So, you are
thinking of seeing the Pyramids yourself, sailing on the Nile, and getting lost
in the fragrance of an old market.
But then a
thought comes: "Can I, a woman, travel alone in Egypt? Will it be safe?
Will it be worth it?"
Friend, I had
the same questions. I scrolled through travel forums for weeks, found some
scary warnings and some glowing reviews. I finally booked the ticket, my heart
was pounding, excitement and fear mixed together.
Now, after
that trip, I am going to give you a completely honest, no-BS answer. Was
traveling alone to Egypt worth it?
Spoiler: Absolutely, 100% yes. But not a simple yes. It was challenging, empowering, frustrating, and totally magical, all at once. Let’s break it.
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| Traveling Solo in Egypt: Was it Worth It? A Candid Guide for Women Considering It |
The Good, The Great, and The Absolutely Magical
Let’s start
with the good things, because Egypt is truly a wonder.
A) The Unforgettable Sense of
Accomplishment
Everything
feels different when you stand in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza,
everything on your own terms. You managed to get here on your own. You
navigated the chaos, planned the trip, overcame fear. This feeling of
self-confidence and empowerment is a souvenir for a lifetime.
B) The Overwhelming Kindness of
Strangers
You will hear
stories of harassment (we will talk about them later), but you will also find
incredible kindness. I will never forget:
- The shopkeeper who saw
that I was confused and instead of giving me directions made me walk for
three blocks and then left.
- An Egyptian dadi on
the night train who shared her snacks with me with a warm smile even
without a common language.
- A few young women
in the cafe were giggles with me and wanted to take selfies.
For every
uncomfortable moment, give me moments of genuine human connection.
C) The Freedom to Craft Your Own
Journey
The biggest
advantage of solo travel is that the itinerary is yours alone. If you want, you
can look at the golden mask of King Tutankhamun in the Egyptian Museum for
three hours, do it. If you want, skip the camel ride and just sip mint tea and
people-watch. This freedom is the ultimate luxury of solo female travel.
The Challenges: Let’s Be Real Here
Just saying
good things will be unfair to you. Egypt can be intense, especially if you are
alone.
A) The Constant Attention (and yes,
Harassment)
This is the
biggest challenge. As a solo foreign woman, you obviously look different. You
will get stares. You will hear "Hello, welcome to Egypt!" and
"Where are you from?" repeatedly every day. Mostly it is curious, but
tiring.
There may
also be some direct harassment-hissing, comments, persistent vendors, and even
marriage proposals. It is rarely physically threatening, but mentally draining.
This is not your fault. This is a cultural issue, and when you understand it,
don't take it too personally.
B) The "Tourist Price" and
Pushy Touts
Be prepared
to haggle everywhere, especially outside established stores and restaurants.
The first price quoted is usually 5-10x the local rate. Touts can be very
persistent at places like the Pyramids or Luxor Temple. A firm, polite
"La, shukraan" (No, thank you) will become your best friend.
Your Survival Guide: Practical Tips for Solo Female Travel in Egypt
Let's give
some actionable advice. This way you will not only survive, but also enjoy the
trip.
A) Before You Go: Planning is Your
Superpower
- Pack Modestly
This is
non-negotiable if you want to respect the local culture and minimize unwanted
attention. Wear loose-fitted clothes that cover the shoulders, chest, and
knees. Maxi skirts, loose linen pants, and long-sleeved tops are perfect. A
large scarf (pashmina) is also a great way to put it over your shoulders or on
your head when visiting a mosque.
- Book Your First
Nights
Book at least
2-3 nights' accommodation in advance. Arriving in Cairo, jet-lagged and
overwhelmed, it's not a good idea to search for a hotel. Reading reviews from
solo female travelers on Booking.com or Hostelworld will be helpful.
- Connect with Other
Travelers
Join Facebook
groups like "Solo Female Travelers" or "Egypt Travel Tips", ask questions, get recent advice, and sometimes you'll find travel buddies
for certain parts of the trip.
B) On the Ground: Navigating with Confidence
- Dress the Part
I keep saying
this because modest
dressing is your best tool to blend in and show respect. It reduces hassle.
- Master the
"Resting Blue Face" and Firm "No"
Practice a
slightly neutral, slightly stern expression in public. Avoid prolonged eye
contact with strangers. If the vendor is very persistent, a firm, loud
"NO, THANK YOU" or "Bravo, thank you" and then walk ahead, usually
does the trick. You don't have to be polite to someone you find uncomfortable.
- Use ride-hailing
apps
Uber and
Careem are available in Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor. This is a game-changer.
You don't have to negotiate with taxi drivers, the route is set, and payment
can be cashless. Much safer and stress-free.
- Consider a Guide
for Certain Activities
Hiring a
reputable guide for the first day to a massive site, like the Giza Plateau or
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, is worth a few hours. He does a great job, gives
interesting context, and handles the touts. Recommend hotels.
- Trust Your Gut
This is the
golden rule of solo travel. If a situation or person seems off, get out of
there immediately. Your intuition is your best security system.
So, Was It Worth It? My Final Verdict
Yes.
Thousands of times yes.
Was it always
easy? No.
Did I have
moments where I wanted to hide in my hotel room? Absolutely.
Would I do it
again? Without thinking, yes.
Traveling
solo in Egypt taught me more about resilience, patience, and the goodness of
people, more than any other trip. The challenges made the rewards even greater.
The history is awe-inspiring, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the
experience will change you.
You will not
just bring photos of ancient temples; you will return home with a renewed
confidence in your strength and capability.
Your Next Step
If your heart
is drawn to Egypt, don’t let fear stop you. Prepare, don’t be afraid.
Start by
reading other women's personal accounts. Research a place you're interested in,
maybe the temples of Luxor, the Red Sea reefs of Dahab, or the libraries of
Alexandria. Make a rough plan that makes you feel empowered.
You're more
capable than you think. And a lifetime adventure awaits you on the banks of the
Blue.
Any specific questions I missed? Ask in the comments, I'll happily help a fellow traveler!
