The Solo Explorer’s Guide to Egypt
✨ Intro
Egypt is one of those destinations that feels like stepping straight into the pages of a history book — or a scene from The Mummy. From colossal pyramids and ancient temples to sailing down the Nile, it’s a country where every day brings a new “pinch me” moment.
It’s also a destination that can be intense for first-time visitors. The streets are busy, the markets are loud, and the cultural differences are big — but so are the rewards. Whether you’re here to tick off bucket-list icons like the Pyramids of Giza, wander through the Valley of the Kings, or sip tea with locals in a Nubian village, Egypt will leave you with memories you’ll be talking about for years.
Sitting at the feet of history — I still can’t believe I was actually here!
✈️ Why Egypt is Great for Solo Female Travelers
🚐 Join a group tour — I chose one to feel safer, and I’m so glad I did. Having everything organized made the trip much smoother.
🛡 A good guide can make a huge difference. Mine stepped in multiple times to help when I felt uncomfortable.
🏛 The history is unmatched — seeing the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings in person is surreal.
🐪 I didn’t ride camels at the pyramids, but I did pay extra to go underneath one for a rare view — no photos allowed, which made it even more special. My actual camel ride was to reach a Nubian village, and it was an adventure in itself.
🕌 Ancient temples, bustling markets, and Nile sunsets keep your itinerary packed.
👗 Modest clothing is essential — lightweight, loose-fitting tops and long bottoms are best.
🛑 Expect some persistent vendors and unwanted attention in tourist areas, but a firm “no, thank you” usually works.
🌍 Even with the challenges, Egypt is unforgettable and incredibly rewarding for women who plan ahead.
Five solo travelers, one epic Egyptian temple — proof you’re never really alone on the road.
🧳 Entry Requirements
For Canadians:
A tourist visa is required. You can apply online for an e-Visa before travel or get a visa on arrival at major airports.
Visa on arrival: US$25 (single entry, up to 30 days).
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Egypt.
You may need proof of onward or return travel.
For U.S., U.K., and EU passport holders:
Similar requirements — tourist visa (e-Visa or on arrival) for short stays.
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
💡 JD’s Note:
When I went, I flew into Egypt and bought my visa on arrival for US$25. After clearing immigration, I met my tour guide just outside the airport, and he handled the rest of the logistics.
⚠️ Important:
You must show proof of your entry stamp when leaving Egypt. If you cannot provide it, you will not get an exit stamp and will be denied departure.
⚠️ Tip: Rules can change. Always check your country’s official travel site before you go.
Entry to Egypt: the first step into ancient history.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit
❄️ January – February: Cool and pleasant days, chilly nights — especially in Cairo and Luxor. Great for sightseeing without the heat. (JD’s trip was in January — I expected desert heat but froze most nights!)
🌼 March – April: Warm days, mild evenings, and fewer crowds before the peak heat. Ideal for a Nile cruise.
☀️ May – June: Hotter weather begins, especially in southern Egypt. Still manageable in the mornings and evenings.
🔥 July – August (Low Season): Scorching hot, especially in Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel — often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Many travelers avoid these months unless they can handle intense heat and want rock-bottom prices.
🌅 September: Heat begins to ease, but it’s still warm. A good balance for fewer crowds and better rates.
🍂 October – November: Comfortable warm days, cooler evenings, and peak tourist season begins. Great for exploring both northern and southern Egypt.
🎄 December: Mild to cool days, chilly nights. Popular for holiday travel, but expect higher prices and more crowds at major sites.
💡 JD’s Tip: Always check the forecast for the specific region you’re visiting — temperatures can vary greatly between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the coast.
Proof that Egypt isn’t always scorching — pack warm clothes for crisp mornings and evenings.
💵 Money & Currency: How to Pay in Egypt
💵 Local Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP), sometimes written as LE or £E
💱 Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 48 EGP (as of August 2025)
💳 Cards: Many markets, small shops, and street vendors will not take cards — cash is king.
💵 Cash: Always carry small bills — many vendors “never have change.”
⚠️ Currency Confusion: Some vendors may say “20 pounds” but mean British Pounds (GBP) instead of Egyptian Pounds (EGP) — confirm first.
🏧 ATMs: Common in cities but can run out of cash in smaller towns or during holidays.
💡 JD’s Tip: Keep a mix of EGP and USD. USD is useful for visas, tips, and emergencies — and easy to exchange in tourist areas.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates are approximate and can change. Check current rates before you travel.
Egyptian Pounds — cash is king in markets and small shops.
🛏️ Where to Stay
My Topdeck tour booked all accommodations — a mix of 2–3 star hotels. Rooms were basic but comfortable, and I bunked with another traveler (shoutout to Heaven from Australia).
If you’re not on a tour:
Budget hotels/hostels – Very basic, may have inconsistent hot water or Wi-Fi.
Mid-range hotels – 3–4 stars, more reliable amenities.
Luxury hotels – Found in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, with Western-style comforts.
💡 Tip: Ask about hot water and AC/heat before booking.
Who needs five stars when you’ve got the Nile and a felucca at your doorstep?
🍴 What to Eat
Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and often shared in big portions.
Koshari – A comfort-food mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy onions.
Ful Medames – Slow-cooked fava beans, often eaten for breakfast.
Falafel (Ta’ameya) – Made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, served in pita bread.
Grilled Meats – Chicken, beef, and lamb skewers are common.
Camel stew – I tried it once — tender and surprisingly good!
Fresh pita & dips – Always on the table.
Street snacks – Try roasted corn, sugarcane juice, and fresh dates.
