Yemen Mainland Tour — Crazy Puffin Adventures

Overview

The adventure

One of the most extraordinary — and least visited — countries on earth.

7 days deep into the ancient Hadhramaut valley

UNESCO mudbrick skyscrapers built 500 years ago

Arabian Sea coast, lost palaces, local markets

Full army escort where required

Maximum 12 travellers — guaranteed departure

Go Crazy, Go Private

Choose your
own dates.
Your own adventure.

Can't make the departure? We'll build it entirely around you — your dates, your crew, your pace.

Your dates Solo or group Custom itinerary

Go private → Free 15-min call

What you'll see

Tour highlights

Shibam — UNESCO

The Manhattan of the desert. 500-year-old mudbrick skyscrapers rising 11 stories from the valley floor.

Al-Ghuwaizi Fort

Imposing historic fort overlooking the Arabian Sea in coastal Mukalla.

Khaila Bugshan Palace

Extraordinary palace carved into the cliffsides of the dramatic Wadi Doan valley.

Amazing food

Fragrant lamb, honey, saltah, fresh-baked khubz — all meals included every day.

Local markets

Ancient bazaars overflowing with spices, incense, and silver jewellery unlike anywhere else.

Stunning architecture

Multi-storey mudbrick towers, ornate mosques, and fortified palaces at every turn.

Day by day

Itinerary

Arrival in Seiyun

Overnight: Seiyun

Arrive at Seiyun Airport and be met by our local crew. After check-in, visit Al-Falas Fort then walk through Seiyun Old Market. Explore the local bazaars before dinner and rest.

Discover Tarim

Overnight: Seiyun

Full day in historic Tarim — Al-Ranad Palace, Al-Ahqaf Library, the iconic Al-Mihdhar Mosque and Esaha Palace. Lunch in Tarim, then Aynat for the Seven Domes and the grave of Prophet Hud.

Shibam & Wadi Hadramaut

Overnight: Haid Al-Jazeel Resort

Explore UNESCO-listed Shibam, continue to Al-Hajrain and the village of Sif. Arrive at the stunning cliff-top Haid Al-Jazeel resort as the sun sets over the canyon.

Wadi Doan

Overnight: Mukalla

Morning at Khaila Bugshan Palace and the villages of Wadi Doan. Scenic coastal drive to Mukalla on the Arabian Sea. Arrive at sunset, walk Al-Shaqin Coast, then explore the city's famous markets.

Discover Mukalla

Overnight: Mukalla

Sultan Al-Quaiti Museum & Palace, then Al-Ghuwaizi Fort. Al-Bagh Palace in Ghail Bawazir, then Al-Shihr for the Al-Mihdhar Museum and Al-Aidros Gate. Afternoon at Al-Hami natural hot springs reserve.

Journey to Al-Ghaydah

Overnight: Al-Ghaydah

Early start east along the coast. Lunch stop and city tour in Qishn before continuing to Al-Ghaydah. Check in, dinner and rest — tomorrow is your final day in Yemen.

Al-Ghaydah & Departure

End of tour — Salalah, Oman

Full morning tour of Al-Ghaydah. Evening transfer to the Omani border with full army escort, then on to Salalah. End of an extraordinary adventure — fly home from Salalah Airport.

Did you know?

Mainland Yemen is home to Shibam — often called the "Manhattan of the desert" — where people built skyscraper-like mudbrick towers up to 11 stories high over 500 years ago.

Shibam, Hadhramaut, Yemen · UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982

Pricing details

What's included

Everything included

Visa support

We handle all permits & clearances

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Pick-up & drop-off included

All meals on the trip

Breakfast, lunch & dinner every day

All transportation

All in-country travel

All accommodation

Twin share throughout

All entrance fees

Every site, museum & attraction

English-speaking local crew

Local guides + Crazy Puffin leader

Army escort from Al-Ghayadah to Salalah border

Full military protection

Crazy Puffin leader

Your guide throughout the journey

Not included

Flights to Cairo and from Salalah

Cairo → Seiyun & Salalah → home

Personal expenses

Shopping, souvenirs, extras

Tips for local guides

Greatly appreciated by your local crew

Travel insurance

Required — high-risk travel insurance cover recommended

Yemen visa fee

~$200, paid on arrival

Got questions?

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Yemen?

It is safe for travellers to come to Yemen. We keep a close eye on the situation and will act immediately if there is any uncertainty. Our local crew has deep knowledge of the region and we have run this tour successfully many times.

How does the booking process work?

Your spot is secured as soon as we receive your deposit of $600, which is refundable up to 7 days after booking. For full details please check our Terms & Conditions.

How do I get a visa?

We apply for your Yemen visa and obtain all necessary permits. You pick it up on arrival. The visa fee is approximately $200 and is not included in the tour price.

What is the group size?

This tour has a guaranteed departure — it runs regardless of numbers. Maximum 12 travellers plus crew to keep the experience intimate and authentic.

How do I get there?

We meet at Cairo International Airport and fly together to Seiyun — we handle the internal flight booking. The tour ends in Salalah, Oman, where you can fly home.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes — bring USD. There are no ATMs on the route. You can exchange USD for local currency in Seiyun. Bring enough for personal expenses and tips.

Can women travel on this tour?

Yes, absolutely. You'll need to cover your hair and wear a black abaya throughout. In some conservative areas a niqab may also be required. We brief you fully before departure.

Can I come as a solo traveller?

Absolutely — you'll be paired with another solo traveller to share a room. Or pay the $310 single supplement for your own room throughout the trip.

YemenMainland

Yemen
Mainland