Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in Egypt: Is Egypt Safe to Visit? – Meander Wander

Is Egypt safe to visit?

If I had a penny for every time I was asked this, I’d be rich!

A quick search online will give you all kinds of mixed information, but what really shocked me was how few women had written about solo travel in Egypt.

If you’re here, you’re probably dreaming of pyramids or have Egypt on your bucket list.

Well, you’re in luck because I recently went on an Egypt trip from India as a solo female traveler.

My experience was mixed—some places felt safe and welcoming, while others were a bit uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I wasn’t fully prepared since there wasn’t much info available.

Like many countries, Egypt’s rich culture can feel overwhelming to navigate alone. But with the right mindset and a few helpful tips, it can be one of the most rewarding trips you’ll ever take!

Still wondering if Egypt is safe? Keep reading for advice on how to make your trip both safe and fun!

Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in Egypt: Is Egypt Safe to Visit?

Why Egypt for Solo Female Travelers?

Before we get into the details, let me just say this: Egypt is incredible.

It’s where ancient history blends with modern life.

You’ll wander through structures that have stood for thousands of years, be amazed by the brilliance of ancient Egyptians, and experience the lively energy of cities like Cairo and Luxor.

While some solo female travelers might hesitate because of the conservative culture or cautionary stories, I’m here to tell you—it’s absolutely worth it.

The key is knowing how to navigate both the culture and the landscape so you can fully enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer.

What to do Before Your Egypt Trip

So, before you actually go on the trip, I would advise you to research the places a bit and learn about the cultural norms. But most importantly, you need to follow these three things:

Pack the Essentials – Pack a portable charger so you never get stranded without your phone, a refillable water bottle, and plenty of sunscreen to protect you from the harsh Egyptian sunlight.

Get Good Travel Insurance – Also, when traveling solo to Egypt, do take travel insurance that will cover all unforeseen circumstances. Make sure it covers theft of your passport, trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more for your solo travel in Egypt.

Keep Emergency Contacts – Most importantly, note down the contact details of your country’s embassy in Egypt and any emergency numbers such as police helpline, and more.

Update Your Friends and Family – Last, but not least, make sure that at least 1-2 family members or close friends are aware of your flight and itinerary details. This way, if something goes wrong, they can inform the local authorities quickly.

How to Reach Egypt Safely

One of the biggest mistakes that I made while arriving in Egypt is choosing the wrong airport.

If you are starting the trip from Cairo, keep in mind that there are two international airports in and around the city – Cairo International Airport and Sphinx International Airport.

Cairo International Airport – This airport is around 20 km from the city center and is the safer one for a solo female traveler. It is well-connected by public transportation and you can easily hail a cab using Uber or Careem.

Sphinx International Airport – The Sphinx Airport, on the other hand, is around 45 km from the city center with barely any access. You can try calling Uber or Careem here but they more often than not cancel the bookings.

Taxis are available outside the airport but they would charge you 10 times more than the actual price of the journey. So, if you are traveling alone and unable to book an online cab here, it would be a very expensive trip to the city.

Sadly, I made the mistake of booking my flight to Sphinx Airport and had trouble finding a cab. I was lucky enough to find another traveler who had success in booking a cab and offered to share it with me.

But this might not always happen so best to arrive at Cairo International Airport.

Getting Around Egypt Like a Pro

Once you have reached, the main hurdle would be traveling around Egypt as a solo traveler. So, let me break down the transportation options for you.

Domestic Flights – If you are for a short time in Egypt, then you can take flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan to save time. It will be a little expensive but if you plan ahead, you can get good offers from Nile Air and EgyptAir.

Trains – You also have the option of taking trains from Cairo to nearby cities and places like Aswan and Luxor as well.

The main caveat is booking the train tickets as you need to book them a few months in advance and there is no online portal to do that.

Buses – One of the most convenient ways to travel around Egypt is by using a bus. GoBus is one of the main operators here with affordable pricing and plenty of time in a day.

DO NOT take the bus from Cairo to Aswan (Al Eman Jet) as it is not comfortable and will have mostly locals in it. I had booked this bus and didn’t feel much safe. Plus, it is a long overnight journey with no rest.

Taxis and Ubers – Uber, Careem, and InDrive work brilliantly in most cities of Egypt and are the perfect way to avoid haggling for a journey.

If these ride-hailing apps don’t work in a city, you can get a local taxi but be sure to reach a price first.

