woman travelling to morocco

The Complete Guide to Travelling to Morocco as a Solo Woman in 2024

I’ll be honest: travelling solo through Morocco was tough.

My four weeks in the country were challenging, exhausting, frustrating and disheartening — and yet, they were also full of joy, awe, wonder, and rewards.

Morocco is one of my favourite countries but it was also one of the hardest to travel in.

It’s hard to explain. How can one of my favourite countries in the world have left me with such unenjoyable experiences that I cut short my time there by several weeks? I don’t know either.

But I loved Morocco. I loved my time there. I loved the places I wandered through and the people who proved that Moroccans can be kind and welcoming and helpful. However, I was so frustrated that the local men I met acted in a way that made my trip far less enjoyable.

I’m frequently contacted by women who feel that same pull as I did to visit Morocco, but who have also been put off by the negative articles and sexual harassment horror stories. They reach out looking for reassurance, wanting advice, and looking for information on how to have a safe, trouble-free trip.

The problem is I didn’t have a trouble-free trip, and I can’t offer reassurance that travelling through Morocco will be easy. But at the same time, just because I had a challenging time in the country doesn’t mean that anyone else will too. That’s why it’s tough writing articles like this — I don’t want to put anybody off visiting Morocco but I do want to share my personal experiences.

So here, then, is an account of the struggles and joy I experienced from travelling through Morocco — and the advice I would offer women who are looking to travel there too.

The Best Destinations to Visit in Morocco as a Solo Woman

I spent a full month in Morocco, and chose to visit Marrakech, The Sahara Desert, Essaouira, Casablanca, Chefchaouen and Tangier over that time. I deliberately skipped visiting Fes because I had heard nothing positive about the city from any women I ran into on the road.

I Loved Marrakech

I arrived in Marrakech fully prepared to dislike such a chaotic city, but fell in love from the second I arrived. Yes, it was noisy, busy, and polluted, but it was also beautiful, exciting, and fascinating to spend time in.

The touts were more persistent than I’d experienced in most places around the world, but it wasn’t stressful and I wasn’t bothered by it. I even managed to negate some of the tension by hiring a local guide to show me around. My guide helped keep the touts at bay as we navigated the medina with minimal hassle. He helped me to get my bearings, and I experienced and saw a lot more than  if I had been alone.

The following day, without a guide, I found simple wanderings to be slightly challenging but I never once felt like I was in any real danger. I experienced mild annoyance from the touts as they desperately tried to sell things to me, but they always left me alone if I didn’t engage. I simply avoided eye-contact, walked as if I knew where I was going, and they soon moved on to someone else.

The Sahara Desert was Incredible

I would count my tour to the Sahara Desert as one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. Sitting atop a sand dune and watching the sunset was a life-changing experience, and sleeping beneath the Milky Way hours later was even more breathtaking than I’d expected. I believe everyone should venture into the desert at least once.

It was on this tour to the desert that I experienced my first taste of harassment. My tour guide made me feel uncomfortable at several points by continually reaching out to touch my arm and attempting to separate me from the rest of the group. At one point, he offered to take me up into the Atlas Mountains to camp after the tour, insisting I’d love the perfect night sky and friendly Berber people.

Perhaps he was just being friendly, but as a solo woman traveler, you have to be cautious when you travel, and I wasn’t going to take any chances. I made sure to keep close to other members of my tour group and he soon decided to leave me alone.

If you’re going to venture into the desert, I highly recommend booking a tour online before you go, so that you can check the reviews and vet the tour guides in advance. This tour is the one I took and I had a magical experience while I was there.

Essaouira was Both Calming and Stressful

Essaouira felt like a breath of fresh air after the mayhem of Marrakech — a hippie town full of rumours that Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones had made this their home throughout the 70’s. I love laidback beach towns like this and I love my classic rock so it immediately felt like the perfect place for me to be. It was mellow and beautiful and took only a few minutes for me to decide to extend my stay in town.

I spent my first few days relaxing on the beach, bemused to see everybody sunbathing while covered from head to toe. I got lost in the photogenic medina by day and spent my evenings fascinated by the local fisherman trying to sell their freshly-caught fish to passing people — there were dozens of hole in the wall restaurants just a few metres away that would happily cook your fish for you right there.

When I wasn’t out exploring, I was sunbathing on my hostel’s roof terrace, napping in a hammock or drinking amazing mint tea. Essaouira was amazing.

And then everything changed.

A music festival came to town, bringing with it hundreds of thousands of tourists as the population increased from 60,000 to 400,000 overnight. The increase in people brought with them a much tougher experience with the touts — they became aggressive and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I couldn’t sit down and have a meal without a local man approaching me and sitting down to chat.

Often, I’d leave the beach to head back to my hostel only to find a teenage boy following me and trying to talk. My guard was up and I didn’t say much, sad that I felt unable to trust them. They would follow after me, getting increasingly angry as I kept my head down and refused to participate — “Just talk to me!” they’d yell. After a while, I’d turn around and ask them firmly to leave me alone. When I relented and had a conversation with them, they became lecherous and inappropriate, and I struggled to get away.

I suddenly had hassle from men in the street, too — telling me they liked my “American tits”, whispering in French in my ear and then calling me a whore when I hurried away. I have to mentioned that I was completely covered up and couldn’t have worn any more layers at this point, beyond throwing a blanket over myself. I was avoiding eye-contact and not engaging with anybody — I don’t know what else I could have done to not attract attention. I could no longer sit and enjoy a meal without several men sitting down with me and trying to convince me to go back to their house for a “local experience”.

My time in Morocco was beginning to sour and I was exhausted.

Casablanca Brought More of the Same

Still worn out from my time in Essaouira, I reached Casablanca, and was on guard, stressed, and ready to burst into tears at any moment. Fortunately, there were no incidents because I spent the entire time in my hotel room recovering.

Leaving only to buy food, I found myself each and every time with at least one guy following me and asking me questions and getting angry when I acted as if I had not heard.

I wasn’t sure what I should have been doing: engaging the men resulted in lechery and a struggle to escape, ignoring them made them angry and aggressive. I was starting to long to leave the country.

However, I had just one more place I wanted to visit.

Chefchaouen was a Welcome Respite

Chefchaouen was one of my favourite places in Morocco, and one I could have spent months living in. The entire town was painted a gorgeous baby-blue colour, the locals were friendly and welcoming and there was absolutely no hassle or abuse. It was bliss and I spent an entire week exploring the tiny alleyways, hiking in the mountains, and eating delicious tagine.

When my cab dropped me off outside the old city at the wrong gate and I couldn’t find my hostel, a local teenager approached me and made it his mission to help me out. In any other city in Morocco, this would be a sort-of scam, where a local helps you find your way and then asks you for a sum of money in exchange. I was fully expecting this but, when we finally found my hostel, he simply shook my hand, wished me an enjoyable stay in Chefchaouen and left.

I’d been considering cutting short my time in Morocco but Chefchaouen had once more transformed my opinion of the country. It seemed like every time something went wrong, I discovered something beautiful or had a touching experience which had me longing to spend even more time there. I subsequently extended my stay to a full week.

Tangier Beat Me Down

Despite spending a week in recovery in Chefchaouen, I immediately felt my stress levels rising when I reached Tangier. I daresay that had I arrived in Tangier first, I would have loved my time there, but by this point in my trip, I was reacting with frustration and irritation whenever I was approached by the local men.

Tangier, then, was the final straw.

Within a few hours of arriving in this seaside port, I had a man following me out of the medina and asking me questions over and over — occasionally in English, mostly in French. I answered a few, but kept my head down, and tried to get away from him. I had learned by now that some responses were enough to keep the men from getting angry, but to keep my interaction to a minimum in order to keep them from getting too close.

When he continued to follow me to the steps of my hotel, I panicked and began to run. I just wanted to get to my room and away from this stranger.

It was then that I felt a cold, hard blow to the head.

He had thrown a rock at me.

Holding the back of my head and running for my hotel, I shut myself in my room, jumped online and booked a ticket back home to London for the following morning.

I was done with Morocco.

Perhaps now that time has passed I find myself thinking longingly of my time in Morocco through rose-tinted glasses, but it’s the country I desire returning to more than any other. The country itself is beautiful and diverse, and there’s so much more I crave to see.

Unsurprisingly, the men I encountered during my time there ruined what could have been an incredible trip. Had they not been so intense, persistent, and aggressive I have no doubt that Morocco could have been my favourite country.

Perhaps my problem was not working any real rest days into my itinerary. Aside from the groping in Essaouira and the rock-throwing in Tangier, I don’t think the level of hassle was any higher than it was when I first arrived in Marrakech — it was just the cumulative stress of frustration after frustration after frustration that led to me being exhausted and desperate to leave. Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals. Perhaps I’m just victim-blaming myself in search of an explanation.

Should you go to Morocco?

I’m inclined to say that if you’re a reasonably experienced traveller, have plenty of common sense, and have a pretty good idea of what you’ll be in for then you should go and experience the beauty of the country.

If you’re nervous then consider visiting places like Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and the Sahara, or arrive with no onward plans so you’re open to leaving early if the hassle becomes too much. You could even take an introductory tour to the country to give you peace of mind.

Would I recommend Morocco for first time solo travellers?

I wouldn’t say don’t go if you haven’t travelled alone before — but I’d suggest researching Morocco thoroughly before making a decision.

For me, I had travelled for a year — four months of those solo — before arriving in Morocco, so I had a good idea of what to expect from challenging countries.

What if I had visited at the very start of my trip? I think I would have been fine. I would have researched the country in great depth and known what to expect. Most importantly, I would have had a lot more energy and enthusiasm. I definitely had a case of travel fatigue wearing me down when I visited.

As long as you know what to expect — and you do after reading this post — you can go in prepared and have a successful trip.

Tips for Solo Women in Morocco

And now some tips if you’re planning on travelling solo through Morocco as a female.

Use common sense: 

This goes for pretty much every country you visit but more-so for somewhere like Morocco. Be sensible, don’t drink too much alcohol (though in Morocco, alcohol is so expensive you probably won’t be touching it), and behave how you would at home.

In Morocco, I researched unsafe neighbourhoods in cities and made sure to stay away from any that were said to be dangerous. I made sure to read reviews left by female travellers for hostels before I booked them. I didn’t go out alone at night, and steered clear of dark alleyways and poorly-lit areas during the day. I didn’t drink any alcohol.

Stay in hostels/hotels that have good reviews from solo female travelers: 

I can recommend many fantastic guesthouses from my time in Morocco:

In Marrakech,  Riad Carina  ( $43 a night  for a double room; rated 9.3 on  Booking ) receives a whole lot of love. So what’s so wonderful about it? Not only is it a stunning and well-designed riad, but it’s located just a five-minute walk from all of the main tourist attractions in town and is home to some seriously friendly staff. It’s quiet and peaceful, has a beautiful swimming pool, and an even more beautiful rooftop terrace.

In Essaouira,  Riad Dar Awil  ( $49 a night  for a double room; rated 9.6 on  Booking ) is easily the best place to stay for mid-range travellers, as essentially no other riads in town receive such great reviews while still remaining affordable. Riad Dar Awil is new, modern, and clean, and smaller than other riads across the country, which means more attentive staff and a chance to get to know your fellow guests over breakfast. It’s located right in the heart of the medina, which is exactly where you want to be staying in Essaouira.

In Fes,  Dar Fes Tresor  ( $44 a night  for a double room; rated 9.1 on  Booking ) is exactly what you probably picture staying in Morocco to look like. The rooms are gorgeous, with intricate mosaics and stained glass windows, giving a real traditional vibe to the place. It’s in a quiet location, which is essential for travel in chaotic Fes, and the staff are so kind and friendly. The views from the rooftop are really the icing on the cake!

In Chefchaouen,  Dar Swiar  ( $45 a night  for a double room; rated  9.4 on Booking ) offers incredible value when you consider how expensive the city is for travellers. It has a wonderful rooftop view of the blue buildings, is just a minute’s walk from the main square in town, and a very welcoming owner. As a bonus, the Wi-Fi is fast, which is tough to find in Morocco!

And finally, in Tangier,  Mnar Castle  ( $46 a night  for a four-person apartment; rated  9.2 on Booking ) is one of the most popular hotels for a reason. Not only do they have a large swimming pool for guests, but they also offer some of the best-value accommodation in the country. There’s a delicious breakfast, a breathtaking view of the ocean, and a free shuttle that takes you to the main attractions in the city.

Dealing with local men:

There’s not really much you can do to avoid attention (I even met women travelling with men who were drained from the abuse directed at them) but there are steps you can take to minimise it. Look as though you know where you’re going when you’re out exploring because if you look frightened, lost, and disorientated you’ll also look like an easy target. When local men approach you keep your head held high, avoid eye-contact and stride purposefully away. If they persist, ask them firmly to leave you alone. Ignore them if they get angry.

Cover up: 

I wore long cotton pants down to my ankles, a t-shirt with a high neck, a long-sleeved cotton shirt and a shawl. I kept everything loose and light so I didn’t get too hot during the day. The girls I met who felt most scarred by the hassle were those who were walking around in shorts and a strap top, but even those who were covered from head to toe weren’t left alone, as my experience shows.

Expect to feel uncomfortable in shared cabs: 

Shared cabs are a cheap way to get from city to city if there aren’t any buses running. My experiences with shared cabs weren’t great. There was usually four people crammed into a backseat of a tiny car — that’s three men and myself all squeezed together. Nothing untoward happened but I did feel a little uneasy pressed up against three locals. Either wait for a cab you can share with females or take a bus instead.

Know that your frame of mind will affect your experience:

When horrible things happened to me in Morocco, it was at a time when I was struggling, worn out and angry. When I was happy and excited, wonderful things happened. There is no excuse for the man who threw a rock at the back of my head in Tangier, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been giving off a hostile vibe and storming away from him in rage and frustration. Though it can be taxing, try to stay positive when you’re experiencing hassle. I know I wish I had.

Get travel insurance: 

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Morocco. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

My time in Morocco was challenging but it was rewarding, too. As long as you’re fully aware of what to expect, stay positive, dress respectfully and take time to rest when the hassle gets too much, there’s no reason you can’t have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Related Articles About Morocco 💰 How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Morocco? 🇲🇦 28 Incredible Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco 🐪 An Incredible Experience in the Sahara Desert 💙 Is Chefchaouen the Prettiest City in the World? 🏖 Every Post I’ve Written About Morocco

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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318 comments.

Thanks for sharing your experience and telling it like it was. I went to Morocco last year – but accompanied by my husband – and had an entirely different experience than you, receiving zero attention from local men. It’s a little crazy to hear how different it could be by being on your own! Glad you had a few good memories from the trip regardless and I appreciate hearing your viewpoint.

I’m glad to hear you had a different experience to me, Becky. If I’d received zero attention Morocco would have been my favourite country :-)

Hello, I went to Morocco mid Feb this year with my daughter for 8 days. We stayed at a Riad and booked the excursions through them, the guides were really nice and there was no problem at all. I was really skeptical to go there initially.

I am sorry you had such a bad experience 😔

Hi Lauren, I am currently living in Tangier, Morocco and though I am not traveling alone I am sorry for the experience you had. Even though I also walk around with at least 1 other women I do occasionally get harassed but I could never imagine having something throw a rock at me. For others who look at this I have found that screaming/firmly shouting “La” (no in Arabic) repeatedly does the trick. We were told that if guys get aggressive then get aggressive back and yell Hosheem (I might be spelling this wrong) which means shame. I have almost always completely avoided talking to Moroccan men outside of saying my fake name and telling them I have a boyfriend. I found avoiding eye contact, firmly saying/yelling la, and turning down every guy immediately works wonderfully. I hope you try and visit again soon!

It’s such a shame that you had such a rough time in Morocco. That’s one of the countries I’ve wanted to visit, but given its checkered history, I’ve always hesitated. I’m ashamed on behalf of men for the way those guys behave toward women, and how they behaved toward you. There are other places in the world to visit.

There are definitely other places. Morocco *is* stunningly beautiful but yes, the local men’s behaviour needs a lot of improving.

I also found Morocco very confronting – a mixture of awe at the incredible scenes and beauty I was witnessing, but also SUCH ANGER at the constant harassment and abuse. Chefchaouen was such a healing spot after the insanity of the other cities. In cases like this, I try and remember that every place has its assholes, but just because one country’s assholes are the most vocal and in-your-face locals you meet, doesn’t mean that good people aren’t out there as well. But, seriously, is it ever difficult to keep that in perspective when a stranger is calling you a slut just for walking past…

It’s encouraging to read that you still consider Morocco one of your favourite countries, though! I do want to go back someday, but with a thicker skin. Thank you for sharing your story :)

Sounds like we had the exact same experience, Naomi :-). I think having a very thick skin is key for dealing with Morocco.

Same here! Hearing *I want to fuck you* on my back, walking on the public market right next to my boyfriend, getting stones thrown at the two of us stopping in the shade of a tree (we are bikepacking), hearing kids yelling stupid things as we pass – as much as people get kind when you come to their homes or purchase something, as much I feel disappointed by a culture that makes boys behave so terribly.

The landscape can be beautiful, the people can be kind – incidents downgrade Morocco a lot. I don’t know about the thicker skin, I really behave so respectful and avoid every misbehavior… I just want to kick those guys in their genitals. Really hard. But of course it’s lack of education and money which makes them that way…

I’m sorry to hear about all these terrible things that happened to you!! I have heard such a wide variety of experiences from women in Morocco – it really does determine how you feel about it.

Just to give people an idea of a different experience: I studied abroad in Morocco this past summer, and as a 19 year old girl, took many solo trips around the country. Any problems? None!! I absolutely love Morocco, it’s definitely one of my favorite countries in the world. Sure, men catcalled me on a daily basis and I did get a lot of attention, but for the most part it was harmless and I often found it kind of funny (As in – let’s rate the quality of catcalls we get today). I never experienced any physical harassment, and as a solo female traveler I couchsurfed with the nicest people all around the country and met lots of hospitable locals who made my experience amazing. A taxi driver in Asilah even invited me and all of my friends for dinner during Ramadan, and we all shared food with him and his kind family in the countryside!

The only kind of extreme hassle I had (nowhere near on par with yours) was this one henna lady in Marrakech who tried to scam the hell out of me. You’re absolutely right when you say that your frame of mind shapes the experience. I tried to stay positive the entire time, and took the cat calls lightly and with some humor instead of letting them bother me. When locals came up and started talking to me, I learned to just go with it unless I got bad vibes, in which case I’d ignore. I’d make some friendly chat and then come up with an excuse to leave, and usually the people were nice. It just seems so normal for them to walk right up to strangers and talk to them. The most common phrase I heard from these men who walked up to me was, “Welcome to Morocco!”.

Once again, sorry to hear about these bad experiences. I share your love for the country, except this is coming from someone who did not get a lot of hassle. I also absolutely loved Essaouira and Chefchaouen – my two favorite places in the country! I went to Essaouira during the Gnaoua festival (which I think was the music festival you talked about stumbling into) and had an amazing time! Then again, I couchsurfed and the locals I stayed with were amazing guides and hosts to the little hippie town. I can’t wait to return to the Morocco! Even though your talking about the difficulties you had, it’s making me nostalgic hahaha.

Thank you for sharing a different experience, Anne! I have friends that had no problems while travelling through Morocco so I definitely know it’s possible — it’s just frustrating my experience was so negative! Your time sounds amazing :-)

Sorry to hear you had such a rough time in Morocco! I’ve been debating on whether or not I should try to visit there this coming year, although maybe I should wait until I have someone to go with!

Either wait until you have someone to travel with or expect lots of harassment so it isn’t a surprise :-). Work lots of downtime into your itinerary!

Morocco remains high on my list, including Marrakech, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen. It’s sad to hear that not only is there such harassment, but the anger that appears to come along when you don’t respond. I’m almost more concerned about how I would react – I can only keep my head down and mouth shut for so long! I still plan to visit, but will probably wait until I’ve had more solo travel under my belt and/or have a companion to come along.

I’ve had enough experience with annoying touts around the world that my first reaction is to keep my head down and ignore everything going on around me. It did definitely seem to anger them though.

Glad you still want to visit! :-)

Hi I’m Moroccan.i want to apologize for this behave. It’ss true, women are harassed all the time in Morocco, not by every male but in many cities it became the rule. Sometimes, when I’m with my daughter .i feel embarrassed when I notice this wrong behave. It’s not easy to be a woman in Morocco. I’m sorry But the country is beautiful

I can’t believe that guy threw a rock at you!! Holy smokes. Kudos for you on keeping your cool with these guys. I would have never been able to handle that – I would have flown off the handle and probably made things much, much worse. Note to self: there are other places than Morocco to see :)

Yeah, I have a pretty bad temper but after punching a scammer in Shanghai I’ve worked on keeping it under control :-). There are definitely other places with much less hassle!

My pals over at Vagabond3 just got back from Morocco, so it’s really interesting hearing about their time and now yours as well. While Morocco has never been even on my radar of places to go, it’s officially completely fallen off based on the rock throwing. I am just in shock reading that. And given the fact that in a place like this I would always give off a bitchy vibe, that this could happen, I’m out.

Yeah, the rock throwing was completely uncalled for — I just wanted him to leave me alone. I’ll have to head over to Vagabond3 to see what their experience was like.

I really appreciate the honesty in this post. Morocco is one of the countries I’d love to visit, and planning a trip around cities where I won’t be harassed doesn’t seem so out of the question. I’m sorry you had some tough experiences, but I’m glad that you had the amazing times to balance that out. And you’ve written about it in a really balanced way, good job.

Those pictures, though, breathtaking.

Thanks for the kind words, Sally. My time in Morocco was definitely very conflicted.

Sorry to hear you had such bad experiences. I have yet to go but am in the midst of planning a 13 day trip next March but with my fiancé. How did you travel from city to city? Bus?

Hey Samantha,

Yep, I travelled by bus everywhere. The only exception was from Chefchaouen to Tangier, where I travelled by shared taxi.

Sorry for a rough time at Morocco. I can’t believe that guy threw a stone to you. It must be frustrating for you but i like your attitude towards Morocco, hope you will go back there and may be give a different experience story.

I’d love to return and have a completely different experience with the local men! It would make Morocco my favourite country :-)

Well, Lauren, I don’t know why there are few black sheep in every country. Sorry to hear about the person who hurt you for no reason.

I am glad that being a positive person you look for the best things and that’s exactly what I like about travelling. It lets you give a positive vibe and you tend to look at the beautiful things of the world and its people. There are so many things to learn from you Lauren.

Ah, thank you so much!

My first foray into Morocco was as an inexperienced traveller to Tangiers. Since I live a few hours north of Morocco, it’s easily accessible from Spain. In the short hours I spent there, I felt extremely uncomfortable and ripped off, and everything seemed to artifical. Due to the number of ferries that arrive from Algeciras and Tarifa, the cities along the coast have lost a lot of character. Marrakesh was totally different for me, and much more enjoyable.

I’m not surprised to hear that, Cat. I found the touts to be especially aggressive in Tangier — I guess due to all the day trippers from Spain.

Wow, what an experience! I can’t believe that guy threw a rock at you, no excuse for stuff like that. It’s awesome that you didn’t let the bad incidents colour your perception of the country too much though – it looks stunningly beautiful.

It truly is a beautiful country. And yes, no excuses for the behaviour of the men. See why I’m conflicted?!

Someone threw a rock at your head?!? That’s ridiculous! I guess guys generally get it easier than girls in the travel department – I certainly don’t get hassled in a sexual manner…maybe I should start wearing short shorts…anyway, I’m glad you wrote this post. Travel isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, and even in countries we love, we can have bad experiences. Serbia and Turkey are two of my favourite countries, but a couple of crappy things happened in each place.

Yeah, absolutely. I know that I find myself receiving much more harassment than my male travel friends do while travelling. Travel would be much easier if I was a dude :-)

Wow, I would have done the exact same as you. First, locking myself in doors for a while to recover, and then leaving after the rock incident. It is infuriating how some people can be so awful and ignorant! The things they were whispering too…..it’s hard to comprehend how they think that is okay!

That being said, the Sahara desert experience sounds amazing and Chefchaouen looks absolutely stunning! It would be a dream to take pictures of and I must make it there someday. It’s too bad the people can’t just be nicer, then I’d book a ticket right away. Instead, I’m a bit hesitant, and would want to wait for the right time, the right travel partner…or maybe just a really cheap flight ;)

Yeah, the whispering and insults were what really got to me — and then I was pissed off at myself for not standing up for myself and yelling at them. I can understand you being hesitant but it’s definitely still worth visiting at some point, maybe with a travel partner.

Great post, Lauren. It’s never easy to write about a place when you experienced both highs AND lows. Morocco is one of those places that part of me really wants to visit, while the other part just wants to stay far away. Things like the Sahara and Chefchaouen I think will eventually draw me in, though…

However, I don’t know if I will tackle Morocco solo.

Thanks, Amanda! I think if you’re nervous about visiting Morocco it’s best to see it as part of a tour, or with a guy.

Oh my goodness I can’t believe someone threw a rock at you! I wrote a post where I mentioned feeling a draw to Morocco but feeling conflicted because of the hassle and safety factor and so many women have said it’s worth it. But man, your experiences sound really though! I think I’d either want to book a guided tour (ugh) at this point, or get some more solo travel experience under my belt.

Yeah. The rock didn’t hurt much but I was in so much shock. Even if I’d stayed past that point, I would have been too nervous to go outside.

I’m not a fan of guided tours either, but I’d definitely take one in somewhere like India, which intimidates me.

The pictures are breathtaking (the one taken in Chefchaouen is my absolute favorite), but until I read your post I had no idea this is the situation for female solo travelers in Morocco! I´ve always regarded Morocco as a great eco-tourism destination full of adventure and culture, but I´ve never considered its cons, I guess. I´m quite surprised I have to say.. Maybe this is the result of the lack of social interaction between the sexes and Moroccan men generally having little exposure to women other than their immediate family..

Thanks, Jamie.

I can’t speak Moroccan men, but I’ve read, and heard from several people, that a huge contributing factor is the fact that they’re not used to seeing women exposing bare skin. In the Western world it’s rather common, which has the men believing that Western women are easy.

This is a really great post, it’s wonderful you’re so honest about your experiences.

I travelled Morocco with my husband and was occasionally harassed when I became separated from him. One time we were getting out of a taxi and I guy came up to me and said “Big ASS, you have big ASS!” It was the final straw. I turned around and snapped, “I DO NOT have a BIG ASS!” And then our guide informed me he was saying I have big EYES.

Opps…

Thanks, Carmen, it took over a year for me to publish this post, but I feel like my experiences need to be shared. That story is hilarious!

I’m afraid the guide would have been lying to calm you down. I have lived in Morocco for 15 years, I speak arabic and some berber and believe me, the only words that come out of their mouths are insults! There are, of course, exceptions but there is an incredibly high percentage of rude, nasty people here. Some of the attitude comes from lack of or, even worse, poor education and the instilling of the belief by parents to children that strangers are dangerous and not welcome – the infidel!. It is quite normal, while out walking the dogs or running errands, to be hit on the head by rocks or pieces of old food picked up from the ever-present rubbish in the streets. Morocco is a truly beautiful country ruined by the population who seem unable to take responsibility for anything. I have never seen so much broken glass (from wine, beer and mehia bottles) in countryside locations as here, in this islamic country and I don’t believe that one shard has been put there by a tourist!!!!

Thanks for your insight, Pansy.

I am moroccan and feels so ashamed that you had experienced a bad moments. beleive me this not our reality, i kniow there are bad guys and even moroccan girls go through the same situation. but i am happy you still keeping a positive side of you trip to our country. My advice is to travel with a friend or have an experienced local guide.

just a note: the comment coming from PANSY that : THE INSTILLING OF THE BELIEF BY PARENTS TO CHILDREN THAT STRANGERS ARE DANGEROUS AND NOT WELCOME… is completely false and a rude judgement.

Youssef from Casablance

Thanks for sharing Youssef, I’ll be making sure to travel with somebody else the next time I come back :-)

I hope you are less racist almost ten years later. Your comment smells bullshit. The exceptions are the men harassing, it is not the other way around.

Very sad. I feel terrible sad about the situation in Morocco because I also had fantastic experiences there, yet came away with an incredibly negative view. So negative that I tell everyone I know to go somewhere else. There are 200 countries in the world and you’ll never visit them all — go somewhere else before heading to Morocco.

I had two major incidents and incessant minor ones. In each case it was about aggressive men. Hostile men. Nasty men. Nothing like any of the hassles you get a in a normal tourist destination. Hate hate hate.

Positive experiences – Chefchaouen, Mhamid, Todra Gorge. The rest was shit. :)

Yep, it’s hard to know what to say when people ask for my recommendations. I have female friends who travelled alone in Morocco and had a perfectly safe, enjoyable experience — but that was the complete opposite to my experience.

Chefchaouen was so great :-)

Thanks for such an honest post. It’s incredible to have a location that has such good and bad memories all at the same time.

While I’m a “you shouldn’t let a bad experience ruin it for you” type of person, I don’t think I would return myself after going through everything you had to. There is so much more of the world to see. So many places where the positives far outweigh any negatives.

Yeah, it’s tough, and it’s true there are plenty of other places where you won’t be subjected to abuse.

