guides.
"As one travels
through the regions of Yemen, from the hot coastal plain of the
Tihama to the cool mountain villages of the central highlands
and to the remote valleys of the Hadramut there is such a diversity
of landscape, architecture, and vegetation that it is like moving
from one country to another. Yet the impression of Yemen as a
land of contrasts is deceptive. There are common strands of identity
running through the fabric. The fiercely individualistic character
of each place and its people reveals itself gradually not as a
discordant factor in essence but as the way of the country as
a whole. The common identity of Yemen does not exist necessarily
in a sense of uniformity or consensus of opinion but rather in
the vigorous defense of the small unit, be it family or tribe
or village. A unified cultural heritage the diversity of expression."
By Michael Jenner.
Visas Entry:
Visas are required for all visitors to Yemen (except some nationals
of certain countries), Visas can be obtained easily by any tourist
office, there are no difficulties or special requirements to obtain
the visa.
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Immunization Requirements:
Health certificates indicating valid vaccinations are only required
from travelers arriving in Yemen from afflicted countries . It
is advisable to take antimalarial pills when visiting some areas
in Yemen like Tihama. Main cities like Sana’a and Aden are
considered malaria free.
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Airport Procedures:
Immigration forms are given to you on the plane and have to be
handed in at passport control. Customs officers check the luggage
closely for alcohol, video tapes and magazines that contain sex
pictures. As a foreigner and a tourist you will be treated in
special way every where in Yemen.
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Transportation:
From the airport there are taxis but no regular bus service to
town . Normally, tourist offices organize transportation for their
tourists, but if you take a taxi it will not cost more than
US$ 10 from the airport to any area in Sana’a or Aden. Inside
the city there are three options:
1- Taxis which will cost you US$1 for short distances of
less than 15 minutes, there are no meters in the taxis.
2- Small buses (Dabab) Dababs run in fixed routes around the city,
picking up and dropping off passengers in demand . You will need
to speak Arabic, or use sign language. Fares are approx US$0.10
.
3- Hiring a car there are some car rental offices where you can
hire a car . An international driving license is required. Prices
start from US$ 40 per day.
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Currency and Exchange:
The Currency is the Yemeni Rial (YR), divided into 100 Fills,
the Fills, however, is no longer in use. Banknotes are available
in One, Five, Ten, Twenty, Fifty, One Hundred, Two Hundred and
Five Hundred Rials You can exchange money at any exchange office
in the main cities, there is no official exchange rate for YR,
and there is no black market to exchange money. The exchange
rate is quite stable ranging between 127YR-130YR to 1 US$. ·
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Security:
During the last two and a half decades, Yemen has been considered
a safe country for foreigners to live in . Generally, foreigners
are treated with respect and are seen as being here for the benefit
of the country. However the economic and political climate has
deteriorated during 1993 - 94 and the security situation worsened,
but these days the situation is better, and the country has became
more stable and secure for all foreigners. Do not worry specially
if you are within a tourist group. But if you are in a hired car
be careful as some remote roads are not safe and your car might
be hijacked, this is the case not only for the foreigners but
for any one who is driving luxury car. ·
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Pets:
Pets may be brought in if accompanied by a veterinary health certificate
and an import permit from the veterinary office in Yemen. Domestic
animals common in Yemen are cats, dogs, donkeys, cows, sheep goats
and poultry. There is also a long standing tradition of beekeeping
; Yemeni honey is reputedly among the finest in the world and
its high price reflects this. Most of it is exported, some to
the Gulf states to be used as medicine, or as luxury. If
you want to buy it, it is better to accompany a Yemeni who
can take you to the best places. Doves are often kept on the roof,
and occasionally birds in a cage. Cats and dogs roam wild and
feed on garbage . Pet dogs attract the attention of children,
but watchdog are likely to discourage them.
