Beautiful mosques, rolling sand dunes, luscious inexperienced forests, unique animals — the listing goes on in Africa! With greater than 50 nations, the continent overflows with range which might make it onerous to resolve the place to go and what to see. Plus, should you’re a solo feminine traveller like myself, making 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 ladies to go alone, others stated it wasn’t a problem in any respect, and nonetheless extra wavered on what was secure relying on actions. Honestly, my thoughts was spinning and I had no clue what to actually assume. I’m an skilled traveller and know that recommendation usually 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 an excellent place to begin because it already boasts a stable tourism infrastructure as a typical European getaway. I nonetheless had issues 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 pleased that I trusted my intestine and booked an organized expertise. Here’s why:
Get schooled on scams
Just a few days forward of the tour, I arrived in Cairo by myself so I walked across the metropolis to discover. No shock right here: I obtained scammed. Fortunately, I wasn’t harmed and didn’t lose some huge cash, however I’d choose it hadn’t occurred in any respect. Once I joined my tour, our Chief Experience Officer (CEO) gave us the rundown on all of the totally different scams we’d discover at every location. Without fail, every particular person from our group was approached by scammers at totally different occasions however all of us knew higher.
Feel secure in small numbers
As a solo traveller, I don’t wish to journey with a horde of different individuals. But in a small group with an area information, it was simply sufficient to keep at bay undesirable consideration. Many native males will stare at you should you’re by yourself. Yes, full on stares. Even if it’s you and one other girl from the tour, they stare like a deer caught in headlights. Often catcalls will come your method as nicely, however when you’re with the group that fades away. Well, the catcalls do at the least. Don’t get me fallacious, this isn’t meant to scare you. Now that I’ve visited as soon as, I gained’t have an issue visiting by myself and not using a tour. But experiencing this type of consideration was overwhelming at first, so I’m grateful I had the group for consolation.
Learn from native Egyptologists
Naturally, one of many most important causes to go to Egypt is for the immense quantity of historic historical past. I can’t overstate how extremely educated our CEO was about every website. Even after the tour, I want I might nonetheless hearken to him perpetually. He alone made becoming a member of a small group tour value it and the remainder is only a pleased bonus. The issues he knew weren’t on the indicators and hieroglyphs we noticed at every attraction. Well, okay, they might have been on the hieroglyphs however I undoubtedly didn’t have the interpretation expertise to test.
Leave navigation to an skilled
Last however not least, having all of our transit labored out by somebody within the know was such a reduction. I attempted to take an Uber just a few occasions and it was undoubtedly extra irritating than it must be. The drivers have been uncommunicative and I’d typically look ahead to an hour to be picked up. Taxis are simply as difficult as a result of it’s a must to negotiate the fare earlier than getting inside, and it will get tiring to argue every time. Even extra so once they attempt to persuade you to go someplace you don’t wish to go to. With an area CEO and the transit deliberate, I simply sat again and loved the views.
All that to say, don’t get discouraged should you’re a feminine solo traveller who desires 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 beneath my belt.
There will probably be bumps within the highway however there are various methods to clean out a first-time expertise so you possibly can develop in confidence. For me, the tour helped me ease into a brand new tradition and surroundings with out the added stress that each one brings. Take probabilities and go outdoors your consolation zone, however don’t let it get to the purpose the place you are not having enjoyable.
Top 5 issues I skilled:
– Sunset on the Nile
– The vibrant tomb of Rameses V and VI
– Adorable stray puppies taking part in collectively having fun with life
– Real mummies in The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
– Camels chilling by the pyramids in Giza
Top 5 experiences for my subsequent journey:
– Explore the Great Egyptian Museum
– Overnight keep in Nubian village
– Swim within the Red Sea
– Stay alongside a number of cities on the Mediterranean
– Check out the Suez Canal
Getting there
Ready to fly solo and revel within the historic historical past of Egypt as a part of a small group? Here are just some of our high recommendations:
Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
Highlights of Egypt
Best of Egypt