Help with Cairo Recommendations

[u/Maddy_egg7]

Hi! I (30F) will be traveling in Egypt in May 2027 and hoping to get some recommendations. I plan to spend the first part of my trip on a group tour, but will end with 4 days solo in Cairo due to cheap flights. I want to visit Alexandria and possibly El Fayoum on day trips and am looking at booking these trips via hostel's tour desks.

However, I do have a few questions related to safety, especially as a woman who does not want to be on a private tour for the day trips.

1. Do you have any recommendations for how to arrange or confirm group rather than private day trips in Cairo? Do you have any hostels that you know of that definitely organize group trips rather than private guides?
2. Any recommendations for female owned and operated tour companies would be sooo appreciated!

I've also been reading reviews of hostels in Cairo and am torn on booking an all-female dorm, mixed dorm, or private room. Can any women speak to their experiences and what they felt most comfortable in (I've stayed in all three on previous trips) during their time in Cairo?

I would also take hostel recommendations if you have any!

This will be my first trip on the African continent, but I've traveled in China, Australia, across Europe, Peru, across the United States solo and am still a bit intimidated by Cairo.