Your Guide to Traveling in Egypt as a Female
After a few years in the tourism doldrums, Egypt is back on travel wishlists. The pyramids, the River Nile, Luxor’s plethora of tombs and temples, and the Red Sea’s world-class diving are all major reasons to start planning your itinerary now. However, some female travelers may hesitate to pack their bags straight away.
It’s fair to say that Egypt has a challenging reputation among travelers. Women considering a first-time trip are often regaled by tales of lecherous men from friends who have previously ventured there. This notion annoys many women who have happily explored the country, whether solo or in groups, for years. Nonetheless, even they concede that some of the concerns are warranted.
Although Egypt may present some challenges for female travelers, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives. Beyond its wealth of ancient ruins, historic monuments, vast deserts, and coral reefs, one of the main joys of an Egyptian trip is the people themselves. Egyptians are among the most hospitable and gregarious people worldwide. While catcalling is common, for every instance of a young man yelling at you in the street, there’s an invitation to sit down for lunch with a shopkeeper or a temple guardian who offers tea and engaging conversation. Some of the best experiences in Egypt stem from these spontaneous interactions, and female travelers are encouraged to remain open-minded and engage with Egyptian men rather than withdraw for fear of harassment.
Will I Face Harassment in Egypt?
Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. Harassment notably declines for women with gray hair, but most women are likely to encounter some form of sexual or verbal harassment. Blue-eyed travelers, black travelers, and those with curvier body shapes seem to attract more unwanted attention. Most harassment typically involves groups of young men loitering on street corners, shouting obscenities as you pass by. This can be wearisome, although it is generally not threatening. Verbal harassment escalates in creepiness when men follow you down the street. Physical harassment tends to occur in crowded situations, such as on public transport.
Regarding the other types of hassling Egypt is infamous for—souvenir vendors, boat, and camel touts—take comfort in knowing that they are equal opportunity hustlers: they will approach both male and female tourists in their efforts to sell trinkets.
How to Handle Harassment
The most effective strategy for managing 99% of verbal harassment is to ignore it. Most street harassment doesn’t escalate, and responding to every incident can be exhausting. If a harasser is persistent, a useful phrase is ‘ayb aleik’ (shame on you), which can sometimes stop cat-callers in their tracks. If frustration does boil over, recognize that everyone has their limits; be compassionate with yourself as you navigate these situations.
Given that the majority of those working in hospitality are men, many interactions you have as a female visitor will be with them. However, one career path that is increasingly popular among Egyptian women is as tour guides. If you desire a break from male interactions, consider looking for female guides on reputable websites or specifically request a female guide through a local tour company. If you find yourself in Cairo and are a foodie, you might want to support the talented women behind Bellies Enroute who offer food tours in the downtown area.
To Tour or Not to Tour
Given Egypt’s reputation, many women opt for group tours for the sake of safety in numbers. If your time is limited and you wish to see only the highlights, tours can be beneficial. Nonetheless, tours can be somewhat restrictive. Not only will you sacrifice the freedom to explore at your own pace, but group dynamics can also limit interactions with locals. This means that preconceived notions you held about visiting Egypt may remain unchallenged.
Places to Avoid… and Not to Avoid
After dark, when the heat dissipates, cities like Cairo and Luxor come alive with families strolling through the streets late into the night. Many solo female travelers find this an unexpected pleasure, enhancing their experience in Egypt.
While many budget accommodations in Egypt are generally acceptable for solo women, some less desirable hotels still exist. Trust your instincts; if a place feels uncomfortable, seek out alternative options. There’s no value in staying somewhere that raises your unease.
Getting Around Egypt as a Female Traveler
Some younger female travelers advocate for using Uber and Careem, the local ride-hailing service, over traditional taxis. However, many seasoned women travelers argue that safety levels don’t differ substantially between the two. Regardless of the transport method chosen, it’s advisable to sit in the back seat. The Cairo metro does offer women-only carriages, which are generally less crowded. On all other forms of public transport, try to sit next to another woman. Microbuses in towns can become prime areas for harassment, especially with little you can do about intrusive hands, so it’s best to avoid peak travel times.
Going Out
European-style bars and restaurants that serve alcohol are appropriate venues for solo women to drink in. In contrast, local baladi bars are best avoided if you are alone. These establishments often attract a rough clientele looking to get drunk rather than savor a few drinks. The common issue of drunken males at the bar can be exacerbated here since women are a rare sight. While staff will typically keep a protective eye on you, your presence can lead to increased stress for them as they attempt to manage any unruly patrons. If you do wish to experience these local bars (and they can be enjoyable), it is wiser to go with a group. Additionally, keep in mind that female-friendly restrooms are often lacking; if this is the case, head to the bathroom in pairs instead of alone.
What to Wear
Although dressing modestly doesn’t necessarily diminish harassment (as Egyptian women face similar issues), it can significantly improve other interactions. Egyptian culture—both Muslim and Coptic Christian—is conservative, and many locals may be hesitant to engage with women dressed in revealing clothing. To experience the genuine warmth and humor of Egyptians, it is advisable to dress respectfully by covering knees, cleavage, and upper arms. For visits to mosques, ensure that you cover your ankles and wrists, and have a headscarf available for your head. Reserve revealing beachwear for seaside settings.