I’m still keen to return, though!

Thank you for sharing your story and for the useful tips. Morocco is a country I’ve dreamed of visiting for a while now and I’ve been fortunate to meet many lovely people from there recently (male and female). Maybe when I do go, i will be in the company of a friend as a guide. I can’t imagine what possesses men to treat women the way you were treated there. I don’t think that was simply a cultural issue, but maybe it is, which is a sad thought. Throwing rocks at anyone is just mean. BTW, beautiful photos, especially of Chefchaouen!

Thank you! Morocco is incredibly beautiful — it’s just a shame about the hassle. I would return to Morocco alone, as I think I’d be more prepared second time around, but I’d definitely choose to travel with a guy if I had the option.

As far as I’m aware, Morocco might just be the worst place to be a solo female traveler. Between my group that went and another group that went, it varied from decent to harassment-filled. It’s pretty sad that the best thing you can say about the people is “they didn’t bother me as much as people said they would.” Sigh. I don’t know the cause, but it’s certainly true. It’s not an absolute reason to stay away, but it’s certainly a reason to do your homework and be careful.

I’m sure there are worse places… but yes, it’s definitely a challenge. I believe you can have a safe time in Morocco if you research thoroughly and know what to expect — and if you have a bit of travel experience too, but it’s unlikely to be easy and stress-free travel!

Thanks for sharing your story. Morocco is on the list and I have heard it is a tough place to visit. I can’t imagine doing it by myself! But you are right, there are some amazing things to see there, and even though I go back and forth, it’s still on the list. Great article with great information, even for those that are not traveling alone.

Thanks, Lina. I’m glad you found it helpful, and I’m glad it’s still on your list :-)

I haven’t ever been to Morocco and I can’t say I’ve ever been anywhere that seems to be quite as rough as your time there was, but I do understand what you mean about finding a challenging country magnetic and alluring—I felt the same way about Vietnam, which definitely can have its difficult moments. And yet, I think that if it had been easy and smooth sailing the entire time, I just wouldn’t have liked it as much. I think that because we had to work a little bit to crack the hard outer shell and get to the good bits, it made us appreciate it more. Morocco is a country that I really want to visit one day (along with India!), but I know that it won’t be smooth sailing. Hopefully the fact that I’ll visit with Tony rather than myself will help things along, but I think there are a lot of good tips here for all female travelers.

Absolutely! I’m frightened by India and don’t think I’d be brave enough to travel solo there, but I feel that it would also end up being one of my favourite countries, despite the challenges it would hold.

Thank you for your post! I am thinking about visiting Morocco for my first semi-solo trip and joining up with an Intrepid Tour. I have been to India so I am curious as to how they compare. India was exactly like what the previous commenter said, it was a tough time but I really enjoyed the trip. I never noticed any sexual harassment in India, even when another girl and I got lost in Delhi at night, but the overall experience was emotionally tough and incredibly rewarding so I can see what you are saying. I was really excited about going to Morocco but now I am a little bit more nervous, I am hoping traveling with a group with a good guide will help the trip go well. But definitely go to India both of you if you haven’t already, though maybe go with a group or someone who knows the language and the culture.

Morocco used to be high on my travel list but after two female friends had bad experiences, it slipped several notches (in addition to being followed and grabbed, one asian friend faced constant racial slurs). It is disappointing to see that you too had a negative experience Laura (along with the positives of course). It’s such a big world, call me crazy but I’m more motivated to see the friendly/more respectful places first!

I definitely understand why you feel that way, Becky. There are definitely easier places to travel through where you almost certainly won’t be abused or hassled :-)

It is shocking, grabbing, insulting and throwing rocks? I’m sorry you had to experience all that!

I must have been lucky, I have been travelling in Morocco in December 2012/January 2013 for 4 weeks and didn’t have any bad experience!

Of course there were men starring, maybe few times trying to talk, but I always ignored and they did too.

I’m glad to hear you didn’t experience the same levels of abuse that I did, Marysia. It’s great to hear that some females have completely hassle-free experiences in the country :-)

Thank you for the post. I’m going to Morocco solo for a week mid Feb for my 30th and I’m apprehensive about it for the harassment reasons. I’ve travelled solo often , and I DESPISE the the harassment in every country I go to. I’m always covered up but I always get creeps staring and saying things no matter what country I’m in. I’m worried about totally cracking it and screaming at someone!! Do you think it will be safe/recommend doing a desert tour?

I agree. I always seem to get harassment even when I follow all the rules for avoiding it. I think you should be perfectly safe taking a tour in the desert, though. There’s usually around ten people in each tour group, so it’s not like you’ll be alone with a creepy male guide :-). I’d definitely recommend taking the tour — it’s the best thing I’ve ever done! :-)

First off, I want to thank you for writing this, it’s difficult to find information on Morocco. I am planning a 11 month trip, after I graduate. It will be my first time traveling without my family, and I really wanted to see Morocco. The thing is, this will be the second country I visit in my trip (I’m planning on visiting 10- a month for each country, except Italy, which gets two :) ), and I will most likely be traveling solo, so I don’t know if it is such a good choice for me. I don’t like tours, they don’t let you plan enough of what you want to do. I have traveled before, with my family, and I can navigate well, and everything, but the hassle doesn’t sound like its worth it, when I could decide on going to a different country without all of the hassling and love all of it, you know? Do you have any advice?

No problem, Elizabeth. I’m glad you found it helpful. Maybe you could just buy a one-way ticket to Morocco and not book your flight out of there until you’d been there a few days? If you’re finding the hassle too much then you could just get out of there and go somewhere different. I guess you’ll have to ask yourself if you think you might regret it if you didn’t give it a go? If it was me, I’d do that and go see how it is for myself. The comments here have shown that some women have had a perfectly safe experience in Morocco so that could also happen for you :-)

Bummer to hear that you had a rough experience in Morocco. We visited Fes, Chefchaouen, Merzouga, and Meknes and loved it though were traveling as a couple. I definitely echo the ‘cover up’ tip! You’ll draw much less attention traveling this way.

Hopefully some of my tips will be helpful for others looking to travel this wonderful country!

Thanks for your comment, Sara! It’s always good to hear from people who had a different experience to me! :-)

I was just wondering of you have travelled to India before and if so how you felt the men and their hassling compared? thanks! x

I haven’t yet, but hope to soon. I imagine that India is worse than Morocco, from what I’ve read.

Hi Lauren, I found your post through googling ‘morocco annoying touts’ because I too am at the brink of leaving myself. My experience and the types of touts I receive are obviously different because I am male, but the constant harassment is no less irritating.

Ah, sorry to hear that, Devon. Did you decide to leave?

Hi Lauren, Great article! Really informative and helpful to me as I prepare for a summer trip to Morocco. I am a fairly experienced solo traveler but I certainly can think of times when I felt worn down by rudeness or aggressive behavior esp. by men. I usually tend to clam up and stay quiet, feeling awkward, and not wanting to make a scene. I feel a little more prepared after reading this… quick question, Where did you get your guide when you first arrived?cost? sounds like a great way to get introduced to the area. Also do you know anything about taking a ferry over? I’m planning to take the ferry from Spain to Tangier I’m wondering if it would be best to just fly? Thanks! Ashley

I arranged it through my guesthouse. I’d imagine you should be able to do the same with most accommodations in the city. I didn’t take the ferry — sorry!

Hey Lauren,

I just came across your post, and very much enjoyed it! I am planning on traveling from Spain to Chefchaouen next week as a solo female. Any recommendations on places to stay? I’ve been looking on Hostelworld etc, but would much more prefer a suggestion from another girl who has traveled there! Thanks so much!xx

I loved Riad Baraka! It’s my favourite guesthouse in the world :-)

Thanks so much for this post! I’m heading to Morocco this summer, and though I’ve traveled extensively, including solo trips to many “questionable” places, many of my female friends and associates have had unpleasant experiences there. Think I’ll go with a tour group (for the first time) to hopefully make my time more hassle-free.

That sounds like a smart idea, Jacke. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable experience :-)

I’m in tangiers right now and have felt depressingly trapped in my hotel because of the harassment, the hooting and following and pestering…also, I don’t even feel like I can relax at a teahouse when out and about because they are full of nothing but staring men, so uncomfortable. I wish I had read your blog before wasting so much money coming here…. :(

Tangier was particularly rough for me, as well. Sorry to hear you’re struggling, Mishka. I hope things get easier for you.

My two friends and I (all female) had a horrific experience in Morocco as well. I mean, there were things I absolutely loved about it. The Blue City was by far my favorite.

And with the desert experience into the Sahara, we entirely expected it to be hot, toilets to not work properly, cold showers, etc. It’s the desert. We are not pampered. What we were not expecting was the lack of protocol when it comes to an emergency.

To begin, we had a driver from Fes to the hotel. My friends and I speak both English and Spanish. He spoke Arabic and French. We tried to communicated but it was difficult. He then, however, proceeded to yell us whenever we spoke to one another in a language he didn’t understand “No English. No English.” It was also very uncomfortable to sit in the front seat next to him as he continued to grab our hands entwining his fingers with ours. We could pull our hands away but he would hold onto them still. At one point, he patted my chest, grabbed my hand and forced me to touch his stomach. There were many other moments in the car ride that were involved inappropriate touching. My friends and I felt very trapped and didn’t know how to respond, afraid if we got angry, we would be left and we were in the middle of nowhere. At one point, he stopped the car to have us take a “panoramic picture.” He wanted to take a picture with my friend. Being polite and not really knowing how to say no, she obliged him. As he goes to pose with her, he attempts to fondle my friend. My other friend screams at him to stop and back away. Which he does, but after, he is very rude to us and won’t let us talk to one another.

Eventually, we arrive at the hotel. The staff was very kind and accommodating, welcoming and warm. Our driver left and we thought our problems were over.

On the camel ride, two minutes into the trek, before we reach the sand dunes, there is a hard rocking part that has been cleared of sand. As I am riding, I shift my book bag barely and my camel gets spooked. He kicks and starts to run – I have a hold of the saddle handle with my left hand – but I can’t hold on. I am thrown to the ground. The next few minutes are a bit of a whirlwind. They ask me if I’m alright. I explain that my arm is hurt and my hip in pain. They tell me that I’ll be ok, but I need to decide if I want to go or stay behind. They have already tamed and fixed my camel. To take responsibility at this moment, I should have stayed behind, but I was in such shock that I didn’t really have time to assess my injuries. They put me back on the same camel and we ride an hour to the desert camp without electricity, ice, or anything to treat my wounds.

When we arrive, I can’t bend or move my arm. It is in extreme pain. I tell one of the BerBer guides. He fixes up some hot water and salt and attempts to massage out the pain. I believe he honestly thought I had just sprained my arm. The pain was so excruciating that I they had to ties a scarf in my mouth to muffle my screams. I almost vomited from the pain. By the end of the hour long massage, I did have more flexibility in my arm and thought it was getting better. Some of the other travelers had pain medicine and shared it with me. Everyone at the camp was very kind, but I feel as if they were unprepared at how to attend a medical emergency. They called the hotel and their bosses, but when I requested if I could go back to the hotel to go to the doctor, they said they didn’t have any means of getting me back to the hotel until the next morning. Thinking it was just a severe sprain still, I requested if my friends and I could be the first group back to the hotel in the morning. They said yes.

During the night, my arm worsened to a point I couldn’t move it. They massaged it again, but it was too painful and didn’t help. It was obvious the guides felt bad. They were very attentive, gave my friends and I a separate meal, etc. Sadly, our bed/cabin got infected with ants and we had to sleep outside.

In the morning, when we were supposed to be the first to leave, they ended up making us wait and be the last to leave. When we finally arrive back at the hotel, I find the head staff member, maybe a manager, I’m honestly not sure because no one was very transparent with us. I requested to be driven back to Rissani to see a doctor, go to a pharmacy for medicine, and then if they could get us to the bus station. I didn’t demand a refund or anything. I just requested that they help us with transportation.

The head guy was very kind and said he would arrange everything, gave us two rooms to shower and get read while we wait for a car. Another worker gave me a sling and they accommodated us with a free lunch and water. The bus from Rissani to Fes would leave at 8pm since there are only morning and night buses. We said we understood but in the meantime would like to be taken to a doctor.

We waiting from 10am to 6pm before a car took me into Rissani, but the events that transpired into getting us to Rissani were very traumatic. By the time 6pm rolls around and no one has come to pick us up, I am upset. I start to cry and my friends, feeling frustrated, demand that we go now. We are shoved into a 4X4 with a man that we don’t know (we assumed a head guy) and another guy. He’s driving like a madman and before we were shoved into the car, all of the workers who had been kind to us before were trying to stop him from taking us. He screamed at the staff member who gave me the sling – yelling that it isn’t his property to give away.

Half way into the drive from the hotel to Rissani he jerks the car and yells at me to explain why I’m crying. My friend tries to talk for me because I’m emotionally and physically unable to articulate everything. He cuts her off and asks if she is a lawyer. He then asks her this in Spanish as well. She says no. And he says, good, because if he found out a lawyer was in his car, we would be left in the desert.

He then proceeded the entire drive to tell my friend that she had a hard heart and it was a good thing that he was kind because most people would leave her in the desert. He continued to say and do passive aggressive comments that implied we had no choice in our fate and that if he wanted to dispose of us, he could, especially with his connections with the police.

During the drive, he would scream at at people in Spanish that he was going to kill them, then turned to us and said, “Oops. I forgot you speak Spanish.” These were all his subtle ways of threatening us.

We finally arrive to Rissani and he hands us our bus tickets. He tells us we can go to a doctor, and to the pharmacy, but he actually recommends that we go to a guy that he knows to fix my arm. I request the doctor. So we go to the doctor’s office. The doctor, according to our driver, isn’t in. So he tells us, we’re going to the guy he knows. My arm is swollen, bruised, and my fingers and hand are beginning to numb.

He drives us to an abandoned building that is falling apart. He yells at my friends to stay in the car while he takes me upstairs. They refuse and say they want to come with me. He takes us to the top where an old old man with a glass eye is sitting among trash, dirt, rust, etc. He then looks at my arm and tells the draconian driver that I have suffered a severe elbow dislocation and that the guy is going to set in place now. They don’t give me any medicine, nothing, and the old man sets my elbow. He tells the driver to tell me that if I had waited any longer, I may have lost mobility in my arm. I’m not sure how true this is – but these are the events that occurred. The driver then tells us to pay the man with money from the heart. We give him 200 DH.

The driver then puts us back in the car and says “I invite you to tea. You can accept or decline, but I think it would be best if you accepted.” We then were forced to sit with this man and drink mint tea before our bus trip. He would ask us small talk questions and make comments about how respectable and beautiful Moroccan women are. He told us not to cry or we would have worse problems on our hands if the police saw us crying. Also, now that I was “fixed”, I could leave the desert happy. During tea, he told us that the same camel that threw me, had thrown another girl a week before, and she had a dislocated shoulder and they took her to the same man to be fixed.

He then drove us to the bus station, dropped us off, and left and took the sling from me. Saying, it was his and I didn’t need it anymore since I was fixed. I was not taken to the pharmacy for pain medication and had to endure the pain of my elbow and leg. (If I could attach an image of my leg I would. I have a bruise that extends from the back of my right knee to the bottom of my right butt cheek. It is black and bumped up.)

I am not sure why this all happened. I can honestly say that I acted with patience through the entire ordeal until the very end. They weren’t transparent about anything and I don’t know why they waited so long to have my injuries looked at. If they didn’t think it was sever or not, I’m not sure.

All I know, is that whether the injury appears to be minor or major, they should have a protocol in order, or at least say, whether I think you are ok or not, we need to be sure, let’s see someone now.

It wasn’t only physically harming buy also emotionally. I have traveled to many countries, I don’t expect luxury, but I do hope for human compassion and concern for safety if something goes wrong. The man who drove us was very disrespectful towards us and I am hundred percent sure it was because we were women. I felt powerless and unable to say no to him. I am writing this experience on here, because yes, I do think it is a freak accident, and if I hadn’t gotten thrown from the camel, we would have loved the desert experience. But, to see a man’s true colors, put him in crisis. I saw immediately we were just money to them and they were all concerned about protecting themselves.

I could handle the touts, the touching, no. Am I glad I went to Morocco? Yes and no. Yes, because now I really do understand and fully can grasp the objectification of my sex. We also met one very kind Moroccan man at our hostel who took my friend and me to a Hassan with all local women, and naturally treated us and bathed us like their own. It made me so sad for what had happened to us before because of how kind they were to us.

(Sorry this comment was sooooooo long, but I thought it necessary to share – and – well – I needed to because it was a painful experience.)

I just read your comment about your trip to Morocco. I can’t imagine what you just went through, but I am glad your friends are safe! Now I am seriously debating whether to go there by myself or not!

Remember that one person’s experiences doesn’t necessarily mean yours will be the same!

Hello lauren , Sorry for my english i’m not too Good , but i cant stop my self i must reply to this .

My Country is Like all other Country’s , you can Find Good and bad paople , except my country is very beautiful and charming like you said :) , There is only a fiew bad people that would like to harm you , but there is too meny good people that would love to invite you to their house and give you Their food and their bad to sleep in and he can sleep on the floor , and i dare you if you can find this in eny other country , and i’m sure if i come to england and i was sleeping in the Street , i will not say no one will help me or invite me , but the number of people that would help you in that situation in morocco will be more than the number that will help me in yours , for example , a russian girl come to my library last week , and she was lost , she needed a map and for Free , because she wasnt caring eny money , i gave it to her , and i paid The Taxi for Her to her hostle , and i gave her my number so that if she needed enything just call me and i will be there to make her trip easy as mush i can , and i’m sure that 90 % of the people here would do the same thing , for no change , and the people in the streets who stops you to buy thing’s from , they do it to us too , they stop us too , poor people have the right to feed there children too , and there is too meny poor people in marrakech , and i asure you that happen’s to me when i visite marrakech too , and that boy from tanger that bother’s you , that can happen’s to you in your country too , that was a bad luck that’s all :D

so i hope you change your idea about morocco , and you visite as again as soon as possible , because moroccan people love if people from other country’s talk good about them that’s all , and next time if you visite Casablanca and needed any thing just searsh for library wamnay in Maarif , i will be there to help you . Good luck

Thanks for your comments, Adnane! I completely agree that what happened to me could have easily happened in my hometown of London. I just wanted to pass on my experiences in Morocco, just because I did seem to have such bad luck there. I hope to return within the next few years to have a much more positive experience :-)

Thank you so much for you post about your trip to Morocco. Im debating whether or not to go there by myself this month. Ive traveled mostly alone and your tips for women travelers is very helpful!

I’m so pleased to hear that! Thank you, Kathy! :-)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Morocco is one of the places I’m definitely looking into doing solo trip to. I did 10 day solo trip to India and cut my trip short by few days (was supposed to be 2 weeks) as well due to overwhelming harassments, but of course not like what you experienced! I’m sorry your first Morocco left you a bit sour. Perhaps second or third might be better? It’s been 2 years since my India trip and even tho the harassments (or the touts) on streets were pretty bad, I’d love to go back and see other parts of India. Your experience was definitely something I’ll keep in my mind and hopefully it’ll help me stay strong when I do go to Morocco. Thank you again and I hope if you do go back, it’ll be fabulous :)

I sort of compare my experiences in Morocco with those that many people seem to have in Indian — hating it while they’re there, and having it drive them crazy, and then the second they leave, wanting to return!

I’m hoping my second trip will be far more enjoyable than the first :-)

I’m visiting Marrakesh in two weeks and am currently researching sahara overnight tours – some with very positive reviews. I was just wondering what the name of the tour you went with was called? Just so I can avoid. Thank you! Sorry if you mentioned this in one of your posts – I may have missed it.

Hi Evelyn. I booked it through my hostel, Mama Marrakech. I didn’t book in advance.

I’ll be travelling there with my two sisters. I’m Indian and I can relate to the stares when roaming with them. But do you think I need to worry about men approaching or name calling them?

And also are buses safe? It’ll be a budget trip so I would rather avoid private taxis.

I found the buses to be very safe — I never felt in any danger while taking them. And I think if you’ll be with them, they’ll probably not experience much hassle. Hope you have a good trip!

Wow, great post. Very honest!

I travelled to Morocco 2 years ago, on my first ever overseas journey as a wide eyed 18 year old! I travelled with my best friend (male) and we did a tour through Topdeck for the most part. Topdeck used a local guide who was AMAZING and ever took me and my friend to his family’s place in the country to celebrate the end of Ramadan! We are still in touch, and I’ll never forget him rushing me to hospital when I collapsed due to a bid mix of food poisoning and heat stroke!

I didn’t happen to have any problem with the touts, but I always engaged with them, although rarely purchased anything. I found that if I chatted and engaged, then explained that I wasn’t interested in purchasing anything, they were fine. I also found that I got much less attention from men than the other women in our tour. Maybe because I have Muslim friends, I was slightly more culturally sensitive, and didn’t wear revealing clothing at all.

I am hoping to return to Morocco on my next trip, and was thinking of doing it alone, but after your experiences, I might try to rope a friend in to doing it with me!

Thanks for being so candid, and I hope you do go back one day. It is such a beautiful county with the most incredible, varied culture!

P.S. It;s so interesting that you liked Marrakech! It was my least favourite place, but maybe because it was above 50 degrees celcius the whole time..!

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Morocco in October, and was wondering which tour company you used for the sahara trip and which tour you chose? I can’t find one that’s suitable for solo travellers; was yours good? Were you in a group with other solo-travellers?

Hey Owen. I just booked my tour through my hostel. It’s far cheaper to just turn up and find something — and all of the tours offered are basically identical. Mine wasn’t great for solo travellers as I was with a group of 8 kids from Brazil who didn’t speak in English to me! But as it was booked through a hostel it depends on who’s staying there.

I agree with Ms. Lauren, she said lots of things in this article is genuine. Last year i had enjoy a time with my partner. Travel To Morocco is the dream for me that’s come true. It was nice place, people of this country are hard working. It is the one of the most moderate and peaceful country in the world. I indicate to every individual on this Earth visit to Morocco is very adventuresome.

Thanks, Joseph!

Any way lauren, I’m moroccan and welcome in morocco again

Morocco was my last stop on a short 5 week solo backpacking stint throughout Europe. I was exhausted and almost immediately dreaded my decision upon arrival.

I arrived in Fes, nerve racking to say the least(had also heard many negatives about Fes). But, within a few days, it had a piece of my heart forever. I was lucky enough to have a short arabic lesson in the hostel where I stayed, and once I started attempting to speak the language, as broken as it may have been, it made all the difference.

I hadn’t planned on staying in Fes, only just flying in there and taking a train to Marrakech. However, the hostel owner and a couple of guests convinced me otherwise. They said Chefchaouen would be much better, more relaxing and less of a hassle.

I was hesitant at first, but I am so glad I changed my plans because I LOVED chefchaouen. I agree that everyone was incredibly friendly, we even played soccer in the main square with some of the local children. The scenery surrounding it, as well as the mountains and the city walls were so picturesque.

Of all the places I went on that trip, the one place I’m always talking about is Morocco. I’ve never fallen in love with one place nearly as much. I cannot wait to go back.

Thanks for sharing your input, always nice to read about other female solo travelers and their experiences!

Thanks for sharing, Lori! :-)

Even as a male visitor, never never again Morocco. They kept harassing us to buy things and they cheated us in our change, if we got any change, from buses, to shops, to eating places. There was always someone to stick close next to you, pushing you in some direction to see something special. If you relaxed to appreciate something you were immediately swamped. I understand Algerians are even worse.

Never, never again. I have travelled in Muslim countries and love places like Indonesia or Malaysia. But Morocco is, I am sorry to say on your website, the pits.

I’m sorry to hear you had such an unfortunate experience, Andrew, but sadly, I’m not surprised to hear that you did.

This is why I took a tour. It was my first ‘exotic’ country and since I’d been looking fwd to seeing it since I was a kid, I didn’t want the fantasy ruined. I got asked for coffee and kif (pot… local people don’t drink, but apparently weed is ok haha :) ) a few times by shop-owners, but they were sweet. No problems at all. :)

That’s great! I’m so pleased to hear you had an amazing time in Morocco, and it goes to show that taking a tour as a female can really make a difference :-)

Thanks for the post. I am currently in Morocco, thinking of “escaping” to southern Spain for part of the ten weeks I planned on spending here but I’m torn because I’ve had such good and bad experiences. It really improved my state of mind to hear similar sentiments from you.

I wanted to add my two cents. I have experienced the same persistent but minor incidents like you describe. I work remotely while I travel and I feel restless, cooped up in a hotel room because many cafes are just so hostile (even silently hostile). An expat I met tipped me off that cafes often have hard-to-see upstairs sections where I’ve found many Moroccan women (never solo). The service is often terrible and it’s hotter upstairs but it’s an option and good to know.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been followed. In Tangier I passed a man going in the opposite direction who said something I ignored. Three large city blocks, he is at my elbow talking to me again. I told him to leave me alone loudly in English (in the heat of the moment I forgot my French) and several men nearby approached, asked me if I was okay and kept the man, lecturing him, while I escaped. So I agree with Youssef, there are many, many good, polite and respectful men in Morocco. The taunts just make it seem like every man is a jerk.

Also, I don’t think you can count on certain towns being better than others. If you are thinking about traveling to Morocco, I hate to tell you but my worst and scariest experience occurred in Chefchaouen and my best experience occurred in Tangier.

In Chafchaouen, I was walking along the road from Bab el-Ain about 4pm on a Sunday afternoon to get photos back towards the town. There were tons of families around. This man “reverse followed” me. He walked in front of me, kept looking back and if I stopped (out if sight) he would wait for me. When I started walking back to the waterfall/Bab area he yelled at me and followed me. I got scared and flagged down a passing car. Thank goodness the car carried a family and that they spoke Spanish (the man was Moroccan but had moved to Barcelona). The man got out of his car and talked then yelled at the man. He told me it was nothing to worry about. I’m not sure if that’s because he understood what the man was saying or just trying to comfort me. He gave me a ride into the town center…on the way we passed his brother, a policeman. I went on with my day, just a bit shaken.

In Tangier, I had the opposite experience. I was strolling the kasbah, taking photos and was amused by a cat being taunted by a small bird inside a screened window. An old woman poked her head out of the upper floor of the house and I thought she might be suspicious of me. Instead her adult son came down and invited me in to see their terrace and for tea. On paper I would never enter that house. But my gut told me it was fine. And it was. We spent the next hour utilizing all of our shared vocabulary in multiple language to share our lives. I was invited to join the family for Friday couscous and I feel like I got to see what a modern Moroccan family is like. That’s why I travel.

So would I do it again? I had a conference in Casablanca, so my airfare was covered, so yes, I’d do it again. But if I were picking a trip, I’d wait a see Morocco with a male. I do get the sense that if you stay in populated areas other Moroccans will intervene if you make a scene. I don’t think Morocco is more dangerous than most other places but more challenging and exhausting.

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Miriam! I really appreciate it :-). It’s a tough country because there’s so much good and bad, and is putting up with the bad times worth it for the good? I’m planning on heading back to Morocco in a few months, but this time with my boyfriend. Intrigued to see how different it is with a man by my side!

I’m planning a trip to Morocco for a few months in Jan/Feb, and I was wondering what the name of your hotel in Casablanca was? I’m having trouble find a nice (and reasonably priced) place there.

Hi Sarah. Sorry, I visited several years ago and can’t remember the name of the hotel!

great! what a sincere heart of local moroccan! :) and you are great too lauren because of your patient! ;)

Thanks! :-)

Wow..I don’t know how I ended up on this blog but I’m glad I did. I lived in Morocco last year and had a pretty tough experience. I was supposed to teach english thereof or 6 months but left after 4…but its funny…despite the negative experience..there were some amazing moments too. And I still find myself thinking about morocco more than a year and a half later. It’s because I had felt so much like a failed traveler that I desperately feel like i need to go back. I want to learn some arabic, learn more about the culture… I don’t know. Reading this just made me fee like…OK. Other solo female travelers went through it too. And now that that’s established…I can mentally prepare for the next moroccan trip.

I am traveling solo in morocco, second time here, first time I was with a group. I have been to all the main cities, and Fez is definitely my favorite, it’s strange you heard otherwise. I havent been to chefchaoen, but that is my next stop. Of course I have experienced the very annoying and persistent young guys who want money out of showing you around. I just ignore them, as if they are not there. Besides those hassles, other people I meet in the medina are so friendly. I hope the rest of my trip will be memorably nice, as now I have rated Morroco my favorite country I have traveled.

Thanks so much for sharing…all of you. I will be studying in France next year. I have a FB friend who has invited me to visit him in Agadir and I think I shouldn’t go alone. I think your posts confirm this…

Glad this post helped you make up your mind, Erica! I hope you do get to visit Morocco at some point, though :-)

Hei there , I’m morrocan and I’m so glad u liked it but at the same time I’m so ashamed of all the harassment and looks u got from local men that kept u from visting Tangier ( my native city) , I hope u’ll get the chance to come back again . I’m so sorry for all what u had to go through it takes a brave woman to travel here alone & I admire your courage .

