Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Indy Escapes Crew
Aug 14
5 min read

Egypt is one of those places that captures the imagination long before your plane touches down. The pyramids. The Nile. The temples etched with stories thousands of years old. But for many women planning a trip to this magical country, there’s one question that lingers: “Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers?”

As someone who’s travelled through Egypt, both solo and as part of a group, I want to offer an honest, practical, and empowering answer. Egypt is absolutely worth visiting. But like many countries, travelling here as a woman comes with unique challenges.

In this post, I’ll share what it’s really like, how to stay safe, and why joining a group tour can take your experience from stressful to unforgettable.

What It’s Really Like to Travel Egypt Alone as a Woman

Let me start by saying this: Egypt isn’t dangerous, but it can be difficult. The challenges aren’t usually about crime, they’re more about comfort, confidence, and cultural dynamics.

It’s not unusual for solo female travellers to report street harassment. From catcalling and stares to overly persistent men offering unsolicited help, it can get tiring fast. I’ve had transfer drivers ask personal questions, stall conversations in uncomfortable ways, and on one occasion, suggest I “pay them in favours”. Not an ideal way to start a trip!

That’s why a group tour changes everything. Indy Escapes greet you at the airport, which might sound like a small detail, but it means you’re supported from the moment you arrive. No navigating crowded terminals alone. No wondering if your taxi driver is legit. Just straight into the adventure, knowing someone’s got your back.

Is Egypt Safe for Solo Travel in General?

When it comes to violent crime, Egypt is relatively safe. Tourist areas are well-patrolled, and crime against foreigners is rare. But solo travellers, especially women, can find the experience intense.

Crowds are large. Vendors can be aggressive. Social norms are very different. And the sheer sensory overload of Cairo or Luxor can be draining when you’re trying to figure it all out alone.

Egypt is safe, but for solo female travellers, feeling safe is just as important. It’s about the energy you have to spend navigating cultural dynamics, finding trustworthy transport, or decoding unfamiliar customs.

As someone who loves solo travel, I chose to join a tour because I knew otherwise I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this wonderful country in the way it deserved.

How to Dress in Egypt as a Woman

Respect for local customs goes a long way in Egypt. That includes dressing modestly, not because you have to, but because it reduces attention and shows cultural awareness.

In most cities and temples:

Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Carry a scarf, not just for mosques, but also for sun and sandstorms.
Swimwear is fine at resorts, but not in public or rural areas.

During my first visit, I noticed that long linen trousers and tunics made the biggest difference in how I was treated. Respectful, but still comfortable in the heat.

How to Deal with Unwanted Attention

Unwanted attention is one of the most common challenges solo female travellers face in Egypt. While it’s rarely threatening, it can be persistent, and exhausting.

Here’s what helped me (and what local women often do too):

Be direct, not rude. A firm “La, shukran” (“No, thank you”) with eye contact and a neutral expression often works better than ignoring someone entirely.
Don’t smile too much. It’s a shame, but smiling at strangers, especially men, is often misinterpreted as flirtation.
Walk with purpose. Even if you’re lost, act like you know where you’re going. If needed, duck into a shop or ask another woman or family for help.
Use props. Wearing a fake wedding ring or saying “My husband is meeting me” can deflect further questions. I have found having a husband and two kids to work the best. Somehow once they hear I have kids their interest levels completely evaporate!
Dress modestly. It’s not about covering every inch, but loose, non-revealing clothes make a huge difference in how you’re perceived.

Local women often handle these situations with quiet confidence and community. They walk together, stick to familiar routes, and know how to shut things down with a look. When you’re new to the culture, it helps to take your cues from them, and better yet, to travel with a guide who’s got your back.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Egypt is full of charm; and charmers. Most are harmless, but some are after a quick buck. Here are a few scams I’ve experienced personally or seen others fall for:

“This area is closed, I’ll show you a shortcut.” It’s not closed, and it’s not a shortcut.
“Camel ride for 10 pounds.” That’s just to mount the camel. The ride costs extra.
Taxi meters “not working.” Always agree on a price beforehand or use Uber where possible.

When you’re part of a group tour, you don’t have to worry about any of this. Your guide knows the game and keeps you one step ahead.

What About Travelling at Night?

Travelling at night in Egypt as a solo female is not recommended in unfamiliar areas. I’ve done it, but only in well-lit, busy parts of Cairo or with trusted drivers or local friends. Public transport after dark can feel unsafe, and even short walks might bring unwanted attention.

Yet Egypt comes alive at night, and it would be a real shame to miss it. Indy Escapes has a number of evening activities planned, including sunset felucca rides and rooftop cocktails. And the best thing about it is that you don’t need to worry about safety as you will be having the time of your life with a group of like-minded travellers.

Why Joining a Group Tour Makes a Huge Difference

If you’re considering Egypt but feel unsure about going alone, a group tour like Indy Escapes is the perfect middle ground. You still get to feel adventurous and independent, but with the safety net of:

A local guide who handles logistics and shares cultural context
Like-minded travellers to share the journey (and the selfies)
Pre-arranged, comfortable transport and vetted accommodation
Built-in friends, especially important if you’re the only one among your friends brave enough to book Egypt

Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Bea's Final Thoughts

My Final Thoughts for Solo Female Travellers Thinking About Egypt

Do it!

For me, travelling with a group meant I could fully experience Egypt. I wasn’t distracted by logistics or feeling on edge. I was present. I made friends. I laughed, I learned, and I left with a genuine love for a place that might have otherwise left me overwhelmed.