Solo Female Travel in Egypt: Taste the Unique Magic of Temples and the Desert

Egypt has always been a dream destination for me, this ancient land where pharaohs built eternity.

When I decided to travel alone to Egyptian territory, my loved ones multiplied their warnings. "Africa when you're a woman traveling alone, it's super dangerous!" However, my 15-day stay proved them wrong.

Today, I'm inviting you to join me through my fabulous journey. From the Valley of the Kings to the temples of Abu Simbel, passing through the Red Sea, you'll discover a fascinating country where solo female travel becomes an unforgettable adventure.

Contrary to preconceived notions spread on social media, Egypt as a solo female traveler offers authentic experiences, far from organized tours.

My perspective on solo female travel radically changed after these days in Egypt, and I'm going to share all my secrets so you too can experience this magic of the Western Desert and millennial temples.

Table of Contents

Solo Travel Safety Essentials

Top Solo Destinations

7, 10, or 15-Day Itinerary

Offbeat Destinations to Explore

Best Time to Travel Solo

Must-Do Solo Activities

Complete Solo Trip Prep

Local Culture Essentials

Safety in Egypt: what female solo travelers need to know

Let's talk frankly about this worry that's eating at you. Your loved ones have surely bombarded you with warnings, just like mine did. So, let's separate fact from fiction.

Solo female travel in Egypt: safe country or not?

Egypt can be a safe destination for us women traveling alone, provided we inform ourselves well.

Tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada are generally stable. However, certain sectors like northern Sinai should be absolutely avoided.

Verbal harassment (whistling, persistent comments) is well-established in public spaces, I won't lie to you. But I discovered that adopting a confident posture and avoiding deserted alleys is enough to discourage troublemakers.

If you take the time to prepare an outfit respectful of local norms, there's no risk of being stared at.

Egypt: how female travelers are perceived

Egyptian society is conservative, it's a reality we must accept without being alarmed by it.

While some men may show persistent curiosity, most remain respectful if you adopt a composed attitude. A simple "la shukran" ("no thank you") usually closes the discussion.

I'll share a little trick that works well: wearing a ring on your left ring finger avoids many unpleasant situations.

Egyptians are generally well-disposed toward tourists, an important source of income for their country. Don't forget that, it's a considerable asset.

Solo female travel in Egypt: scams, harassment, pickpockets... what to do?

There are recurring scams that you can easily thwart throughout your stay: fake self-proclaimed guides, unofficial taxis that inflate prices, abusive baksheesh (tips) demanded for simple information. Avoid undeclared excursions and never photograph public or military buildings.

Cases of arbitrary detention by authorities of tourists have been reported, as well as shipwrecks in the Red Sea. It doesn't just happen in movies, but follow my advice, and everything will be fine.

I advise you to always check specific official recommendations on the foreign affairs ministry website before your departure. Implementing these simple precautions will save you many troubles, believe me.

Practical contacts and tools to stay safe in Egypt

✓ To download before your departure: Maps.me for offline navigation (essential when the network acts up), Careem (the local alternative to Uber), and a reliable VPN.

✓ To join: Facebook groups for solo female travelers, NomadSister for secure accommodations between women.

✓ To save in your phone: tourist police (126), your embassy, and your insurance.

These contacts and apps become your best allies for a peaceful journey, I can assure you.

Solo female travel: the most beautiful places to discover in Egypt

Everyone has their preferences, of course, but I assure you that certain cities are particularly suitable for a first solo trip to Egypt as a woman: relaxed atmosphere, easy transport, warm welcome.

Cairo: between millennial history and modern energy

The pyramids of Giza, the national museum, the alleys of Islamic Cairo create a real culture shock. Zamalek and Maadi are safe neighborhoods to sleep in, with a reassuring cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The effervescence of this megacity of 20 million inhabitants can be impressive at first glance, but it harbors priceless treasures.

The souks are full of talented artisans, and every street corner tells 5000 years of history. Honestly, you're never bored!

My favorite moment: drinking tea on the rooftops of El Fishawy café in the heart of Khan el-Khalili souk, watching the ballet of merchants. A moment suspended in time.

Visiting Alexandria alone: Mediterranean pearl to discover

The Mediterranean atmosphere of Alexandria is soothing after Cairo's intensity (in my opinion).