Thank you so much, Boutaina! I’m actually hoping to return to Morocco this year :-)

I am moroccan born in Holland.I live in Holland.Occasionally i go to morocco because my wife wants to see her family.Please people dont go to morocco iTS the worst place to go to.The country is fine but the people are very bad .the moroccans are hypocrite selfish people i have ever seen.if i could help iT i would never go to morocco.i hate morocco because of iTS people not friendly.The police wants to bring you down the people want to bring you down.

Indeed ,it is a shame to hear that you are Moroccan by origin and pseak about your mother country in such a bad way.your overgeneralization about all Moroccans indicates that you are either a dirty person or you are not a Moroccan at all,you are just pretending to be so so ,so as to spoil the reputation of our great country. Morocco is like any other country in this world,good and evil peaople are here as there,everywhere. We can not overgeneralize personal attitudes and judge the whole nation,culture,religion. Sexual Harrasement is condemned by the Moroccan law and by the Islam law ;however many people do it which means it is a personal attitude.For you manish, if you were good,you would see Morocco good;but you are an evil therefore you see Morocco as evil.In Morocco there are bad places and people and if you go there you will see only bad things and meet only bad peoples(night clubs pubs, bars,brothels etc,and some cafes that are colonized by prostitutes)and there are good places and people,if you go there you will meet nly good people and see only good things such as universities,Mosques,historical monuments , main streets ,parks and cafes to mention but a few.To close this, good and evil are to be found in everywhere in this globe.No single culture, relgion, community, race..can be claimed to be only good or only evil.Salamu aleikom

It’s a beautiful country, though, Rachid.

Sorry Rachid, but if Moroccans are bad people, than you yourself are bad too. Do you think you are Swedish yourself? Or do you think you are the only exeption to your own rigid and absolute rule? Bigot.

Hi Lauren!So sorry to hear that you have had some hardship in my country.As we know that good and evil are to be found in everywhere in this world.No single country,culture,religious group, race,family… can be only good or only bad. good and evil are personal attitutes that should be judged as personal deeds not as attitudes of a whole culture,country etc. For instance sexual harrasement is and evil attitude that all laws of the world and all relgions condemn it but though that many people do it uncaring about the earth or heaven laws. in my country as in any other country,there are plenty of good people and good things to enjoy and there are also bad people and bad things that can make you feel disgust.

I close my words with saying that Morocco and Moroccans through history remain great and hospitable and helpful people. Peace

All very interesting. Im in Marrakech and flew in this morning. The combination of no street signs and the majority if people appearing friendly but then asking for money was at least 99%. I did decide I would make my way independantly of touts and guides and had 3hrs orientation walk. Walking confidentally and understanding sections coming out of the main market area. i think ill stay a few days and head to the beach… But it needs to be given a chance i think… I preferred staying away from busy areas. Hassle immediately drops right off. Also im wearing simple unbranded clothes no jewelry or watch which seems to allow me to go a little more un noticed. So far im intrigued and as long as im not overtired/present as confident/smikey and my situational awareness isnt compromised I cant see any real danger here.

Great tips, Russell!

I have been twice to Morocco, most recently this past January. I speak fluent french and I remember thinking after a few days this would not be a travel friendly country for non-french or Arabic speakers. I was not personally harassed sexually as you describe, and had probably one of the best experiences anyone travelling independently in Morocco with a male friend could have. We went from Tangier down to Essaouira through Assilah, Rabat, El Jadida, then on to Marrakesh, Taroudant, Meknes and Chefchaouen.

While traveling we met many people. including women who told us about their experience in Morocco. One recurring statement was “it”s not that bad” or variations along the lines of it not being all bad or they can handle “it”. These were women we also found out had bought a knife in Fes because the amount of sexual harassment made them feel so unsafe, or another who was coming from Marrakesh and seemed just exhausted and shell shocked, or a couple hiding in their hotel after the harassment they had gone through in the Medina in another town.

I think men have less to prove, and will say honestly they had it with the harassment and touts in general. Women on the other hand are so anxious to prove to themselves and everyone else that they can “handle it” that they will make excuses, take blame for some of what happened (bad vibes, wrong state of mind, wrong clothing, etc), rather than admitting that (a) it was a miserable experience because a lot of the people there are ass holes and (b) they can’t handle it because frankly no one could. Every man I ever talked to thought it was an unpleasant country they couldn’t wait to get out of. Women just didn’t want to give up, as if it was a personal failure they did not want too admit to. If you want to see history and beautiful Moorish architecture, visit Andalusia, For fun and nightlife,, go anywhere besides Morocco. For friendliness, and even scenery or food,, plenty of countries are nicer than Morocco. As I read all the comments on this page, I ask myself what is everyone on?? I have traveled extensively as well, and have never come across a country where people are so constantly aggressive and in your face. With almost 200 countries in the world to choose from, why would you make excuses and want to go back to a country where you were treated so horribly. And you will be mistreated again if you go back! The people harassing you are full of anger and view women as lesser than, and foreigners in general as just dollar signs. There are nice people there as in every country, but you will also notice that when in a bad situation, very seldom will anyone get involved, as you are not one of them. PS on a more general note, as I see comments about how to handle the problems, travel with a male friend to be harassed less, etc. Do you really want to contribute your tourist dollars or euros to a country that thinks so poorly of you and women in general that you have to jump through hoops in the hope of not being assaulted there?

Well, I personally loved every aspect of Morocco but the men. Visiting the Sahara Desert was the number one highlight of four years of travel and I wouldn’t want to give that up over some harassment. I’m currently living in Granada and it’s nothing like Morocco.

I think that there are a lot of truths in your post. I have traveled solo and am currently considering traveling with my son to Morocco. I would love to see Morocco. I looked at this website to convince me that the attitude of Moroccan men really is not that bad, because I have had my share of scary run-ins with Moroccan men (in Amsterdam, the Hague, Paris, Alicante, and Bonifacio). I’ve been convinced otherwise. I’m not ready to entertain the possibility of feeling threatened, being grabbed, running for my life like I have had to do to get away from insisting Moroccan men. I would love to feel invincible and to feel that my gender is not a barrier, but I will take peace of mind over danger.

Thanks Lauren for this nice travel blog. I am travelling solo in marrakech for one week to celebrate my birthday this coming march. I am suppose to travel with my friend who cancelled the last minute due to some pressing reasons. I have already booked a non-refundable flight ticket and accomodation, so I have no way out. Reading from the thread, it seems like ,it is not the best place for women solo travellers. I have travelled around the world and had been to dangerous places but with my husband. I am thinking of doing daytrips to Chefchaouen and 2 day trip to the sahara through excursion companies. I am getting wary though going on excursions after going through the thread.

Would be glad to read more tips for women travelling solo in Morocco.

Hi, I am looking to book a week long trip (7 days) with 3 other girls and we are interested in going to Marrakech, the Sahara and Chefchaouen. How long would you recommend for each? Thanks so much, Carly

I’d say 3 nights Chefchaouen, 3 nights Marrakech, 2 nights Sahara Desert.

I too had a very difficult time in Morocco. I went there in 1997 as a teenager with no adult men present on the trip. I was followed around and harassed. Actually, the men were not very abusive, but they gave me a lot more attention than what I was comfortable with as a 17 year old. I covered up the whole time in accordance with customs but it did not matter. However, I also felt a pull to Morocco. Even though it was exhausting being there, I had also said to myself when finally leaving to return to Spain “I’ll come back here when I’m an older woman.” The men leave the older women alone.

I have not returned yet but I often wondered if it’s easier to travel through Morocco now, given how much smaller the world is with internet (I was a SPECTACLE there being 5’9 and blond) – your blog has informed me that it indeed is not any easier for young women! One trick is to wear a gold band on your wedding finger — men in such countries tend to respect married women a bit more.

Lauren, I have a niece who has been invited to Morocco by a man she met in Maine while he was there. She is 21 and named Lauren! She ha bought a one way ticket why I don’t know i live far away. Her grandmother is petrified and her Mother is in denial. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I did forward you blog to them. Thanks Fred.

Hi Fred. This really isn’t my area of expertise and I’m afraid I can’t offer any kind of meaningful advice.

Thanks for all your tips. I will be traveling from Spain to Chefchaouen. I’m staying only two days, would you be able to recommend a place to stay and a safe way to travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

Hi Paola, I went with a shared taxi between Tangier and Chefchaouen. It didn’t feel hugely safe but I couldn’t find any other alternative.

Hi Lauren, I’m surprised to hear of your dreadful experience with Morocco. I travelled to Morocco a few weeks ago alone and found my experience to be lovely!! Although I had only travelled to Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. I had one encounter with a man who was making jokes (mind you, he was hilarious!). I do plan to go back to Morocco next year. I believe you had a rougher experience because you’re white. Now don’t take me wrong but the men there target women of lighter skin color because it’s easier to identify them as foreigners. If you ever do plan to go back to Morocco, feel free to contact me for travel advice!

I’m so happy to hear that, Sarah! It just goes to show that everyone has different experiences and you can’t judge a country based on what one person tells you :-)

Morocco looks interesting! A lot of mystery places to visit. I’m hoping I could go there before the end of the year. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome!

hello karen I am Moroccan and I live in Marrakech I’m really sorry for your trip to Morocco but next time if you come you’ll change your opinion and if you need advice I’m here to help you

Thanks, Rachid!

Wow…firstly i was mesmerised by your story.sad yet exciting. A true good hearted human. Not to mention beautiful. I was almost in tears and my heart in my throat..yet then dropped wright down when you started mentioning the positive side.. I was also in morocco in 2014 3 of us 2 male 1 female.. one night was walking back to the hotel from new town after having gone for a meal. When we walked past these two guys dressed in long gowns stood infront of the fire in the middle of the road as it was december and quite chilly at night. As we walked past one of them shouted ” excuse me pakistani” we ignored them and carried on walking. As we walked further down they started shouting ” chappati” to be fair i wanted to just go over and knock their lights out. But my 2 companions stopped me. And believe it or i thank them for it. And i wasnt even white lol. And hoing back in july 2015. Its the most amazing place on the planet. To be fair you get hassle where ever you go these days wether be it abroad or in country..maybe not as extreme but its their…unfortunstley.. But i hope you will defo visit again some day. All the best. Loved your article. The best i have ever read period.

Haha, thanks! :-D

I think many solo travellers come away from Morocco with conflicting feelings. Travelling alone, you becoming a much softer target in many different ways. Mostly people just want to get some money out of you. Physically, it’s a safe country, although a guy did pull a gun on me (a joke? maybe just crazy) but you need to be on your guard during all interactions with strangers, which is a shame. After a month, I realise I only hung out with maybe three Moroccans that weren’t trying to get money out of me, otherwise all conversations swiftly led to some kind of proposition. The worst is how they imitate friendliness and play on your tendency to want to be polite (after a while that disappears completely). Also travelling independently is a real hassle as grand taxi drivers and people on the bus will phone their friends to let them know there’s a foreigner onboard. Where ever you’re going they’ll know you’re coming and be ready with this piece of junk or that unwanted service. (You know the taxi driver is involved, when he doesn’t mind you not paying for a 2 hour journey)

As for Saharan tour guides, mine also offered me unwanted attention; rubbing my nipples, trying to lick me, pressing his penis into me during an unsolicited and unwanted massage and then finally exposing himself fully during an aroused state. Kind of changed the ambience of my only night in the desert. My feeling is that it’s a kind of prostitution. Because he lived mainly from tips, he must have thought sexual favours would help earn him a more generous tip. Perhaps other tourists have taken advantage of this before.

Overall Morocco is a poor country that has experienced mass tourism, but most locals are yet to see any of the benefits themselves. The nearness of wealth has corrupted many desperate people, who now only view foreigners as sources of money. After indulging one guy and buying him dinner in Marrakech, I asked why this was and he said it’s just like this in poor countries. But that’s not the whole story. There are countries were the standard of living and opportunities are much worse than Morocco, yet the behaviour towards travellers is completely different. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I got Morocco out of my system now.

Thanks for the insightful comment, Sunra. Sorry to hear you had such a negative experience. It’s true, though, you really do have to be on your guard with every single local you meet. I had one positive interaction with a guy in my month in the country.

I spent 6 weeks in Morocco on a group expedition when I was 18. I’ve recently made the decision to return this summer in July. You do get hassle from men. In my experience, if you avoid eye contact and conversations with strangers, it is relatively safe.

Agree with you, Amy!

You are always welcome to Morocco :)

Your comments:

1) Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals.

2) There is no excuse for the man who threw a rock at the back of my head in Tangier, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been giving off a hostile vibe and storming away from him in rage and frustration.

are putting the blame on you, when the blame rests solely with the abusive men.

There is no excuse for harassment & abuse and the men alone are responsible for their deplorable actions.

I will definitely never be going to Morocco, given the strong misogyny there, which is a part of their culture. No picturesque scenery or historical site is worth it.

Yes, but I’m also offering advice for women who are going to be visiting Morocco soon. So if I can recommend they behave differently in the hope that it will reduce some of the harassment, I’m going to do so.

Hi! so I am considering traveling to Morocco and visiting some of the places you’ve visited there, and i would like to know what hostels you stayed at? Thank you for sharing your experience :D

The ones I would recommend are Riad Baraka in Chefchauen and Hotel Continental in Tangier! The one I stayed at in Marrakech has closed down, and I didn’t like the one in Essaouira.

hi Lauren JOY IT. i love all your trip and travel so take easy in any case, the Moroccan people is always kind and lovely. for never mind it’s life ;)

If you had gone about your travel in Muslim type of clothing,,,like a hijab and abayya, do you think the men would have left you alone? Or if your face had looked less western, do you think it might have made any difference? I am just curious.

I’m tempted to say yes, but many of the comments in this post have said that the local women struggle with this harassment, too. It’s hard to know.

Sorry to hear about some of your unpleasant encounters in Morocco. I spent about 10 days in winter last December and 1 week of it was solo travelling around the country. I visited all the places you had been except Chefchaouen ( would die to go back to Morocco and visit it!!)

As a solo female pounding the streets ( even locals in Asilah and Tangier), you will never be free of catcalls and advances from men.

My trick: I wore a dark scarf which was wrapped around my head and dark shades. Walk with a purpose even if you do not know where the heck you are. Check your maps discreetly at a safe place. I also would pretend to cough violently every time some extra dodgy approached me because who would want to strike up a conversation with a sickly, TB-esque female and catch a virus? Works like a charm. Helps that it was winter cos I could cover up and bundle up in my jackets/coat and hide extra precautions/ cash in my boots etc.

I did not dare to whip out my phone and pretend to have a conversation that much because phone-snatchings can be quite common ( did this trick in Turkey when I was travelling solo as well when I was wary and weary of the myriad advances from males but in Turkey, everyone on the street was glued to their phones…)

Harassment and one night stand pick-ups in trains from Moroccan air stewards aside, I get to meet various people in Morocco and had amazing experiences with them. I befriended the locals who brought me around the souks in Tangier and had ‘Hashish’ aka morroccan weed (!) over barbequed fresh fish and conversations with locals in a riad in Fez, among a few.

There were kind souls from sojourn passengers to train conductors who would go out of their way to help what they deemed a ‘helpless’ damsel-in-distress, lugging around a huge luggage on trains to immigration officers at passport control ( at Algericas port, onward to Spain) who showed me their summer vacation pics in Marrakesh..

When travelling in this mystic land, keep your wits about you, converse with locals with a smile and sprinkle in some Arabic and you would leave the country, exhausted but awed.

I’d be back! ;) Maybe see you there! (non-solo travelling this time..)

Hi, Lauren,

This is gonna be a long one.

As a proud moroccan, I feel ashamed of your touching and yet indulgent feedback, as well as a great majority of the comments that gives a bad but just an sincere feedback. In a way, it shows you that the hijab “protection” of the local women, far from being a tradition or a religious requirement, is often a sad assurance for tranquility in the big towns. And even if it does constitute a strong social tabou, there are still guys that are so miserable that it is not a certain one. The ones you met seems very miserable though, even in the moroccan scale. But as poverty, as reckless drivers, as uncivism, it is a part of the trip, and every coin has two sides, it is also a land of generosity, of excitement, of surprises. Plus, I think that my country, along with tunisia, still the less challenging for a woman to discover alone the arabo muslim part of the world, with the bonus of the berber culture. And for my western friends who visited your way, alone and free, the best way in my opinion, it is always a real experience, in a sens that they learn something about themselves.

So, in order to help remaining in the “gentle and thrilling adventure” zone and avoid a lot of problem, let me give some advice for your next trip :

* the “if you the mountain won’t go to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain” rule. In morocco there are no indication, nor reliable live web information, people still the vector of information. So ask people that seems to you reliable and be very cautious, if not negative towards a miraculous help that comes from nowhere. But ask often, more often than in western it is fundamental. I do that myself, even if I think I haven’t miss one single road or significant town in morocco and that I am more local than locals. Every time I entered in a new zone, I take the temperature of the city in a local coffee, even in the Ketama triangle (which is definitely a no-go-zone) put my radar and find a good fellow. Of course most coffees are not an option for a girl, and you are not supposed to wear a moroccan radar equiped before your trip, but there are modern pubs and coffee where expatriate and group of girls are chilling where you can hit information (asking about your projects, where not to go) following your instinct and the level of language of your locutor (good english is a good indicator). French expatriates that works in local tourism are very reliable too, and have a deep knowledge of the country (sometimes better that the locals). Women are much more reliable than men too, and they are of course the most aware of the harrassers spots, even if they can be overcautious. Old artisans in the medina too. *Break the ice, smile, some simple arabic words in the conversation can help, even if your locutor understands english (more and more the case for the young generation), like choukran (thanks), labass (how are you), la choukran (no, thanks) *In case of emergency, ask for the touristic brigade rather than the ordinary policeman that can ask for a bribe. It is very efficient in marrakech fes and essaouira. In fact, it is common sense advices, and not risk free, but the moroccan nature, even between ourselves, is more helpful when it is gently asked and is not that helpful for someone who doesn’t. And those rules are for big cities, the berbers of the Atlas doesn’t follow this nature, they are respect and rightousness itself. You can feel very free and confident there, hospitaly is not a vain word there.

Lastely, the ones that told you that fes is not a spot must be jealous or ignorants, Fes is one of the two hearts of moroccan culture with marrakech. And as bonus of conoisseur, you must add ait bougmez valley (Azilal region) for trekking (one of the best kept secret of morocco) and the Dades/ Draa valley from ouerzazate for gorgeous landscapes (just before merzouga and the desert coming from marrakech). For spectacular beaches, go south, near sidi ifni. It really worth it and still not polluted by mass tourism like marrakech, Agadir, and recently essaouira. I think that this authenticity is what you liked in Chouaen, besides its others “specialities” that keeps people in a local and peaceful indica mood (very good quality in fez too). Marhaban bik fil maghrib, a lalla Lauren.

Wow! Thank you so much for all of the advice! Super helpful :-)

Yw. In fact I reacted before having a big picture of your blog and your adventure, as I find this article googling about tourism and women in morocco (as women rights are a concern regarding late ramadan news here) Now that I’ve read a part it, and it was a thrilling reading thanks to your storytelling talent, i feel a bit cocky with my assumptive piece of advices. You are an amazing person, and I wish you all the best keeping this outstanding project alive. Big respect and support to you, Lauren, I can’t wait to read more.

Ah, thank you so much for the kind words, Tariq! I really appreciate it! :-)

Thanks for writing this article! I am going to Morocco alone in November for 3 weeks (I wish I could stay longer, I have such a big to-see list!). I have traveled many times alone and know how to handle myself when men stare and try to grope, so I’m not as concerned about that (although I am expecting it to be extremely annoying and exhausting, like you said it was).

I’m wondering how you traveled around the country. I am thinking of renting a car, but I am not sure how easy roads and maps would be to navigate?

Hi Kristen,

I travelled through Morocco by bus, mostly. It was quite cheap and I never had any problems. The only exception was from Chefchaouen to Tangier, which I did by shared taxi. Was a little strange to share a taxi with four random strangers, but it was fine! :-) My friend Jodi wrote a post about driving in Morocco: http://www.legalnomads.com/2011/11/driving-in-morocco.html which made it sound a little nerve-wracking to me!

Thanks for the link! Her post was very helpful, I sent her a comment regarding it.

Let me know if you decide to travel to Morocco again in November! I am loosely looking for a travel buddy! :)

Great! :-) I won’t be heading back that soon, but hope you have a wonderful trip!

Wow this was super enlightening..and a little off putting I admit. I’ve backpacked the states and Europe on my own but now im a bit cautious of heading to Morocco solo. Having had the experience that you did would you recommend a tour? I’m normally anti-tours as you don’t get to to see anywhere near as much and its all limited to the tourist regions, however, if it is the safer option I may cave to it. Also, do you wish you had have seen Fes or are you still not shattered about missing it? And just in terms of walking with a large backpack, did you ever feel your safety was threatened at all?? Sorry for all the questions, hope you can help!

Thanks, Alisha :)

I’m not a huge tour fan, either, because I’m an introvert and like my own private time. However, in Morocco, I think taking a tour is a safer option, but I also think that not taking a tour is necessarily unsafe — you just need to know what to expect.

I don’t really feel like I missed much in Fes. I think I would have struggled there. If I was to return to Morocco and visit with my boyfriend, I’d likely head there again, as it does look interesting.

I never felt unsafe when walking with my backpack — it didn’t really change the levels of harassment or anything.

About a month ago I was researching about Morocco as I was planning to travel there by myself and I came across your blog. Your blog and other comments in it almost made me cancel my plans to go to Morocco but luckily I didn´t. I had the best time of my life. The people there were so friendly. I think to say that it was “constant abuse and harasment” is a little bit too much. I mean yes, if you feel abused everytime someone wants to talk to you or tells you that you´re beautiful then I´m sure you´re going to have an awful time. If you´re open minded and kind then you´re going to experience it in a whole different way. Most of the people who want to talk to you they are only curious about where you come from, if it´s your first time in Morocco/if you like it in Morocco and just want to tell you “Welcome to Morocco!”. Of course you cannot stop and talk to everybody who wants to talk to you and you shouldn´t. But stay friendly. A lot of the times I just walked along like I was lost in my own mind (which I probably was) or if people were trying to stop me to sell something would say “I´m sorry, I have to be somewhere” and rushed away. The only time when I felt anxious was after a night in the overnight train because I was so tired that anyone who tried to talk to me annoyed me. But other than that I had an amazing time and the people were so friendly and generous. And also I´m a 23-year-old petite scandinavian girl with long blonde hair.

Hi Jenna. Happy to hear you had an amazing time in Morocco! It’s good to have some positive experiences outweigh the negative here :-)

Sorry to hear about the hassle you experienced. I have been to Morocco 6 times, twice as a child with my parents then four times by myself as a young adult (my last visit was in 2002). The Sahara was a glorious experience, one of the finest I’ve ever had traveling the world. My desert trekking started from Ouarzazate, and involved camping under the stars; absolutely fabulous. Most of my time in Morocco was spent in the Rif, mostly around Chefchaouen, which to this day remains one of my favorite places in the world. Yes, the vibe there is definitely different from the rest of the country. Locals are friendly, helpful and quite delightful to hang out with. Yes, a lot of them are still trying to make a living, but I would never call it harassment, especially when compared to cities like Marrakech or Tangers. One thing though, and I suppose that applies to all travelers (particularly to women), I personally reckon a lot of tension and bad experiences can be avoided by taking the type of harassment you wrote about with a touch of humor and good spirit. Keeping your head down and ignoring locals (particularly the rude, abusive kind) only invites more frustration, which eventually will turn into abuse. Like one of the lady posters already mentioned above, keeping positive, light and playful goes a long way into avoiding unfortunate bouts. No matter how awful some of these guys might be, most of them simply won’t respond abusively to somebody who’s easy going yet politely refuses advances. Perhaps that can help you enjoy a better experience on your next visit, which I have no doubt you’ll eventually have considering your obvious enjoyment of Moroccan glory. Mezian bizef!

Thanks, Philippe! I so appreciate you sharing your advice with my readers :-)

Hey,I’ve had some weird experiences in marroco that have really made me feel emotionally hurt cause they seemed so heartless. Any marrocan I tell this too tells me exactly what I read here,that there are good and bad people everywhere.I’ve been all over and this here is not normal.I would like to meet some of these wonderful people but now I m over it,I don’t trust anyone here.real sad,I’d say if you travel here don’t expect anything normal.

While it’s true there are good and bad people everywhere — you can’t claim every single Moroccan is trying to take advantage of you — it does seem to be a bit more in your face than in other countries.

Hello! I am a university student studying abroad right now in Spain, and I reaaaaaaally want to go to Morocco. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to go and I found a tour through my study center here in spain which includes all meals, hotels, transportation, etc. It goes to Rabat, Meknes, Midelt, Assilah and Merzouga (in the Sahara Desert), with one night in the desert. I have been in Spain for 3 months, but all of the weekend trips I’ve taken have been with other people, so technically I wouldn’t say I’ve ever traveled solo other than exploring the city I live in now. I would be with a group of other students though and I assume I would stay with the tour group at all times. Do you think this is an okay idea? Do you have any specific advice. It’s just so frustrating, I want to sign up for it so badly but all of my friends have told me traveling to morocco alone is a bad idea. Part of me wants to be all Eleanor Roosevelt and “do something everyday that scares you” but then another part of me is like be logical sophia! Anyways thanks for posting this! advice would be lovely.

I think travelling through Morocco as part of a tour is a great idea! You’ll likely be around people for your whole stay, which will help minimise hassle. I don’t see any problem with you going! :-)

Yes, unfortunately you’re right. I’m moroccan and I advise that any female foreigner come in a couple or in a group, it’s far better than coming alone in terms of safety. Concerning sexual harassment, it’s an issue in our country because even Moroccan girls are sexually harassed everyday, it’s not only restricted to foreigners. Lauren, I’m sure that if you didn’t visit alone, your experience would have been better and you would have enjoyed your stay. You’re not obliged to as a tourist of course, but in Morocco UNFORTUNATELY it’s like that. I hope you visit again and your previous experience doesn’t affect you negatively.

Thanks for your comment, Hatim! I hope to visit Morocco again soon — this time with my boyfriend in tow! :-)

thank you very much for this post! I have been travelling on my own for a month now (in Europe) and was very much looking forward to Marocco. After arriving in Tangier today that feeling quickly changed. I was wearing a knee long skirt and decided to take a what I thought would be a nice walk down to the beach. Numerous man walked up to me, some sat down close to me at the beach, looking at me, and I could not walk five meters without somebody making comments or cat calling me. Never on my travels have I felt that uncomfortable. Your Post and the comments were very helpfull – I am definitely planning on spending more time in Chefchaouen now!

Hi Marlene,

Sorry to hear about all the hassle you’ve been receiving. It can be so overwhelming, even if you are expecting it. I’d definitely recommend Chefchaouen as an escape from it all :-)

it is unfortunate that this still happens, but if you are travelling alone as a female especially if you are young and beautiful you will sure be a magnet for unwanted advances from guys starting from your own tour guide. To avoid getting this from of harassment from your guide. Ask him directly if he is a good Muslim you can trust if says yes. Then tell him touching a stranger woman who is not his wife, sister or mother is forbidden in Islam. Or Just ask him in a stern mode that his advances are not welcome and he should remain professional. wearing a marriage looking ring will do the job. Tell him you have a boy friend or married. You will be left alone most of the time unless you are displaying a provocative flesh in a macho culture.

Thanks, Nechalus. I’d probably recommend not saying that to your guide unless he does anything untoward first.

I’m sorry to hear that you had some bad experience in my country. Actually, what you experienced is the daily life of moroccan girls. Everyday going to school or work, or hanging out with friends, girls get harassed in the streets. This is a hot subject in Morocco. When we discuss this in social media, guys say that it’s the girls fault to wear “provoking” clothes!! The thing is, some girls wearing Hijab (covered from head to toe) are experiencing this! I don’t understand and I can’t see any solution to this.

Yeah, it’s tricky, isn’t it? And sad. I know that I was covered up as much as I could (without a headscarf, though), and I still experienced hassle.

Great article and advices for Morocco.

Hi Lauren! I’m loving you trip reports to Morocco as I am currently planning a trip in August. Would you mind telling me what month did you visit? I also want to do the Sahara desert trip just hoping it’s not unbearably hot that time of year.

I visited in June and if anything, it was too cold! It’s freezing at night, and by the time you get to the desert, the sun is setting so the temperatures are much cooler.

Great article! I’m looking to go to Morocco with my girfriend for 7 days and am looking for an itinerary that fits everything we want to do but we cant seem to find a tour that does it all. We want to go to Chefchaouen, Marrakech and the Sahara, for a total of 7 days. It seems like you did Marrakeh and Chefchaouen on your own, and then did a tour to the Sahara? And how did you get to Chefchaouen, it seems out of the way. If you could give me any tips to help on the 7 day itinerary, that would be great! Thank you!

Yep, I did everything independently apart from my trip to the Sahara Desert. I got to Chefchaouen from Casablanca. You can also get there easily from Fes or Tangier. But yeah, a bit of a pain from Marrakech. Might be worth flying to Tangier and then taking a bus to Chefchaouen. Or going to Essaouira instead, which is a cool hippie beach town.

