Egypt's reputation predates that - its history stretches back not just a few centuries, but to the very beginnings of civilization, with an impressive array of ancient monuments on site to prove it. But the country's reputation as a difficult place for single women to visit can be as prominent as the pyramids in the fairy tales exchanged by travelers.
Earlier this year, I spent six weeks in Egypt on my own, traveling the country from top to bottom, from Alexandria to Aswan and beyond. Although I'm not easily visible, traveling alone in Egypt was very rewarding and eye-opening.
Interested in traveling solo to Egypt? Here are six hard-hitting lessons from my recent experience.
1: Join a small group tour
Hear me out: I know booking a tour may seem counterintuitive to solo travel, but in Egypt, the decision pays dividends. Joining a small group or simply having a guide to yourself can greatly improve your time exploring.
The country is not well prepared for independent travel. The ancient sites of Egypt are almost completely unmarked, so if you want to understand the hidden meanings behind the hieroglyphs and learn about the pantheon of pharaohs and gods, you will need an expert Egyptologist. A few prices are set, so you'll spend more of your precious holiday time haggling for transportation to this or that temple than admiring the ancient treasures. Guides hang out at the entrances of tourist attractions, but when you come with yourself, you can skip the hassle of their requests. Going with a guide or group allows you to focus on enjoying your trip instead of figuring out the logistics of making it happen.
Traveling alone doesn't have to mean traveling alone. If you join a tour, you're sure to meet other like-minded adventurers, and perhaps other solo travelers who have decided to strike out on their own, so you can swap stories and experience the joys of solo travel together.
2: dress the part
Egypt is a conservative Muslim country and it is important for travelers to respect the local culture. It's good for women - and for men! - to cover from hands to knees and dress modestly. Bathing suits and shorts are fine on Nile cruises and resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh and the Red Sea, but cover up more in cities and especially in rural areas.
While you don't need to wear an abaya (a long dress that covers women from the wrists to the ankles) or a headscarf (unless you're going to a mosque), you don't need to wear long and loose clothing. cool and comfortable in terms of climate and culture. In cooler weather, wear long skirts, loose sweatpants, t-shirts, chic tops and cardigans.
3: Bring your sense of humor
Egypt's economy is highly dependent on tourism and is still recovering from the political instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring. Over two million Egyptians work in tourism and competition to secure sales can be fierce. .. It's rare to be questioned and summoned everywhere you go, although it's tiring.
The road leading to almost every historic site is lined with tourist-filled markets and makeshift stalls that one of my guides jokingly called "vendors' valley." If you're not interested in buying, just walk away and ignore the barrage of questions and requests to visit their stores. Walking around like you're covered in Teflon and letting the hassle go is the best strategy, but it's not always easy if you come from a culture where it's considered rude.
Egyptians love to joke around, so if you're the type to engage, put your sense of humor to rest. Fully establish where you're from (usually the first question asked), or if the sales pitch gets too boring, laugh it off and say you have a set of canopic jars at home and don't need anything else.
4: Pack your accessories
Egypt's constant desert day means sunglasses are essential for any visit no matter the time of year, but they also help avoid eye contact and easily turn away the onlookers.
Some women claim that wearing a fake wedding ring helps ward off unwanted advances from flirting men, but I'm not entirely convinced it's worth the effort. Even if your ring is noticeable, expect questions from both men and women about why you're traveling alone, if you're married, and how you can leave your family behind.
In Cairo and Alexandria, cities where tourism is less important, there are fewer second views (although urban chaos is something to contend with). Cairo Metro has cars only for women.
5: Get a local SIM card
Solo travelers who decide to bypass Egypt should get a local SIM card or have a home data plan working when they arrive in the country. Having a data connection is essential for using map apps to find your way, especially in the decrepit labyrinth of Islamic Cairo and the famous bazaar of Khan el-Khalili (but don't forget to put your phone away too – some of the joy is lost here).
Uber operates in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada and other less touristy cities, and its fixed prices are a godsend for those tired of haggling with taxi drivers. With phone data you can keep in touch with friends back home and friends you meet in Egypt, many accommodation and tour operators use WhatsApp to make reservations and confirm details.
Purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival – you'll find phone shops around Egyptian cities, but the staff speak little English.
6: Be flexible and have fun
Egypt isn't the easiest place on the planet for solo travelers – or independent travelers – but if you've got an appetite for adventure, Egypt offers an open invitation to dive in head first. While in other countries it pays to have a well-planned itinerary, some of the best experiences in Egypt come from seeing where the journey leads. You never know who you might meet on a tour, in a hostel, in a cafe or on an overnight train.
Every day in Egypt is amazing. Give him a hug.
Get to
Ready to explore Egypt on your own with a small group of like-minded travelers? Here are some solid tours full of support and free time for independent research:
The best of Egypt
Highlights of Egypt
Egypt: Boats and Markets
Egypt updated
The best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel
Adventures in Egypt and Jordan