BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
When it comes to narratives about women travelling through North Africa, especially Marrakech and Cairo, prevailing stereotypes often speak of danger, oppression, or cultural rigidity. But up-to-date data and traveller experiences from 2025 suggest a more complex, more hopeful picture: one of hospitality, empowerment, and cities that are becoming steadily safer and more accessible for women.
According to safety guides for 2025, Marrakech is rated in many travel advisories and websites as generally safe for women, especially in tourist areas. While petty crime (pickpocketing, scams) is more common than violent crime, which is “relatively rare.”
The UK government office currently advises travellers to “exercise a normal level of caution” in Morocco’s main tourist centres, including Marrakech, noting that “millions of British nationals visit Morocco every year, most visits are trouble-free.”
In Egypt, the FCDO also reports that “around half a million British nationals visit Egypt every year”, with most trips being again, “trouble-free.” It highlights that the vast majority of visits to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are safe, thanks to increased security measures in tourist zones.
Women travellers report that harassment is still a thing, catcalling, unsolicited comments, and sometimes excessive attention from vendors, but these are often verbal rather than physically threatening, and remedies like avoiding isolated areas at night, using trusted transport, and staying in well-reviewed lodgings reduce risk.
The most common stereotype that ‘Egypt is unsafe, especially Cairo’, has been proven wrong outside of known ‘no-go’ zones (e.g., North Sinai, border regions). Cairo remains safe enough for cultural visits, museums, dining out, etc. Risk of petty crime or harassment exists, but authorities maintain security in tourist hubs.
Many women are seen travelling alone in both cities: exploring museums, markets, historic areas, staying in riads or safe hotels, using guides or groups when helpful. Recent testimonies from women travellers are helping to dismantle long-standing fears. Travel writer Megan Doyle, who spent 12 days alone in Marrakech in 2025, admitted she had read “mixed information online” but found the city far more manageable than expected, noting that having a local driver made exploring “truly easeful.”
In Egypt, a solo traveller blogging on Her Asian Adventures confessed she was “low-key terrified” before arriving in Cairo after hearing stories of scams and harassment, yet described the pyramids, food and people as highlights she was “so glad” not to have missed. On Reddit, another woman who toured Cairo and Luxor this year wrote that she had “no problems” walking to the pyramids, using Uber, and ignoring touts.
These two North African countries, not only have the most welcoming people, but also plenty of buildings to see and streets to explore.
Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, buzzing with food stalls, street performers, and artisans.
- Medina & Souks: Handicrafts, spices, textiles; for those comfortable navigating alleyways.
- Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Greener, calmer spaces to escape the bustle.
- Menara Gardens, Palmeraie, Agafay Desert: Great for walks, relaxation, and desert experiences.
Cairo
- Egyptian Museum & Grand Egyptian Museum: Newly renovated cultural treasure.
- Downtown Cairo / Zamalek: Revitalised with cafés, galleries, and safer public spaces.
- Giza Pyramids: Iconic, best visited in organised tours.
- Islamic & Coptic Cairo: Historic quarters, rich architecture, and markets.
From Morocco’s tagines, harira, and maakouda to Egypt’s koshari, ful medames, and taʿāmeya, the culinary traditions create not only flavour but connection, often eaten communally and shared with warmth. Cooking classes and women-run co-operatives in both Marrakech and Cairo are increasingly popular with female travellers in 2025.
Beyond the major cities, both countries offer destinations that solo women travellers in 2025 describe as not only safe but memorable. In Egypt, Luxor and Aswan are highlights for their temples, Nile cruises and warm hospitality.
The Red Sea towns of Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh are praised for diving, relaxed atmospheres, and a strong international traveller community, making them particularly welcoming for solo visitors. In Morocco, the coastal town of Essaouira is frequently recommended for its breezy pace and artistic vibe, while the mountain village of Chefchaouen, with its striking blue streets, is known as one of the safest and most photogenic destinations in the country. Organised desert excursions from Marrakech to the dunes of Merzouga are also growing in popularity, with companies increasingly tailoring trips to female travellers.
Cautions & Practical Advice
- Dress modestly in conservative areas.
- Use ride-hail apps (Uber, Careem) or hotel-booked taxis.
- Stay in centrally located, well-reviewed accommodation.
- Be alert in markets for pickpockets and scams.
The stereotype of danger is not the full story. Marrakech and Cairo remain bustling, sometimes overwhelming cities, but they are also deeply welcoming. The FCDO’s latest 2025 travel advice affirms what many women report: most trips are safe, enjoyable, and eye-opening.
By reframing these destinations as not only possible but rewarding for women travellers, the voices of 2025 are challenging old narratives, proving that empowerment and discovery can thrive in the streets of North Africa’s most iconic cities.
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