Hey Lauren It’s really sad how SOME Moroccan people treated you. I am Moroccan and this is the first time I heard something like this about Moroccans. Because I live here and I know they’re very welcoming people specially toward strangers! All I can say is that you weren’t lucky and may be you visited the wrong places. Of course they are some bad places in some cities there are some rude people even toward locals. If you have the chance to visit Morocco again go the south-est, where Berbers live. You will meet wonderful people in there and enjoy stunning paysages. I am sure you will change your thinking about Morocco.

Yeah, I’ve definitely found that the hassle is worse in the more touristy parts of the country (and most countries really, I guess). Would love to return to Morocco soon!

i think that maybe a lot of tourists mm sorry travellers! should do some personal work on their selves instead of being paranoiaK of everyone walking behind using the same sidewalk!

If literally every person who approaches you on a sidewalk in a country mumbles something inappropriate about your breasts, attempts to scam you, follows you to your accommodation, or throws rocks at your head, what other conclusion should you come to?

Bonjour Lauren,

I am really so sorry that men didn’t treat you very well in Morocco, my country. I think what you said is really true: the country is beautiful but some men behave very childish. Anyway, I have been welcoming foreign female friends and yes if I was not by their side, I am sure things will get little bit awkward for them.

However, I do have a question: have you experienced the traditional Moroccan Hammam ( similar to the Turkish bath).

I have not!

Thanks Lauren for sharing you awesome story! And yes there are a some great places to visit in Morocco. And I love Moto desert adventure in Morocco beaches and Atlas mountain adventure in also a great thing if you would like to do it in Morocco.

I would love to spend more time in the Atlas mountains in the future :-)

Is anyone planning to visit in April 2016? Or know of a forum where us solo ladies can chat and coordinate stays so we have safety in numbers?

Maybe check the Lonely Planet Thorntree forums?

Thank you so much for this post. I was considering going but now I know not too. I’m a firecracker and avid feminist. I would get in a violent bloody mess fast. Your honesty is well received, and I really can’t believe you calmly made it through abuse like that. I’m glad you were able to still experience the beauty that I’m sure is there.

You’re welcome, Christina! :-)

Your blog was definitely insightful. Maybe travelling to Morocco in a small group of 2 to 3 might help me instead of travelling solo.

I think you’d be likely to receive less hassle as a group — or, at least, the harassment wouldn’t be quite so intimidating if you had other people around and looking out for each other!

Thanks Lauren for sharing. I’m since 2 days in Marrakesch and must say I was not expecting it will be so bad. I’m 40 years old, dark hair. Everything is beautiful in Marrakesch apart from some of those guys. Catcalls is not a problem but only yesteray 3 guys regularly followed me. i must say it is a challenge because not all are bad, some are really nice and want to help. Unsual habits. I will be one week more in Marrakesch and have to learn how to live here.

So sorry to hear you’ve been struggling, Joanna — especially with men following you. That’s scary and not okay. It’s tough, though, right? Because you want to meet the locals and experience a different culture, but you don’t know who you can trust and who is taking advantage. I hope the rest of your trip goes better.

Hi, I’m originally from Morocco but I live in North America. I go back to Morocco every year. I adore this country but this is a nightmare for me to travel there as a woman. I am an experienced traveller…have been to India and other third world countries. As a woman, Morocco is the worst. I had panic attacks, had to start fights in the streets and usually can’t wait to go back to America. Men are constantly following me, cars as well, slowing down as I walk in the streets, taxi drivers commenting on my looks or my behaviour (lets say I’m in the text with my mom). I did learn a few strategies to make the experience less traumatic: go out with an elder, wear sunglasses, walk fast and be focused. I always dress in a very modest way. The worst ever was in the souk in Fes. As I was entering the souk, it seems like every man was greeting me and asking me I was doing , in french or arabic “Hello, glory of God, How are you?” (Salut, Tbarkallah, ca va?”). I had been walking for like 5 minutes, and after greeting number 55, I started being grumpy and my eyes turned dark. One guy asked me why I was mad and I shouted “Fuck You!!!”. Not the best reaction, but please understand that prior to the souk I had several are following me, some slowing down and asking me to get inside…so being seductively greeted by all these men in the souk was the last drop. I know it sounds surrealistic but it’s true. Anyway, the man I did insult got really offended and it kind of got dangerous for me…I escaped thanks to a woman who took me under her protection. In tangiers, when I am being harassed on the big Boulevard where there are many soldiers for security reasons “Stop it or I will denounce you to the police right now!”. This is not how I want to spend my holiday!! India is easier to deal with for me. Men look a lot at you (touch you sometimes) but in Morocco they feel like you should also talk to them. Hundreds of men very day. from a Moroccan who adore her country but there is some serious problem there.

Thank you so much for offering your advice, Alia! It sounds like our experiences were similar: it’s a beautiful country but the level of harassment is insane. I haven’t been to India yet, but I agree with your observation that Moroccan men often expect you to talk to them and follow you until you get mad.

I am sorry about your bad experiences in Morocco. I am a blue-eyed blonde American who lived in Morocco for 8 years. The first two years I had no car so walked or took public transportation everywhere. Yes, there was verbal abuse. But I did learn a thing or two about how to handle the situation. 1. Walk like you know where you are going. 2. Don’t take any shit from anyone. This may mean a detour. 3. Learn a few choice phrases in Arabic such as “Are your sisters as stupid as you?”, “Did your mother get roasted for Eid last year?” etc. 4. Know that Moroccan girls get harassed too. 5. Call them on it – “Yella, Daba, Henaya” (Let’s go, right here, right now” to any offers of sex will usually send them scurrying in embarrassment. 6. Ask any nearby shopkeeper for help. They don’t want to lose business because of these louts. (And they probably know their entire family)

Amazing! Thank you so much for your tips, Kathy! That’ll help out my readers so much :-)

I’m in Marrakech right now and I can’t wait to leave tomorrow. I wish I would have read about your experience traveling solo before booking the flight. I wanted to love this country but the harassment is overwhelming and taints the entire experience of being here. Not to mention getting ripped off by every single taxi driver, shopkeeper in the souks, strangers following me trying to “help” for an outrageous fee. I value authenticity in my life and it’s heartbreaking being in a city where I can’t trust anyone. I felt the same in Istanbul last week as well- only there, the cat calling and stalking by local men lurking in tourist areas was even worse. I’m conflicted. I hiked the Ourika Valley yesterday with a small group and even on a cloudy day, the experience was liberating. Yet, it was tainted with frequent stops where everyone expected me to throw money at them for trinkets. It’s a different culture and I force myself to step back in these situations and think about how the country’s developing infrastructure, economy, and cultural views impact treatment of women travelers. It’s been frustrating being here and I spent yesterday afternoon crying in my room after a terrible experience in the souks. It feels good to vent. This trip is one of the biggest lessons for compassion I’ve experienced in my life. Working on forgiving and forgetting and moving on. I would not encourage other women traveling alone to come here. I hate to think that my experience would be different had I been with an organized group or traveling with men. It shouldn’t matter, but I feel that it does. Whew!

Thank you, Lauren, for this post. I am traveling to Morocco this summer with my daughter (she is 20). I expect the harassment, but was looking for some practical advice. Between your article and the many helpful comments, I feel a bit more prepared. I am still looking forward to it, especially Chefchouen. We are planning on seeing Casablanca, Fez, Meknes, Tangier and Chefchouen, and will perhaps be more flexible about how much time in each :).

I am so sorry to hear about the bad experiences from people. It does worry me a bit – I will be protective of my daughter even though I am sure she can handle herself!

Thank you again for your balanced post!

A lot of young Moroccan men are sexually frustrated, when they see a foreign women traveling alone for most of them it’s an opportunity to have sex without problem, it’s sad but it’s true. I advice you to find local friends during your visits ;)

Yeah, it’s sad and true and disgusting.

Hi lauren, i wanted your oppinion. Im planning on going to morocco with a couple friends but we are doing a fully escorted tour with a group of people and a guide. Im feeling extremely nervous reading all the stories about how the men are with women all the harrasment and also all the current terroist threats . Im a bit of a worry wart and feeling nervous i dont know ifbi should go but i want to edperience this country and i dont want to regret not going. So given the fact that i eould be with a group tour the whole time do you think ill be ok in morocco in regards to all the harrasment etc?

I find it very appalling about what happened to you. But what I find even more appalling is the self induced victim blaming in your post. You seriously blame your negative attitude and think it is the reason why these men treated you like this? That’s disgusting.

Arab culture is to cat call and harrass any woman who they think deserves it. It’s a machismo culture that uses women and this harassment as a way to feel good about themselves. Take it from a European woman of North African decent. I get harassed by them in Europe and when I go back to North Africa.

You’re a fool to have travelled there alone and should feel very cautious about advising any other solo female traveller to repeat your mistake. One wrong move with these men and you can be seriously traumatised or risk bodily harm, even rape and murder.

Please don’t go to North Africa unless you are with a man or in a group. It’s simply not safe!

But here’s the thing: I didn’t experience harassment when I had a positive attitude; I only did when I was feeling negative and stressed. So, what else can I deduce from that? I wrote this post to offer advice to women who want to travel to Morocco alone — if they go, that’s what I recommend doing because that’s what minimised the harassment for me. But thanks for calling my article disgusting.

And the comments on this post are full of women who went to Morocco alone and had an amazing time without any harassment. Was it a mistake for them to visit as well? If female travellers from other countries were seriously being raped and murdered all of the time in Morocco, it would be publicised. It seems to happen far more in Thailand, for example, where nobody is telling people not to visit.

Hey Lauren i’m a 19 year old Moroccan currently living in Turkey , on nights such as these where i miss home i log into the net and look at pics but tonight i ended up here and many similar websites before this one but i decided to leave a reply on this one so here it goes . First of all i would like to sincerely apologize for the amount of sexual harassment and cat calling you suffered as well as the rock throwing incident my jaw literally dropped when i read that ,never heard that one before i would like to think that man was crazy or something , now let me explain a few things in Morocco anything below the city of Tetouan (my home town) and surrounding small towns is considered south of the country although some are in the middle of the country like Rabat or Casablanca and that is due to the huge difference in our accents , northern Moroccn’s such as my self are kinda considered racist towards the ” southern ” Moroccans because we find them a bit ” savage ” and not as polite or respecting as us . Now that may sound arrogant of us but it’s the truth , the proof is the difference you had in your travel between all the cities and Chefchaouen or Chaouen as some call it with the teenager helping you and all and i’m sure you’ve sensed a much warmer aura from the locals than the other cities . Northern cities are much better for tourist when it comes to feeling safe and the harassment level significantly drops (i’m not saying it doesnt exist but it’s very rare ) however there isnt as much to see in the “north” as much as there is in the “south” except for Chefchaouen. MY city Tetouan is 60 km away from Chefchaouen , it’s not as beautiful i admit but it’s bigger and it has it’s own uniqueness in my opinion i wish you visited there as you could have left Chef for one day in the morning and come back in the evening but oh well . Tangier is the only exception here as it is the biggest city in the north ,the crime rates are higher there and the city is much more populated than the small chefchaouen so it’s obvious that the harassment level is higher than the blue city although less than Marrakesh or fes it is none the less there and very frustrating and sad . I’m not much of a writer but i hope you get to read this and i wanna tell you and everyone who might read this comment that whether i like or not Morocco is still an evolving country and half of our people are uneducated and mostly driven by their ignorance and greed which eventually results in your bad stay in our country and that saddens me so much but i hope that you look at the good people and not the greedy taxi drivers or the scammers and ask of you not to judge us all by the worst of us (although they are like half of us :p ) Once again i sincerely apologize to every person who had a bad experience in my country and i hope you get a better one in the future if you hadnt already gave up on it .

Great post! Your photos are fantastic! I did my first few days in Morocco alone as a solo femaie and then met up with my boyfriend for the rest of the trip. I have to say my experience as a solo female was vastly different than when I was with a man. I never felt threatened when I was alone, but the comments and hassle I received was frustrating and made it difficult to enjoy myself. That being said, I would not let this discourage anyone from doing this trip alone. There are plenty of group tours where you can meet people to travel with and still have an amazing time!

every corner in the world has its smugglers not only Morocco . I am from morocco exactly mountains of atlas. yet, the thing that is worth to mention . wherever you go you will find some difficulties with the natives because of the crush of culture and thought . reader travelers mustn’t fall in that process of generalization which claim that all Moroccan are the same . no , the thing that I want to say I myself when I go to visit some cities in the north or south of Morocco I sense something strange from the native. Given the fact that , I have different cultural background or they see me as a stranger. anyhow you made what I have not myself . you visited the major cities. I am a quiet wildling , i like the passion of mountains . if you visit again we may have a cafe or a drink that you couldn’t afford for your first journey.

No, it’s true, all Moroccans are not the same. But it’s also true that you’ll have to deal with more harassment in Morocco than in many other countries.

Today is my first full day in Marrakech, second night. So far, I fully agree with your experience on attire and frame of mind. Last night, I wore long black pants, a tshirt with a high neck, and a long-sleeved dress type top, and a scarf. All was good, I was only spoken to by the men in the square who were trying to sell me food, and although annoying and relentless, it wasn’t bad and I was out by myself until past midnight.

Today, I wore a long dress, but it didn’t cover my ankles, and a long sleeved shirt over it, with the sleeves rolled up and open because my dress had a high neck. No scarf. For the most part, I was left alone, but was noticed a lot more and men did attempt to talk to me but I just ignored them. It wasn’t until I took out my phone to snap a few pictures of the sunset over the main mosque that this crazy guy yelled at me and chased me for a while. I didn’t handle it well. After he yelled the first time, I ignored him but he continued to come after me and in a threatening way so I spoke to him firmly asking what was happening. He yelled and said in broken English that I couldn’t take pictures of the mosque and something about my country — guessing an infidel shouldn’t take a picture of a mosque. It’s Ramadan and as I made my way back to my riad at around 6 or 7, people were starting to eat and the streets were empty except for lots of men. I was harassed for a good 10 blocks, one after another wanting to talk and when I didn’t, they called me whore in several languages and also a motherfucker.

Now, totally agree that there are very nice men also. Just today, I encountered about 5 super helpful men. One at a restaurant, so yes, he was a bit obliged but it wasn’t a touristy restaurant and he went out of his way to make sure I was ok and knew how to get back to my riad. Another was a guy working at a tea/herbs place off the quarter and in a mostly local traffic street. Some others young guys just coming out of a mosque. And another who helped me find my way in the maze where my riad is, expecting nothing in return except a thank you to which he also thanked me. Last night also a guy in the riad neighborhood (instructed by a woman I approached) took me out of the maze to show me the correct path to my riad.

Some accept a “no” with gentleness but the majority are rude and just awful. I’ve traveled throughout the world and I almost came to tears today because I’m here of my own choosing with my own hard earned money. I have encountered looks and discomfort in Malaysia )Pennan) and Luang Prabang Laos (they were just rude). And I’ve cried on the streets feeling helpless in Honduras as I was harassed day in and day out, just for being a woman. Just my experience.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with my readers, Ale! It’s such a complicated country to visit, isn’t it? Full of moments of beauty that are usually followed with frustration and horror. I hope the rest of your time in the country goes well :-)

Hey Lauren, sorry to hear about your bad experience with Moroccan men. I spent a year in Morocco and travelled around a bit solo as well as with a group of friends. It is obviously a better idea to travel with friends or a male companion, however a female solo traveller can be safe even alone I think. I once shared a taxi with a woman and 3 other men out of which one harassed me (touched my leg and kept trying to talk to me). At first I told him I wasn’t interested in a polite way but he wouldn’t listen. Then I told him firmly and he still wouldn’t listen. Other passengers didn’t hear anything at first but when they noticed they told him off and later the driver told him to get out of the car. My time in Morocco, however, was great apart from this incident. I tried to always interact with women rather than men, which is a cultural norm in Muslim countries anyway (outside of the home and family, women talk to women and men talk to men and then not much can go wrong). I lived in Fes for a year and didn’t have much trouble with men there and if the harassment and cat calling ever got bad, I would put on a hijab and pretend I was Muslim and that made a huge difference in the way men in the street behaved towards me. I speak Arabic and know a lot about Islam so it worked and no guy dared to say anything stupid to me, the way they approach Muslim women is completely different from the way they approach Westerners wearing “Western” clothes. They may try asking you if you are Muslim and how long you’ve been Muslim or why you converted or why you like Islam, etc., but otherwise they’ll behave nicely, or at least they all did with me. So wearing long clothes and a hijab definitely helps. Also, another piece of advice if you’re a woman and you’re travelling solo – try to always take a taxi with other (preferably LOCAL) women, whether it’s in a city or intercity and chat with them a little before you get in. If there’s a problem they’ll stand up for you and help you, whereas with men you can’t always be sure. I once took a taxi with an English friend of mine (female) and the driver locked us in the car and wouldn’t unlock the door (from the inside) until we paid him the money he asked for, of course he totally overcharged us. After an argument with him we paid him and he let us out, there was no other way to deal with that situation and there was no one around to help us so we did what seemed the safest. Also, another taxi story – my parents came to visit and we took a taxi to somewhere in Casablanca and although I was the only one in our group who spoke any Arabic at all, the taxi driver pretended not to hear me and wouldn’t talk to me or reply. Only when my father tried talking to him in simple English he would reply or when my father repeated after me in Arabic. That was ridiculous and nothing similar ever happened to me after that but that’s just another example of how some people just wouldn’t talk to the opposite sex even in such ‘innocent’ context. As for places to visit, I definitely recommend the old medina in Fes (don’t let the few annoying locals to overcharge you though and if you’re not interested in seeing or buying their stuff make it clear to them but in a polite way if possible :)), Meknes, Ifran, Sefrou waterfall and the towns in the South, but I hadn’t visited any and regret it. I’ve been to Casa and Rabat, but those left no impression on me at all. And I didn’t exactly like Marrakech as it was very touristy and overcrowded and the men were too persistent and I got hissed at a lot but I just ignored that. So I wouldn’t go there again. Actually, if I do go again, and I’d love to, I’ll probably avoid most large cities and will visit the countryside, mountains and small villages or towns. And Chefchaouen, it looks beautiful. Whoever is reading this, I hope you will have a safe and enjoyable trip :)

Thank you so much for the amazing and helpful comment, Roonie! I so appreciate it! :-)

Thank you for your post. As a Moroccan male and an owner of a tour company, i would like to post some advice here: – Morocco is a male dominated society, especially in rural areas outside the main cities. – Ladies wishing to travel alone there are encouraged to dress moderately to avoid attention. – Avoid eye contact and smiling at males in the streets, it could be mis interpreted. – When traveling to the Sahara desert, choose to go in a group tour – When in the Sahara desert, you need to be firm with restaurants and desert camp staff, as well as local guides and camel drivers. Your kindness and smiling at their face all the time might be also mis interpreted. Luckily, last 10 years has known a big drop of numbers of female tourists and local ladies harassed in the streets, but we hear of a few minor incidents every now and then. As a tour company owner, i always advise my female clients traveling alone as above and thank God none ever had an issue. I also insist on my local suppliers in the Sahara desert that if any of my female clients ever complains about their staff, i will press charges against them, and this worked well.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi, How did you move between cities? did you have a car or your took the train. Is it safe to travel without a car?

Thank you, Lopes

Hi Lopes! I travelled by bus between cities, and took a shared taxi from Chefchaouen to Tangier. I personally wouldn’t recommend driving in Morocco, because the drivers are, um, very aggressive!

“Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals.”

I find this statement of yours very disturbing. At no time does any human have the right to heckle, grope or cause mental, emotional or bodily harm to your person no matter your locale on this planet. That fact that you said that gives you a victim mentality. That is very dangerous mental aspect to take on as it can and will mold future events in your life. “Re-path” that thinking pattern into one of security for your own protection.

No, here’s the thing: I’m not sitting down and writing a diary of my experiences here. I’m writing a guide for women who want to travel to Morocco, letting them know what to expect, and offering tips for how they can avoid having such a stressful experience. Yes, of COURSE, it’s awful that the men behave in this way, but that’s not going to be any different when my readers visit. So if my negative vibes could have been increasing the amount of hostility I received, and that plastering a smile on my face may have helped ease it, I am going to share that with the people reading this post, because I want their journey to be as hassle-free as possible. Me going off on a rant about how their behaviour is unacceptable isn’t going to help with that; me offering tips on what I thought contributed to the increasing aggression I experienced the longer I was in the country will.

I don’t have a victim mentality and I don’t appreciate your condescension either.

Morocco is still a very conservative country and most women walk around with their hair covered. This is a message to visitors that skimpy tops, shorts and revealing clothing are not appreciated by the locals. Dress modestly with legs and arms covered and you’ll avoid the wrong kind of attention. It is also helpful to carry a scarf – essential for visiting a mosque, but also worn Berber-style it helps you blend in and avoidunwanted attention. In Morocco the focus is on the family and women are expected to have husbands and children. Many Moroccan men equate women travelling alone with loose morals. It is extremely rare for the harassment to be violent, an inappropriate touch at worst, but the tongue clicks and hisses can be upsetting to some. They also back down quickly if you have a few choice words. If you’d like to avoid being an object of curiosity, get a husband and kids- fake ones. Wear a cheap wedding band and carry a photo of your “husband” and “children”. Many women travellers say wearing sunglasses helps avoid eye contact with the leering men.

If you think you are being hassled walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for help. If you find you have been groped or are receiving unwanted persistent attention make a fuss and show your disgust, locals (especially women) will come to your aid.

I dressed with my arms and legs covered and I didn’t get to avoid all the attention.

You must be very beautiful.

Not really. 95% of the women I know who have travelled to Morocco experience some form of harassment. Blame the men rather than trying to blame the victims for however they look.

Hey my name’s Abdelbar a 27 years old moroccan guy born in city called Mohammedia, it’s small city located between Rabat the capital and The biggest city Casablanca but my origin came from a village of the northern morocco which is 24 km from Chefchaouen, there where they produce Cannabis ” weed “. I am sorry that you have experienced such bad as harassment in our country but as you see it happens in bigger cities such Marrakech and Casablanca, what i can tell you that even moroccan girls get to face that more than you do. So men are attracted to sexy women and can’t not comment. Me Abdelbar i wish you good and safe trip to Morocco with nice moments.

Hi lauren, I’m in love with your article, I am from morocco, Casablanca but I’m living in japan now. Every words you said about the harassment I can feel it and it brought me a lot of memories, in behalf of all I’m sorry for that, its the worst feeling ever, I love me country but I couldn’t stay there because of this, it was the first reason that mad me leave it. I just want to advise any women going to morocco, if you will go to the north of morocco, it is all good, no one will talk to you people are very nice and well educated. if you will go to Casablanca or any where south, I would prefer that you either go with a group or with some MALE friend, it will be much fun and safer. after all it is a good country have fun

Hello Lauren, As a native Moroccan woman I feel sad and embarrased you had such negative experiences. Travelling as a woman takes guts, thick skin and is never that easy. Myself I travelled around a lot and experienced weird things even in “safe” Western countries; being groped and stalked by Italians, sexually harrased by French policemen and being robbed of 500 pounds by a young native Britt in London, because I didnt take extra precautions believing that all Westeners are honest people. Its a shame that Marrakech has attracted all sorts of opportunist that want to make a quick buck off of tourists and whose daily job it is to engage with tourists. Also the harrassement of women is an issue that needs to be dealt with because as your story shows it detremental to your freedom as a human being. This article might be helpful for travelling females. With advise on countries to avoid http://www.internationalwomenstravelcenter.com/479/

great post dear! thanks for sharing with us and keep it up.

What company did you go out in the Sahara desert with? How much did it cost? Was it worth it?

I booked it through my hostel — it cost $70 for two nights.

A couple of friends (all female) and I are thinking of a short trip to Morocco in November. We are really keen to do some exploring of cities, trekking and visit the sahara. How easy is it to find guides/trips for things if you don’t book anything in advance? We quite like winging it…!

Any advice would be really helpful

I think it would be fine. Guesthouse owners are super-helpful, so they’ll be able to recommend guides and stuff if you ask. And in the main cities, there are lots of options for hiring people.

Omg thank you, that’s exactly what I needed to read. I am currently in the south of spain and wondering if I am going to Morroco for a few weeks as a solo female traveller so your article really help me to understand what it is like. (Still not sure what’s my decision though haha)

Glad you found it helpful, Caroline! :-) Hope you have a great trip if you do decide to go.

Hi it is interesting to read this. I travelled to Essaouirra a few years ago with a friend and at first it was great but then a few days in increasingly sexual comments, being followed, shouted at, abuse at our (absent) mothers etc made it very wearing and left us with a bad memory. There were so many nice people too but of course you end up being distant with them because you don’t know who is going to be aggressive etc. I was thinking of visiting Marrakech in January with another female but now I am not sure. I can negotiate it but sexual harassment is scary and makes me angry.

I understand you well. I had the same experience in Israel. Actually I was happy and enjoying my holiday. But after that harassment it just ruined the rest. And even if the country is beautiful, I don’t like to think back. I think you have the same, or? Are you going to travel to some Muslim countries yet? Me definitely not till I’m young and attractive.

Wish you a lot of beautiful experiences and safe journies.

thank you for sharing your experiences here! I grew up in tangier, Morocco. I’m half moroccan half german but definetly looking more german and I really understand you. Even if i grew up there and even knowing the language it’s hard for me to go out alone. Travelleing completly alone in such countries is always a risk!

But I loved it when you said that even after the negative things that happened to you you loved the Country because it definetly is!

Maybe next time you should come back again with a Group. I reccoment you to definetly visit Tangier again and Asilah, a small Hippie town next to it, to probably go down to Taghatout a small Hippie-Surfer spot where you can find your Piece.

I apologize for that it is really a shame to read that and so sad that there are really still People like this in our world and pollute such a beautiful Piece of earth.

I’m happy to found your blog. I’m an experienced traveller, have been to places mostly with someone else, though. Those places I’ve travelled alone to, I loved the most, relying on myself alone is a challenge.

I was thinking about returning to Morocco where I had travelled with my ex boyfriend. In Morocco especially Marrakesh Medina was a miracle for me, had no sexual harm, assault, perhaps with a man beside me I was not a target. We travelled to Casablanca and Marrakesh as we found local people friendy and helpful, even in Marrakech, motorbikes were annoying, though, got lost in the souk was tough, and those guys alway around who wanted to help us find the way back to the accomodation when they saw us lost was tough as well, especially when we did not pay and made them angry.

Before venturing into a new solo adventure, I wanted to read about how it was to travel to Morocco as a solo woman. Reading your blog was helpful and I still hope I can make it. Whenever traveling to Morocco solo, I would return to known places first to gain self-confidence. I had a couple of nice hosts in Morocco as well and I was happy they were all Europeans living in Morocco. I would definitely return to them to feel safe. Traveling to Morocco as European I had fears even with a man beside me. There was a point when my stress was so high that I cried.

Thank you for sharing your experience, I still plan to explore Morocco solo.

Hi Lauren, I often wonder that how come these scammers have free hand? What are they upto? Are local cops only acting as a mute spectator? I am glad that your hardwork will sensitise travellers like me who will be more careful in future as well

Which scammers?

“At one point, he offered to take me into the Atlas Mountains to camp after the tour, telling me I’d love the stars and the friendly Berber people.”

Two of my female friends did actually have this happen to them on a trip to the Atlas mountains. They naively agreed to go with their guide for a walk from their camp to look at the stars. Where he and his friend aggressively tried to “persuade” them to have sex. Luckily one of their male friends in the tour group had come up to see what the noise was about, and situation over as quickly as it started.

Sounds like you were quite wise to be wary of this guy. It’s a shame having to constantly be mistrustful of people, but that’s kind of how I felt in Morocco too.

Oh wow, thanks for sharing that, Bina. That’s awful.

Did you take a cab to the blue city? If so was it expensive? I plan on going to Morocco in january (solo) and just trying to pick up a few tips. I’m sorry all this happened to you and I hope for these men sake that they leave me alone because being from NYC I am a pro at getting rid of annoying street venders and ridiculous men!

Yep, I took a shared taxi from Tangier.

Thanks so much for this article!! I love the honesty. Did you speak French or Arabic before you got there? Have you ended up going back yet? I may be going for a few months to volunteer, I am still researching and haven’t completely decided yet. However, I would be staying with a host family for my entire time there, which includes meals and transportation. Do you think this kind of lifestyle could lessen the harassment /discomforts? I am still a solo female traveler, but I would think that having a family to come back to every day would give me a support system. I have one more question- was the harassment the only safety concern you had while in Morocco? I am a bit wary given the increase in terrorism scares, to be honest.

I didn’t speak any French or Arabic, and I haven’t returned to Morocco yet, but hopefully will later this year. I think staying with a host family could definitely help minimise the harassment — I have a friend who did just that and had a wonderful time.

Yeah, my only fears were harassment. As far as I’m aware, there haven’t even been any terrorist attacks in Morocco in recent years. Would you still visit France? There’s most likely a much higher risk there than in Morocco. I always remind myself that even if I was ever unfortunate enough to be in a place when a terrorist attack took place, the changes of it being in the exact same place at the same time as me is so, so, so, so low.

