Women Travelling alone
If you’re a woman traveling to Africa, personal safety is probably the number one concern you have. But for women traveling to Africa on their own, if they follow some basic precautions, they should be OK. Thousands of women travel alone in Africa each year and have a great time. Anyhow traveling alone is a bit of a misnomer since you’ll be meeting people everywhere you go.
Of course basic health and safety precautions should be followed by all travelers to Africa but here we concentrate on issues particular to women.
Tips for Women Traveling in Egypt and Morocco
Egypt: Women traveling alone in Egypt should always dress conservatively. Use buses and the metro to get around. There are women only compartments and it’s a good way to meet local women and their children. For more tips visit http://ramsestours.com/services/women-travelling-alone/
Morocco: Female travelers in Morocco will get their fair share of comments and whistles but it’s not an unsafe country to travel in. Ignore the comments and you’ll be left alone within minutes, as long as you’re not wearing a tanktop and/or mini skirt. Ask a local woman to take you to a Hammam, it’s a wonderful place to meet women and chat (although less women speak French than men). Don’t wander around cities alone after 10pm or so, unless it’s still crowded with regular families.
Women Who are Traveling in Africa Now
Finally, I find travel blogs by people who are actually traveling or living in Africa to be a very useful source of information on current conditions. There are lots of women writing blogs from all over Africa who are either volunteering or traveling there right now and would have excellent advice for you.
All visitors to Egypt, whether they are female or male, receive a great deal of attention from the Egyptians.
Sometimes this attention is unwanted , most of the time it is good-humored but attention rape and assault are virtually non-existent.
Most travelers feel safer in Cairo than they do in their own cities. This is no different for single, female travelers.
For the most part, EGYPT is safe to travel also for single females or girlfriends traveling without male companions.
A lot of unpleasant scenarios can be avoided if the female traveler has the right attitude. Not just in her clothing, which should be sensible and modest.
Both men and women will be asked about their marital status, name, whether they have kids or not, their age and so on. That is private business and not something travelers are obliged to tell any staff, local guides or people on the street.
Other rules :
- Never tell anyone your hotel room number.
- Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas after dark unless there are many other people walking around the same area.
- Walk assertively, with your head up and your shoulders down. Don’t scurry like a frightened rabbit, it attracts predators.
- If you want to spend time with someone you’ve just met, do so in a public place. Do not go to any private area with a new acquaintance.
- Beware of people who pretend to be hurt or lost and ask for your assistance. This is a classic ploy to lure unsuspecting, goodhearted people into vulnerable situations.
- Carry a cell phone and make sure someone always knows where you are and when you’re expected to return.
- If you’re traveling by car and are approached by someone asking for directions or assistance never ever get out of your car. If you want to speak to them roll down your window no more than an inch and keep your car in Drive so you can leave quickly if the situation turns threatening.
I know these tips may seem paranoid but they kept me safe during many years of traveling on business to new cities
im a Senior Professor of Sustainable Tourism Management at faculty of tourism and hotels. i worked in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, i has worked with many private sector and public sector agencies on tourism consultancy in terms of tourism and leisure strategies, feasibility
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