Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers? A Full Guide

You’ve come to this post because, like many others want to know, “Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers?” Well, the short answer is yes, but with caution and enough preparation (that’s what this post is for!).

As someone with Egyptian roots myself, I have to say, I love Egypt, and I’m not biased at all. You will hopefully also fall in love with the country after visiting. Nowhere else have I seen such incredible human-made masterpieces like the Karnak Temple and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Plus, I wholeheartedly think that the people are very kind and hospitable here. Now, read on for my top safety tips and best places to visit in Egypt as a solo traveller.

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Before you go:
🚢 The best way to see Egypt solo is with a cruise that takes you to Aswan and Luxor. You can see all the main sites, guide included, so you won’t be alone! Book Online via Get Your Guide
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile E-sim card to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card!
💛 Best time to visit Egypt: October to April is the best time to visit. I’d recommend October before the tourists roll in from November to December. January is also warm in Egypt!
🛂 You’ll need a visa to enter Egypt. You can get it online at iVisa here.
💧Do not drink the water in Egypt.

Is Egypt safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Egypt is not for the new or inexperienced solo traveller. I have to admit, it’s more challenging than other countries to visit. I would say, it’s safe but it depends on your comfort level as everyone has different comfort levels. I have visited solo, but as an experienced traveller who understands the language (I’m Egyptian American!), I felt super comfortable.

I solo travel all the time and have a community I built on both Facebook and Instagram to support travellers. I strongly believe in empowering others to have the courage to travel alone and see this beautiful country.

While the country is generally safe, you may encounter scams and persistent hassle, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Nothing is inherently dangerous, but as with anywhere, it’s important to stay alert, trust your instincts, and follow basic safety precautions.

There are plenty of group tours you can organize or hire a local guide (my recommendation is later in this post) if you don’t want to be on your own.

⚠️ Emergency & Safety Numbers in Egypt

Tourism Police (for tourist issues, harassment, scams): 126
Regular Police (general emergencies): 122
Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 123
Fire: 180
Embassy / Consulate: Check your local contact

💡 Tip: For tourist issues, your hotel or guide can help you reach the Tourism Police quickly. Always report anything that makes you uncomfortable, it helps protect you and future travelers.

Tips for Travelling Egypt Solo

1. Hire a female guide

📸 My tour guide, Maii on the left

My top tip for travel to Egypt is hiring a guide for parts of your trip where you might not feel fully comfortable navigating alone. And, even if not alone, it’s best to have a guide at major sights like Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Great Pyramids of Giza. That’s because you will learn so much about the incredible history vs. walking blindly with no idea!

Plus, the guides help protect you from the persistent hassle you may experience at these popular attractions. People will be asking you to buy from them (souvenirs, etc) and will even follow you around to get you to purchase from them. WIth a guide, they are less likely to bother you. But if not, just say a firm, “la shukran” which means no, thank you.

2. Bring small bills for tipping

There’s a huge tipping culture in Egypt. You need to tip everyone from those handling your bags to drivers and more. Tip drivers $2-4, 10-15% at restaurants, guides, and cruise workers $4-6 a day per person. 

3. Utilize the temple guards for photo help

Most people will say this is a scam, but I don’t think so at all! If you need help with pictures and angles, avoiding people, the guards at most of the tourist sites will help you. They were like my own personal photographer, and of course, a small tip is expected (which is why people think it’s a scam). Anywhere between 50-100 Egyptian pounds ($2-4). They are really helpful and nice, trust me.  Plus, they know all the best photo spots. See the smiling guard in my photo above who wanted to be in my photo too!

4. Bring your own toilet paper

There’s often no toilet paper in bathrooms, so be sure to bring your own! And you will want to bring small change, as most of the time you have to pay to use the bathroom or tip the staff.

5. Visit crowded sights early

Places get super crowded, so be sure to go right at opening or wait til closing time to have the temples to yourself. I got this empty shot at the Philae Temple by waiting til they kicked everyone out at closing time. Then I rushed with my tripod to get the shot!

