Female Travelers: HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR EGYPT TRIP
Women in El Moezz Street wearing historical garments for a photoshoot.
Egypt’s 5000-year history puts it on every avid traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason! Egypt’s historical eras feature mysterious ancient pyramids, the influences of Alexander the Great, and a rich Islamic history. But it doesn’t stop here, Egypt’s lifeline, the Nile River, and the green fields that surround it, contrast its beautiful desert landscapes, ensuring there’s something to be experienced by every kind of traveler.
Since we're mostly women behind the scenes at Bellies En-route, we understand that as a female traveler, you may have concerns and questions about navigating Egypt. From Cairo’s bustling streets to the serene shores of the Red Sea, we want to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable journey. This guide will cover essential safety tips and practical advice to help you experience Egypt confidently. Throughout your trip, if you find yourself wanting to connect with local women, don't miss our exclusive Women of Egypt Food & Shopping Tour, where you can savor signature delicacies while shopping at fair-trade shops with a cause.
The Sphinx by Adrian Dascal
Should I travel to Egypt solo and without a tour group?
Now, we frequently get asked if Egypt is safe for a solo female traveler, and if being a part of a tour is a necessity to stay safe. While it’s definitely not ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, Egypt is still considered pretty safe, although it can be a bit more intimidating to navigate due to the language barrier and scams within touristic hotspots. Staying vigilant and cautious in any new place is always recommended, but it’s not necessary to travel with a tour group. However, depending on your travel style and experience, organized tours can give you peace of mind, they also have the advantage of providing a well-planned schedule, hassle-free commuting and meeting like-minded travelers. All in all, tours can be a lot of fun and it’s easier to relax and become more curious when you know you’re in safe hands, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture out on your own if you’re an adventurous traveler.
If you’d like to explore Downtown Cairo or Heliopolis, we recommend booking one of our food tours. Another great tour company is Walk Like an Egyptian, who offer a more cultural approach to tours. Their founder, Asmaa helped us write a handy guide with tips and tricks for Coptic Cairo. Check it out on our blog.
What are the most reliable ways to get around Cairo?
Cairo offers many options for getting around, the main thing you need to keep in mind is that Cairo is a huge city, so be sure to factor in extra time for traffic so you don’t miss out on any of your planned activities.
taxis and ride-hauling apps
Apps like Uber, Careem and DIDI are widely available and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Another option, which is cash only, is InDrive. Download any of these apps before your trip, and you’re golden. It’s common practice to sit in the back seat.
Regular taxis, which are white and have a black and white checkered line on the side, are also easy to find. That being said, it’s almost impossible to find a driver who actually uses the meter, and most locals agree on a flat rate with the driver before jumping in. If you’d rather know the exact range before committing to a ride, ride-hauling apps are probably your best option. If you decide to go down the route of a regular taxi, always sit in the backseat, and only pay the driver after you’ve already gotten out of the car.
walking
Because the city is so vast, it’s good to keep in mind that some districts are more walking-friendly than others. Areas like Zamalek, Downtown Cairo, Heliopolis and Maadi are pedestrian-friendly, their neighborhoods don’t stretch out too far, and they’re very safe. Another area you might come across is Old/Islamic Cairo, while it is walkable in terms of distances, it can be very crowded, which gets a bit overwhelming. It’s also old and very densely-populated, making it easier to get lost in if you tread off the tourist paths.
El Moezz Street in Old Cairo
In terms of recently developed districts like New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed, they are known to be very safe, however, given their urban planning, they’re not as walkable in terms of distances, and locals usually get around in cars, taxis and busses.
While it’s impossible to rate all of Cairo’s districts in terms of walkability, you can always check with your hotel or host if your area is safe. It’s sensible to take walks alone throughout the day and until around 10pm (when shops close). As you would do in any unfamiliar city, stay cautious and keep and eye on your belongings in heavily crowded or highly touristic areas, because pickpockets are more likely to hide in plain sight here.
the cairo metro
The Cairo Metro is another reliable way to get around, it covers a substantial region of Cairo and it’s very affordable. During morning (9am) and end-of-day (5pm) rush hour, you’ll most likely be standing, and not have a lot of physical space around you. The Cairo Metro is used by millions of its residents everyday, so be ready for some of the best opportunities to people-watch. Our favorite part is that the Cairo Metro offers women-only carriages, which can be a more comfortable option, especially during peak hours.
Interior of a Cairo metro station
Which parts of Cairo am I likely to experience more/less harassment or hassles?
We know you have probably heard a lot about harassment in Egypt. Sexual harassment was made a criminal offense in Egypt in June 2014, yet harassment can be an issue. It’s unfortunate but true that women might experience cat-calling or unwanted attention. The type and severity of the situation can vary from cat-calls (in Arabic, English or other languages) to unsolicited touching, but it’s helpful to know that it’s highly unlikely to encounter extreme situations like being held at gun point. Find a list of more likely and unlikely examples below.
