Is it safe to travel to Yemen?
We prioritize your safety and only operate tours in areas deemed stable and accessible for international visitors. Socotra
Island is geographically isolated and considered safe, with no history of conflict. Aden, while on the mainland, is visited under strict safety protocols with trusted local partners. We monitor conditions continuously and stay up to date with travel advisories to ensure your trip is conducted responsibly.
What areas do your tours cover?
Our experiences focus on Socotra Island, Aden, and select areas of the southern mainland. Socotra is known for its natural wonders, while Aden offers cultural heritage, beaches, and city life. Each destination has been vetted for safety and travel accessibility.
Do I need a visa to enter Yemen or Socotra?
Yes, a visa is required, and it is included in all package quotations. We provide full assistance in securing a Yemeni
tourist visa. All visas are issued through official channels in partnership with local authorities. The visa process may take a month for those entering the mainland, so early booking is encouraged.
How do I get to Socotra or Aden?
Socotra is reached via chartered or scheduled flights from Cairo, Egypt (via Aden) or direct from Abu Dhabi, UAE. Yemen’s mainland is accessible via Aden with flights from Djibouti, Cairo, Egypt and Amman, Jordan. We assist with flight bookings and provide detailed arrival instructions.
What is included in the tour packages?
Our packages include airport transfers, accommodations (camping or hotel), three meals per day, local guides, all entry
fees, camping equipment (if applicable), and internal ground transportation. Optional add-ons such as diving, bird-watching tours, or cultural workshops are available.
What type of accommodations do you offer?
You can choose between camping itineraries (with full gear provided on Socotra) and hotel-based stays in Hadiboh or Aden. Camping includes tents, mattresses, and basic sanitary solutions. Hotels offer private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning when available.
Can I create a custom itinerary?
Yes! We specialize in custom itineraries. You can build your journey based on interests like nature, history, and outdoor
sports. Let us know your travel dates, interests, and preferred travel pace, and we’ll co-create a unique experience for you.
What kind of food is provided?
We serve traditional Yemeni meals, with fresh fish, rice, bread, and vegetables. Both on the mainland and in Socotra, seafood is abundant. We can accommodate vegetarian and basic dietary needs—just let us know in advance.
What should I pack for the trip?
Recommended items include modest lightweight clothing, swimwear, hiking shoes, a sunhat, sunscreen, insect
repellent, flashlight/headlamp, refillable water bottle, and power bank. We will send a full packing list after booking.
Are children allowed on the tours?
Yes, families are welcome. Many of our experiences can be adapted to suit younger travelers. We recommend age 6+ for Socotra camping trips. Custom private tours are great for families who need more flexibility.
What languages do your guides speak?
Our local guides speak Arabic and English. If you need translation in another language, we can arrange for a translator at an added cost.
What kind of physical fitness is required?
Most activities are moderate in difficulty—swimming, short hikes, or dune climbs. You can choose less physically demanding options or build a more active custom itinerary if preferred.
What is the best time to visit Yemen?
The best time for Socotra is October to April. For mainland destinations like Aden, winter months (November–February) are ideal for cooler temperatures and clear skies.
Can I travel solo?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome. You can join a group trip or request a private guide. Many of our solo travelers have had great experiences in Yemen.
How are medical emergencies handled?
We carry basic first aid kits and work with local health providers for non-emergencies. For serious issues, evacuation to Cairo or Abu Dhabi may be required. Travel insurance is mandatory.
Is internet available during the trip?
Internet is available in Hadiboh and in major cities in Yemeni hotels. Outside these areas, particularly in much of Socotra’s
wilderness, there is no reliable Wi-Fi or phone signal. If traveling through the Emirates, you can pick up an Etisalat sim card which will provide data for communication on apps such as WhatsApp and Signal (connectivity may be limited). For more stable internet access, a Starlink unit can be arranged for an additional fee.
What is the booking process like?
Once you select or build your itinerary, we send a deposit invoice and begin the visa process. Full payment is due two weeks before departure.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We offer flexible rescheduling and partial refunds depending on how close to departure you cancel. All policies are
outlined in your booking agreement.
Can I shop locally while in Yemen?
Yes! You’ll have opportunities to shop in Yemen for handicrafts, woven goods, and coffee. We also offer post-trip shipping for larger amounts of coffee.
Can I travel to both Socotra and the mainland?
Yes, you can do both, but it is important to know that traveling to the mainland does come with a bit more restrictions and each visitor must sign a code of conduct agreement that ensures that everyone visiting remains respectful to local customs and traditions.
Do women need to cover their heads?
Modest dress is encouraged (covered shoulders and knees). On Socotra it is requested for women to cover their hair in Hadiboh and any villages we visit to respect our hosts. In Aden or other mainland locations that are more
traditional, a scarf or an Abaya (An abaya is a long, loose cloak worn by women for modesty in many Arab cultures) for certain settings may be helpful for greater access.
Are your tours eco-conscious and sustainable?
Yes. We follow Leave No Trace principles, support local guides and vendors, and partner with community-based conservation efforts.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Group sizes range from 1 to 12 travelers. For private or family trips, there is no minimum. Larger group experiences can be arranged upon request.
How do I know if this trip is right for me?
If you’re curious, adventurous, and open to stepping off the beaten path—this is for you. Our team is happy to talk with you and help determine if it's the right fit.
How does my travel support local communities?
Every trip helps support local guides, cooks, drivers, artisans, and conservation efforts. A portion of proceeds also goes to humanitarian work through our partners in the mainland.
Should I bring cash with me?
There are no ATM's on Socotra so it is wise to bring any cash in USD. This can then be exchanged to Yemini Riyal and used for shopping and tips.
NOTE: All US dollars must be newer than 2009 and must not have any blemishes, stamps or tears. Otherwise, they will not be accepted.
How can I charge my devices?
Most houses and hotels are equipped with UK power outlets. So, it is recommended to bring a good international power adaptor and only devices that take 220V.
For Socotra; in your vehicle we will provide a solution for charging phones and lower draw devices.