6. Stay Connected with an eSIM

One thing I always prioritize when traveling solo in Egypt is reliable internet. This will allow me to stay connected and use travel essentials like Google Maps, Uber, Google Translate, and so on. Instead of dealing with airport SIM lines or bad Wi-Fi, I used an Airalo eSIM, which let me connect the moment I landed.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card you install directly on your phone without needing a physical card. You simply download it before your trip, activate it when you land, and you’re instantly connected. It’s much cheaper than roaming or adding on International data with your current provider.

Setup takes less than five minutes, and you get strong data coverage in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and even places you think it wouldn’t really work. Being able to navigate, message my hotel, and look up places on the go made everything smoother and more stress-free. This is especially important when you’re traveling alone. If your phone supports eSIM, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your trip.

7. Haggle when shopping in the bazaars

Shopping always requires negotiation. Be sure to research the going rates so you know how much to pay so you’re not overcharged.  Haggling is common, and people may ask you repeatedly to buy from their sho,p especially to and from the different temples. Say “le shukran” (no thank you) or “Ana mish owsa” ( I don’t want) sternly to get them to stop. None of these people are harmful, it’s just a nuisance. 

8. Don’t walk alone at night

As a solo traveller, I tend to get dinner and go home. I don’t like going out at night alone due to safety reasons. At night, you don’t want to be stuck lost or down quiet alleyways, so do yourself a favor and take a cheap Uber instead.

9. Stick to Ubers instead of Taxis

Uber and InDrive are safer than taxis, as your location is always tracked through the ap,p and you can use the safety feature if you ever feel in danger. Traditional taxis in Egypt often look like ordinary cars and are only identifiable by their license plates. Official taxis have an orange-marked license plate, while private cars have light blue plates

10. Dress appropriately

Dressing appropriately in Egypt doesn’t mean covering your entire body, but it does mean being mindful of local culture. Egypt is not as conservative as many people expect. You’ll see plenty of locals and tourists in modern clothing. However, very short shorts, low-cut tops, and revealing outfits tend to attract unwanted attention. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and keep a scarf in your bag for more traditional areas.

The only place you will need to fully cover up is in mosques (including covering your hair). You will find that most mosques have a dressing room full of outfits you can change into free of charge to visit appropriately.

11. Be aware of scams

Like many major tourist destinations, Egypt has its share of scams, especially in popular areas. Some of the most common include people offering “free” help or “secret” viewpoints and then demanding a tip. Being told a site is “closed,” so you’ll follow someone elsewhere is another one. You can get overpriced taxi rides without agreeing on the fare first, which is always why I recommend Uber or InDrive. Another scam is being handed something (like a bracelet or map) and then pressured to pay for it.

None of these are dangerous, but they can be exhausting if you’re not prepared. The key is to stay polite, confident, and firm. A simple “No, thank you” while continuing to walk usually ends the interaction quickly.

12. Be cautious of unwanted attention

In Egypt, it’s common for local men to approach tourists with friendly or flirtatious comments, especially in busy tourist areas. While most are harmless, some may try to push for money, insist on guiding you, or follow you longer than feels comfortable. My advice here is to just trust your instincts. If someone makes you uneasy, politely decline and walk away. Keeping a confident, polite demeanor and traveling with a guide or in public spaces can help you enjoy your trip without unwanted attention.

My personal experience after many visits to Egypt was one encounter when diving in Sharm el Sheikh. The diving instructor was very flirtatious, and in the end, he tried to overcharge me for my dive by keeping me under longer without me knowing. I felt very taken advantage of as well as extremely uncomfortable with the situation. In the end, I demanded to only be charged for the time I authorized before the dive.

If something like this happens to you, it’s important to report it. Egypt has a dedicated Tourism Police, with offices specifically set up to handle safety concerns for tourists. Reporting ensures that measures are in place to protect future visitors. I’m not sharing this to scare you; such incidents are rare, but it’s good to be aware and know what to do.