The corniche, the cafés facing the sea, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina... This city founded by Alexander the Great maintains a unique cosmopolitan charm.

The remains of the ancient lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the world, and the Citadel of Qaitbay testify to its glorious past.

My favorite moment: tea at the Cecil Hotel, facing the Mediterranean, imagining the writers who frequented these places. Inspiration is guaranteed.

The open-air museum of Luxor

Valley of the Kings, temples of Karnak and Luxor...

This ancient Thebes is an incredible destination to explore at your own pace. Here, every stone tells the pharaohs' epic. Royal tombs reveal their millennial frescoes, while the majesty of the Colossi of Memnon will leave you speechless.

The west bank of the Nile concentrates the necropolises, while the east bank houses the temples of the living.

This geographical organization is not coincidental and makes the visit even more fascinating.

My favorite moment: I was on cloud nine during a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, when golden rays caress the temples.

Aswan: sweet living along the Nile

Calmer than elsewhere, Aswan is ideal to settle down and finally breathe.

Don't miss the colorful Nubian islands and the local markets perfumed with spices.

The Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, which allowed saving the temples of Abu Simbel. The Nubian atmosphere, different from the rest of Egypt, brings particular sweetness to this southern city.

My favorite moment: staying in a colorful Nubian house by the Nile, and sailing in a traditional felucca at sunset amid postcard-worthy landscapes.

Solo female travel by the Red Sea: my favorite spots

Dahab, a small seaside resort full of positive vibes, is perfect for diving and meeting other female travelers. The Red Sea seabeds are among the most beautiful in the world, with their multicolored corals and exceptional fauna.

The relaxed atmosphere of this former fishing village contrasts with the hustle and bustle of big cities.

My favorite moment: diving at the Blue Hole at sunrise, when rays pierce the turquoise water and illuminate the corals. I was overwhelmed by such beauty, as if transported to another universe.

7, 10 or 15 days in Egypt: my itinerary ideas

It's hard to do everything in one trip, this country has so many wonders. Here are suggestions according to your available time, tested and approved!

7-day itinerary: the essentials for a first discovery

Day 1-3: Cairo

Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
Egyptian Museum and its treasures
Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili souk

Day 4-5: Luxor (domestic flight recommended)

Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut temple
Karnak and Luxor temples

Day 6-7: Aswan (train or cruise)

Philae temple and unfinished obelisk
Abu Simbel excursion (absolutely essential)

10-day itinerary: the perfect balance

Day 1-3: Cairo

In-depth exploration of pyramids
Museums and historic neighborhoods

Day 4-6: Luxor

East and west banks of the Nile
Hot air balloon at sunrise

Day 7-8: Aswan

Nubian temples and Elephantine Island
Abu Simbel and Nubian village

Day 9-10: Dahab (flight via Sharm el-Sheikh or bus)

Diving and beach relaxation
Sinai exploration

15-day itinerary: for history lovers

Day 1-3: Alexandria

Library and ancient sites
Mediterranean atmosphere

Day 4-6: Cairo

Pyramids and museums
Coptic and Islamic quarters

Day 7-9: Luxor

In-depth Valley of the Kings
East bank temples

Day 10-11: Aswan

Philae and Abu Simbel
Nubian culture

Day 12-15: Dahab and Sinai

Red Sea diving
Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai

Off the beaten path: 3 Egyptian destinations to discover solo

🌴 Siwa: this remote oasis at the gates of the Western Desert, accessible by 4x4, offers natural hot springs and preserved ancient ruins. It tells you a story: where the Oracle of Ammon prophesied for Alexander the Great. The unique Berber atmosphere contrasts completely with the rest of Egypt.

🏺 El Minya: nicknamed the "pearl of Upper Egypt," this city houses ancient temples forgotten by tourist circuits. The tombs of Beni Hassan and the site of Tell el-Amarna, Akhenaten's capital, reveal buried treasures without the usual crowds.

🏞️ Wadi El Rayan: these artificial turquoise lakes in the heart of the Fayoum desert create a surreal landscape. The desert waterfalls, unique in Egypt, and the whale fossils of UNESCO-classified Wadi Al-Hitan offer an extraordinary adventure.

Climate and crowds: when to travel solo in Egypt as a woman?

October to April constitutes the ideal period to avoid extreme heat and enjoy mild weather.

