Is Egypt Safe for Solo Travelers? Insights After My Recent Trip

Traveling to Egypt is like stepping into a world full of history, mystery, and adventure. But going solo is another story when safety is often the first question on any traveler’s mind. After my recent trip to Egypt, I want to share my honest experience about how safe the country felt during these difficult times for the region, what precautions I took, and whether I believe solo travelers (or travelers in general) should consider visiting this beautiful destination right now.

Savanna Crowell standing in front of a pyramid and ruins on a hazy day.

Safety in Popular Tourist Areas

Egypt’s main tourist spots are Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan and I felt generally safe during my visit here! These areas are very well-patrolled by tourist police and security personnel, especially around major landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. There's a huge security presence at all the main spots, you even have to go through at least one (sometimes more) check points/metal detectors to go into these sites, which definitely helped create a sense of security.

That said, it’s very important to stay alert in crowded places and be aware of the scams. Pickpocketing can happen in busy markets or on public transport. I had a cross-body bag that kept my belongings close and in front of me at all times, and avoided flashy jewelry.

Navigating Transportation and Streets

I want to note that on my trip I had a local guide with me at all times and a driver to get me from place to place. Now this isn't the only way you can get around the country, but it's definitely the easiest. If you don't have a driver - getting around Egypt as a solo traveler requires some planning. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available in cities and are generally safe if you use official services. I strongly recommend avoiding unmarked taxis and negotiated fares upfront (even with Uber's, just make sure everything is good before you step foot into the car).

I don't recommend walking around at night. Some areas outside tourist zones can be poorly lit or deserted and more sketchy. I recommend to take taxis after sunset and stay in well-reviewed hotels located in safe neighborhoods. In Cairo I recommend the Hyatt Centric Cairo West.

Cultural Respect and Interaction

Egypt is a country with strong cultural traditions. I found that showing respect for local customs helped me avoid unwanted attention. Also dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, is important! I also learned a few Arabic greetings, such as hello and thank you which locals appreciated.

Interactions with locals were mostly positive. Many people were friendly and willing to help, however, street vendors can be very persistent in "offering" services. I found the best way to get by them is by ignoring, not making eye contact, and saying "no thank you". That worked throughout my trip without any issues!

Solo Travel Tips for Egypt

If you decide to explore Egypt alone, here are some practical tips based on my experience:

• Plan your itinerary carefully: Stick to well-known tourist routes and avoid isolated areas/streets

• Book accommodations in advance: Choose hotels with good reviews and secure locations.

• Stay connected: Buy an eSIM for reliable internet and GPS access. I used HolaFly for this trip as it gives unlimited data!

• Use official guides: I strongly recommend hiring a licensed guide to enhance your experience and provide safety (I went with Ahmed Aboudy and had the absolute best time)

• Trust your instincts: As usual, if a situation feels off, leave it immediately!

• Carry emergency contacts: Keep numbers for your embassy, local police, and hotel handy

  
  

Is Egypt Safe for Solo Travelers?

From my trip, I truly believe Egypt is a very safe destination right now that everyone can visit regardless of what you are seeing on the news. The reality of the matter is Egypt is not affected, is the exact same and completely safe to visit. For solo travelers it is a much more difficult place to solo travel to and if you want to avoid A LOT of hassle and annoyances I recommend hiring a local tour guide or going with a group. I host group trips for solo female travelers to Egypt, check out my Group Trips page to learn more about that!

While Egypt may not be nearly as easy to navigate as some other tourist destinations, the rewards of exploring its ancient wonders are immense. The key is to balance adventure with awareness, know what you're getting into as a solo traveler and just hire a guide (trust me!)

Travelers who enjoy history, culture, and meeting new people will find Egypt a very, very memorable solo travel destination. Just remember to stay alert, plan ahead, and embrace the experience with an open mind!!!

Until next times, keep exploring!

xxx, Savanna