To report incidents to the Tourism Police, they have offices across Egypt to help ensure tourist safety. You can call 126 from any phone. For more serious issues, the regular police are at 122, and your embassy can also provide support. Reporting helps protect both you and future travelers.

13. Ask permission to photograph people

In Egypt, many locals prefer not to be photographed, especially in small towns or traditional areas. Always ask politely before taking someone’s picture, and respect their answer.

⚠️ Important: Never photograph security personnel, police, or military installations — doing so can result in fines, questioning, or even detention.

14. Try a Nile River Cruise to Luxor & Aswan – you won’t be alone!

My top tip if you want an easy and pre-planned trip is to take a Nile River Cruise! It will take you to Luxor and Aswan, and you will be guided by an Egyptologist.

The only downside is that some of them will be more expensive – you’ll have to pay a bit of a premium to travel alone, as most rooms are double occupancy.

However, the cruises include food, a tour guide for the entire trip, and you can meet other fellow cruise travellers. So, you’ll never be alone, and it’s a great, safe option. Plus, you save on accommodation too. I’ve compiled a list of the best Nile River Cruises.

Solo Travel Egypt Itinerary

Here’s my recommended itinerary for solo travellers. If you want a full, in-depth guide on what to do check out my 10 day Egypt itinerary and other Egypt posts.

• Day 1-2: Cairo, Egypt
• Day 3-4 Luxor
• Day 5-6: Aswan & Nubian Village
• Day 7: Abu Simbel (Optional)
• Day 8–9: Alexandria (Optional)
• Day 10-12: Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh for beaches

I recommend 10 days or more in Egypt if you want to see more of the country.

Egypt Destinations – Safety Ratings (1–10)

Rating all the main destinations in Egypt with 1 being low safety and 10 being very safe.

1. Cairo – 7/10

Cairo can be chaotic and intense, but truly loved it. It’s not dangerous in a violent sense, but it is the most challenging city in Egypt for a solo traveler. That’s because you will be faced with constant attention and haggling, especially around major sights like the Pyramids of Giza.

That said, I always felt safe while I was there, just mentally tired at times. You don’t have to be nervous about going. But I would recommend a guide for the pyramids and seeing some of the major sights.

On the 1st day, I recommend visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum (it’s the most impressive museum I’ve ever been to, and I’m not a museum kind of gal). Right next door are the Pyramids of Giza. If you want a more peaceful experience seeing pyramids, then you should instead go to Saqqara to see the oldest pyramid! I’m shocked, not many crowds are here.

On your second day in Cairo, I recommend a visit to Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili, Egypt’s most famous shopping bazaar.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cairo beyond the pyramids, check out my guide. I also have a 4 day Cairo itinerary, too.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: Zamalek and Maadi are the safest and nicest areas to stay in. Downtown Cairo is also a good option. Museum And Nile View Hotel ($) | Lemon Spaces Villa Atouta – Maadi ($$)
🚫 Avoid: Hotels next to the Pyramids. While the pyramid-view hotels are tempting, the area is not the safest to be alone, especially late at night. I’ve stayed there with friends, and it was completely fine, just not my top choice as a solo traveler.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Giza + Saqqara day tour

2) Luxor — 7.5/10

Luxor is one of the most popular destinations for temples and Nile cruises. Generally calm, welcoming, and well patrolled by tourist police. The real highlight here is the Karnak Temple; standing in front of it is simply awe-inspiring. But there are so many outstanding temples here. I definitely recommend having a guide so you can learn about the history. It’s very safe and welcoming here and much calmer than Cairo.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: The East Bank near the Nile Corniche is the best area – walkable, lively, and safe.
Nefertiti Hotel ($$) | Steigenberger Nile Palace ($$)
🚫 Avoid: Remote guesthouses far from the river, as getting around at night becomes inconvenient.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Valley of the Kings + West Bank temples

3) Aswan — 8/10

Laid‑back Nile city with many tourists. Similar to Luxor, it’s mostly low risk with friendly local vibes. I highly recommend visiting the colorful Nubian Village. Here you will find the friendliest people in the world! Plus, it’s so cool to wander the colorful streets full of clay-based homes. You’ll learn about the local traditions and eat incredible Egyptian food.

