Egypt is that country I have had my eyes on for a minute but I was undecided about, there’s so much different opinion on social media about traveling to Egypt especially Solo and as a black woman, mostly negative. But I finally did it and I did it solo. Yes, I went to Egypt by myself and I’m here to give you the full honest breakdown. From the visa process as a UAE resident living in Dubai, to what it’s actually like standing at the foot of the pyramids, where to stay in Cairo, and whether Egypt is actually safe for solo travel. Let’s get into it!
Egypt Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents
Good news, if you live in the UAE, you don’t need to apply for a visa before traveling to Egypt and here’s everything you need to know:
- Your Dubai residency qualifies you for visa on arrival in Egypt
- Your UAE resident visa needs to be valid for at least 6 months before your trip
- You have to fly EgyptAir and book directly with them, no third-party bookings
- Visa on arrival costs $25 for 7 days and $40 for a month
- If you don’t live in the UAE but have a valid multiple entry UK or US visa that you’ve used at least once, you’re also eligible for visa on arrival
What to do when you land in Cairo: Step by Step
- You can get the visa from the National Bank of Egypt desk and you can pay by card or cash
- If you get it from immigration instead, it’s cash only
- After getting your visa sticker, head to passport control to get stamped in
- Important to note, if you have a Nigerian passport and staying for more than 7 days. you need to register for a registration extension stamp. This costs an extra $15, cash only, and is valid for up to one month. Don’t skip this, it’s a requirement.
Where to Stay in Cairo: Don’t Make This Mistake
This is genuinely one of the most important things I can tell you, where you stay in Cairo matters a lot, this is because Cairo is a mix of old and new so if you want modern hotels in a clean area.
- Stay in New Cairo, Cairo city or Maadi, these are the good neighbourhood, modern, safe, and secure.
- Do NOT stay in Giza. The area around the pyramids is chaotic, touristy, and honestly not a nice place to base yourself, Cairo to Giza is 10 to 15 minutes drive so you are very okay staying in Cairo
New Cairo especially has better hotels, good restaurants, and is much easier to navigate. Save yourself the stress and stay there.
Is Egypt Safe for Solo Travel? My Honest Take
This is the big question everyone asks and honestly, TikTok is not helping, you’ll find videos saying Egypt is incredibly safe AND videos saying it’s a nightmare. So let me give you my personal experience.
Yes, you can travel to Egypt and have the best time of your life. I did! You can travel solo and it’s safe for black women but Egypt is not like Europe or certain Asian countries where you can just figure things out on your own with Google Maps and public transport. It requires a bit more planning, especially as a solo traveller so here’s how to navigate it.
My Honest Recommendations for Getting Around
- Get a guide to drive you around, it costs about 2,500 Egyptian pounds (roughly $42) for 8 hours a day. It’s absolutely worth it for comfort and ease. Reach out to Hamza on WhatsApp +201272097786, I used him and he’s good, please be polite and respectful
- You can also use Uber, but a lot of drivers don’t speak English, so communication can be tricky but Google translate is helpful
- For tours like the pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and markets, use a tour guide, do not try to do this yourself
- For daily transportation, rent a car for the duration of your stay. Most drivers work with tour guides too, so you can get both in one. You own the car for the day and visit wherever you like at your own pace
If you’re on a budget, you can do some things yourself, like visiting the River Nile, exploring local markets, and book a tour specifically for the pyramids. I booked mine on Booking.com for $70 and it was excellent. Link here
What It’s Like Inside the Pyramids — No Filter
Okay, I need to be honest with you here because a lot of travel content doesn’t tell you the full story. From the moment your car turns into Giza about 5 minutes into the drive, the pyramids appear on the horizon. Just like that. No warning and it genuinely takes your breath away. They are MASSIVE. Pictures do not do them justice. Standing at the base and looking up made me feel incredibly small in the best way.