KFC – Yes, even in Egypt! Sometimes after days of local food, a familiar fast-food meal just hits the spot.
💡 JD’s Tip: Most meals on my tour were planned, but when we had free time, I liked to eat where locals ate. Street food is tasty but can be risky for sensitive stomachs — I’m lucky to have a traveler’s steel stomach.
Meals on tour were often like this — communal, fresh, and full of flavor.
🐪 Suggested 7–10 Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Cairo & Giza
Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx.
Pay extra to explore inside a pyramid (no photos allowed).
Explore the Egyptian Museum or the Hanging Church.
Evening dinner cruise on the Nile.
Day 3–4: Aswan
Take a ferry to Philae Temple.
Optional camel ride to a Nubian village.
Day trip to Abu Simbel.
Day 5–6: Nile Sailing
Board a Felucca (traditional sailboat) and cruise along the Nile.
If there’s no wind, enjoy a stationary overnight with great views.
Day 7–8: Luxor
Sunrise hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings (optional).
Visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple.
Horse and carriage ride after a night out.
Day 9–10: Saqqara & Markets
Explore Saqqara Pyramid.
Shop for souvenirs at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo.
Try bargaining for jewelry, papyrus art, or pyramid statues.
💡 JD’s Tip: Always explore with a group — especially in busy markets or at night.
Trying to strike a pose as grand as the statues of Abu Simbel.
🚍 Getting Around
🚌 Tour Bus – Main mode of transport on my tour. Safe, efficient, and covered all the major sites.
🚶♀️ Walking – Only during free time and always in groups for safety.
🎈 Hot Air Balloon – Optional ride over the Valley of the Kings — worth it for the views.
🐎 Horse & Carriage – A fun ride after a night out in town.
⛴️ Ferry – Used to reach Philae Island.
⛵ Felucca – Relaxing sail on the Nile, but completely wind-dependent (we barely moved!).
🐪 Camel – Rode to reach a Nubian village (didn’t ride camels at the Pyramids).
💡 JD’s Note:
The tour company handled all transport, which made getting around stress-free. For free time, stick to well-lit areas, and never wander alone at night.
From Cairo to Aswan, this bus became our second home on the road.
💸 Budget Breakdown / Day (in $USD)
Accommodation
Low: $15–25 — 2–3 star hotels, shared rooms
Mid: $30–50 — 3–4 star private rooms
High: $60–100+ — 4–5 star hotels, Nile cruises
Food
Low: $5–10 — Street food, local cafés
Mid: $10–20 — Mix of local and tourist restaurants
High: $20–40 — Fine dining & Western-style restaurants
Transport
Low: $5–10 — Local buses, taxis, metro
Mid: $20–30 — Private drivers, day tours
High: $50+ — Private tours with guides & drivers
Activities & Entry Fees
Low: $10–15 — Basic site entry (pyramids, museums)
Mid: $15–25 — Extra sites & guided tours
High: $50+ — Special experiences (hot air balloon, Abu Simbel, Nile excursions)
💵 Daily Total Estimate
Low: $40–60
Mid: $70–120
High: $150+
💡 JD’s Note:
Save extra for souvenirs — Egypt has some of the best in the world, and you will be tempted.
Cash is king — especially in markets, for tips, and street vendors.
Always clarify which pound vendors mean — Egyptian Pound (EGP) or British Pound (GBP).
When in Egypt… hop on a camel and strike a pose.
🛍 Souvenirs to Buy in Egypt
🌸 Perfume Oils – In ornate glass bottles.
💍 Silver or Gold Jewelry – Have your name written in hieroglyphs.
🖼 Papyrus Artwork – Traditional Egyptian designs.
🔺 Mini Pyramid Statues – Perfect for your shelf.
🐦 Figurines of Gods/Goddesses – Isis, Anubis, Horus, and more.
🔑 Ankh Pendants – The ancient key of life.
🌿 Spices – Saffron, cumin, hibiscus tea, and more.
🪨 Alabaster Carvings – Beautifully hand-polished pieces.
🧣 Handwoven Scarves – Lightweight and colorful.
💡 JD’s Tip: Bargaining is expected — start low, smile, and meet in the middle.
Barrels of spices at Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — a feast for the senses.
📝 Other Tips from JD
Join a tour for ease and safety.
Check weather before packing.
Carry small bills.
Save budget for souvenirs.
Build in rest days to avoid temple fatigue.
Always clarify currency (EGP vs GBP).
Standing among the ruins of Saqqara, where Egypt’s history stretches back over 4,000 years.
🌍 Cultural Tips
Dress modestly, especially women.
Persistent vendors are common; a firm “no” works.
Some men may make unwanted comments — being with a guide helps.
Tipping (“baksheesh”) is standard for small services.
Bargain in markets politely.
English isn’t widely spoken; get things written in Arabic.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Follow rules at religious sites.
In Egypt, bargaining is part of the culture — smile, be polite, and enjoy the experience!
🗣️ Speak a Little Arabic
Salam Alaikum — Hello / Peace be upon you — sah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom
Shokran — Thank you — SHOOK-rahn
Na’am — Yes — nah-AHM
Laa — No — lah
Bi-kaam? — How much? — bee-KAHM
Fayn…? — Where is...? — fayn
Tetkallem ingleezi? — Do you speak English? — tet-KAH-lem een-GLAY-zee
💡 JD’s Tip: Even learning just a few Arabic phrases goes a long way — locals appreciate the effort and you’ll often get warmer service (and sometimes better prices).
Standing tall at the Great Pyramid — but don’t worry, I obeyed the ‘No Climbing’ sign 😉.