Another side trip to take if you have time is to see the Abu Simbel Temple, an impressive structure that was salvaged and relocated by hand.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: The Nile Corniche and Nubian Village are peaceful, friendly, and ideal for solo travelers. Benben by Dhara Hotels ($$) | Kato Dool Wellness Resort ($)
🚫 Avoid: Very cheap lodgings without reviews or transport access.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Philae Temple + Nubian Village tour

4) Sharm el‑Sheikh — 9/10

One of the safest resort destinations in Egypt, thanks to heavy security, controlled access, and robust tourism policing. It’s great for diving and beach vacations. Plus, you can wear normal swimwear, etc and won’t have to worry about anything. I’d recommend a splurge and stay at the Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh. It’s probably one of the most affordable Four Seasons in the world. The resort is huge and has everything you need!

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: Naama Bay for social vibes and walkability, Sharks Bay for a calmer beach stay.
Reef Oasis Blue Bay ($$) | Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh ($$$)
🚫 Avoid: Isolated desert resorts if you want freedom to explore independently.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Ras Mohammed snorkeling tour

5) Hurghada & Red Sea Coast (Marsa Alam, El Gouna) — 9/10

Just like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada is extremely safe for tourists. These Red Sea beach towns feel almost like Europe with modern resorts, clean streets, and a relaxed vibe. You might even forget you’re in Egypt.

Hurghada is perfect for enjoying golden beaches, swimming in the Red Sea, or lounging at resort pools. The area is famous for snorkeling and diving, with beginner-friendly and advanced trips to coral reefs and islands like Giftun.

You can even join desert safaris, quad biking tours, or visit Bedouin villages. Even strolling along Hurghada Marina in the evening is safe. Here you will find many cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: El Gouna and Hurghada Marina are the safest, easiest, and most walkable areas.
Marina Lodge ($$) | Sheraton Miramar El Gouna ($$$$)
🚫 Avoid: Old Hurghada at night if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Red Sea island hopping or snorkeling tour

6) Alexandria – 8.5/10

Alexandria is often skipped or only visited for a short time. I urge you to go and spend at least one night! I fell in love with it. It has a whole cute vintage vibe to it. The cars look retro with yellow vintage cabs, and the buildings are European-style. This Mediterranean port city has a beautiful Corniche. I recommend getting a hotel with a view of the sea and exploring the amazing food scene here. Read my full guide to learn what to do in Alexandria, Egypt.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: The Corniche, Stanley, and San Stefano areas are the best and safest to stay in.
Steigenberger Cecil ($$) | Grey Studios, Corniche ($$)
🚫 Avoid: Inland neighborhoods far from the sea with weak transport connections.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Alexandria historical city tour

7) Fayoum – 10/10

Fayoum is a very peaceful city and oasis region southwest of Cairo. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking to slow down and explore Egypt beyond the usual tourist trail. I stayed in a beautiful hotel with a pool in Tunis Village. This creative village is known for its colorful pottery and artisan workshops. You can watch local craftsmen at work or even try making your own piece.

Outdoor excursions are a highlight: visit Wadi El-Hitan (Whale Valley) to see fossilized whale skeletons in a stunning desert landscape, or explore the surrounding desert on a 4×4 safari.

You can also enjoy Lake Qarun, one of Egypt’s largest lakes, perfect for birdwatching or relaxing by the water. Fayoum has a very quiet pace, and it’s such a hidden gem!

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: Tunis Village is the best base – calm, artistic, and extremely welcoming.
Hoopoe lodge ($) | Waterside Loft ($$)
🚫 Avoid: Remote desert camps without private transport.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Wadi El Rayan + Valley of the Whales tour

8) Siwa – 9/10

Siwa Oasis is a remote desert near the Libyan border. It’s another incredible hidden gem in Egypt. The town itself is small, peaceful, and extremely safe, with friendly locals and traditional mud-brick architecture. Many people visit to relax in the salt lakes, where the water is so salty that you can literally float effortlessly on the surface.