I am Moroccan and my sincere apologies on behalf of all real Moroccan men who value women, but those dirty minded freaks that your destiny, unfortunately, makes you encounter them are a simple minority that distorts the beautiful image of the country and its warm-hearted citizens. I am personally convinced that change will take place but it is just a matter of time.

Many thanks for imparting your Moroccan experience with us and I do really hope not be hindered from visiting our country in the future.

Dear Lauren, I really hope you would be my Guest next time you would come to Morocco, I’m owner and manager of my little Guesthouse with only 4 rooms located in Bhalil a village 24 km close to Fez.

I have hosted several young women as a single traveler, Sarah is one of them, rad her TripAdvisor review and read also the other reviews in TripAdvisor, you will understand that my Guesthouse and staff is very normal and fully respecting individuals.

Sarah stayed at our House in a village 24 km close to Fez, see how a single women was happy at our Guesthouse and village in Bhalil Morocco, then read more reviews about Dar Kamal Chaoui in TripAdvisor. you will enjoy your next trip to Bhalil Morocco.

“Beautiful place in the mountains for a single traveler, close to Fez!”

I stayed at this guest house after a long trip to Morocco for rest and relaxation. I sure got exactly that! The guest house itself is so lovely! It has wonderful decorations, beautiful rooms with a comfy bed and warm shower, lastly a really nice terrace to sit on and enjoy the view. The city is small and slow moving, which was a great change from Fez and Marrakesh. The staff at the guest house is wonderful! Kamal was a great host, always helpful and we had some wonderful conversations about many things I was curious about in Morocco. Naima makes great food and is so kind! Two nights I was there we had a guest, Rita and it was so interesting for me to get to know a young girl and learn what she does for fun and about her family. Latef is a great carpenter and makes some of the coolest wood carvings I saw in Morocco. As you can tell, I made some great friends and truly felt like family. I would recommend this guest house to anyone and everyone who comes to Morocco! I would even suggest it if you are visiting Fes, as Bhalil is close and the guesthouse is exceptional. Thank you for the hospitality!

I’ve enjoyed reading all these comments here about Morocco. No one mentioned any experiences in Agadir which I understand is a popular beach city there. I’ve met a young man from there who I met on a language web site called Speaky (speaky.com). We’ve become friends. He and his family run a BnB there which he has invited me to visit.

I am 72 years of age, married & speak Spanish fluently & some French. I’m sure that he would accompany me while in that city. Would I have to worry about this male harassment considering my circumstances?

If you were with a local guy while you were out and about, you’d definitely manage to avoid the vast majority of the harassment. I hope you have a wonderful time in Agadir!

I’m going to Morocco soon, well hopefully soon. My wife and I are planning a trip for May/June . I’m always interested in the female solo traveler perspective. I’ve heard some stories about Morocco that didn’t sound so pleasant and wanted to see what others experiences were. Yours sounds like a roller coaster of ups and downs. Hoping traveling as a couple will be a lot better for us. Appreciate your insight. Cheers,

I hope it ends up being a lovely trip for you both, Mark-Anthony!

I travelled from Marrakesh to Fez and back.

Fez the taxi drivers were wanking in front of me.

A pack of men in the Market cornered me.

I gave up my ambition of being at the sacred music festival.

I was shouted at and sworn at in many towns travelling off the beaten track.

Marrakesh I could handle.

Its sad but I have encounter so many women with the same tail.

Ugh. I’m so sorry to hear you had to go through that.

Hi Lauren, I just love your blog. Thank you so much for all your honesty. I also loved your book! I am about to book a trip to Morocco and definitely don’t want to travel alone even though I’m a seasoned traveler. I am trying to decide between a group tour (Intrepid which I used in India and loved) and hiring a one on one private guide for the entire two weeks. I generally like to travel independently but for some reason the thought of being one on one with a guide makes me a little uneasy. Do you think in a case like this it’s best to go with the tour for company? My only concern is would it be aqkward to be alone with a guide 24/7 for two weeks…I’ve never traveled like that before. Thanks for any feedback!

I would personally go for the group tour option, because I’ve heard of guides being pretty creepy with solo female travellers, so I’d prefer to have more people around me.

I’m an older woman and my husband and I have been to Marrakech three times and Fez twice. We got badly harrased in Fez on our last trip but otherwise it was fine. I got separated in the souk in Marrakech and nobody pestered me, but the men on the stalls guessed what had happened. When I moved on (as somebody said my husband had gone ‘that way’) I then got harrased by a female beggar who said ‘well, what DO you want?’ and I just said ‘my husband’. At that point a young man, about 18, got me some water (I had no phone on me, no cash and no water) and he spent two hours trying to help me find our riad. Once we got back I was unable to take him in for tea as the manager said I had no chaperone (why the hell couldn’t he have chaperoned?) Anyway my husband and I walked back through the souk and found the young man the next day and my husband gave him a healthy tip. He was overwhelmed and gave us both a big hug (old enough to be his parents, maybe even his grandparents!) i will always treasure that memory. Oh, on our final trip to Fez the manageress of the riad went out of her way to help me get a carpet bag made. I bought the rug at a supermarket but she helped me get the fastenings and lining etc from the souk. She knew of a craft school where they were thrilled to make their first carpet bag. Who knew that they were unheard of? Lots of kilims turned into bags, but not an actual rug. Sadly I don’t think we can return to Morocco due to various health issues, but with five visits we can certainly say we know and love the place.

Thanks so much for providing a counterpoint, Lynne :-)

When in Rome do as the Romans. Now I am not saying throw a veil on; your attire shows you had not done your homework about Morocco. Certainly none of the hassle you went through is excusable, however your nonchalant attire is a guarantee for serious trouble. Travel is about going toward a new culture, about melting into it. Travellers who knock on the host country’s culture and tiptoe in, humbly, will have the a richer travel experience, and that goes for anywhere in the world.

What are you talking about? My nonchalant attire? The only parts of my skin I showed when in the cities was my face, so if you’re not suggesting I put a veil on, what are you suggesting??? I covered up from my neck to my wrists to my ankles with clothes while in Morocco, as I mentioned in the post. The only exception was the one day I spent in the Sahara Desert, because my tour guides assured me it was fine. Here’s a couple of quotes from my article:

“I wore long cotton pants down to my ankles, a t shirt with a high neck, a long-sleeved cotton shirt and a scarf. I kept everything loose and light so I didn’t get too hot during the day.”

“I suddenly had hassle from men in the street, too – grabbing me, trying to touch my breasts, telling me they liked my “American tits”, whispering in French in my ear and then calling me a slut and a whore when I walked away. I was completely covered up and couldn’t have worn any more layers at this point, beyond throwing a blanket over myself.”

Don’t be such a judgmental and condescending asshole, and maybe try actually reading my post next time.

Hi Lauren! Thanks a lot for the information.

I am planning to travel solo to Morocco during october. If I understood well, you recommend visiting Chefchaouen, Marrakech and the Sahara to feel a bit safer?

Thanks a lot!

Lauren I think its really awesome and brave that you ventured Morocco solo! I did a trip to Morocco last year with my significant other with GAdventures because I honestly didn’t think I could have handled the crowd, congestion and winding roads on my own. It makes me sad to read about your not so pleasant experiences at the same time creating that awareness for other female travelers is invaluable.

Thank you so much, Michelle! Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Morocco :-)

Sorry for the experience. Its quite shameful on mankind that in the 21st Century, women still have to stay on their guard because of the men. Apart from that, Morocco is indeed the place to be. It looks so awesome, a mixpot of the ancient and the modern sitting bang in the middle of the Sahara. I would definitely love to go there.

Hopefully things will change in the future. I’m planning on heading back next year, actually, to see if it’s changed in any way since my last visit, back in 2012!

I’m planning to visit Morocco next year, and stumbled upon your blog. First of all, I’d like to thank you for sharing your experience. And the way you manage to maintain your positivity even after all the unpleasantness you went through–I find it so inspiring. I’m still a bit nervous about going there alone as a female traveler, but your story really gives me courage. So, thanks again :)

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful and trouble-free trip to Morocco :-)

It’s hard to believe what you have gone through Lauren. Those kinds of jerks are all over the places. They need to be taught about basic etiquettes at least. But I appreciate your great patience. You moved on with a positive mindset. I learnt one thing from your experience that every individual should have minimum awareness before traveling to a new destination. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lauren.

Thanks for the kind comment, James!

Thanks for sharing your story and I’m so sorry for what you had to go through, especially this throwing the rock situation, that is truly appalling. I wanted to add on here as well for anyone else considering, especially a solo female traveler. I just returned tonight to the US and cut my trip short 10 days, because of all of the harassment, cheating I was experiencing and getting robbed.

I am an extremely savvy traveler, have traveled solo throughout Asia, Europe, South America and lived in South America and Mexico and while I’ve had incidents like my phone being stolen right from my backpack and being catcalled and even had men pull their pants down in front of me, nothing has been like the terror in the medinas and scam artists of Morocco.

In my Riad in Fes, Dar Elgahlia, the hotel stole a $100 bill out of my wallet, I know this because my wallet had been clearly tampered with in my suitcase. The manager at the hotel also told me he’d help me by getting me an overnight bus ticket to the desert, and after I paid him and later looked at the ticket, he’d given me a used ticket from the day before. This same Riad also turned away my tour guide without telling me, so that I would use a tour guide through them and they would get a cut. The snakes in Morocco are not just on the street, after this I felt I could not trust even my hotels.

I went in late December so was extremely covered up, hair tied back and sunglasses, no make up, essentially trying to look as unappealing everyday. I did not look or smile at anyone, and the catcalls didn’t annoy me as much because I’m used to that, but it was the aggression in people grabbing at me, following me and lying to my face to lead me astray. In Marrakech I was harassed by women, grabbing at me to do henna as I was walking and held my hand drawing on me walking with me, even though I dislike henna and told her no, and didn’t have money on me (which I did not) and she would not leave or stop, then demanded money and caused a big scene. I was also led astray by a man who spoke perfect English telling me he’d lead me to NOMAD restaurant and told me this big story about how his Berber family from the Atlas Mountains goes there to learn to cook, only to then drop me off at a spice shop which was on the complete opposite side of the restaurant so I could buy things. I was also followed by multiple men, saying “you’re going the wrong way.. your Riad is this way… you’re so beautiful let me take you to where the beautiful women go.”

I even went to the police station to report Dar El Ghalia at the request of Booking.com (whom I booked the Riad through) and was escorted by a trustworthy nice young Moroccan, but even after being with him for a couple of hours, he tried to make advances, touching my leg and trying to hold my hand, and asking about my sex life and preferences.

I have very thick skin and get over things quickly, but this place had me in anxiety and on the verge of tears daily. It made me so disheartened because Morocco had been on the top of my list since I was 15, and to feel like I have to be escorted around is just sad. But, that is the culture and I do recommend still going just with a sensible private guide who knows the language and people, a very protective and aware man or a tour group. I have to give it time but I will go back and visit the desert, Essaouira and beach towns but with a man and a guide.

Ugh, I’m so, so sorry to hear about your experiences, Natalie. It’s so terrible that you were treated that way. Morocco’s a tough country to travel through as a solo woman, so I’m not surprised to hear you also cut your trip short. Thanks for sharing your experiences here, so that other women can have a good idea of what to expect when they visit.

Simply gorgeous! Such a beautiful place, even though you have to always have an eye open, but totally worth it.

Thanks for sharing! I loved the pictures!

Thanks, Pedro!

I learned a lot from your post. I love the pictures! What a great place to travel. I love Morocco!

I’m a solo female going to Morocco for a week and a half at the end of this month for holidays. I will be arriving in Marrakech, then wanting to visit the Sahara and if there is is time, Essaoira. Can you please suggest accommodation for me in Marrakech? Safe tours to the Sahara? and accommodation in coastal town such as Essaoira? Also, do you know of any female meet groups there ? Thanks, Gillian

Just got back from Morocco on Sunday having cut my trip for a few days due to the people I met there. I am a guy and pretty big actually but I really disliked their attitude and had to keep my temper in control due to the fact that I was thousands of miles away from home. I posted my thoughts about Morocco on my blog since I think that people should be aware of everything before they visit a new country! Personally regardless of how many good stories I hear I would never recommend Morocco for a single girl traveller!

It’s always good to receive other perspectives, so thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Stefan. I’m sorry to hear you ended up cutting your trip short! It sure is a challenging country to travel through.

You were brave to go alone but these kind of trips feels better with friends.

The sexual harassment we faced in Morocco was the worst anywhere by a long way. The worst place was the Marrakesh Bazaar. It was so crowded and men would grab us and making hissing noises. All the girls in our group had to cross their arms over their chests (to stop the grabbing) as we tried to get out of there. It was a horrible nightmare.

I’m so sorry to hear that, Tamara.

Oh boy. Morocco Desert Tours, your response displays such an inappropriate view of women in the modern world. But I thank you for it, so I and other female travellers can avoid using your tour. I’m going to Morocco in a few months and I wouldn’t trust anyone with such a misogynist view of women to take me to the desert. Thanks again for your making me aware of your views.

Hi As a 57 year old potential solo traveller to Morocco. Do you think my age would provide protection from male harassment?

I am likely heading to Morocco for a few weeks this summer. Regarding your age…. sadly there are lots of poor desperate shameless Moroccan men that consider anything foreign fair game in pursuit of getting of Moroccan. Descent Moroccan men you are less likely to encounter as they usually actually are in school, have jobs or have families to take care of. Better quality Moroccan men do exist … but they are not as likely to be encountered as they are not the looser that are harassing women as a profession. Local women also have issues with regular aggressive sexual harassment in Morocco. The story in Tangier really angered me as it reminded me of an experience I had in Istanbul.

I want to encourage women to be upfront about their experiences and stop describing these situations as “attention”…. this is outright sexual harassment and it should not be sugar coated. Morocco has huge problems with sexual harassment. It is does not only happen to tourist is it a common problem for local women. As a tourist dealing with that is a temporary fear, but imagine how crippling and scary it would be to have to deal with that on a daily basis?

no…..not really the young guys like old women to…they even marry them mainly for there money wait for them to die…so many there all scammer keep away from Moroccan men…

I am currently in the middle of our Morocco trip with my wife and I definately see all the harassment on a daily basis towards females which would be unacceptable in my country. The constant leering and touts at my fully covered wife even though she is by my side is concerning, I can’t imagine what it would be like as a solo female traveller. Not sure if it is a lack of self control or education or both. Makes me sad that females have to put up with this rubbish in a daily basis. Not really sure how a country can progress as a whole with these attitudes towards half their population.

Marrakech was a great place and had a great desert experience. We booked to join a group tour of about 15 people through ‘Marrakech desert expeditions’ but ‘Miftah tours’ actually operate the tour. Driver was great and none of the solo female travellers got harassed from we saw or heard.

Currently in Casablanca and honestly, don’t bother with this place if you are tight on time. The Mosque is incredible but that’s it. Might be good if you live there and have time to explore as others have mentioned but give it a miss as a tourist here for a couple of days. I reckon the harassment was on par with my time in New Delhi.

Like most people said, amazing country and everyone has different experiences. There are mostly nice people as others have said but the lack of respect towards females was definitely a downer.

good and bad in every country ….but so many bad in morocco yes don’t make eye contact helps…as if they think there the best looking things since sliced bread…full of themselves..you have to understand them .girls meaning you whoever reads this they think all tourist women are easy..there looking for a way out..and some are even married and still scamming many are married and still having there women on the side the wives don’t want that but what can they do? cant go back to there families no welfare for abused or single women with children ..morocan men in my experience of Arabic countries are the worst..lieing cheaters..and so full on with the compliments I have seen so many older women marrying younger men as if …it wont last it never does they want kids and they want your country citizenship where ever your from so they can look good when they go back..they seem caring they seem everything just believe me there either born this way or been doing there scams since childhood..i believe they love there mothers that’s all..they don’t respect women at all..i think they think women are just a vessel for things they want.and muslim country I will eat my hat..Bull crap the most unmuslim country I have come across…even at ramadam a lot sleep most of the day and up all night just change there sleep patterns..not so hard..alcohol never seen so much a lot a drinkers..and hash..they all do it most of them..hey guys its a drug and addictive and not islam I wonder if they know that…I could go on and on..I have lived there..i have Moroccan children I know a lot have lived there to..any info you need don’t mind telling..

Wow, I’m rather disappointed with most of the feedback. I am a 64 yr old woman and I will be going to Portugal next year and since I will then be retired, I thought of just flying to Morocco and spending a couple of days in Marrakesh at the Sofitel hotel there, now I’m not so sure?? Thoughts?

I spent 2 weeks in Morocco last year as solo female traveller in my 40s, this country is the worst I have been to so far. Catcalled, followed, groped, harassed… it was relentless. And yes, I dressed modestly. The landscapes were gorgeous, especially in the Atlas mountains, but I could not enjoy a single day of my holiday because I was constantly dodging unwanted attention, looking over my shoulder and I never felt like I could have a genuine interaction with the locals. Everybody wanted something, and men clearly felt entitled to my money and my body. When talking to me, a lot would just stare straight at my boobs!

I will not go back to Morocco. When I am on holiday, I want to relax and enjoy myself, and I find it deeply unpleasant to have to be on my guard every time I step out in the street. I will also think twice before going to another conservative muslim country, since women clearly enjoy a much lesser status than men in those very patriarcal societies. When you invest time and thousands in a trip, you want a positive experience, not fight every step of the way and come back more stressed than when you left!

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

I’m a 20 year old student about to embark on a 3 week trip to Tétouan for Arabic classes. I grew up in France and speak fluent French, and am learning Arabic in college, but I’m still nervous. I’ve never really travelled alone before, and as you described, Morocco is a daunting place to start. I did go to Rabat once but it was with my mother, and any harassment we did get was never unbearable. Do you think the season makes a difference? I’ll be traveling in January, which I assume is a relatively tourist-free time of year. I’m wondering if that means there will also be less harassment.

Any other travel advice would also be appreciated! Thanks xx

Lauren, I was just there in Morocco in October at all the places you visited for two weeks. As a male foreigner with my wife, we did get harassed to buy this or that. This occurred in the Medinas. We travelled with a tour group. However, we travelled independently on our own at midday and at night. I did get asked frequently about my origin as I was compared to a Moroccan actor. I took it all with a pleasant attitude and smiled. More importantly, we ignored unwanted remarks, sales, and offers with a preoccupied look for elsewhere and walked with a predestination in mind. We enjoyed the independent walks in Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes, Casablanca, Fes, and Essaquira. We also enjoyed a night in the Sahara Desert. We loved it and hope others will as well. I offered my advice as I have researched countries for advice. I often follow female solo travelers’ advice in visiting countries. My advice to female travelers is to blend in with the cultural norms and try to use a pleasant and friendly attitude. Be aware and astute. Morocco is worth visiting.

I’ve been stuck in morocco now 16 months yes I get bugged all the time and I really don’t care i learn how to tell them to fuck off and show them im not scared of them women as well try for harass me and I say them thanks I don’t let small things stress me out but honestly learning to swear in there language is best when your travel solo I read how if you ignore them they get mad ! I try same thing but in the end I’m say kawd meaning fuck off and they be shocked they swear back at you but this gives you the opportunity to walk away don’t let them think they are better then women we all come from the same place and for this we is all equal remember this !

I had a very similar experience in Morocco and I would never, not ever, go back. I haven’t experienced anything remotely similar anywhere else.

I’m so sorry to hear that, Kiki.

Heey, wow it’s almost sad to read these comments.. I’m sorry for all of you who felt that way.

I travelled there (solo) four years ago, and I’m going back (solo) next week. I’m so excited! I’m 1.74, blonde, light skin. I’m used to getting some attention on holidays. And I did, but albeit for one weird dude, never in an disrespectful way. But my Morocco experience has been soooooo different! There were 2 scams (the guy bringing me to the hotel) which I obviously refused to pay, and a woman with henna (too bad, I fell for that). Other than that, I was actually really really lovely!

I have a very long I-could-have-ended-up-in-human-trafficking-but-it-turned-out-amazing story, but I’m too lazy to type it out. Some guys gave me compliments, in the most respectful way ever. I got free food (and plates) from a restaurant because the man really wanted me to try out their desserts, which I later shared with the homeless people, had friendly people showing me the way, helping me out, help me get better prices at lunchplaces, found some roaming camels to cuddle..

For all the ladies traveling alone: go during Ramadan. I am not sure if that had something to do with it, but I fell in love with both the country and it’s people.

There are some horrific experiences shared here. I went with my wife back in 2008 and didn’t really experience any of the horror stories most people have seemed to encounter.

We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights (always inside the Medinas) but never felt threatened or even harassed more so than your basic sales pitches by street vendors.

Word of advice have a local show you around and never wander aimlessly. If you look like you’re lost you will be approached. Have a destination in mind and go with a local and you’ll be fine.

its exactly 1 year -i visited my best ever trip to morocco i am a male solo traveller and after going through your article i almost decided to cancel travelling to my dream deatination of morocco- and i had send you the email to get some advice -and your reply was very encouraging and it drove me to go ahead with my plan and i had a wonderful trip of life time -the people were very nice -you have to be little careful specially in fez your advice was that as a male and from india we are supposed to be always vigilant in our own place so nothing to worry and i should go ahead with the wonderful trip of moroccco

Yay! I’m so happy to hear you had a great trip, Zoher!

I’m sorry you had a tough experience in Morocco. I lived in Fez a few years back and loved it, but also had some tough experiences. The harassment in my experience was worse during the high tourist season and way more chill otherwise. I’m also sad to hear you missed Fez because it is lovely there and has a calmer vibe than some of the other big cities.

Ah, interesting! Most people told me that Fez is the worst city for harassment, so it’s great to hear you had the opposite experience.

Hey Lauren, hope you are doing great! Your post about Morrocco was wvery helpful as I’m going at the beggining of May. Do you perhaps have the contact of a tour guide and a taxi at Marrakesh? I wanted to make sure to transfer to my hostel with someone pf trust. Thank you!

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Solo Female Travel In Morocco: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

By Katie Caf. This post on traveling in Morocco as a solo female traveler contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to experience  solo female travel in Morocco , but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place! 

Morocco is a captivating country with rich history, a vibrant culture, and lots of activities, making it the perfect spot for solo travelers. From glamping in the Sahara Desert to shopping in the historic souks or even surfing in coastal villages, there’s truly something for every type of solo traveler in Morocco.

While Morocco has a bit of a bad reputation for tourist harassment, it’s still a very safe country to travel in as a solo female. As long as you don’t mind a few frustrations here and there, it’s well worth the small difficulties to experience such a beautiful place.

While traveling in Morocco as a solo female traveler isn’t without its hassles, this guide shares detailed travel tips that will help ensure you have the best time possible. It’s based on my own experience as a solo female traveler in the country.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about solo female travel to Morocco including safety tips, where to go, what to do, what to wear, how to get around, and more!

⏳ Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling alone in Morocco: ☔ Safety: While Morocco is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🚗 Renting A Car: Discover Cars  (save up to 70% using their comparison tool!) 🎉 Experiences: Viator (tours), GetYourGuide (tours), and EatWith (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 🏨 Accommodation: This map can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Moroccan cities you’re visiting solo. It’s currently set to Marrakesh, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Morocco. 🏥  Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing 📞  Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Confidently Enjoy Solo Travel In Morocco [Free Course]

Before we discuss how to have an amazing trip  traveling to Morocco alone , here is an invite to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re going to travel solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into our  solo travel guide on visiting Morocco .

Is Morocco Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Morocco is a truly beautiful country, and a popular option for solo travel in the Middle East ; however, one of the first questions travelers typically have is:

Is Morocco safe for solo travellers, especially solo female travellers? 

I spent many months as a female solo traveler in Morocco and I can report that it is a very safe, but not easy, country to travel in. 

There’s a lot of street harassment as well as small scams in Morocco that can make traveling in the country, especially as a solo female traveler, exhausting. This is particularly true if it’s your first time traveling solo .

Luckily, there are ways to avoid these frustrations. Here are some tips for staying safe and avoiding these scams while visiting Morocco as a woman as well as advice for how to travel on your own .

Tips For Solo Female Travelers in Morocco 

Join a tour as a solo traveler in morocco.

Have you considered joining Morocco tours for solo travellers?

Joining a group tour through a reputable company is the easiest way to ensure a stress-free trip in Morocco while traveling as a solo female. 

You’ll typically miss out on the worst of the street harassment if you’re accompanied by a tour guide. If you’re nervous about feeling uncomfortable, this is a smart idea.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation, excursions, or any of the other small planning details.

Don’t hail taxis off the street

While there is technically no  Uber in Morocco  since Uber discontinued its services in the country in 2018, there are a ton of Uber alternatives you can use during your Morocco solo trip.

The app Careem , which works just like Uber, operates in the Moroccan cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier. 

In Marrakech, you can use the apps Heetch and Roby , which work by calling official city taxis to your location. 

Unfortunately, taxi drivers can be kind of scammy and aggressive in Morocco. This is why I recommend always using a ride-hailing app like Careem when possible. 

If you can’t use an app, it’s best to pre-arrange transport services through a company or your hotel rather than just hailing cabs off the street when traveling solo in Morocco.

Get out of the city when traveling alone in Morocco

After my first week in Marrakech, I was a little burnt out — and a little over Morocco. Traveling to Morocco as a woman isn’t easy. The constant harassment, catcalls, touts, and windy souk streets were a bit overstimulating. 

I’m so thankful that instead of leaving the country, I simply just left the city and took a solo weekend trip up to the village of Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains.

Most of the harassment you’ll encounter while traveling as a woman in Morocco is in cities, especially touristic ones like Marrakech and Fez. Traveling to the countryside for a few days was exactly what I needed to fall back in love with Morocco. 

Know when to say “La!” 

“La” means “no” in Arabic, and it will quickly become your most-used Arabic phrase if you’re visiting Morocco solo.

Walking down a street in Marrakech, I sometimes felt like a broken record saying “La, Shukran” (no, thank you) over, and over, and over again. 

If someone is being pushy with you, whether they’re trying to get you to visit their food stall, take a taxi ride, or whatever else they’re asking for, it’s best to just say “La, Shukran,” be polite, and keep moving.

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up for yourself, you will quickly learn how to while traveling solo in Morocco! 

Don’t listen to the “wrong way” guys

There’s a very popular scam in Morocco where “touts,” which is the slang term for fake tour guides that harass tourists, tell travelers they’re going the “wrong way.” 

This scam is most common in the windy streets of the Old Medinas in Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, or any other large city that gets a lot of tourists. 

The touts are very brazen, and can be aggressive. On my last trip to Morocco, I was right in front of my hotel and I had forgotten about the “wrong way” scammers. 

A tout saw me walking with my suitcase and asked me what hotel I was heading to. Unfortunately, I had forgotten about this scam and so I told him just to be nice and make conversation. 

Immediately his tone shifted, “Oh no madam, you are going the  wrong way . Let me help you”. 

He asked me to bring up my Google Maps app and then pointed, seemingly randomly, on the map to a building on the other side of the old city. 

“Your hotel is all the way over here, madam! Come with me, let me help you”. 

He then tried to take my luggage from me. 

Pro tip: don’t let anyone take your luggage unless they work for your hotel.

Luckily I knew exactly where my hotel was — 5 feet away from us, and I could see the sign!

The tout was probably just going to lead me in circles around the Medina, and then demand a high “tip” for doing so; but, there have also been more sinister stories from tourists who fall for these scams and the tout takes them somewhere secluded to rob them.

I feel bad for travelers who visit Morocco and fall for these scams, but let this story stand as a warning:

You really need to be on your guard against touts and other scammers when visiting the cities in Morocco, especially as a solo woman traveler.

Download Google Maps Offline

Related to my last point, download  Google Maps offline  for any city in Morocco you plan on visiting. Although Google Maps isn’t always 100% accurate when it comes to the maze-like Moroccan streets, they’ve gotten a lot better in recent years. 

I like to save all of the addresses for my hotels and Airbnbs on Google Maps Offline so I know where I’m going. 

Where Is Morocco?

Morocco is the most western country in North Africa and is separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.

Morocco has actually been a kingdom since the 1950s when Morocco gained its independence from France. Known as the “Kingdom of Morocco,” their present ruler is King Mohammed VI. 

Getting To Morocco When Traveling Solo

Did you know that even though Morocco is in Africa and Spain is in Europe , you can  technically  drive from one continent to another? As long as you don’t mind bringing your car onto a ferry, that is.

Tons of people make this crossing from Europe to Africa in this way, but you can also fly to Morocco from pretty much anywhere in the world.

The largest airports in Morocco are located in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. If possible, I recommend flying into Marrakech because it’s centrally located and an easy gateway city to other popular locations. 

Ferries run from Spain to Morocco, from the port of Tarifa in Spain to the city of Tangier, which is Morocco’s northernmost port. The ferry only takes an hour and costs less than 50 Euros.

If you’re really looking to save money you can carpool from Malaga, Spain, to Tangier, Morocco. The carpool route runs through the popular European ridesharing platform BlaBlaCar for less than $20 per person. 

For traveling within Africa you should know the flights can be pretty expensive. It’s usually a lot cheaper to fly between Morocco and Europe than it is to go to other countries in Africa like Egypt, Tunisia, and Ethiopia.

