So I've done plenty of backpacking, mostly in SE Asia, but this will be my first venture into North Africa (or Europe at all, even!) and I'm caught between booking a guided tour through Egypt, or attempting it on my own. I'm not much of a guided tour sort of person, but in a country/region so very unfamiliar to me, I'm just curious if anybody could tell me about their experiences backpacking in Egypt. I'm also a solo female traveler which means that safety is my #1 priority, and having never been to that neck of the woods, I don't have any idea as to whether it's super safe (or even super comfortable) to be there alone.
Hello..
Yes Egypt is safe for women except avoid late night out alone, be in a crowd. You can easily get familiar while on trip to this north African nation.
People speak fluent English as well and the language wont be a problem for you. see this link :
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/80/country_guide/Africa/Egypt.html
Also visit the Agadir and Marrakesh.. a must visit place of Morocco.. -snip-
Cheers
you should be fine. you'll get less attention if you keep your legs and arms covered. people are very friendly and helpful. that being said, the men will still give you a hard time just because your a western woman, and you'll get it even worse because you're blond (or at least your profile shot is). just ignore them. the less educated, the worst the harrassment, but it shouldn't be overly bad. i would push for solo travel and intend to hook up with people you meet there. a friend of mine from cananda used to go alone for three months at a time every winter and loved it. she made several female egyptian friends who invited her into their homes. just keep a good head on your shoulders and smile!
Egypt is very easy to travel in. It is practically a backpacker's version of a kindergarden. There are touts everywhere trying to sell you things, you won't ever need a guidebook to find a place to sleep or buy a ticket or what bc the touts will take care off you. (For a small fee.)
There is only one tiny issue and that is the general attitude towards Western women. But don't worry, you can influence this a lot with your own behaviour. Dress modestly, skirts or trousers down to your ankles (or at least your calves) and men's t-shirt or a long blouse with short sleeves that covers your bum. Be careful when dealing with Egyptian men, what is "just being friendly" to you can be an open invitation for sex to them. Make sure that the door to your room locks. If somebody knocks at night don't open the door unless it is a woman.
To cover your questions:
Is the country easy to get around - yes, very.
do people speak English - yes, everybody in the tourist industry does, with varying degree of fluency
how high is the tourist harassment factor? - is the pope catholic? Egypt must have some of the worst touts in the planet, only surpassed by those in Morocco. It can really grate on your nerves, but you get used to it after a while. Your attitude also keeps them at bay. If you know what you are doing and where you are going (or are at least able to pretend) they leave you alone too. If not make "La, shukran" (no thanks) your mantra.
But with all the travelling you have done before I am sure that you won't have a problem.
can i travle with you i really want to travle around eqyot however my friends want to go straight into uni and i want to take a gap year?
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