Stunning mosques, rolling sand dunes, luscious inexperienced forests, unique animals — the record goes on in Africa! With greater than 50 nations, the continent overflows with variety which might make it exhausting to resolve the place to go and what to see. Plus, in the event you’re a solo feminine traveller like myself, getting ready to go to Africa for the primary time can really feel daunting as there are such a lot of differing opinions and suggestions. Who am I kidding? I discovered it VERY daunting!
Some stated it was too harmful for girls to go alone, others stated it wasn’t a problem in any respect, and nonetheless extra wavered on what was protected relying on actions. Actually, my thoughts was spinning and I had no clue what to actually assume. I’m an skilled traveller and know that recommendation typically errs on being overly cautious however since I had nothing actually concrete to go on, what was I to do?
As a primary cease, North Africa appeared like a great place to start out because it already boasts a stable tourism infrastructure as a standard European getaway. I nonetheless had considerations as a result of Egypt was my first nation on an entire new continent and I’d by no means been to a predominantly Muslim nation earlier than. Too many unknowns to really feel totally snug, and since I had nothing however the web and information (admittedly very simply distorted frames of reference,) I hopped on a small group tour.
Which one did I select? The 12-day Wonders of Egypt and the Nile journey and I can safely say that I’m very blissful that I trusted my intestine and booked an organized expertise. Right here’s why:
Get schooled on scams
Just a few days forward of the tour, I arrived in Cairo alone so I walked across the metropolis to discover. No shock right here: I bought scammed. Happily, I wasn’t harmed and didn’t lose some huge cash, however I’d choose it hadn’t occurred in any respect. As soon as I joined my tour, our Chief Expertise Officer (CEO) gave us the rundown on all of the completely different scams we’d discover at every location. With out fail, every individual from our group was approached by scammers at completely different occasions however all of us knew higher.
Really feel protected in small numbers
As a solo traveller, I don’t need to journey with a horde of different folks. However in a small group with a neighborhood information, it was simply sufficient to keep at bay undesirable consideration. Many native males will stare at you in the event you’re by yourself. Sure, full on stares. Even when it’s you and one other girl from the tour, they stare like a deer caught in headlights. Usually catcalls will come your means as nicely, however when you’re with the group that fades away. Effectively, the catcalls do at the very least. Don’t get me incorrect, this isn’t meant to scare you. Now that I’ve visited as soon as, I gained’t have an issue visiting alone and not using a tour. However experiencing this sort of consideration was overwhelming at first, so I’m grateful I had the group for consolation.
Study from native Egyptologists
Naturally, one of many primary causes to go to Egypt is for the immense quantity of historical historical past. I can’t overstate how extremely educated our CEO was about every web site. Even after the tour, I want I might nonetheless hearken to him without end. He alone made becoming a member of a small group tour value it and the remainder is only a blissful bonus. The issues he knew weren’t on the indicators and hieroglyphs we noticed at every attraction. Effectively, okay, they might have been on the hieroglyphs however I undoubtedly didn’t have the interpretation abilities to test.
Depart navigation to an knowledgeable
Final however not least, having all of our transit labored out by somebody within the know was such a aid. I attempted to take an Uber a couple of occasions and it was undoubtedly extra irritating than it ought to be. The drivers have been uncommunicative and I’d generally watch for an hour to be picked up. Taxis are simply as difficult as a result of you need to negotiate the fare earlier than getting inside, and it will get tiring to argue every time. Much more so once they attempt to persuade you to go someplace you don’t need to go to. With a neighborhood CEO and the transit deliberate, I simply sat again and loved the views.
All that to say, don’t get discouraged in the event you’re a feminine solo traveller who needs to expertise all of the wonders of Africa. Travelling solo doesn’t at all times imply travelling fully alone. Since Egypt, I racked up 4 extra African nations underneath my belt.
There shall be bumps within the highway however there are lots of methods to clean out a first-time expertise so you’ll be able to develop in confidence. For me, the tour helped me ease into a brand new tradition and surroundings with out the added stress that every one brings. Take possibilities and go exterior your consolation zone, however don’t let it get to the purpose the place you are not having enjoyable.
Prime 5 issues I skilled:
– Sundown on the Nile
– The colorful tomb of Rameses V and VI
– Lovely stray puppies enjoying collectively having fun with life
– Actual mummies in The Nationwide Museum of Egyptian Civilization
– Camels chilling by the pyramids in Giza
Prime 5 experiences for my subsequent journey:
– Discover the Nice Egyptian Museum
– In a single day keep in Nubian village
– Swim within the Pink Sea
– Keep alongside a number of cities on the Mediterranean
– Take a look at the Suez Canal
Getting there
Able to fly solo and revel within the historical historical past of Egypt as a part of a small group? Listed here are only a few of our high strategies:
Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
Highlights of Egypt
Best of Egypt