Most people don’t make it here because it’s not within easy reach. You’ll have to take a 10-hour bus or private transfer to Siwa from Cairo or alternatively, Alexandria, which is a little bit closer. The private transfer is pretty expensive as a solo traveller, so it would be hard to recommend a trip based on that. If you have the time and can come here, I’d recommend an organized group tour. Most of the tours are around €300 for three nights. It will include accommodation, transfers to and from Cairo, some meals, and entry fees. Otherwise, skip this one for another time as it can be long.

FYI: Along the way, you will be stopped by security along the road during the drive multiple times. You will need to bring your passport with you. Don’t be alarmed, these are standard procedures in the region to ensure safety and monitor desert travel.

If you do decide to go, here are some things you can do there. Explore Shali Fortress, it’s a clay village that is so beautiful at sunset! The highlight is taking a desert safari tour in a 4×4 to see sand dunes. You will also pay a visit to the salt lakes and the impressive Mountain of the Dead, where you’ll see ancient tombs.

🏨 Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler: Stay in Siwa town or near the oasis for safety and convenience.
Albabenshal Lodge Siwa ($) | Qasr El salam ($)
🚫 Avoid: Desert lodges far outside town unless transfers are arranged.
⭐ Best Tour for Solo Travelers: Siwa Oasis Tour + Salt Lakes

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🚫 Areas to Avoid in Egypt

North Sinai & Border Zones

These regions are under active security advisories and not recommended for tourists due to terrorism and military operations.

Western Desert / Libya & Sudan Borders

Remote desert and border areas are unstable and generally unsafe for independent travel

How to dress for your solo trip to Egypt

Egypt is more of a conservative country. While you don’t have to cover up from head to toe, you should avoid short shorts or revealing clothing. I mainly wore dresses that covered my knees. I even wore strappy dresses but brought a scarf to wrap around my shoulder if I needed to. Blend in as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Plus, it’s great for photos too. I loved wearing my Galabeya (a traditional long garment – pictured above on the left). But I also wore simple everyday dresses, too. Loose trousers or pants are also recommended. It can be hot, so lightweight material is best.

Travel Insurance for solo travelers in Egypt

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing is a trusted insurance, especially for digital nomads or solo travellers. They cover hospital visits, unexpected delays, and more. The best part is that you can buy it while abroad and for however long you need.

How much does a solo trip to Egypt cost?

The average daily cost for a trip to Egypt is between $60 to $80 a night for both food and accommodation. Factor in tours and tips, and you may expect to pay $950 – $2000 a week, depending on whether you’re a budget or mid-range traveler. It was extremely affordable,e making it another reason to choose it for your solo travels.

One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to join affordable group tours every day on my own. Lots of excursions on sites like GetYourGuide or Viator run from around $30–$100+ per day, depending on the length and inclusions. So if you’re on the fence about going solo, book a group tour each day and meet other travelers while seeing the best of Egypt!

Expense	Cost per Day (USD)	Cost per Week (USD)
Accommodation	Budget: $40 Mid-range: $100	Budget: $280 Mid-range: $700
Food & Drinks	$15–$25	$105–$175
Uber Rides	$5–$10	$35–$70
Entrance Fees & Attractions	$5–$15	$35–$105
Group Tours / Excursions	$30–$100+	$210–$700+
Tips & Miscellaneous	$5–$10	$35–$70

When is the best time for Travelling Solo in Egypt?

October to April is the best time to visit. I’d recommend October before the tourists roll in from November to December. Prices will tend to be higher in December and January as it’s peak season. Avoid going from May to August as it will be extremely hot weather.

I hope this post inspires you to visit Egypt, a country that has my heart. Now, what do you think? Is Egypt safe for solo travel? Let me know your experience in the comments below.