Absolutely avoid summer months (June to August) unless you're heading to the Mediterranean coast or Red Sea. Temperatures can reach 45°C in the south during summer, making visits frankly exhausting.

How long to stay in Egypt? For a first discovery, 10 to 15 days allows you to see the essentials without rushing everywhere.

Less than 7 days is frustrating, more than 3 weeks can be tiring if you're not passionate about archaeology. The ideal remains 2 weeks to alternate discovery and relaxation.

The best activities to do alone in Egypt

Egypt offers a palette of experiences that perfectly match the rhythm of solo female travel.

Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
Red Sea diving among corals
Walking in souks perfumed with spices
Egyptian cooking class with locals
Desert yoga under the stars
Visiting Coptic monasteries in the desert

The possibilities are endless. Each activity becomes an encounter, each moment a personal discovery.

Planning everything for solo female travel in Egypt

For you too, organizing a trip is often a headache? There are many things I wish I had known earlier. Just for you exclusively, here's what you need to prepare before your departure for the trip of a lifetime.

Budget for solo female travel in Egypt: my estimates

Egypt remains affordable for any solo female traveler.

Count $3 for a hearty local meal, $15 minimum for decent accommodation, $10 for a long train journey. Plan $30 to $50 per day on average depending on your comfort level.

Archaeological sites cost between $5 and $15 for entry.

A budget of $800 to $1200 for 15 days remains quite reasonable, flights included.

How to find affordable and secure accommodation?

Prioritize hostels located in tourist neighborhoods, or find hotels recommended by other female travelers. Airbnb properties well-rated in safe areas also constitute an excellent option.

Absolutely avoid accommodations lost in the outskirts or in deserted alleys, even if the price seems tempting.

Nomadsister revolutionizes your solo travel by connecting you with caring female hosts who open their doors like a friend. No more isolation and worry: you'll discover fascinating women, sharing your adventure desires and independence values within a supportive female community.

Train, bus, car: how to get around in Egypt?

Trains remain very practical between major cities (Cairo-Luxor-Aswan), with comfortable air-conditioned cars.

Uber and Careem allow you to find secure taxis in Cairo and Alexandria. You can also opt for long-distance buses, economical but significantly less comfortable.

I recommend Egypt Air domestic flights, which quickly connect main destinations.

In all cases, absolutely avoid unofficial transport, it's a tourist trap.

Documents and formalities to prepare before leaving

Paperwork-wise, nothing too complicated!

Your passport must be valid six months after your return, and the e-visa is easily obtained on the official website for 25 dollars. For more information, don't hesitate to search for answers on the official government website.

I highly recommend health insurance, you never know.

Also think about declaring your medications and backup your documents in the cloud, this precaution has already saved me!

Understanding Egyptian culture for better solo female travel

We all want to travel abroad to discover not only landscapes, but also a culture and flavors different from home.

For your trip to be a total success and for you to remember these encounters all your life, understanding local customs is the first step.

How to dress in Egypt as a female traveler?

For you who dream of adventure, the clothing question in Egypt deserves some practical clarifications.

Favor outfits that cover shoulders, legs and neckline in public spaces, not by constraint but out of respect for local traditions. Don't forget your light scarf, essential for entering mosques with golden domes.

Loose cotton or linen clothing becomes your best allies against the crushing desert heat.

Regarding swimwear, it remains acceptable on private beaches of hotel complexes or in Dahab's relaxed atmosphere.

Certainly, tourist areas tolerate more flexibility, but adopting Egyptian dress codes will spare you many lingering looks and unwelcome comments.

Egyptian gastronomy: authentic flavors to discover

Absolutely taste koshary (mixture of rice, lentils, pasta and spicy tomato sauce), delicious and cheap national dish. To stay traditional: choose ful medames (stewed beans) for breakfast, and Egyptian falafels (taameya) with beans for snacking during the day.

Respect customs: we eat with the right hand, meals are often late, and during Ramadan, avoid eating in public before sunset.

Egypt awaits you, with its millennial mysteries and authentic encounters that will forever transform your vision of solo female travel. So above all, trust your instincts, carefully prepare your journey, and embark on this extraordinary experience that will reveal unsuspected strength and memories engraved for eternity.

BUDGET| ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Laëtitia

Traveler

30 Juin 2025

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Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!

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