The National Veterinary
Services development program, a project of the UK Overseas Development
Agency, offers quality veterinary services, including immunization
and surgery, and home visits can be arranged in emergencies.
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Local Hospitality:
There is mutual curiosity among Yemenis and expatriates to learn
about each other’s culture. The quickest way is to invite
friends to one’s home . An old Yemeni tradition holds that
the one who has shared a meal with you will not be your enemy.
Yemenis take great pride in showing generous hospitality to their
friends, and in the countryside foreign travelers are often invited
to eat and spend the night in Yemeni houses. Arab hospitality
is expressed in terms of plentiful food and generous sprinklings
of perfume on the departing guests. The family, the family is viewed as
the God-willed way of life. A foreign resident’s
family therefore is treated with respect, and children in particular
attract attention and warmth. Complete strangers may come up to
you and kiss your baby or small child - something you can hardly
prevent. ·
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Traveling in the
country:
To appreciate Yemen’s considerable natural beauty, one has
to leave the city and explore the countryside . While the main
roads are well surfaced and traveling them is a comfortable experience,
taking to the rugged mountain tracks in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle
is an adventure well worth the effort . The serpentine mountain
roads offer breathtaking views into Wadis lined by countless man-made
terraces. Visit the barren eastern mountains with their fascinating
rock formations and be awed by the encroaching desert’s sand
dunes. Dive into the clear waters of the Red Sea or the Indian
Ocean or explore the tropical flora and fauna of the lower wadis
with their clear monsoon streams and unique settlements and culture.
And if you like the off beat, do not miss the experience of crossing
the desert "Ramlat Assaba’atyin" on the southern
corner of the
 Rub’a-alkhali, between Marib
and Shabwa, the shortest way to the famous Wadi Hadramout. You
can follow the ancient Gold and Incense Road along the edge of
the desert. In Marib you can visit the old great Marib dam, The
Queen of Sheba temple and the remains of ancient civilizations..
To enjoy the varied scenery, explore mysterious historical sites,
marvel at the architecture, and most of all meet the people, many
of whom maintain their original ways of life, is an unforgettable
experience . Wherever you go, children will appear curious, boisterous,
and sometimes annoying, you do not need to give them any thing
, just small smile and show some good humor and they will love
you. ·
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Photography
Men and children (male&female) are willing to have their picture
taken , but be more cautious with women. Photographing women,
even if veiled , is considered very rude and risky. Also be careful
not to photograph military sites, airports or harbors, which are
restricted security areas. Despite the restrictions Yemen is a
photographer’s paradise. Check the Photo gallery !! Some of your shots of traditional
activities, like ploughing with the help of a donkey or grinding
sesame with a camel, have potential historic value, because the
old ways, now still widely observed, are destined to become things
of the past.
| Galleries
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YemenWeb is now offering a web tour to Yemen with many
valuable photos that present Yemen's nature and architecture.
Even though there is a diversity of landscape and architecture
in Yemen, we are developing the gallery to make it as informative
as possible. You may also try the links page to visit some
other Yemen photo galleries online.
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Main Menu
,
the land of Sheba !!
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| Downtown |
The mystery of the past
and the thrill of discovery remain to be experienced when
traveling different places in Yemen. However, modern accommodations
awaits the travelers in major cities like Sana'a, Aden,
Taiz, Mukalla, Hodeidah and others.
The hotels range from those of the international chains
to more modest locally run establishments.
Air transportation is available to most big cities on a
local level. International flights are available to Sana'a,
Aden, Hodeidah, Mokalla and other airports. Transportation
from principal cities is available via buses, taxies, and
collective taxies. Click here for more info. |
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Enjoy going shopping in
the downtown and get to know the people from close.
Just like any other city. Sana'a downtown is full of motion.
People go for a walk, shop, bargain, eat and drink a Yemeni
cup of coffee with Harisah which is a Yemeni delicious dessert
that Yemenis eat it with a Yemeni coffee. |
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