City Travel – In cities like Cairo, the metro is your best if you don’t want to choose the cab.

For cities like Siwa, you will need to get a tuk-tuk. But my favorite is Dahab where you can rent a bicycle and travel around the area.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Egypt

Let’s come to the main question now – is Egypt safe to visit for women solo travelers?

Well, the answer is Yes and No. If you are planning a DIY solo trip, then you will encounter a lot of problems, harassment, and tricky situations.

On the other hand, if you are going on a group trip, then you have less to worry about.

But whatever you choose, here are a few things to help you stay safe in Egypt as a solo female traveler.

Always Stay Connected

The first thing to do after landing in Egypt or even before is to ensure you have a local SIM or International Roaming turned on for your SIM card.

This is essential to keep your loved ones informed about your whereabouts and to book cabs and look for directions whenever needed.

International Roaming Packages – Now, you can always choose to pay for a higher International Roaming package at home and stay connected on the same number at all times.

Jio and Airtel have many roaming plans to choose from.

Buy a Local SIM – If you are planning to stay a bit longer in Egypt, then I would advise you to get a local SIM with a good network. Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat are all good options and have options for top-up later.

I personally got an Etisalat SIM from the Sphinx Airport (which was a bit expensive there but worked wonderfully for the entire duration of my stay).

E-SIM – Last, but not least, you can choose to get an ESim with good data packages to stay connected at home. I have personally used RaizingSim and found their services to be really good.

Always Have Cash

Another important thing to keep in mind as a solo female traveler in Egypt is to always have the local currency on you.

USD and Euros are accepted at most hotels but for local shops, cabs, etc., it is always better to keep Egyptian Pounds handy. You might also need to tip a lot during your stay so keep smaller notes also.

There are plenty of ATMS around Egypt that accept Visa cards so you shouldn’t face any issues.

Choose Good Accommodation in Egypt

One thing that I would always recommend solo female travelers to do is choose a good and reliable hotel/hostel regardless of where you are traveling to.

Choose Accommodation in a Busy Street – Make sure that your accommodation is not in a secluded area and that you have easy access to public transportation. I faced this issue, especially in Egypt which made going out for food or exploring a little tough at times.

My hostels and hotels in Aswan, Siwa, Giza, etc. weren’t as easily accessible which resulted in me having to plan to venture out of my accommodation.

Word of caution, avoid staying alone in Giza as it can get a little secluded at night and you might be harassed on the street to book a tour or buy souvenirs from the shops.

Pre-Book Your Stays – I would also suggest pre-booking your stay to reduce the chances of scams once you land in Egypt.

I loved the hostel that I booked for Dahab as it was in the market area and just a 10-minute walk to the beachside area with plenty of restaurants and cafes to eat at.

Be Aware of the Scams

One thing that really surprised me about Egypt is that there are a lot of scams prevalent here.

Yes, I had heard about them but I thought it was an exaggeration. Well, it wasn’t.

Egypt is filled with scams so it is best to stay aware of them and be ready to politely refuse anyone who offers you their services.

From camel rides to tour guides, to shop vendors, most Egyptians will try to make money off you by quoting you higher prices or giving you wrong information.

This is why it is crucial that you get all the details from your hotels/hostel and read up a bit before you go.

Most tour guides will quote you 1000-1500 Egyptian Pounds for a tour when the actual price is only 150-200 Egyptian Pounds. How do I know this?

Well, because I saw a tour guide reduce his charges in front of me and a local security guard also informed me about the same.

One thing that I would suggest you always do in Egypt is ask for the price before booking or ordering anything here. If there is no fixed price displayed, chances are you’ll get scammed later and charge 3-4 times the actual cost.

Stay Hydrated and Protected From the Sun

I know this shouldn’t come as a surprise but for those who aren’t sure about the weather, let me tell you that Egypt is hot.

It doesn’t matter when you visit, the sun will be shining brightly for most part of the year and the dry climate with the constant sand can make you fall sick if you aren’t prepared.

This is why I recommend the following steps to stay healthy and protected in Egypt:

Stay Hydrated – Since the weather is hot and dry in Egypt, dehydration is quite common here. So, make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you at all times.

Safe Water and Food in Egypt – Tap water is not safe for drinking in Egypt so, you will have to buy bottled water at all times unless your accommodation provides you with complimentary water.

As for food, check for basic hygiene and reviews of a restaurant before eating anywhere in this African country.

