By Helia Sohrabi, business consultant (Toronto, Canada)
'Is Egypt safe for female travelers?'
It’s one of the first questions that comes to mind of a female traveler, and it’s an important one. Between news headlines and outdated portrayals, it’s easy to imagine Egypt as unsafe for women.
I'm Helia Sohrabi, a travel and adventure enthusiast from Canada, and after spending three incredible weeks traveling through Egypt with Encounters Travel, I want to share what it was really like: what surprised me, what comforted me, and why I would recommend it without hesitation to other women thinking about visiting.
Why Egypt?
Egypt had been calling me since childhood, ever since I read The Egyptian, the story of Sinuhe, a royal physician in Pharaoh’s court. That book lit a spark in me. I longed to walk where he might’ve walked, to imagine life 5,000 years ago, and to hear the legends still passed down today. But Egypt kept getting delayed, until I was invited to a wedding in Cairo in September 2025. It felt like a sign. I joined a small group tour with Encounters Travel, well-paced, with lots of historical site seeing but still room for adding in some activities like running and kayaking, a perfect blend of history and movement. So I packed for 3 weeks in Egypt.
Initial concerns & expectations
Before traveling to Egypt, I had excitement, but also a few worries. As a woman, I was worried about street harassment, cultural restrictions, the need to cover my hair or dress conservatively. And as a Middle Eastern woman who lives in the West since a long time, there was a strange duality — I expected to blend in more easily than Western tourists, but I also worried I’d be held to stricter, unspoken standards.
Having done my research individually and asked questions from Encounter travels, gave me peace of mind. I packed moderate cloth, loose T-shirt, long pants and dresses. I brought a scarf with me to cover my shoulders if we go to a church or a temple. I wanted to be respectful of the local culture and avoid unwanted attention. And that worked perfectly.
Experience on the ground
Traveling with Encounters Travel shaped my experience in ways I didn’t expect. Even before landing in Egypt, their team had already set the tone, sending detailed emails with what to expect, what to wear, safety tips, and the daily itinerary. Each morning during the trip, our guides would walk us through the day’s plan, and each evening, they’d prepare us for the next. It gave me a sense of security that made it easier to relax and enjoy the experience.
The guides were true professionals; they were incredibly knowledgeable, generous with advice, and spoke English and Arabic fluently, which added a layer of comfort. Having them with us, especially during busy moments like airport arrival or crossing borders, meant we skipped long lines and breezed through with VIP-style support.
The group itself felt like a small traveling family. We had enough shared time to bond, but also plenty of freedom for individual exploring. That balance made everything feel light and easy.
In busy places like Khan el-Khalili market or around the Pyramids, the large crow was overwhelming. The shouting vendors and people and stray animals all in narrow streets with sudden appearance of a rge bus or fast driving car was stressful. But I never once felt unsafe. No one touched me, followed me, or made me feel physically vulnerable. Sellers were persistent but never aggressive. People were curious, often kind, and usually smiling.
There was a clear sense of support from Encounters Travel. Egypt felt extremely Crowded and chaotic compared to Canada, yes, but also warm and surprisingly welcoming. And I celebrated the differences.
Interactions with locals
One of my most memorable local encounters happened in Luxor, while I was feeling under the weather. I asked our guide for a slower-paced day, and he adjusted the plan so I could visit a family-run essential oil shop instead of trekking around the sites. The woman there gave a beautiful explanation of how her family had been making oils for generations. No pressure to buy, just warm, genuine hospitality. We also visited a spice shop, chatted with the vendors, and felt truly welcomed.
Being Middle Eastern, many locals assumed I was Egyptian. Once they realized I didn’t speak Arabic, they were surprised, sometimes even amused, but always kind. I learned a few greetings in Arabic, which often sparked big smiles. People seemed to appreciate the effort, and though conversations sometimes ran ahead of my vocabulary, the goodwill always came through.
Practical tips for other female travelers
Wear loose, breathable clothes, linen pants, modest dresses, and short-sleeved shirts worked perfectly for me. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and always carry bottled water since tap water isn’t drinkable. When navigating markets, stay calm: vendors can be persistent, but a polite “no, thank you” goes a long way. Learning a few Arabic phrases shows respect and builds connection.
Traveling with Encounters Travel gave me peace of mind. Their local knowledge and guidance made everything easier. I also made a point to buy Egyptian-made goods and even drank a local beer called Sakara where it was offered. These small choices that supported the culture was my way of giving back.
Final reflection
My trip to Egypt wasn’t just about the pyramids or temples; it was a balanced combination of people, culture, ancient history, some sportive activities. I got to know many Egyptians and realized how modern, free, and layered Egyptian society really is, especially when it comes to women. I’d arrived with an image shaped by Western media, assumptions about gender roles and conservatism, but on the ground, I saw women confidently moving through their day, choosing whether or not to wear the hijab, participating in public life, and being treated with respect.
The wedding I attended in Cairo was a beautiful moment of cultural fusion. Traditional music, dance, and language mixed seamlessly with modern energy. People spoke fluent English, asked thoughtful questions, and opened up about their lives with warmth and humor. It was a colorful exciting window into Egyptian culture.
Traveling with Encounters Travel brought a layer of ease and confidence I wouldn't trade for anything. As someone who usually travels solo, I know how tiring it can be to figure out every step, especially in country that you don’t speak the language and there is so much to see and experience. Encounters Travel had a team of experienced locals with deep cultural insight and logistical skill. They made everything smoother, safer, and honestly, more enjoyable. From VIP-style border crossings to daily briefings and flexibility when I was sick in Luxor, I felt taken care of.
Our small group gave us companionship without pressure, and the itinerary wasn’t rigid; it had room to be adapted to our needs. I loved that we added space for my own interests, like kayaking and running, and the final week in Dahab gave me a soft landing after all the movement. Calm sea, good food, no pressure, no rush, just rest.
When I flew back to Canada, I felt wonderful: I had celebrated love at a wedding, explored history, connected with locals, moved my body, rested my soul, and walked through an extraordinary history.
If you’re hesitating, especially as a woman, I can relate. But don’t let fear decide for you. Egypt is complex, beautiful, and magical. And if you go with the right professionals, like Encounters Travel, you’ll feel supported, safe, and empowered, from start to finish.