Tip:  If you’re coming from North America, it’s a lot cheaper to fly to Europe first rather than taking a direct flight to Morocco. I saved $500 this way on my last trip to Morocco by flying to Paris first, and then taking a shorter flight from Paris to Marrakech. You can also check a site like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) for deals.

Getting Around Morocco As A Solo Traveler 

Getting around Morocco can be a  little  confusing. Luckily, there are a ton of different ways you can get around in Morocco from trains to taxis.

Keep reading for an in-depth solo female travel Morocco guide to getting around the country when traveling alone.

Cars can’t go everywhere in Morocco

There are certain places you can’t use a car when traveling Morocco solo.

For instance, in certain historic areas of Morocco, like the Old Medina in Marrakech and the entire Old Town in the city of Fez (also spelled “Fes”), you cannot drive a car. 

The Old Medinas in Morocco actually pre-date cars. For example, the Old Town in Fez is 1200 years old. Because these areas are so historic, the roads aren’t made wide enough to accommodate modern cars. 

There are a lot of stories online from foreigners who took a taxi from the airport to their hotel or riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an enclosed garden) in an Old Medina, just to be dropped off at the entrance of this old town area with little to no explanation. 

While you can’t take a taxi into an Old Medina, there are usually pedicabs available for hire to go the rest of the way to your accommodation.

Tip: If you plan on staying within an Old Medina, it’s best to pack light. The roads are usually unpaved or cobblestone, and since the streets are very small you might wind up having to carry all of your belongings with you. 

Taking taxis when traveling solo in Morocco 

As I mentioned earlier in this guide to female solo travel in Morocco, it’s really best to use a ride-hailing app if available or arrange a transfer service. This is because taxi drivers in Morocco don’t have the best reputation, and can sometimes be a little scammy towards foreign tourists. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to take a cab, here’s what you should know: 

Petit Taxis 

Petit Taxis are what they call general cabs in Morocco. They are either red, blue, or yellow depending on which city you’re in, and they only operate within cities. 

Hailing a cab in Morocco is the same as hailing a cab anywhere else, except for one major difference:

When you hire a cab in a city in Morocco, they can still stop and pick up more passengers. It’s similar to how Uber Pool works, except you don’t get a discount for sharing. Even if you have paid the full fare for wherever you’re going, they can still pick up more people.

Each Petit Taxi fits three people — so taxi drivers in Morocco are actually more reluctant to pick up groups of three because they could get 3x the money by picking up three solo travelers instead. 

This can get quite frustrating if you’re traveling in Morocco as a group. Even locals sometimes have to split up and hail separate cabs if it’s during a busy time and no taxis will stop for a group. 

As a solo traveler in Morocco, this shouldn’t affect you too much, but it’s good to keep in mind so you’re not alarmed if your taxi driver stops to pick up more passengers while you’re still in the car.

Grand Taxis 

Grand Taxis are larger cabs that usually fit six to nine people. They look just like Petit Taxis, but larger, and only operate between cities — while Petit Taxis run within cities.

Additionally, Grand Taxis rarely pick up passengers on the street; instead, you need to travel to a bus or train station where they are parked. 

For example, when I traveled to Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, I first took a Petit Taxi to the train station, and then I purchased a spot in a Grand Taxi that was headed from Marrakech to Imlil. 

Taking a Grand Taxi is a great way to save money while traveling in Morocco, but Grand Taxis can be frustrating if you’re traveling from somewhere more rural. This is because they won’t depart the station until they have sold all of their spots, so if you buy your ticket first you need to wait for the rest of the bus to fill up before you can take off. 

Sometimes this takes 20 minutes, sometimes two hours. It just depends how busy the route is. 

Taking taxis from the airports in Morocco 

The one place I really would  never  recommend a solo female traveler to take a taxi from in Morocco is any of the international airports.   Especially if you’re arriving late at night. 

Taxi drivers at the international airports in Morocco operate as a mafia, and usually scam or intimidate tourists to pay higher prices. 

No ride-hailing services in Morocco pick up passengers from international airports, so it’s best to arrange an airport pickup beforehand either through a transfer company or your hotel.

Bus & Train Travel In Morocco 

Morocco has an extensive world-class public transportation network for traveling between major cities. For example, if you’re traveling between Tangier and Casablanca you can take the new high-speed train that gets you to your destination within two hours, about half the time it takes to drive! 

When there is no railway service operating in a major city in Morocco, they usually have 1st-class buses running instead. 

Agadir is a major city in Morocco that has no railway station, but I was easily able to take a bus from the city to Agadir or Casablanca. 

Long train and bus journeys in Morocco frequently run overnight, which is convenient for traveling since you wake up at your destination. 

In contrast, local and city buses in Morocco usually stop operation around 8 PM or 9 PM because they’re mainly serving commuters rather than travelers. 

Morocco Travel Map 

Before we dive into where to go when traveling solo in Morocco, here is a map to help give you a lay of the land:

The best part? This map has the below recommended places for solo female travel in Morocco pre-plotted. Simply download the map to your own phone and start exploring!

Solo Female Travel In Morocco: Where To Go 

One of the benefits of traveling alone in Morocco is that you can choose your own itinerary with complete freedom to go where you want. 

The country has a ton of cool things to see and do. Here are some top spots I recommend for any solo trip to Morocco.

Marrakech (Morocco’s Cultural Capital)

Marrakech is Morocco’s former imperial city. And while the current king of Morocco lives in Rabat, Marrakech has kept all of its Old World imperial charm. 

Although Marrakech is a sprawling modern metropolis, most tourists choose to stay in Marrakech’s Old Town, also called the “Old Medina,” which dates back to medieval times. 

Here are some not-to-miss spots in Marrakech: 

Bahia Palace 

Bahia Palace  is a 19th-century castle that is one of the best-preserved examples of imperial architecture in Morocco. The palace is composed of more than 150 rooms spread out over two acres of land in the city center and includes gardens, a harem, and a courtyard. 

Today, the palace is a museum that’s open for tourism daily from 9 AM – 5 PM. It’s one of the main attractions when traveling to Morocco.

Jemaa el Fna Night Market 

Jemaa el Fna Night Market   is the most iconic thing to do in Marrakech. A truly not-to-miss stop, Jemaa el Fna is pretty sparse in the daytime with a few produce vendors — but at night it really comes alive! 

Henna artists, performers, and rows and rows of street food vendors are all vying for your attention when you walk into Jemaa el Fna square after 5 PM when the night market gets set up. 

Tip:  for the best experience possible, I recommend visiting Jemaa el Fna night market with a guide, the vendors are quite pushy if you go alone. You can book a tour here .

Go on a Moroccan food tour

Going on a food tour is one of the quickest — and tastiest — ways to learn about Moroccan culture in Marrakech. 

Plus, taking a street food tour is also a great way to see Jema el Fna Night Market with a guide knowing all the top spots. 

You can click here for a list of local Marrakech food tours .

Yves Saint Laurent Museum + Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle  is an iconic house and garden in Marrakech that was designed by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. It was later home to the famous French designer, Yves Saint Laurant, for 40 years and served as his home in Morocco. 

Today the garden is open to the public, and there is also a museum adjacent to Jardin Majorelle that’s solely dedicated to the history of the French fashion designer. 

Stay in a traditional riad

A riad is a traditional Moroccan guest house known for having a design centered around a courtyard garden. 

Staying at a riad in Morocco has become very trendy in recent years due to its gorgeous architecture and very Instagrammable intricately tiled courtyard. 

Most riads also offer in-house dining and even cooking classes and Moroccan mint tea ceremonies , so you can have an immersive cultural experience while staying in a traditional home. 

Curious where to book? Here are some of the best riads in Marrakech .

Explore Marrakech’s Medina

You can’t visit Marrakech without wandering its Old Medina, a dizzying marketplace maze with stalls selling spices, clothing, rugs, lamps, food, and much more.

Important note for solo woman travelers to Morocco:

Fez is another popular Old Medina with souks and winding market streets similar to Marrakech. While Fez has a lot to offer, since this is a guide to solo female travel in Morocco, I need to mention that the harassment — especially to female tourists — is terrible in both Fez and Marrakech. 

Visiting a historical Old Medina is an essential part of any Morocco itinerary, so I would recommend Marrakech over Fez because it’s a little larger and more spread out.

If you’re traveling in Morocco as a woman and are worried about harrassment, you can always visit the Marrakech Medina with a guide .

Marrakech Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Marrakech . Marrakech Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Marrakech .

Taghazout (Surf & Beach Paradise) 

Although the larger seaside cities like Agadir and Casablanca get more attention, I deeply recommend visiting the sleepy  seaside village of Taghazout  to any travelers looking for some sand and sun while in Morocco.

Taghazout has made a name for itself in recent years as the top surf spot in Morocco. With tons of different surf schools and rental shops, it’s a great place for surfers more advanced in the sport and also looking to learn how to master the waves. 

In addition to surfing, Taghazout has also become the premier spot in Morocco for digital nomads and remote workers. Taghazout is one of the few places in Morocco that has consistently great wifi, as well as a few different co-working and co-living establishments catering to digital nomads. 

If you’re looking to take a solo beach vacation , it should definitely be on your radar!

Taghazout Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Taghazout . Taghazout Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Taghazout .

High Atlas Mountains (Rich Cultural Experience) 

You’ll find the High Atlas Mountains to be a peaceful location for any solo female traveler looking for a break from the big cities. 

The High Atlas Mountains are located only a few hours away from Marrakech, but offer a totally different climate, culture, and way of living than in the big cities. 

Staying in a traditional guest house high in the mountainous village of Imlil was the highlight of my first trip to Morocco. 

While you’re here, you can visit the historic  Ait-Ben-Haddou , trek to the summit of  Mount Toubkal , visit a traditional Berber village, or just hang out in Imlil and enjoy the cool mountain air. This stop will certainly be an unforgettable adventure!

Imlil Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Imlil . Imlil Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Imlil .

Merzouga (Glamping in the Sahara) 

Merzouga is a village in Morocco that is a gateway where tourists can travel to take a Sahara Desert Tour.

In recent years Merzouga has become world-famous for its elaborate glamping setups where tourists can camp in the Sahara Desert in style. 

Merzouga Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Merzouga . Merzouga Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Merzouga .

Other Popular Places To Travel Solo In Morocco

While the above list shares my absolute favorite places for solo female travel in Morocco, a few other popular destinations include:

Casablanca. This port city on the Atlantic is the largest city in Morocco and is full of opportunities to explore local culture art, cuisine, and even surfing.

A few popular experiences when traveling solo in Morocco include seeing the enormous Hassan II Mosque with its elaborate architecture and towering minaret, shopping the stalls of the Quartier Habous, and enjoying the beach and its waterfront eateries at Ain Diab.

To really get to know the city beyond the surface, it’s recommended to book a guided tour — like a Casablanca City Tour .

Essaouira. This laid-back coastal city and resort is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to slow down. That being said, there is still plenty do: shopping in the walled Medina, spending time at the beautiful Essaouira Beach, relaxing at a Moroccan hammam, or booking a local tour or cooking class ( click here for options ).

Chefchaouen (Chaouen ) . For many women traveling solo in Morocco, the mountainside city of Chefchaouen — aka Morocco’s “Blue City” — is their favorite thanks to its beauty, rich heritage, and nature.

Love adventure travel ? Thanks to its high winds, Essaouira is also a top destination for surfers and kite surfers — as well as for people who want to learn these sports.

The city walls and buildings are bathed in blue, and as wander you’ll be immersed in the azure colors.

A few top experiences include taking a guided tour , shopping the endless maze of the Chefchaouen Medina, taking in a panoramic view from the Spanish Mosque, and hiking in the Rif Mountains — such as the lovely hike to Akchour Falls.

Keep in mind that you’re in the mountains, so dining at a rooftop restaurant at least once is worth it for the views. Order a Moroccan tagine and enjoy the vista!

Tetouan. Sitting at the base of the Rif Mountains, Tetouan is a Mediterranean port city known for its blend of Arabic and Spanish culture.

After taking a guided tour to get acquainted with the city, a few must-see attractions when traveling alone in Morocco include wandering the Medina of Tetouan, hiking in the Rif Mountains, and visiting the many local museums — like the Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Archaeological Museum.

Note that Chefchaouen is nearby, and many solo travelers opt to base in one and do a day or weekend trip to the other.

Fez. While Fez is admittedly chaotic and street harassment is an issue here — which is why many solo women travelers choose to skip it — there are also many who visit to see Morocco’s famous tanneries.

Fez is also home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine — which dates back to the 9th century and is thought to be the world’s oldest continually operating higher learning institution.

These are hardly the only things to do and see, though because Fez is so loud and crazy it’s worth considering exploring with a local guide or through a guided tour, like these .

Tangier. If you’re coming to Morocco via the ferry from Spain, this will likely be your first stop.

Along with wandering the Old Medina, a few noteworthy things to do here include visiting beaches like Tangier Beach and Dalia Beach, exploring Moroccan history at the Kasbah Museum, seeing where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet at Cap Spartel, and booking a guided tour to really get to know the destination.

What To Wear In Morocco As A Solo Female Traveler

Although Morocco is a top tourist destination for men and women alike, it’s important to remember that Morocco is a majority Muslim country.

It’s wise to dress conservatively in any religious country so as not to attract unwanted attention and to just be respectful of their culture. 

Dressing conservatively is especially important for any solo female travelers in Morocco. As someone who has traveled the country both alone and with friends, I found I attracted a lot more unwanted attention when I was traveling solo.

Fitting in with the locals and dressing more modestly — nothing crazy, just shoulders and knees covered with long skirts or linen pants — was really helpful when I didn’t want to stand out too much.

Keep reading for more tips on what to wear in Morocco as a woman. This advice is particularly important for Western women who may not be used to traveling in a conservative country.

Tips For Dressing In Morocco 

You don’t need to be 100% covered up to dress appropriately. While it’s better to dress respectfully — for both men and women — Morocco doesn’t have any modesty laws. You won’t have to cover your hair unless you want to enter a Mosque. 

In regards to dressing modestly in Morocco, even though you don’t have to cover up, you might still want to.

While you’ll see some tourists in short shorts and tank tops, it’s a lot easier to travel solo in Morocco if you dress a bit more conservatively. Plus, it shows respect to the local culture, which is important to research and keep in mind whenever you visit a foreign country.

A linen shirt will be your best friend.  While Morocco has a more Mediterranean climate, meaning it can get really cold in the winter months — especially at night — in the daytime, it can get super hot.

Long-sleeve shirts made from 100% linen are a very easy and stylish item of clothing you should add to your Morocco packing list. They can go over anything, from tank tops to short sleeve dresses, and are great for the heat and sun. 

I found purchasing a few long-sleeve linen shirts for layering over clothes I already had to be a lot easier than trying to find a whole new wardrobe of long dresses and long-sleeve tops. 

Don’t forget a jacket.  Even in the summer months, Morocco gets surprisingly chilly at night. Remember to pack a jacket — especially if you’re visiting in the winter, plan on going to any of the windy coastal cities, or plan to visit any of the elevated regions like the High Atlas Mountains. It can get really cold! 

Use sunglasses to your advantage.  There’s a lot of street harassment from shop owners and touts in Morocco, especially in tourist areas like the souks. 

Sometimes even just making eye contact with a street seller is enough for them to chase a tourist down the street, or call after them to visit their store. Avoiding eye contact and wearing some tinted sunglasses is the easiest way to avoid this type of harassment in the Old Medinas in Morocco.  

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Solo Travel In Morocco? 

When visiting Morocco — or anywhere else in the world — getting insurance is a great idea.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Solo Female Travel In Morocco 

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide on female solo travel to Morocco as much as I did writing it! Inspiring other women to travel solo is a topic I’m incredibly passionate about, and Morocco is a country I fell in love with and plan on visiting many more times in the coming years. 

Just to recap, I recommend solo women travelers in Morocco to fly into  Marrakech  if possible, since it’s Morocco’s “Cultural Capital” and also a great gateway city to explore other places like the  High Atlas Mountains , the  Sahara Desert , and the seaside. 

It’s super easy and perfectly safe for solo female travelers in Morocco to take  public transportation  between major cities. Personally, I took tons of public trains and first class buses while traveling alone in Morocco. 

While you’re in Morocco, I recommend embracing the culture — staying at  riads , eating from  street stalls , and hiring  local guides  to take you around is the best way to see all the country has to offer when traveling on your own.

Most likely, you will absolutely love your Morocco holidays and be excited to return time and time again.

Some women love the place so much that they end up living in Morocco!

Frequently Asked Questions About traveling To Morocco

Q) is morocco safe for women.

Morocco is a safe country for women, but you need to know a few things to avoid harassment or scams.

Q) Is Casablanca safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Casablanca is safe for solo female travelers, but avoid wandering solo at night.

Q) Is Tangier safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Tangier is generally a safe destination for women.

Q) What is Morocco’s weather like?

Morocco weather is warm, and the country enjoys many sunny days. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Morocco, as temperatures are milder.

What tips would you add to this guide on solo female travel in Morocco? Don’t forget to save this Morocco solo travel guide!

About The Author

Katie is an American travel blogger who is currently full-time traveling while being based in Bali. On her blog,  KatieCafTravel.com , she shares in-depth guides to travel in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and Latin America. Follow her travels on Instagram!

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Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

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11 Comments

it’s a very informative blog to travel morocco. You try to provide as much information as you can provide from your travel experience.

Thank You For Sharing Great Information. Thank you again

Thanks for not hestating to share these amazing important details with us

Thanks for sharing all this useful information. Morocco is ok my bucket list since many years

My journey to Morocco as a solo female traveler with a local travel company was nothing short of remarkable. From the moment I arrived, I was met with warmth and respect from the entire team. The company’s commitment to making solo female travelers feel safe and valued was evident throughout my trip.

A standout was my driver guide, Ali, whose professionalism and kindness exceeded all expectations. Ali not only ensured my safety but also enriched my experience with his extensive knowledge of Morocco’s culture and history. His impeccable manners and respect made me feel like a cherished guest, not just a tourist.

I highly recommend DaysMoroccoTours.com to anyone seeking a safe and enriching travel experience in Morocco. They truly go above and beyond to make your journey memorable.

Morocco is indeed a safe country for ladies traveling alone. When booking with DaysmoroccoTours, my experience was exceptional. Our driver guide, Addi, was by our side throughout, providing assistance whenever needed and sharing insightful information about the country’s history and culture. The accommodations they arranged for us were delightful, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. I highly recommend this company to any woman traveling solo or with a group of friends

Highly recommend this blog, thank you for shearing with us this beautiful information,

Your posts and you blog are absolutely awesome. Thank you for sharing with us this interesting information.

this blog is an invaluable resource for every solo female travelers planning a trip to Morocco. It’s comprehensive, providing not only practical tips but also insights into cultural nuances and safety considerations specific to women traveling alone. The inclusion of a map adds an extra layer of convenience, making it easier to plan and navigate the journey. Overall, a must-read for anyone embarking on solo travel in Morocco!

Why are encouraging women to travel solo in Morocco if you are foreign to this land and culture you are so at risk – a few maps and tips and apps will make all the difference? yeah right

THIS BLOG CONTAINS GREATS, AND THE PICTURES ARE SUPERB COOL.

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The Truth About Traveling in Morocco as a Woman

After many questions about “safety” and “comfort” as what it’s like to travel as a woman in Morocco, I wanted to share an open and honest opinion on what it was like.

For setting, I spent two weeks in Morocco traveling with my friend Kiersten of The Blonde Abroad . We traveled together by multiple forms of transportation: private transfers, guided tours, taxis, an overnight train, a day train, and walked the streets of each city we went to. We spent time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Sahara Desert, the Skoura Oasis, Chefchaouen, Fes, and a quick overnight in Casablanca. 

The truth about traveling in Morocco as a woman: Morocco was my most (thus far) challenging country to travel in. Nothing about the experience is spoon fed — I’m not just speaking about the unwanted attention. It’s tough, and it’s hard to put into words why. I can’t promise you a trouble-free, no “unwanted attention” trip to Morocco because I myself didn’t have that.

I never felt “unsafe” or in “harms way” during the trip. However, there was unwanted attention and cat-calling. It required thick skin to ignore the comments, not respond, and keep walking. I think it’s a destination that is better traveled with a friend, as it is more comfortable being in a pair. I’ve heard from other travelers that when they traveled with a man, that their experience was different. If anything, the unwanted attention was more annoying and a very unfortunate thing for Morocco.

There are wonderful things about Morocco — the culture, the history, the sights, tastes, and more. I really loved Morocco for these things, and I think it is so much more than the unwanted comments.

On the flip side, there were those people, both men and women, like our guides and drivers who were incredibly kind and generous, helping us to have a great experience. I truly adored Morocco for it’s beauty and in the same hand held an annoying feeling from the unwanted attention. The bottom line is that I felt safe during my two weeks of travel and at the same time received the unwanted attention.

Here’s a few tips for traveling in Morocco as a women:

• Take care and practice safe travel protocol, like not walking down empty streets at night. Have a general idea of where you’re headed when walking the streets.
• Ignore the comments. Nothing good comes from responding, and eventually they realize they can’t get a rise out of you. It’s tough but you start to understand that this way of speaking isn’t coming from everyone and really more so from the touts (street vendors). 
• Set boundaries. Walking the streets, on every turn there is something being sold. It’s okay to say no thank you and keep walking. Often times I would not respond at all, but a simple “no merci” often worked.
• Dress conservatively.  Morocco takes dress seriously, and by choosing to dress to what is cultural, is both respectful and will not draw more attention. I stuck to loose pants, t-shirts, longer dresses, and skirts. When I was back inside the hotel or riad, I would then wear dresses that went to my knees.
• It is true that those offering help, you must take caution in receiving it. “Guides” will offer to help you if you look lost, and then at the end of it ask for money. I would avoid these at all costs.
• Don’t carry large sums of cash on you — just like anywhere else you would travel in the world.
• Spend the extra money on private transportation and avoid public transportation in the form of buses and shared taxis. I think having a trusted driver recommended from a hotel or reputable guide company aided in any potential unwanted circumstances. 
• Travel with a friend, it definitely eased the unwanted attention.

__________ Read next:

What to Wear in Morocco as a Female Traveler

The First Timer’s Guide to Marrakech, Morocco

Impressions of Morocco

__________ Save this post for later on Pinterest

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

The 14 Best Riads in Marrakech, Morocco

The Most Beautiful Riad Airbnbs in Marrakech, Morocco

7 Unforgettable Experiences in Morocco

This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing!

Absolutely!

Enjoy your Sahara Desert Trips with us, we guide you to see the authentic Morocco to meet the Amazigh (Berber) People. Have tea with the hospitable nomads living in the south of Morocco as you discover their way of life as they migrate between the plains and Oasis. You will meet people shared tradition by modernity. They will share you the stories of the ancients and the dreams of the youth. Contact & Book one of our Morocco Desert Tours Todayhttp://www.sahara-Magic.com

I just came back from traveling in Morocco as well in May and felt the exact same way. Google had me worried about being a woman, the way I dressed, the dangers of the people and the cities. Morocco was one of the nicest, most fun countries I had ever been in. I felt more safe there then I did in Paris! Would love for you to check out my post as well and let me know your thoughts, I am a travel and lifestyle blogger as well 🙂 http://www.svadore.com

Yeah Morocco can feel challenging at times but is beautiful all the same. A great country to visit!

Amazing post, i will visit the country again and again

your post met my expectations,thank you a lot

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Travel Morocco As A Woman: The Do's & Don’ts

Moroccan Culture: What to Expect as a Woman

Societal & cultural norms, cities vs rural areas.

Dress Code: Blend In, Don’t Stand Out

Importance of Dressing Conservatively

Tips on what to wear and what to avoid.

Maxi Dresses and Long Skirts : These are perfect for comfort and modesty. Pair them with a light scarf to cover your shoulders when needed.

Tunics and Leggings : A long tunic that covers your hips paired with leggings can be both stylish and appropriate.

Closed-Toe Shoes : While sandals are tempting, closed-toe shoes are more practical for uneven streets and can also protect you from unwanted attention.

Rather Not...

Sleeveless Tops and Short Skirts : These are generally frowned upon and attract unnecessary stares.

High-heeled shoes: Pretty but not very practical for trekking in the Morocco desert or walking around sightseeing on the city streets.

Edgy Designs: Morocco is not the place to try to make a fashion statement. If it's a style or design that would stand out, even in your own country, chances are it's not suitable for Morocco.

Hats and Sunglasses Indoors : By all means pack these for sun protection when you go camel trekking in Morocco , your visit to the Todra Gorge and other outdoor activities, but remove them when entering religious sites or someone’s home.

Navigating Public Spaces

Be Firm with the 'No, Thank You'

Be aware of your eye contact and body language.

Tips for Walking in Crowded Places Like Souks and Medinas

1. Stay Alert

2. walk with purpose, 3. stick to well-lit areas, 4. hire local guides (legit ones).

Choosing Accommodation: Safety First

Do Your Research and Read Reviews

Tips for securing your room.

Double Locks : Always use all available locks on your door. Some travellers even recommend carrying a portable door lock for added security.

Keep Valuables Safe : Use the room safe for your passport, money, and other valuables. If there’s no safe, keep them in a lockable suitcase. If you are staying in a hostel dorm room, you can usually leave valuables in the reception safe.

Know the Exits : Familiarize yourself with the nearest fire exits and emergency routes.

Share Your Details : Let someone you trust know where you’re staying and check in with them regularly.

Do Not Disturb : Consider leaving the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door when you go out to give the impression that the room is occupied.

Local Customs and Interactions

The Unwritten Rules

Greetings : A simple nod or a smile is usually sufficient for women when greeting Moroccan men. Physical contact, like shaking hands, is best avoided unless the man initiates it.

Public Behavior : Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially for women. Even holding hands can attract unwanted attention.

Photography : Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women and children.

Religious Sites : Women are often not allowed to enter mosques unless they are Muslim. Always check before entering any sacred site.

Tipping : It’s customary to tip for services in Morocco, but be discreet when doing so to avoid drawing attention.

How to Interact with Local Men and Women

Interacting with local men in morocco, interacting with moroccan women, travelling alone vs with company.

Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone

Freedom : You’re the master of your itinerary.

Personal Growth : Solo travel can be a transformative experience, teaching you to be more independent.

Flexibility : Change plans on a whim without having to consult anyone.

Safety Concerns : Women travelling alone may attract more unwanted attention.

Loneliness : The lack of company can sometimes be isolating.

Cost : Without someone to share expenses, solo travel can be pricier.

Tips for Those Who Prefer Solo Travel

Stay Connected : Always let someone know your itinerary and check in regularly.

Join Group Activities : Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travellers.

Trust Your Instincts : If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Always trust your gut.

Local SIM Card : Having a working phone can be a lifesaver in tricky situations.

Laws Affecting Women

Public Behavior : Acts of public affection, like kissing, are illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment. This is particularly important for unmarried couples.

Cohabitation : Unmarried couples cannot share a hotel room by law, although this is rarely enforced in tourist areas.

Alcohol Consumption : While alcohol is available in Morocco, public drunkenness is illegal and frowned upon, especially for women.

Dress Code : There’s no legal requirement for women to wear a headscarf, but dressing modestly is advised to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.

Photography : Taking pictures of government buildings, military installations, or ports is illegal and can result in the confiscation of your camera or even arrest.

Top Tips for a Safe Journey

Learn Basic Arabic Phrases : Knowing simple phrases like “La, shukran” (No, thank you) can be incredibly helpful.

Carry a Scarf : A versatile accessory, it can cover your shoulders, act as a makeshift bag, or even provide shade.

Stay Hydrated : The Moroccan heat can be intense, so always carry a reusable water bottle.

Local SIM Card : A working phone is invaluable for navigation and emergencies.

Travel Insurance for Morocco : Never travel without comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, theft, and cancellations.

Be Cautious at Night : Limit outdoor activities to well-lit and populated areas after dark.

Respect Local Customs : When in Morocco, do as the Moroccans do. Respect for local customs and traditions goes a long way in ensuring a positive experience.

Excellent Trip Options For Women Travellers in Morocco

Climb Mount Toubkal

6-Days Mount Toubkal & Sahara Desert

Morocco Highlights

Taghazout Bay Surf, Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Travel Tips For Morocco

Best Time to Travel to Morocco

Things To Do In Casablanca

What to Wear in the Sahara Desert

LGBT Travel Morocco

Find your next adventure

Solo Female Travel in Morocco – 14 Important Safety Tips

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 28, 2024

Categories MOROCCO , SOLO TRAVEL

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Believe it or not, both times that I have travelled through Morocco I have been by myself.

The first time I visited, I didn’t even read about Morocco before I went. Let alone what to expect with solo female travel in Morocco, so I’m really happy you’ve found this page to prepare you!

Now, I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that it’s an easy country to travel solo as a woman in. In fact, that would be far from the truth. But, what I will say is that, although it’s a challenge, it’s completely doable if you exercise caution and awareness like you would in any other country that you travel solo in.

Now, because you’ve found this page, I already know that you’re an awesome woman that wants to travel on her own to Morocco! But, there are some safety tips that I think every female traveller needs to be aware of before visiting.

I would say that I am now an experienced solo female traveller, having visited and lived in countries such as Turkey, Egypt, India, UAE, and Jordan by myself. So, I’m hardened as to what to expect in a predominantly Islamic or patriarchal society.