Carry Sun Protection Items – As I mentioned earlier, Egyptian weather can be a little harsh with direct sunlight. This is why you should always carry a high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Carry a Medical Kit – Most importantly, carry a basic First Aid kit and all your basic medications for your trip to Egypt. If you get a minor injury or fall sick, you can use this to get better soon.

Dress Modestly

I know it is the 21st century so your clothing shouldn’t matter.

But in conservative countries such as Egypt, it is better to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.

You don’t need to wear a hijab but wearing loose-fitting pants, long skirts, and tops that cover your shoulders is always a good idea.

This will allow you to blend in with the locals a little and reduce the catcalling a little. Plus, you will feel more comfortable when exploring out in the cities.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

This one is a no-brainer really but if you want to feel safe and comfortable during your solo trip to Egypt, then make sure you are always aware of your surroundings.

Always stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially during the night time.

Some markets can be a little too crowded so, always keep an eye on your belongings.

Most importantly, if you feel uncomfortable hanging out in a place or with someone, remove yourself from that situation. Because more often than not, your instincts are right.

Interact Carefully with the Locals

The Egyptians are quite friendly but Egyptian men are more likely to approach you than the women.

The worst part is that 90% of the time they are trying to sell you something or trying to chat you up or offer you free rides and all which can be a tad bit uncomfortable.

Don’t get me wrong, I love interacting with the locals but after a while, you can get tired when it happens every day. In such situations, I found these worked the best:

Politely Refuse and Avoid Eye Contact: Generally, when Egyptian men tried to approach me on the streets, I would politely and firmly tell them that I was not interested.

Sometimes, I would avoid eye contact or appear to be busy on a call to avoid unwanted interactions.

Seek Out Help of Local Women: What I found really amazing about Egypt was the Egyptian women who were bold and not shy about putting men in place.

Throughout my Egypt trip, I met wonderful Egyptian women who helped me with directions or protected me from unwanted conversations with the local men.

Use Local Guides

If you are still scared of exploring Egypt alone, then you can always hire a local guide.

This way, you won’t just have someone to tell you about the history and cultural significance of each attraction but also someone to help you manage the local ambiance.

Plus, you would be supporting a local family here so it is definitely better than booking anything online.

How to Handle Harassment

As I said before, harassment is quite common in Egypt.

The good thing is that it is verbal and non-physical so you can easily ignore it and move on your way.

You can wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact and walk fast and with confidence to deter unwanted attention.

Plan Your Tours in Advance

Cairo

Cairo was a mix of fascinating and overwhelming. I

was nervous about exploring solo, but I did spend 2 – 3 days wandering the markets and neighborhoods during the day, always returning to my hotel before dark.

The city can get chaotic at night, so I felt safer avoiding that.

Major spots like the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili are best visited early to beat the crowds and heat.

I stuck to Uber or hotel cabs for safety, and for the Pyramids, a private cab was more convenient since Ubers aren’t easy to find there.

Dahab and Siwa

Of all the places I visited in Egypt, Siwa and Dahab felt the safest for solo female travelers.

In Dahab, you can start early or stay out late without worrying about harassment.

Siwa, on the other hand, is quieter with fewer people, making it more peaceful. Most attractions are close by and easily explored by tuk-tuk, so there’s no need to be out late.

Plus, scams and harassment are rare in Siwa, making it a more relaxed experience.

Luxor and Aswa

I felt the least safe in Luxor and Aswan as a solo female traveler.

I was constantly interrupted by local men, with many trying to sell me souvenirs or felucca rides.

The biggest mistake I made was taking a local bus from Cairo to Aswan instead of the train—it was packed and uncomfortable.

For safety purposes, I’d recommend taking the train or a reputable bus like GoBus to Luxor. Trains are pricier but comfortable and much safer.

From Aswan, I joined a Nile cruise—booking locally is cheaper unless it’s peak season. Be cautious about visiting Kom Ombo Temple at night, as locals can be pushy here, especially if you are traveling solo.

What to Pack for Egypt

If you are planning a solo female travel in Egypt, then here are a few essentials to pack:

Lightweight, Decent Clothing – As I said earlier, dress modestly in Egypt to avoid unwanted attention. So, it would be best that you pack lightweight and loose clothing since it can get pretty hot in Egypt, especially in the summer.

Comfortable Shoes – Trust me, you will be walking a lot in Egypt, especially at the temples and the pyramids. This is why a comfortable pair of shoes or sandals is a must for your Egypt trip.

Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses – Since the sun is harsh in Egypt, I would recommend packing plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Scarf or Shawl – Always pack a scarf and a shawl to cover your shoulders and protect yourself from the dust and the sun.

Light Jacket and Warm Pants – It can get cold in a few places such as Siwa, especially if you are visiting in the winter. So, do carry at least one jacket and warm pants to keep warm and cozy on your trip here.

Power Adaptor – In Egypt, they use European-style plugs (types C and F) so make sure you keep a power adaptor so that you can charge your devices.

Travel Insurance – Trust me, travel insurance is a must in a foreign country. I made the mistake of not getting it once on my solo trip to Thailand and injured myself there.

The bill came out to be around 17,000 INR which would have been reimbursed if I had bought the 2,000 INR travel insurance.

So, always get travel insurance, especially if you are traveling solo.

Must-Visit Spots for Solo Female Travelers in Egypt

Now that you have a better idea of the question – Is Egypt safe to visit? Let me share some of the must-visit spots in Egypt!

The Pyramids of Giza – Okay, I know you’ve heard this one a million times, but trust me—seeing the pyramids in person is a mind-blowing experience.

Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, and consider hiring a guide to share some interesting facts and history (and help you avoid tourist traps).

Luxor and the Valley of the Kings – Luxor is like walking through an open-air museum. The temples here are awe-inspiring, and the Valley of the Kings is where the tombs of ancient pharaohs await.

Make sure to reach Valley of the Kings early as it can get really crowded from 10-11 AM here.

Siwa Oasis

Looking for something off the beaten path?

Siwa Oasis is your answer.

Located near the Libyan border, it’s a little tricky to get to but so worth it. You’ll find salt lakes, hot springs, and some of the best sunsets in Egypt.

Dahab

Another offbeat place to explore is Dahab.

Set along the Red Sea coast, it is known for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs and is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

From Blue Hole to Moses Mountains, there is a lot to explore in this part of Egypt. Plus, it is also one of the safest regions for solo female travelers in Egypt.

Useful Phrases to Know in Arabic

Of course, it is always a good idea to learn some local phrases to help you interact with the locals. Here are a few to remember:

La Shukran – No, thank you.

Aiwa / La’a – Yes / No.

Salaam Alaikum – Peace be upon you (a common greeting).

Shukran – Thank you.

Bikem? – How much?

Budgeting for Your Trip

One of the most common misconceptions is that Egypt is a budget-friendly place but honestly, it is not. Especially if you are from Southeast Asia or India.

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend:

Accommodation: Budget hostels will cost you at least 800-1000 INR for a night, while mid-range hotels are around 3000-4000 INR.

Food: A meal at a local restaurant can cost you anywhere from 300 – 500 INR. This increases if you go to a better restaurant or cafe.

Attractions: Entrance fees to major sites like the pyramids or temples have increased in 2024 so you can expect to spend at least 800 – 1500 INR (10-15 USD) for each attraction, with some special tombs costing more.

Tip: Don’t Pay to Enter the Great Pyramid of Giza. Instead visit Dashur or Red Pyramid to see the insides, it is included in the price and worth the hike.

Final Thoughts

So, is Egypt safe to visit for women?

Well, it was a mixed experience for me. While the country’s history and culture left me in awe, I also had to be mindful of my whereabouts and be more careful than other countries I have traveled to.

If this is your first time traveling to Egypt, especially as a solo female traveler, then here are a few final things to keep in mind:

1. Stay Informed: Check up on the latest local news and travel advisories before planning a trip. Currently, Middle East tension might not make it the best time to visit Egypt.
2. Trust Your Gut: If you feel uncomfortable anytime during the trip, then walk away from the situation. Several times, I did not feel safe in a place or an activity so I chose to leave and it was always the right choice.
3. Join Travel Groups: You can join Egypt group trips if traveling solo gives you anxiety. Or you can hang out with other travelers in Egypt and plan day tours with them for a safer experience.
4. Always Be Confident: One thing that I have noticed on my solo trips is that when you move about confidently, fewer people approach you or harass you. So, don’t be scared, and always carry yourself confidently in an unknown city.

That’s it guys.

Egypt might not be the safest place for solo female travelers but with planning, you can definitely make it happen and have an amazing time here!

I hope this guide helped you plan your solo travel to Egypt. If you have any questions, let me know below!