Going inside the pyramid is a whole different experience. It’s very narrow, very steep, and very hot inside. You have to crouch and walk hunched over through a low tunnel that goes deep into the pyramid. If you’re even slightly claustrophobic, you’ll want to mentally prepare for this or skip it. But if you can push through, its worth experiencing one of them, there really isn’t anything inside to see, everything is in the museum but you can do it for the experience but I wouldn’t do it again. Watch my experience going inside the pyramid below
Don’t leave without going to the desert viewpoint and seeing The Great Sphinx of Giza. The desert viewpoint is where you can see all three pyramids lined up together from a distance. It’s the iconic shot and it is absolutely worth it. The Sphinx is right next to the pyramids and included in your tour. It’s iconic and you absolutely have to get your photos here, I may have blown it a kiss lol.
Where to Eat at the Pyramids of Giza
Yes, you can actually have lunch with a view of the pyramids and it’s one of the things you have to do when you visit Giza. Here are your options:
- Khufu Restaurant: Lunch here costs $29 (about 1,400 EGP). The view of the pyramids is unreal. Worth every penny for the experience, make sure to book ahead, it gets fully booked quickly
- Mazmazza: its a modern small Egyptian restaurant and you don’t need a reservation
- Mulliri: Its a cafe and coffee shop with an outdoor setting with a view of the pyramids, right beside Mazmazza
- There are also loads of restaurants outside the pyramid gates once you exit, more budget-friendly options if you don’t want to eat inside
Practical Tips Before You Visit Egypt
- Egypt is a cash country, bring some cash. You can bring USD and change to Egyptian pounds as you need
- Keep some USD on you for the visa if you want to pay in cash, alternatively you can pay with card
- Main language is Arabic, Google Translate is your best friend, download the offline Arabic pack before you go
- Get an eSIM before you land so you have data the moment you arrive, use Orbit and get 10% off with IBII10
- Get a travel insurance, SafetyWing is a great budget option at under $20 for a 7 day trip
- Use Uber for taxis once you’re in the city, it works well in Cairo. If you live in the Dubai or the Middle East, Careem also works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Egypt
Do Nigerians need a visa to visit Egypt?
If you live in the UAE with a valid residency visa (minimum 6 months validity), you qualify for visa on arrival in Egypt. You must fly EgyptAir and book directly with the airline. The visa costs $25 for 7 days. If you are flying from Nigeria, you can still get visa on arrival but you need an okay to board from Egypt Air, an agent can help with this, reach to Naija Nomads on Instagram.
Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, but with caveats. Egypt is safe when you’re smart about it. I’d recommend using a private driver rather than navigating public transport alone, especially as a solo female traveller. Stick to tourist areas, use your tour guide, and trust your instincts.
How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
I booked a tour on Booking.com for $70 which covered entry ticket, hotel pick up & drop off and a guide, book the exact tour here. Lunch at Khufu Restaurant inside the pyramid area costs around $29. Budget around $100–120 for the full pyramid day including food.
What should I wear to the Pyramids?
Loose, breathable clothing is ideal, it gets very hot in Giza. If you’re going inside the pyramids, wear something comfortable you can move in, as the tunnels require crouching. Flat shoes are a must no heels on sandy grounds, its very uncomfortable
Where else can I visit in Egypt asides Cairo?
There’s so much more to see in Egypt asides Cairo and the Pyramids, Luxor is termed the Maldives of Egypt, it has stunning blue waters and scenery that contrasts Cairo. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are also cities that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
Final Verdict: Is Egypt Worth It?
Absolutely, 100% yes. Egypt is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype, the history is mind-blowing, the food is good, it’s more affordable than you’d think, and the pyramids in real life will leave you speechless. Just go prepared, use a guide, stay in New Cairo when in Cairo, and you’ll have the best time.
As always, drop your questions in the comments and I’ll be happy to help. And share this with someone who’s been thinking about Egypt, they need to go!
Till your next read, Ibi