Places like the alleyways of Old Cairo and other tourist hotspots like areas near the Giza Plateau and crowded pedestrian streets will require more alertness from female travelers. It's crucial to stay firm and assertive—learning a few Arabic phrases like "la" (no) and “shokran” (thank you) can be very helpful. If you feel threatened, seek help from local authorities or the tourism police. Keeping emergency contact numbers is handy, including your consulate’s. You’ll find an image with a list of emergency contacts below, it’s useful to save it, but we hope you never have to use it.
Tourism & Antiquities Police :
19654 / 02-126- 25327800 / 253292812
examples of situations you may encounter
Common:
Cat-calling and sleazy pick-up lines.
No physical personal space in tight spaces
Unwanted touch/groping - don’t be afraid to publicly shame a man who does that, he will cower away into a corner and you will be backed up by others around you
Petty theft
Tourist scams
Unlikely:
Being held at gun/knife point
Kidnapping
Violent hitting/terrorism
Khan El Khalili bazaar shop
What scams should I look out for?
As with traveling in any highly-touristic country, it is critical to be aware of potential scams and take precautions to protect yourself. In Egypt, common scams can take place in small unlicensed hotels booking fake or exorbitantly priced activities for you, with drivers seeking commissions from gift shops, and amongst shop owners. This primarily happens around tourist hotspots like the Giza Plateau, Khan El Khalili bazaar and Downtown Cairo. To avoid being overcharged or misled, always book your accommodation through reputable websites and read reviews from other travelers, avoid making any changes to your booking offline if you’ve booked it online.
Touristic sights or museums sometimes have fake (or desperate) guides telling you that you must hire a guide to enter, which isn’t true. Always ask the ticketing booth for regulations if it becomes confusing. Be wary of overly friendly strangers who offer unsolicited assistance or try to direct you to specific stores or attractions, as they may be working on commission or taking you to their shops. In markets and shops, haggling is expected, but be aware of the approximate value of items to avoid paying an inflated price. It’s good to know that our Women of Egypt Food and Shopping Tour covers shopping at 4-5 trusted spots with fixed pricing and that are also fair-trade certified.
Which are the safest Cairo neighborhoods to book accommodation?
Cairo has many neighborhoods that are safe and convenient, there’s definitely something for every budget. Areas like Zamalek and Downtown are typically preferred due to their central location. Both districts have reputable hotels and hostels where you can stay and be close to many of the city’s historic sights.
Zamalek is famous its large expat communities, and lots of walkable streets to discover. Maadi and Heliopolis are good options too, but they are less convenient when it comes to their proximity to old sights. Finally, while Giza is technically not Cairo, many travelers choose to spend a few nights here to avoid wasting time on the commute from central Cairo to the Giza Plateau and the GEM. One of the perks of doing that is waking up with a majestic view of the Pyramids.
Other safe neighborhoods that aren't centrally located or walkable are New Cairo or Sheikh Zayed.
Regardless of the type of accommodation you settle for, always ensure your valuables are locked in the hotel room safe, and consider traveling with a doorstop alarm if you prefer staying in another type of accommodation.
The view from the gardens of the Mena House Oberoi Hotel
Do I need to cover my head/hair in Egypt?
Unless you’re visiting a mosque, which might require you to borrow a modest dress to cover up, Egypt has no requirement to cover your hair. When visiting Islamic Cairo, go for long trousers or maxi skirts/dresses and bring along a light scarf if you’d like to marvel at the beauty of the area’s historic mosques (they’re really worth it!).
Around the city, dressing modestly can help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention. Lightweight, breathable t-shirts or blouses and bottoms/dresses at/below the knee are ideal, but depending on your travel dates, you might want to bring heavier outerwear since the weather can vary significantly between the afternoon and evening from November to March.
If you’re heading out to party in the evening, it’s more acceptable to show more skin in this setting, but we recommend getting dropped off directly in front of nightlife establishment you’re visiting. The nightlife scene in Zamalek, Maadi, Heliopolis, New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed is enjoyed by local women too, and in this setting, it’s not unusual for them to pull out that swanky LBD or show off a glittery crop top.
On another note, it’s worth mentioning that PDA is not well-tolerated on Egypt’s streets, holding hands won’t cause any alarm but anything beyond that can get you into hassle. When on your own, avoid making direct eye contact with men, as it might be misinterpreted. Wearing sunglasses can help with this. Smiling at strangers can also be misinterpreted, so maintaining a neutral expression in public spaces is advisable. If you're an AFAB (assigned female at birth) queer individual, it's crucial to practice caution and not disclose your orientation to strangers.
You can always ask for more guidance about a specific place you want to explore from your hotel staff or hosts.
El Gouna, Egypt by Levi Morsy
Which cities are considered the safest around Egypt?