I’ve learned some hard lessons, but I feel that I am all the better for it and wouldn’t necessarily fear travelling to a country solo (unless declared unsafe, obv) as I trust my own instincts.

Morocco is a truly beautiful country that I would encourage any woman to visit. It’s so rich in culture, home to some of the most friendly and hospitable people and there’s a colourful adventure around every corner.

So, take the leap, book the trip and follow these 14 important tips for solo female travel in Morocco – you’ll be just fine!

1. Try to keep an open mind before you visit

It seems nowadays that every man and his dog seems to chime in when you’re travelling to a country that the media deem unsafe. You can’t mention that you’re travelling to Morocco without the “is it safe?” question.

There is so much negative press about Morocco that it’s a wonder that anyone actually visits the country if this is what we based all our opinions on!

And I know it’s not just press, it’s word of mouth too. Personally, I didn’t have many bad experiences with solo female travel in Morocco, and only one isolated situation that made me feel unsafe (more on that later).

Sure, I got ripped off a few times but did that pose a threat to my safety? No. Of course, everyone’s experience is different and what happened to one person, may not necessarily happen to you.

If Morocco is a country you really want to visit, you have to look beyond the negative press. Not every person in a country is bad and when do you ever hear much good in the news?

Try to keep a positive outlook and think of all the incredible places you’ll be visiting. It really won’t be much fun if you keep recounting all the bad stories you hear in your head.

2. Research Morocco and gain an understanding of the local culture & religion

Something I think that is important is to do a little research into Morocco. Remember, you’re not here to change a country, you’re here to embrace it!

Islam is the recognised religion in Morocco and accounts for almost 99% of people practicing it. This means that it is a conservative country and a predominantly patriarchal one.

Only this year, in 2018, did Morocco introduce a violence against women law. So, although there is progress, equal rights are not quite there yet.

On that subject, it is quite common for male intimidation and catcalling to occur but mostly it’s harmless if you let it pass over your head. I’m not saying that’s the right thing to do, but as it’s not your country, it’s best to try to ignore it and move on.

The local language is Arabic and learning a few phrases can go a long way;

• Hello = Salaam Alikum / Mahabah
• Thank you = Shukran
• You’re welcome = Afwan
• How are you = Kaeef halak
• Yes/No = Neam Falen/La (or La Shukran an important one!)

3. Dress conservatively – think about appropriate outfits to pack

Islam is widely practiced in Morocco with men being able to wear pretty much what they like and women needing to cover up head to toe.

You will see many women wearing a traditional abaya, burka, or conservative clothes and a hijab (scarf) on their heads. Don’t panic though, that doesn’t mean that you have to dress that way!

Tourists are given a little leeway with how to dress as locals are well aware that many tourists who are visiting Morocco aren’t Muslim. But, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make an effort to dress conservatively.

Solo female travel in Morocco means covering up your shoulders and legs to an extent (the furthest I went was having a wide-sleeved jumpsuit that showed my arms and a medium-length playsuit that showed my ankles).

I did see girls who were wearing strappy tops and shorts but I personally didn’t feel comfortable going out like that. As I was travelling solo, the last thing I needed was to draw more attention.

When you’re planning on what to wear, you should also consider the heat. Here are some recommendations that I have;

• Jumpsuits – the perfect all-in-one cover-up! The great thing about these is that they come in all different patterns and are super cute as well as conservative.
• Scarves/Pashminas – my ultimate weapon. A scarf is so useful in Islamic countries as not only does it cover up your shoulders but it saves you from having to borrow/buy one when entering a mosque. These can actually be bought really cheap from the souks.
• Maxi dresses/skirts – These are also a great idea as you can dress them up or down how you like
• Shawls – are the perfect addition to an outfit and they can keep you warm on chilly nights

Click here to read my women’s packing list for Morocco here!

4. Don’t be afraid to be rude

The Brit in me has definitely been kicked out in terms of politeness when I travel alone.

I no longer feel guilty about saying ‘No’. Most of the time, I walk around with a resting b**ch face as a means to protect myself. I have no qualms about being rude or strong when I need to be.

It’s not that I want to be rude, but if any men approach me in a way I deem inappropriate or try to harass me, I don’t take it lightly.

Believe me when I say that it’s better to be rude and shut whatever is happening down than for it to escalate to the point that it’s too late to leave the situation.

Trust your instincts, tell people when they make you feel uncomfortable, and don’t be afraid to cause a scene or leave the situation entirely if it escalates. Remember, you know your boundaries and you shouldn’t have to justify that to anyone, period.

5. You have a boyfriend (even if you don’t in real life!)

Isn’t it sad that your boyfriend couldn’t make it to Morocco with you this time? And, he was sick in the hotel room with food poisoning? Lol! Another one of my secret weapons.

I lost count of the number of times I was asked if I was single, married, or had a boyfriend as a solo female traveller in Morocco.

Of course every single time I told them that I had a bf/husband in the UK that couldn’t make it with me on the trip as he had to work.

If I had a pound for every time I had the same response of ‘If I was your boyfriend/husband, I wouldn’t let you go alone I would be rich. HA! If you were my boyfriend and you wouldn’t let me go alone; you wouldn’t be my boyfriend hun!

I even go as far as to screenshot a picture of me and a male friend to show them if they ask. Of course, it would be my biggest and a strongest-looking male friend to intimidate them into backing off ;).

Wear a ring, screenshot a picture of a hot guy on your phone, and lie through your teeth. You always have a boyfriend!

6. Try not to tread off the beaten path

The only time I had an incident happen was when I went somewhere alone that wasn’t on the beaten path. I actually found that, although they were chaotic, the souks were a lot safer than outside of the city walls.

The incident in question was on a walk up to the Merinid tombs in Fes. I had one guy follow me in a car up the road and beep and harass me to the point I had to cross the road to avoid him.

Another guy followed me all the way from the bus station. I never usually get spooked but as I couldn’t see anyone up at the tombs or around and I was alone, I started to panic.

Luckily, the police were up at the tombs (behind them shading from the sun) and I just burst into tears asking for help.

At once the police were like shining knights and mounted their horses to ask him why he was following me. Apparently, it was just to ask me if I wanted a tour guide but I think that’s total BS.

What I was happy about though is he didn’t come anywhere near me after that and the situation was dealt with pretty quickly.

The lesson? Always stay on the beaten track and make sure you have a means of transport available to you.

7. Avoid walking out alone late at night

An obvious tip but one that I feel should be said; avoid going out late at night.

Although I would go out at dinner times to grab something to eat, I would go straight back to my Riad after that. To avoid getting lost in the souks, I would set my google maps route to the restaurant and follow it straight back.

Another thing that I would do is to avoid drinking unless it’s in your Riad and it’s offered as a service. I had a drink on my last night at Riad Fes but it’s not a habit I take up much in Morocco.

As an Islamic country, they don’t have great views on the consumption of alcohol and it should be respected.

8. Rise above the staring and catcalling

Ugh, another unfortunate thing that happens in Morocco is staring and catcalling. Here are just some examples I had on a daily basis in the souks of Fes;

• “Do you want a Moroccan husband?”
• “Nice ass”
• “Where you going beautiful girl? Look at my shop”
• “Where are you from?”
• “I love you”

These seem like quite harmless statements but I can tell you now they were not meant or said without harmful intent.

It’s constant and it does get annoying, grinding even. Most days, I just laughed it off, played along, others I started to get annoyed.

But, that’s what they want, to get your attention and a rise out of you. So, best to just ignore it.

Looking for more amazing solo travel destinations in the Middle East? Check out this post by Jessie on a Journey! (external link)

9. Avoid giving out your social media details

So many people would ask me for my phone number, Whatsapp, a Facebook friend request, or Instagram ad.

At first, I had a hard time saying no and as I was posting stories from Morocco on my Instagram, I was bombarded with social media messages and marriage proposals lol.

Although it is nice to make friends when you travel, I would be selective on who you give your social media details.

Adding one person could mean they send your details to others and you have a whole load of new ‘friends’ that want to bug you all the time.

Save the hassle and just politely decline. Say that you don’t have a Facebook account and your phone is off/isn’t working.

Of course, they won’t believe you but it’s better to lie than to be harassed online.

10. Don’t be afraid to make a scene or alert the police if something happens

Like my situation at the Merenid tombs, don’t be afraid to alert tourist police, make a scene or ask for help if something happens to you!

If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or scares you, it’s better to cause a scene than to suffer in silence. Nine times out of ten, this will scare the person and get them to back off.

11. Book in at a safe Riad/hotel

This is something that may be a little harder to ensure but it’s always worth checking into a safe Riad in a central location.

The next question you’ll probably ask is; how can you ensure that it’s safe?

Well, for me I always use Booking.com to book my hotels and what’s great is they have certain categories such as solo travellers. This means you can filter reviews from people and see whether, in their experience, they found it safe being there alone.

I also look at Tripadvisor and look for ‘themes’ in reviews. Is it 24-hour security? Does it feel safe? Is it in a safe location? Are the staff friendly? These things can make a big difference to your trip.

12. Look and act confident

Easier said than done but there’s a time-old saying that if you act like a victim you’ll most likely become one.

Look, act and walk with confidence. Try to look like you know where you’re going and hold your head up high.

Make sure you have data on your phone, so you can use Google maps and don’t have to ask for directions and end up on the wrong side of town.

To avoid being ripped off, act like you know (or research) the prices already, tell them you’ve been in Morocco a while or even better you live there (even if it’s your first day).

Confidence can go a long way in ensuring that you’re safe. Act like you know what you’re doing and people will think you know what you’re doing! I may sound crazy, but try it for yourself and see the difference it makes in how people treat you.

13. Don’t let any taxi drivers ‘bring a friend’

Something that really started to annoy me was the number of taxi drivers that would pick up their ‘friends’. Of course, I would be paying for their trip as I would see no money being paid to the cab driver as he came out.

One time, in Chefchaouen, we were even waiting outside someone’s house to pick up a kid for school – that’s when I lost it.

Why was I paying for people to be in my cab? Sorry, but I had no idea if it was a kid or someone else that wanted to harm me. So, I made him drive off. Not to mention I had a bus to catch that he was making me late for.

I didn’t know these people from Adam and it’s a lot harder to fight off two people than one. So, I just flat out refused if someone got in the cab after that. It may sound harsh, but you don’t know where they may take you or what could happen to you!

Don’t let ‘friends’ get in the cab if you’re alone. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

14. My biggest tip of all; embrace solo female travel in Morocco!

Some of the above tips and advice may be hard to hear but they are not meant to ward you off! I just wanted to ensure that you were prepared for some of the challenges that come with Solo female travel in Morocco.

The positives of this beautiful country far outweigh the negatives.

Morocco is incredibly diverse and is full of friendly faces, yummy food, beautiful cities, and gorgeous riads and it’s definitely an adventure you won’t forget in a hurry.

So, don’t miss out and end up regretting it. You are more powerful and stronger than you think. Go with confidence and surety that you can hold your head up high and travel safely and responsibly as a woman in Morocco.

You have got this girl – go for it!

Heading to Morocco? Read more of my articles!

The ultimate 2 weeks in Morocco itinerary

The top things I wish I knew before travelling to Morocco

What to wear in Morocco as a woman

Top things to do in Essaouira

A complete guide for Fes

How to avoid scams at Fez Tannery

Visiting the Golden Doors of Fez Royal Palace

Trying a Camel Burger in Morocco

The best Riad in Fes

Is Riad Fes worth the price tag?

Taking a Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakesh

Top places to visit in Chefchaouen

Save these Morocco solo female travel tips for later!

Thursday 28th of September 2023

As a Moroccan citizen, I would like to thank you for this post, there are many advice for women traveler

Sophie Pearce

Tuesday 17th of October 2023

Hi Yusi, thanks for your kind words. Sophie x

Monday 28th of October 2019

Very helpful blog on Morocco. Solo traveling doesn’t seem so scary now.

Sunday 3rd of November 2019

Hi Sophie, I'm glad the blog could help you and you enjoy your solo travels! Also, great name ;) Sophie x

travelwideflights

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

its remarkable journey and i am in love with it

Sunday 10th of March 2019

Thank you so much for your support! Sophie x

Shanice baker

Thursday 3rd of January 2019

This has really inspired me to visit Morocco! It has always been one of those places I’ve debated due to being a girl! Thank you for the tips!

Hi Shanice, I'm so happy to hear that! It's a magnificent country I'm sure you'll love :) Thanks for reading, Sophie x

What it’s like to travel in Morocco as a solo female traveller

I’m in a dusty desert town, somewhere in the Kasbah Valleys of Morocco . I am being scrubbed raw by a woman our guide calls ‘Mama Africa’. She’s big and bold and confident. Her bosoms sway above me as she sits with her legs open, ensuring that every piece of dead skin is rubbed from my body. It’s not the usual experience that you expect when visiting Morocco. A country known for its conservatism, one in which many women wear headscarves and floor-length clothing. Yet here in the private safety of a Women’s Hammam, local women sit bare, washing, shaving and socialising with friends and family. It’s a place they can be completely safe and free. Away from the men’s world which exists outside.

For me and my seven other Intrepid travel companions, it’s a strange yet endlessly rewarding experience. Interacting with women in Morocco can be hard, particularly in the countryside. So we relish in the chance to see them in their element; fun, free and beautiful Moroccan women. Many greet us excitedly, others explain to us in broken French how to use the buckets or the soft fleshy blobs of Olive Soap we have been given on entrance. Mama Africa pays us no forgiveness though, and we are scrubbed as thoroughly as a local woman. She’s wild and fierce and really encompasses her nickname. After we rinse and dress again, we are back in the outside world. Where women are fully clothed and public life is largely a man’s world.

RELATED: THE REALITY OF SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN MOROCCO 

What didn’t stop me was the colours, the vibrancy and the culture which I was so keen to get to the bottom of. I wanted to walk through the rainbow streets of the country’s medinas, ride camels through the Sahara desert and feel the Atlantic breeze on my face.

There’s no doubt that Morocco is one of the world’s most exciting and unique destinations, and I don’t believe any woman should be put off visiting because of their gender. I have now visited Morocco twice, both as a solo traveller and as part of Intrepid’s Best of Morocco tour, where I travelled with a male guide and 9 other travellers from around the world (7 of them female). I believe that the key to enjoying Morocco as a woman is through an understanding of the culture, and respect for the customs.

RELATED: 6 THINGS THAT SOLO TRAVEL HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIFE 

As the Intrepid tour begins, we visit a range of Moroccan cities, towns and countryside locations. It quickly becomes clear that travelling in a group with a Moroccan guide is a great way to find ease in the country. When within the group, I never feel the gender gap, and I recommend to women who are nervous about travelling in the country solo to consider joining a group tour. As we visit Imperial cities, the Sahara, the Kasbah Valleys and the Atlas Mountains , I rarely feel my gender. Even when I leave the group to explore alone, it’s the culture and beauty of the country which shines through above any small bits of street harassment I may receive.

Morocco is a country which receives a lot of tourists, and most people are used to seeing Western women, and seeing women alone is becoming a more and more common sight. While I know many women do have bad experiences in the country, I really believe these women are in the minority, and overly Morocco is becoming a very safe and rewarding place to travel as a woman.

Credit: Annapurna Mellor

Of course, as with many destinations in the world, it is important to take some precautions. Walking alone at night on backstreets is obviously not recommended. But I wouldn’t recommend that in New York, Rome or Paris either. Pickpocketing in Marrakech is common, so keeping your valuables in hidden, hard to reach places can help. The safety steps you should take in Morocco are not dissimilar to those you should take anywhere else in the world.

RELATED: SOLO TRAVEL 101 – HOW TO BE PREPARED AND STAY POSITIVE

One of my favourite experiences is when we get to Essaouira , a hippie seaside town which is probably the place in the country I felt most comfortable as a woman alone. Here, we have our first female guide. Rachida is a strong and very well educated Muslim woman. She’s deeply proud of her faith and her city and shows off Essaouira to its full potential. She sports jeans, yet also a headscarf. She’s university educated and speaks fluent French, English as well as Moroccan dialect Arabic. For me, she’s a true example of a modern Moroccan woman, and speaking and debating with her is one of my favourite experiences in the country.

The group with Rachida in Essaouira. Credit: Annapurna Mellor

While Morocco is a Muslim country, and it’s important to respect local dress and customs, it’s also one where women can travel safely and have an incredible experience. Being a woman in Morocco gives you unique access to women’s private lives, whether that be in a female Hammam, being invited into a family home or having long debates with a fascinating female guide.

Dress with respect, stay strong and find comfort in local women and I guarantee you’ll have the most wonderful time in this country. And if you do want to let it all loose and hang free with a bunch of other Moroccan women, there’s always the Hammam. Mama Africa is waiting.

Words and images by Annapurna Mellor. Check out her website and instagram for some serious wanderlust inspo

Ready to roll solo? Lots of our travellers do it. Check out all our info on  solo travel with Intrepid. There’s even a solo departure in Morocco! 

Feeling inspired?

Annapurna Mellor

Annapurna Mellor is a photographer, writer and storyteller. Her travels have taken her across Asia, Northern Africa, along the Trans-Siberian Railway and around Europe - always taking the road less travelled and always aiming to go a little deeper into the heart of local culture and people. Her photography work has been featured in National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Lonely Planet Guide Books and in campaigns for many travel brands around the world. Although she is usually dreaming about adventures afar, she is based, most of the time, in Manchester, England.

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Tips for your holiday in Morocco

Travelling alone in Morocco as a woman

Morocco. Exotic, lively, colourful – but a risky destination for solo female travellers? Morocco can certainly feel slightly overwhelming at first, especially for those experiencing an Arabic country for the first time. But Morocco is not an unsafe place for women to visit.

Millions of tourists have visited the kingdom of Morocco in recent decades, and a large proportion of them have been women. As such, it is not uncommon for women to travel to Morocco alone, and the country is as safe a destination as many others for female travellers.

However, it is still essential to use your common sense and take certain precautions -especially if travelling alone.

This overview provides some general advice for women travelling to Morocco, including useful tips and practical experience.

Respecting cultural norms

In Morocco, it is important to be respectful of and sensitive to the prevailing cultural norms, although some allowances are usually made for tourists.

In contrast to most Moroccan women, no expects from female travellers to wear a headscarf. No one expects tourists to conform to the local cultural or religious mores, and no official rules are governing how women should behave in the country. Nevertheless, I recommend a respectful approach, that is generally appreciated. 

It is also essential to bear in mind that the situation in Marrakech is very different to that in rural areas. Whilst Marrakech has become increasingly westernised, having evolved into an international tourist mecca in recent decades, Morocco’s rural communities remain far more conservative in their outlook and habits.

Sexual harassment 

Unfortunately, low-level sexual harassment is commonplace in Morocco, especially for women on their own. In most cases, this is relatively harmless. Blonde, fair-complexioned European women can do little to discourage this unwanted attention.

In Marrakech in particular, women frequently attract catcalls or whistles. Others are showered with inappropriate ‘compliments’.

The best way to deal with this sort of sexual harassment is to simply ignore it: just avert your gaze and keep walking.

Dealing with harassment

It’s important to dress appropriately. The predominately Islamic population is generally conservative, and most Moroccans take a rather dim view of revealing clothing.

This applies not just to women but also to men. It is advisable to keep your shoulders covered and to avoid wearing shorts in Morocco.

When it comes to avoiding harassment, it also helps to know where you are going. If you present a fearful, confused or disoriented vibe, you are much more likely to be identified as a potential victim.

It is also advisable to avoid direct eye contact. Keep any interactions with strange men to a minimum and avoid smiling. 

Even an innocent smile can take on an unintended significance in Morocco, and simple politeness can easily be misinterpreted.

The ongoing catcalls can be highly irritating, and the unwanted attention is unpleasant. However, in most cases, there is no real danger – and the harassment is harmless. As the saying goes, the bark is generally worse than the bite.

If the harassment becomes increasingly persistent or serious, make it very clear that you wish to be left alone. In the event that the person persists, you should go into a nearby shop or restaurant and ask for help – people will gladly assist you.

Don’t hesitate to shout out or call for help if you have any doubt. Locals will respond and come to your aid.

If the situation escalates and you feel threatened, call the police. Be assured that Moroccan police take the harassment of women very seriously.

Clothing for women in Morocco

As previously mentioned, it is generally advisable to wear long trousers rather than shorts when visiting Morocco. Keep shoulders and cleavage covered. Moroccans regard skimpy, revealing clothing as inappropriate here.

Unfortunately, many female tourists disregard this, especially in Marrakech, exploring the city in hotpants and crop tops. Long, airy linen trousers or Maxi dresses are much better suited to the high temperatures and hot sun.

Morocco is a very conservative country, and most local women cover their hair with a headscarf. Although this is not necessary for visitors, it can be quite handy to keep your hair under a light scarf or baseball cap, not only to avoid attracting attention – but also to keep the hot sun and dust at bay.

In Morocco, there is a prevailing urban-rural divide when it comes to clothing norms. In the countryside, away from the bustling metropolis of Marrakech, it is even stricter. Here, keep the legs and neck area covered at all times.

One helpful tip is to wear sunglasses. Firstly, it is almost invariably very sunny in Morocco. But sunglasses have the added advantage of ensuring that no one can see what you are looking at. This allows you to glance around without making eye contact or being drawn into an unwanted sales pitch. Sunglasses can prove invaluable – especially when shopping.

Predominately male cafes

In the past, women were an uncommon sight in Moroccan cafes. That has since changed, especially in the larger cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. Nowadays, you will find cafes on almost every street corner in Morocco, and most are frequent by a variety of people – men and women, children and tourists alike.

Despite this, there are still some male-dominated cafes, and if a woman visits these alone, she is likely to attract unwanted attention. Women who frequent these sorts of cafes are often assumed to be there with the attention of picking up men.

If you would like to go to a cafe, it’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from your hotel or riad. And if a café is generally frequented only by men, it’s usually best for women travelling alone to look for an alternative.

Further tips for solo female travellers in Morocco

Arabic phrases.

Another valuable tip for women travelling alone in Morocco is to learn a couple of key phrases in Arabic. Many Moroccans are impressive linguists, speaking excellent French and English, but it is worth learning at least a smattering of Arabic.

Admittedly, Arabic is far from an easy language to learn, but it helps to know a handful of key phrases. Moroccans regard it as a sign of great respect if visitors have taken the time to learn a little of the local language and culture, especially if they attempt to communicate in Arabic.

Find here more information about languages in Morocco .

Prepare standard responses

It is well worth practising a few standard responses. Many Moroccans find it inconceivable that anyone could remain unmarried in their twenties, so questions about marital status are commonplace.

It’s worth having some pat answers ready for such scenarios. For example, you could mention a husband back at home. This might prompt expressions of concern about your safety travelling alone. Simply thank them politely and continue on your way.

Physical displays of affection

Morocco is a strictly Islamic country, so public displays of affection towards the opposite sex are considered disrespectful. The only acceptable bodily contact between men and women in public is shaking hands.

Establish clear boundaries if a man becomes too pushy.

Do not go out alone at night

Conservative Moroccans tend to be of the view that ‘good women’ do not go out at night. After the final call to prayer, the streets are generally empty, and you are more likely to encounter unsavoury characters than during the day. Consequently, it is advisable not to be out alone after dark.

In general, it is worth remembering that in Morocco, one is rarely alone for very long. Concepts of personal space do not apply here the same way as they do in the western world. In many situations, such as at train stations, you may find yourself closely surrounded by crowds of men, but there is no need to feel intimidated.

Another tip: If you find yourself suddenly lost, ask another woman for help – Moroccan women are generally much kinder and more helpful than men. By contrast, young men may find it amusing to deliberately send you in the wrong direction or see your plight as an opportunity to try and make some money.

Love Scams are frequently mentioned in the context of tourism to North Africa. These are also known as romance scams, marriage scams or bezness.

Many Moroccan men search for an easy way out of their financial problems by targeting susceptible female tourists. Sometimes whole families can be involved in the scams.

It is essential to always keep a firm grasp of your common sense. And however charming the man may seem, be wary of any prying into your finances.

Here, you can find more information about Love Scams in this article about common scams and frauds in Morocco .

Sanitation and hygiene

Feminine hygiene products are widely available in Morocco. Tampons, pads, and panty liners are sold in small independent stores and at the big supermarkets like Carrefour and BIM.

Moroccan sanitation is mostly very basic. In many places, especially rural areas, toilets consist of little more than a hole in the ground. Make sure you are prepared for this before you travel.

A tip: bring toilet paper or tissues and disinfectant with you if using toilets away from the westernised hotels .

Morocco is generally a safe place to visit. Crimes against tourists are relatively rare and severely punished under Moroccan law. However, before travelling, make sure you check your foreign ministry’s website for up-to-date official advice and any relevant warnings. 

A particular Moroccan security organisation has also been established, known as the ‘Tourist Police’, dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of foreign visitors and tourists.

The main thing to remember is to bring your common sense with you, along with your suitcase or backpack. There is plenty to experience in Morocco, but few visitors perceive the countryside or cities such as Marrakech to be truly dangerous.

Don’t let the occasional horror story mar the anticipation of your trip. Morocco is a wonderful country. It would be a shame to miss out on an opportunity to visit due to unwarranted fears or anxieties about safety.

What language is spoken in Morocco?

I have been living in Morocco as a single woman for 20 years now. Never a problem. Coming from Argentina, where being a woman is not safe, as it is the case in all South America, I feel very safe here and very unsafe abroad. Men touching me, or feeling me in public transportation, or giving me dirty sexual looks is a common place abroad. Men masturbating in Eurooe and in America, I have seen plenty. Not here. It is true that some women have no clue where they are and pretend to be okay dressing as if they were in Ibiza, which clearly leads to misunderstandings, but never to danger. Also, pedophiles are extremely safe, and there is something to say about a culture where children are protected. So overall, I would say your article is not bad, but it is written from a perspective of fear and ignorance, and probably directed to such readers.

Great article…I have been here for 10 years and this is an honest piece. While some people visit and gladly don’t experience some of the things mentioned the fact is others do

Great article.

This is a great article as ive been look about this for my wife that is travelling there soon

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Its an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing with us. I hope you keep sharing this types of informative posts.

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Africa , MOROCCO , Solo Female Travel

9 great tips for female travel in morocco.

One of my favourite countries to visit in Africa, there’s no question Morocco is safe for female travellers and a definite highlight on my top African itineraries .

And this applies to those of us adventuring solo too. In my experience, there’s no question Morocco is not only a safe destination, but also has a huge amount to offer.

In fact, quite a few attractions in this country made it onto my list of the 55 best things to do in Africa , which just shows you how much I recommend visiting this country.

Have travelled in Morocco myself as a solo woman traveller several times, I can now bring you my top 9 tips when it comes to female travel in this north African delight…

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#1 dress correctly.

First up when it comes to the issue of female travel in Morocco is what to wear when travelling in this country.

Of course, putting this tip into action actually starts before your trip begins, right when you are packing or thinking about what to pack.

In fact, considering what to wear in Morocco is one of the questions I get asked about most when it comes to women travelling here, which is why I wrote this complete packing Morocco checklist .

The first point to bear in mind however is that while Morocco is an Islamic country, women (local or foreign) are not required to wear a headscarf except when visiting religious buildings.

That said, I would certainly avoid any tight or revealing clothing, instead opting for long-sleeved and long-legged tops and bottoms that stretch to the elbow and below the knee.

Shoulders and chests should also be covered – which is often convenient in terms of sun protection too.

In Morocco, I wore a lot of thin pashminas to cover my chest and shoulders whilst still providing ventilation in the heat.

I also liked combining thin bamboo leggings with knee-length loose tunics that kept things respectful but also comfortable when travelling.

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#2 Going Out in the Evening

After what to wear, the next common question I get from women travellers looking to head to Morocco is about going out in the evening.

In general, I tend to urge solo female travellers to err on the side of caution and not head out alone in the evenings, especially in big cities.

In Morocco however, especially in towns and cities, I felt quite comfortable doing this, provided I knew where I was headed and I didn’t walk too far from my accommodation.

In part, this is because Moroccan life (like many North African and Middle Eastern countries) has a late-night culture, meaning many people can be found out on the streets, shopping, meeting friends or eating after dark.

This level of activity on the streets tends to make travellers feel safe, even if they are solo.

No question that heading out as part of a group in the evening is very safe.

#3 Get a SIM Card

If you still feel hesitant, then let me introduce you to a little tip that always makes me feel safer when I travel as a woman anywhere in the world, particularly solo.

And that tip is, buy a local SIM card.

This may sound kind of obvious, but often travellers don’t realise how simple, easy and useful this is.

For the small hassle when you first arrive and need to sort out a SIM, the safety and ease you feel after getting it up and running doesn’t compare.

In Morocco, I highly recommend getting a SIM card from Maroc Telecom because they have the best coverage across the country and also offer very affordable tourist SIM packages, which give a large amount of data over a short period of time.

Learn more about buying a SIM card in Morocco in this post I wrote about the top 21 things to know before you travel this country.

#4 Take Tours / Join Groups

Another obvious point, but one it may be worth making to women travellers looking to head to Morocco, is that if you’re worried about travelling alone in this country, you can always take a tour.

While I don’t think it’s necessary a full tour of the country, it may help you find your feet and feel more comfortable.

