Travelling alone as a woman is a very strange concept to most Egyptians, something that most Egyptian women would not even consider. However this should not deter you, as many solo ladies have done so and had a wonderful experience.
Unfortunately you do need to be prepared for some unwanted male attention, in the form of stares and some catcalling, so learn to ignore this and just keep walking on plus avoid direct eye contact. On the flip side, travelling alone can
mean that you are more likely to be genuinely befriended by Egypts hospitable locals. Your private tour guides in Cairo, as well as your cruise guide when on a Nile Cruise, will escort you during the included sightseeing and provide
valuable information & insights on how to deal with locals etc.
Some useful guidelines for travelling Egypt are:
Dress appropriately - avoid over revealing clothing such as shirts with low necklines, short shorts/skirts, tight-fitting
clothing. A more modest dress code, such a sleeved T-shirt and long pants or long skirt, is more preferable and also conveys your respect for the local Egyptian culture. Keep a scarf handy for visiting mosques, to cover your hair.
Always sit in the back seat of a taxi and stay alert. Arrange taxis through your hotel where possible or use Uber, which many local women say is safer. Even friendly conversation can sometimes be interpreted as flirting, so even if you feel that
it might be impolite avoid engaging if you don’t feel comfortable.
Don't accept invitations from friendly strangers to show you around or take you for a meal unless you feel 100% safe (most have good intentions, but some don’t).
Resist the ‘assistance’ of staff or unregistered guides at tourist sights.
Do not eat, drink (even water) or smoke in public during Ramadan, which is considered impolite and sometimes an offence.
Trust your instincts. Wearing a wedding ring and/or inventing a husband (and children) may help you to avoid unwanted attention.