Bellies understands that safety is a top priority for solo female travelers, and many Egypt's touristic cities are known for being welcoming and secure. Sharm El Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is considered one of Egypt's safest destinations. This resort town is well-protected, with a large presence of tourist police, and is used to welcoming millions of international visitors. El Gouna, a modern resort town on the Red Sea coast, is another highly recommended destination. Its well-maintained infrastructure, and variety of recreational activities make it a comfortable and secure destination for solo travelers. Travelers have almost nothing to be concerned about here, as El Gouna is privately owned, ensuring regulations are monitored and enforced. It’s a fantastic place to relax and has some of the best international restaurants in Egypt. Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are also considered safe, as they offer luxurious resorts with extensive security measures.
In all of these places, it’s totally acceptable to dress in regular beach attire, different types of swimsuits, shorts, sleevless stops and swimsuits cover-ups during the day. However, tanning nude is rarely acceptable, so it’s best to completely avoid it.
I want to respect local customs, how can I do that?
While it's not a must, respecting local customs is always well-received by the local community. By being mindful of local traditions and practices, you not only show respect to the host culture but also enhance your own travel experience.
During Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims, it is important to understand and respect the customs associated with it. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. As a traveler, you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking on the street during daylight hours, and be mindful of the Iftar time, which is the meal after sunset when Muslims break their fast. Showing respect during this time can foster positive interactions with locals.
When it comes to alcohol consumption, knowing local laws is essential. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Always check the local regulations regarding alcohol to ensure you comply. Even in places where alcohol is allowed, public drunkenness is generally frowned upon, so be mindful of your behavior and surroundings.
Locals will appreciate your efforts to understand and honor their customs, and you’ll likely find that these practices will enhance your interactions and experiences during your travels.
Islamic Cairo at night during Ramadan.
Which other cities should I consider visiting?
Egypt has a diverse range of destinations that cater to a variety of interests, making it an ideal country for solo female travelers looking for adventure as well as relaxation. Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh are well-known Red Sea resorts with beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent water sports facilities. These coastal towns offer the ideal balance of relaxation and excitement, with opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and luxury resorts.
Typical hut resort in Dahab,Egypt by Ahmad Safwat
Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt are must-see destinations for history and ancient culture enthusiasts. Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with its impressive temples, tombs, and monuments, whereas Aswan provides a more tranquil experience, with beautiful Nile views, Nubian culture, and access to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples.
Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula are ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Dahab is well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent diving opportunities, whereas Sharm El Sheikh has a vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Camel in Saint Catherine, Sinai by Ahmad Ajmi
How do I navigate health and medical concerns?
Consult your healthcare provider about necessary vaccinations before traveling to Egypt. Carry a basic first aid kit along with any prescribed medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital and don’t forget about activating your travel insurance. Pharmacies in Egypt operate almost all week, with some open 24/7. Over-the-counter medication for common conditions, including period discomfort, cold & flu, diarrhea and pain killers are readily available. Menstrual hygiene products are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. We highly recommend unscented cotton varieties to avoid skin irritation in Egypt's climate. Tampons are available but difficult to source and quite expensive, so it’s better to bring some with you. For a more sustainable option, consider using period underwear from local brands like Shemsi or bring along your menstrual cup.
Ambulance service: 123
Civil defense and fire fighting: 125
Police: 122
Should I be worried about political demonstrations?
While political demonstrations in Egypt have significantly decreased in frequency in recent years, travelers should stay up-to-date on current events and exercise caution. Key historical demonstrations, such as those on January 25th and June 30th in Tahrir Square, serve as reminders of the potential for political unrest. Although Cairo's Tahrir Square has become a symbol of protests, security forces typically keep a close eye on it. As a solo female traveler, it is best to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, which can become unpredictable. It’s good to know that they have become very rare in recent years. Staying informed through local news sources and checking travel guides can help you plan your activities and stay safe during your trip to Egypt.
Are there areas of Egypt that I should definitely avoid in 2024-2025?
While Egypt is generally safe for tourists, certain areas should be avoided due to security concerns. Northern Sinai, in particular, is known for its on-going conflict and instability, making it an area that visitors should avoid. This area has been the site of military operations, so the Egyptian government has implemented strict security measures and travel restrictions. It is strongly advised to avoid Northern Sinai entirely in favor of exploring Egypt's many other beautiful and safe destinations. Staying informed about travel guides and seeking local advice can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
egypt awaits!
Traveling to Egypt as a solo female can be both exciting and challenging. With the right preparation and awareness, you can enjoy all that this fascinating country has to offer. Whether you're marveling at ancient temples, bargaining in colorful bazaars, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, let this guide be your companion. And for a unique, enriching experience, join any of our experiences and make unforgettable memories with fellow travelers. Let's make it a journey to remember!
-EGYPTIAN COOKING & MARKET EXPERIENCE