And if that means the difference between you going and not going to Morocco, then I’d consider it a worthy investment.

Alternatively, you can travel independently in Morocco, but take some tours to certain destinations.

This is a great way to mix being brave and having a bit more flexibility, with meeting other people and forming a group at some points during your travels.

One place where I took a tour when in Morocco was to the Sahara Desert.

Learn more about that adventure and what is involved in this post I wrote.

#5 Read Reviews

And a key part when it comes to selecting tours, as well as accommodation or any other services you might use, especially as a solo female traveller, is to read the reviews.

Yes reviews from other travellers are such a great way to pick up on whether you’ll feel safe and secure as a women traveller.

I have almost no doubt, you will, but this is more to give you peace of mind.

Also, you may feel safer knowing you can leave a bad review if this is the case too!

GetYourGuide , Hostelworld and Agoda all have facilities for reading and leaving reviews and these are the main sites I use to book services when I travel.

#6 Be Sensible & Respectful

Next on this list of these top tips for women travellers in Morocco is an age-old adage, but also very a true statement.

Be sensible and respectful.

Yes in a country like Morocco, showing respect and being respectful is a key cultural component.

As a traveller, and a woman, you can show this by dressing and acting appropriately, especially at ancient, holy or significant sites.

Remember you are a guest in this country, a country which may have different values from you, but paying attention to codes of behaviour and being conscious of your own, really does offer you the chance to learn a lot and experience how other people around the world live.

This, after all, is a major goal of travelling.

This is not about being right or wrong, but about being open and tolerant to difference, no matter what your own feelings are.

Coupled with respect, it also pays to be sensible.

This applies not just to Morocco, but to anywhere in the world.

Use common sense, listen to your gut instinct and don’t take unnecessary and ill-planned risks.

These are where accidents are most likely to occur.

This also applies to accidents such as petty thefts, where phones and bags are most often stolen when you’re not paying attention and using your common sense.

Using your common sense before you travel.

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#7 Be Kind, But Firm

And continuing along this line of thought, it also pays to be kind and gracious during your time in Morocco, but also firm.

This especially applies to women travellers in this country, where smiling or talking extensively to a male may give the wrong cultural signals – signals you may not be aware of, or be intentionally, giving.

Please bear this in mind and always remain gracious, but clear with your boundaries and expectations.

If you want to avoid being hassled in souks and markets, then a polite no thank you and walking away should suffice.

You’ll rarely be followed, touched or hassled for long if you, calmly and clearly, state you are not interested and move on without making any further eye contact.

#8 Careful On Buses

And a key place this can come into play is on buses, which you’ll likely use to get around Morocco at least part of the way.

In general, I’ve found that when you book with a more premium company like CMS Buses in Morocco, they try to sit female travellers next to each other.

Learn more about my adventures in this department on my travels from Marrakesh to Fez and how I got to Chefchaouen .

While on shorter journeys it may not bother you too much who you’re sitting next to, you may want to consider this more carefully on night buses.

If you’re worried at all about this, try to find a friend to sit next to you, speak to a member of staff in the bus ticket office or travel with a tour or group instead.

The other option is, of course, to avoid night buses and stick to day buses and trains as your means of transport.

I used Bookaway to search and reserve all my buses throughout Morocco and found them great and easy to use.

#9 Don’t Be Scared

But the most important tip I can give to women travellers in Morocco is not to be scared.

Honestly, this country is very safe for female travellers and the vast majority of them, including solo female tourists like myself, will have a wonderful time here without any problems.

While I have advised you to be careful, respectful, sensible and firm (if necessary), please also remember to be warm, open and friendly if the situation invites it.

Do not let fear or preconceived ideas hold you back on this trip or prevent you from seeing the best of what Morocco has to offer.

Head out there and be brave – I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful and safe trip.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it my top 9 tips for women travellers in Morocco, particularly solo female travellers who want to stay safe but also enjoy themselves.

Have you found these tips helpful?

Have any more questions?

Then please don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

3 thoughts on “ 9 Great Tips for Female Travel in Morocco ”

Good tips, but the link to the tour companies is broken (or maybe Covid has stopped some of them being relevant – would love any affordable tour company suggestions. Thanks

Hi Fay, thanks for the heads up – I checked the link and sadly covid seems to have put a stop to these tours. I’ve introduced some others and hope they might help. Best wishes and enjoy Morocco, Steph 🙂

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15 Essential Tips for Women Traveling Solo in Morocco

Women traveling to Morocco can expect a diverse and culturally rich experience . From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the historic cities like Fes and Casablanca , the kingdom of Morocco offers a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences.

While Morocco is generally safe for women travelers, it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas. Wearing modest clothing, such as long skirts or pants and covering shoulders, can help avoid unwanted attention.

Engaging with locals can provide meaningful insights into Moroccan life, but female travelers might experience some cultural differences in interactions. It’s wise to be cautious and assertive in declining unwanted advances and setting boundaries.

Solo female travelers might consider booking accommodations in reputable hotels or guesthouses and arranging transportation in advance to ensure a secure and comfortable trip. It’s also advisable to research the local norms and customs, and perhaps travel with a friend or in a group, especially if this is your first time visiting a North African country.

Ultimately, a Moroccan trip can be an enriching experience for women, offering the chance to explore vibrant markets, enjoy delicious cuisine, and immerse themselves in the country’s captivating history and culture.

Traveling solo can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience. As a woman exploring the vibrant country of Morocco, you’re in for a treat of captivating landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. While Morocco is generally safe for travelers, it’s always wise to be prepared and informed before embarking on your journey. Here are 15 invaluable tips to ensure a smooth and memorable solo adventure in Morocco.

1. Research and plan ahead

Before traveling to Morocco, research thoroughly about Moroccan culture, customs, and local values. Know which neighborhoods to visit, the local languages ​​(Arabic and French), and important travel information. Having a strong plan will help you move through the country with confidence.

2. Dress modestly

Morocco is a conservative society, and modest clothing shows respect for one’s culture and traditions. Choose clothes that cover your shoulders, cleavage, and knees. A scarf or scarf may be useful to cover the head in certain areas. Dressing appropriately will also draw less attention from unwanted stares.

3. Blend In, It Works

Try to blend in as much as possible to minimize unwanted attention. This means avoiding clothing that screams “tourist.” Neutral colors and traditional Moroccan clothing such as loose pants and long dresses can help blend in with the local crowd.

4. Choose accommodation wisely

You want to stay in prestigious hotels or riads (traditional hotels). Select accommodations with good reasoning, as they tend to prioritize safety and provide a comfortable environment for those traveling alone. It is also wise to choose accommodation in well-lit and crowded areas.

5. Use a reliable transport

Pick a reliable and official tour when visiting the small villages and rural areas of Morocco. Booked taxis, rent a car with a driver from a renowned Morocco tour company, and popular bus tours are safer options than unmarked cars or irregular traffic.

6. Trust your instincts

Your emotions are a powerful tool. If a situation or a person makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut feeling and get rid of it. Caution is important, but your safety comes first.

7. Learn basic Arabic words

Even if many Moroccans in tourist areas speak English or French, learning a few basic Arabic words can go a long way in connecting with the locals and showing respect for their culture

8. Be careful with photography

Morocco is a photographer’s dream , but always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Some residents may not be comfortable having their photos taken.

9. Stay connected

Tell your loved ones where you are. Share your travel plans, accommodation, and contact information with a family member or friend. Contact them regularly, so they know you are safe.

10. Avoid walking alone at night

This trick applies anywhere in the world, including Morocco. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar places after dark. Instead, opt for group activities or take a taxi back to your accommodation.

11. Make connections with confidence

Bargaining is a common practice in Moroccan markets. Maintain a friendly and respectful attitude when doing business. Remember that this is a cultural experience, and try to strike a balance between getting a good deal and paying a fair price.

12. Secure your stuff

For example, wherever you go, keep an eye on your belongings and use anti-theft gear like a money belt or concealed bag. Be careful with valuables and avoid overtly showing expensive items.

13. Respect local customs

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with strong cultural and religious practices. During Ramadan, for example, observe fasting times and local customs regarding food, drink, clothing, and fashion.

14. Stay in public places

When exploring, stick to well-lit and crowded areas, especially at night. Avoid quiet or poorly lit streets, which can be very dangerous for solo travelers.

15. Make local connections safely

Meeting the locals can be the highlight of your trip, but always put safety first. Participate in group activities, workshops , or trips where you can interact with the community in a controlled and safe environment.

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Female Travel in Marrakech: How to Survive the Marrakech Medina

Updated March 2024 , Female Travel in Marrakech: How to survive the Marrakech Medina was originally written in November 2017

I won’t lie, by the time we went back to our riad after the first day in Morocco Geena and I looked at each other and both simultaneously said:  I fucking hate Marrakech . We had had a car rental booked the next day and plans to head down to Sidi Ifni and neither one of us could wait to get the hell out of there. By the time we were returning from our South Atlantic coast adventures, I decided I could give Marrakech another chance.

Maybe we were just off to a bad start? Nope, not the case, not in my case, not in our case.

Since my trip to Morocco every time I have publicly brought up my dislike for Marrakech (particularly the Medina and Jemaa El Fna) it’s almost as if the women claiming that they had a wonderful time and never were harassed were trying to hush me up, dismiss what I was saying, or try to counter with x, y, z excuse.

But then I was met with just as many, if not more women saying nope, never again will I step foot in Marrakech. More than anything else? I had comment after comment from women saying I want to go to Marrakech, can you share some tips and what I need to prepare for.

Now before you Marrakech-lovers go on the defense: This post isn’t meant for you. It’s meant to prepare other first-time female visitors for  what they’re up against  what they may run into.

I would hate to find out that someone decided to not venture out into the rest of Morocco or cut their trip short because of the unfriendly  verbal assault  welcome they received in Marrakech. Trust me, the rest of Morocco has slightly more morals and respect than the Marrakech Medina. I loved Morocco as a whole, but Marrakech kept pushing me away.

And for those that were in a sense, let’s just be real here, were 100% victim-blaming us for our treatment in Marrakech let me just tell you the following: I did my research. I had read about the near-constant sexual harassment, as well as the scams, and everything else.

I’ve traveled many conservative Islamic countries. I know how to dress. I rarely make eye contact with men, I dress pretty conservatively, I almost always have sunglasses on and I have a resting bitch face that will destroy your soul.

I always look like I’m about to fuck someone up. I know what I’m doing, and yet still I’ve never in all of my travels dealt with anything near the threshold of what is Marrakech.

And with all this said, while Marrakech certainly pissed me off and annoyed me- I did not once feel in danger

Despite the laundry-list of annoyances, I never felt like I was going to be beaten or robbed, even at night.

If you ever are harmed in any way there is a Tourist Police office in Jamaa El Fna Square (ask for Police Brigade Touristique), or call +212 0524 38 46 01. Often times just threatening to call will likely get someone to leave you alone. Note that if you search ‘police brigade touristique’ on maps.me it will show you the location of the office.

December 2023 Update: I returned to Marrakech in late November/early December 2023 to a very different experience. Dare I say it, Marrakech was pleasant. Nowhere near the harassment or scamming ensued and when I enquired I was told that there was a major crackdown on bad behaviour toward tourists. I did notice that there were abundant tourist police walking around as well. That all said, I received a message from a recent visitor in February 2024 stating that she (and her female friend she was visiting with) had an experience reminiscent of my 2017 visit.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Nicole Smoot ❁ Travel (@the.adventures.of.nicole) on Nov 12, 2017 at 11:05am PST

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My Tips for Female Travel in Marrakech

Trust me, I got a few up my sleeve…

1. What to wear

Disclaimer: It doesn’t matter what the fuck you wear. You’ll get harassed no matter what. From wearing a full-length muumuu with a headscarf to a knee-length dress our treatment was no different.

You essentially are a target for every misogynistic epithet under the sun just for being foreign and being the owner of a vagina. Even upon speaking to foreign tourists from other Middle Eastern and North African countries, they faced the same shit. Marrakechis can spot a foreigner instantly.

But I digress, it’s better the err on the side of conservatism to be respectful of the culture. Even though the male end of the culture won’t respect you either way.

Batten down the hatches, ladies.

Good clothing options are loose-fitting floor-length dresses, long loose tunics paired with trousers, or loose-fitting pants paired with a loose t-shirt. A scarf is always a good item to have in your bag, as it can be used to cover shoulders if wearing something sleeveless or to cover your hair when you just want to hide from the non-stop bullshit and lovely sexual assaults hurled at you from every angle.

3. Don’t Make Eye Contact. And don’t smile either

Now, this is something I hate. I hate having to walk around not making eye contact with other people. But for your own sake, don’t do it.

This is an open invitation for a seemingly harmless 6-year-old to tell you they ‘ Wanta da sex ‘ (I’m not even kidding, this actually happened), or a grown-ass man to making suckling kissing noises at you.

Need a break from Marrakech? Start planning a  Southern Morocco Road Trip !

4. Ignore most anything said to you

This is another one I hate! I love to mingle with people and find out about the places I’m visiting through them. But Marrakech is a different animal. Anything said to you is just an open invitation for further harassment.

Even things that seem so innocent like hello, where are you from, hola, hello spice girl to other more obvious ones such as sexy baby, hello beautiful, and so on. All are just openers to continue to pester you for dates (and I’m not talking about the fruit), phone numbers, to tell you something insanely sexual, or to sell you shit. Men don’t just walk up and casually say hi here in both our experiences.

5. But you gotta draw the line somewhere

I just roll my eyes and continue to ignore the hello beautifuls, the I love yous, the sexy ladies. Most of this is annoying but harmless.

Likely, over the course of your stay in Morocco, you will have things said to you that range from grotesque to downright appalling. The first incident where I completely lost my shit? ‘ Hey lady, leta me fucka you in da ass! ‘

He looked to be about 12 or 13 years old. If he hadn’t run like hell to my reaction I would have grabbed the little fucker by his ear and drug him to his mother.

Guys catcall women where I live, but if you yelled that to a woman here someone would likely beat the ever-loving fuck out of you. Twice.

6. Don’t be afraid to make a scene

Obviously Moroccan women don’t put up with this shit. So if you ever feel so uncomfortable, make a giant scene. More than one woman will likely come to your aide.

7. You’re married

Having a boyfriend doesn’t suffice here. Even after meeting some couples on the trip, being there with your boyfriend doesn’t stop the rowdy behavior either.

If you’re with a guy, he’s your husband. If you’re there alone or with girlfriends, you’re all married. I’m not even going to explain this one, it’s self-explanatory. Even if you sport the ring and carry on about your husband wherever he may be, you’re still going to have men trying to make their move.

With this said, I did meet a number of very lovely men in Morocco and even a couple in Marrakech. But they approached in completely non-sexual ways, one was the owner of a juicebar who struck up a conversation with us all because he checked to see how his product was and if there was any feedback we had to improve, if any (no feedback needed it was delicious!).

Another one that stuck in my mind was a young man in the villa-nouveau who passed me on his motorbike, stopped and pulled off the road ahead, and walked up to me to tell me to carry my purse in front (it had bounced around to the back with my speed walking) to curb any potential thief.

The last one that stuck with me was Mohammed, the man working at the riad we had booked the night we returned to Marrakech after our  3 day Merzouga tour . Geena was in tears by the time we made it to the riad (we got dropped in the wrong spot and had a pretty long walk with all our bags with men leering, not to mention a huge football game had just ended so it looked like a scene from Mad Max out there).

Mohammed was so alarmed, he grabbed our bags and put them in our room, and took us to the terrace where he welcomed us with mint tea and said he had to run to the souk real quick and he’d be back in a few minutes. He came back with a plate of hot kofta and some flatbreads and insistence to make our evening better.

Now, for the scams to be aware of

This part doesn’t apply just to the ladies. Oh yeah, this doesn’t end with just sexual harassment. This is the most scam-ridden place (I’m talking about the Medina) that I have ever been in my entire life.

I have been all over East Asia,  Central Asia , Southern Africa,  South America , Central America, the  Middle East , and parts of Europe and never have I seen a scam game so strong.

Now, some of the online victim blamers will try to disregard this behavior by carrying on about how I must not understand what it must be like to be a Moroccan since I must be a wealthy American that’s never traveled anywhere impoverished in my life, not once, ever. I fucking get it, loud and clear. Morocco isn’t the wealthiest nation.

I am fully aware unemployment and low wages are huge problems. I get that people are just trying to make a living. But never have I been somewhere where I’ve had people so aggressively try to scam tourists.

I found it a bit shocking too, considering I have been a number of places that are far more financially worse off than Morocco is, and they don’t go this far. So be warned.

‘That way is closed!’

Don’t even entertain it, don’t even respond, just keep walking. The Medina is a giant labyrinth, and it’s super easy to get lost and lose every sense of direction.

Well, men and boys are aware of this. So they’ve all seemed to band together and create the ‘ That way is closed ‘ scam.

No matter where you’re going if they see your non-Moroccan-looking-ass coming, that way is closed. So then you might ask, well then what way is open? Then the insistence comes in.

‘ No money, no money! Come, I show you .’ You start to follow them and before you know it, they hand you off to a friend.

Then once you arrive at wherever you’re going with said friend (AKA: business partner) the demands for compensation begin. Then you’ll probably roll your eyes and ask how much? That will be met with a ‘ What do you think is enough? ‘

Well, whatever you decide ‘enough’ is they’ll demand double. I swear you could have offered 1,000€ and they would pout and demand 2,000€.

‘The Berber festival is happening, today only! Come I will show you where the tanneries are! No Money! No Money!’

YES, MONEY  is really all you need to take away from this. And the funny thing about the Berber festival where they come down out of the mountains for the one day a year? This Berber festival takes place every day of the year. But for only that day according to any of these scam artists.

This one isn’t quite as bad of a rip-off as the above-mentioned one but it does operate in a similar manner. First, you’re headed to a festival that only happens once per year (how exciting!) and you happened to be there on the one day of the year it was happening. But then before long you’re handed off to the friend (see, business partner).

Then you’re brought to the tannery, given a quick tour of one of the most atrocious smelling places on Earth, then taken to a shop selling leather goods and maybe even a Berber Pharmacy, and before you know it, your guide wants his money.

This one wasn’t the worst scam. I mean the guy did show us some insightful things and even gave us bushels of mint to protect us from the tannery stench. I learned something! But really, I don’t appreciate the lies.

Looking for more ideas on what to do? Check out the  19 Best Things to Do in Morocco

The animals

And no, I’m not making reference to the disgusting behaviors of men in the Medina. I’m talking about when you’ve finally made your way down to Jemaa El Fna, the main square.

There are men with monkeys, snakes, and I’m sure more than what I noticed milling about the square. Then before you know it, they’ve thrown said money onto you and now hey, it’s photo time.

Except for afterward, the demands start rolling in. To the tune of 200 Dirham. I’ve seen this same game played in other countries, so I knew what it was.

Although that first evening we had a man aggressively trying to throw the monkey on us, at one point he was even chasing Geena around the square. Like she was full-on running from the guy. I never had to run away from a man with a monkey in the Caribbean, a firm  NO  sufficed.

Non-consensual henna

This was a new one for me. I was walking in the square minding my own business when all of a sudden someone had a hold of my hand and something wet and kinda cold was spreading on my skin.

Before I had a split second and a chance to even process what was going on little Miss Henna artist was about halfway through her tattoo. Then she demanded 600 Dirham for the tattoo that I didn’t even ask for! I tried to liken it to rape.

I didn’t back down on this one. It turned into a giant argument in the middle of the square.

‘Ben Youssef is closed to individuals, only groups are allowed right now. Join my group.’

As we went to walk into Ben Youssef Madrasa a man was standing next to the entrance and said that to us on our way in. Crazy enough, he had managed to thwart a few tourists into it as there were about 5 of them standing there all looking a bit confused. I rolled my eyes at him and said ‘you’re a liar, that’s the most ridiculous lie I’ve heard yet‘.

That seemed to dissipate the group of potential victims who all fled the scene and followed us into the Madrasa. Whether you’re going to the Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, or any other famed site in the city ‘groups only’ is a lie, don’t fall for it. There are official guides in the city. They have badges.

The menu swap

Luckily neither of us had this one attempted on us but I was told about it. You’ll sit down at a restaurant and get handed a menu and the prices are great.

Then after the meal is said and done you get the check and it’s at least double what you had tallied up when ordering.

Then when you ask the waiter about it, you’re brought a menu and the prices do add up. But this isn’t the menu you originally looked at. Some travelers recommend taking photos on your phone of the menu you’re given when you order to help curb this scam.

Read:  What it’s Like to Spend a Night in the Sahara Desert

‘The meter is broken’

I think outside the United States,  Australia , and Western Europe no taxi meter has ever worked.  EVER . My best tip is to ask someone (like the staff at your riad or hotel) how much a taxi should cost to go to _____. That way you know what price to demand.

Airport taxi scam

Save yourself the headache and arrange an airport pickup with your riad. The going rate for a taxi between the airport and the Medina should cost about 80 Dirham, however, good luck getting it for that price.

Most riads will arrange transfers for 120 Dirhams (some as high as 150). If you step out of the airport and try to negotiate a taxi you’ll likely end up paying somewhere between 200 and 500 Dirham, which is absolutely ludicrous.

No tea is free tea

Okay, this isn’t really a scam. I never fell for it, as I was fully aware of its workings beforehand. It’s a lure to get you to visit a shop and purchase items.

Be wary of anyone offering anything ‘free’. Many times if you do not make a purchase, payment for that free tea will be demanded- which in all fairness is fine, just don’t tell passersby you’ll gift them free tea.

Other annoyances I encountered

Yes, there’s even more annoying shit you’ll face.

Overly aggressive salesmen

Okay, this one wasn’t a surprise. And I get it: unemployment is high and wages are low. But I’ve not experienced salesmen so aggressive in my life.

The only one that I thought really crossed the line was the lamp salesman. He physically picked up Geena and placed her in his shop! I, of course, ran in there, you can’t pick up my friend and try to kidnap her!

He then blocked the entrance and wouldn’t let us out. In all of my crazy travels- this was a first for me. We had to push and scream our way to freedom.

An angry response to calling out a scammer

We were walking toward Ben Youssef Madrasa when we were stopped by an elderly British couple who were standing there with a map, completely lost. Instantly we busted out our phones and opened maps.me to help. At this point, one of the ‘ this ways closed ‘ guys appeared.

Me- “You don’t even know what way we’re going”

Scammer- “I will take you, no money!”

British wife- Looks as if she’s about to cry.

Me- “No thank you”

Couple- both look confused, and at a loss.

Me- Rolls eyes. “This is the usual scam, here’s how it works… First, they say ‘this way is closed’, or the square is this way. ‘Come, I’ll show you, no money!’ Oh hey here’s my friend _____ he will take you! Said friend takes you, then demands money. How much you ask? Well, that’s up to you. Whatever you offer, he’ll demand double and still pout at whatever amount given. He will then go and split the profits with guy #1.”

Me- “Well, fuck you too.”

Scammer- “No fuck you! I will fuck you! I have the dick!”

Me- “You have no dick! Kess Om-Mak!” ( Kess Om-Mak translates out to ‘Your Mom’s vagina’ in Arabic- but is the equivalent of saying ‘Fuck your mother’ )

Scammer finally shuts up and goes away.

British wife- “Everyone scams you here, everyone.”

So my point here: Unless you know a few obscene phrases in Arabic and want to use them, and don’t mind being called every name in the book I suggest not calling out the scammer as he is standing right there in front of you.

Did I just really get threatened to be raped?

Things to do to make your Marrakech experience better

With the chaos and crazy of the medina you need an escape. It’s mentally exhausting!

Treat yourself to a nice riad

Here’s the thing, you don’t need to break the bank for a nice, relaxing riad. A good riad can make a world of difference in the mad surroundings you’re in. Here are the three riads I stayed in and can personally attest that they were all good places to stay.

A couple things to note about hotel/riad/hostel bookings

Most bookings online  DO  include the 20% VAT tax (but do double check). There is a 2.50€ city tax per person per night that is payable on arrival (I’ve not seen it included on a booking), so just remember to tack on 2.50€ per person to the listed price.

All three riads I am recommending, I did stay at and all include breakfast as well as wifi. All three are located in surprisingly quiet locations considering they’re all within the medina. Was woke up to birds chirping each morning- that kind of quiet.

IZZA Marrakech

The reason I went back to Marrakech in 2023 was after a couple of invitations had been extended to me to visit the new IZZA Marrakech Hotel .

The hotel is a series of traditional riads, turned hotel featuring 14 individually curated rooms dedicated to icons of Marrakech’s arts and counter-culture past.

With three stunning courtyards and a lovely rooftop, IZZA truly is the perfect escape from the bustle of the Marrakech Medina.

IZZA also features an array of artwork on display.

Riad Chams Marrakech

Address: N 214-215 Derb Sidi Bouamer, Riad Laarous, Medina, Marrakech.

Riad Chams I think was my favorite accommodation on the trip. (This is the riad that the lovely Mohammed welcomed us with kefta mentioned above).

The rooms are adorable, all doubles, includes a yummy breakfast, the courtyard is to die for the terrace is a perfect spot to relax. They can also set up tours and excursions for you as well as prepare meals (give some advance notice).  Book Riad Chams Marrakech here

Les Jardins Riad LaaRouss

Address:  56, Derb Sidi Bouamar – Riad Lâarouss – Marrakech, Medina. (it is very close to Riad Chams Marrakech).

Les Jardins Riad Laarouss is just stunning, plus Emre and Samira will go above and beyond to take care of you. I actually ended up at Les Jardins because we had booked a night at Riad Chams Marrakech, stayed one more night and they were fully booked for the remainder of the month! So they kindly called Emre and he had availability for my remaining two nights in Marrakech.

And I think I lied above when I said Riad Chams was my favorite, I loved Les Jardins equally. There are three rooms here, all doubles and the decor is adorable, the breakfasts delicious and the staff are wonderful.

They also serve meals (for an additional fee, give at least 4 hours notice), but whatever you do- order the chicken with lemon tagine (70 dirhams), it’s to die for and is home-cooked in their kitchen (I’m not kidding it was the  best  tagine I had in all of Morocco!).

Emre speaks so many languages it made my head spin…French, Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, and many more, so communication will not be an issue. They can book excursions and tours as well.  Book Les Jardins Riad LaaRouss here .

Riad La Famille

Address:  213 Arset Ali Ou Saleh Bab El Khamis, Medina, Marrakech.

Riad La Famille is cute and cozy and not too far walking distance from Jamaa El Fna. Nadia, the owner is very sweet and helpful. She speaks French, Spanish, and Arabic but even if you’re only an English speaker she will find a way to communicate (we had no issue between what French, Spanish, and Arabic I understand).

Nadia can arrange tours, excursions, and car rentals for you. The only strange thing that happened here was the morning we were leaving to pick up the rental car, we noticed the door leading to the terrace was locked, so we were essentially locked upstairs. After a little poking around we figured out the switch next to the door was a doorbell (it looked like a light switch), this isn’t a complaint- we do appreciate the additional security.  Book Riad La Famille here .

Other options that you see on Instagram, that I did not stay at

Curious about which places you constantly see on Instagram?  Le Mamounia  and La Riad Yasmine are home to the two most famous Marrakech pool shots you see.  La Mamounia  will set you back several hundred dollars per night. 

I don’t know what in the ever-loving fuck could be offered to get me to spend that kind of money for one night of my life, but my interest is piqued… just not enough to ever in my life book something that expensive (but  La Mamounia , if you ever want to bring a doubting travel blogger who never reviews accommodations over for a press trip… wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

But the good news for you guys that are only out to  #doitforthegram , apparently you can get a day pass to the famous pool so you can flaunt to your friends that you’re faux-rich. If you guys are all curious what’s the most expensive accommodation I ever booked? It was  my solo trip to the Maldives over Valentine’s Day 2014 . I

never clued into the fact that I was in the most romantic place on Earth over Valentine’s Day until I checked in and the young lady working asked  “So it’s just you checking in for the next 3 nights?… Really, just you by yourself?” I stayed at Herathera Island Resort, now named  Canareef Resort Maldives  for a steal, including the meal plan, (excluding the internal flight to get out there) with a beachfront bungalow, score!

Le Riad Yasmine also has a famous pool that you’ve probably seen on  Instagram , however, it has a more friendly budget.

Treat yourself to an amazing meal

The Marrakech Medina does have some amazing dining options, here are a few of my favorites, and all have rooftop terraces.

Un Déjeuner á Marrakech

Tagine’d out? Check out this Mediterranean meets Moroccan restaurant.

We stumbled across this place by accident after visiting the Bahia Palace and our lunch was so good we returned for dinner. It is a bit on the spendy side for Marrakech- expect prices of 90 to 140 dirham for main courses, but the food is worth it!

This place serves up pretty authentic local food according to Marrakechis (locals are who recommended I try it). The tangines are tasty and come with a side of couscous (I went with the Marrakechi beef tagine and have no regrets). Expect to pay 90 to 120 dirhams for a dish.

Café Snack Riad Laarous

This is a cheaper option with good tagines and tasty paninis. Most dishes will only set you back 30-60 dirham. The manager is very kind.

Catanzaro (this is just outside the medina)

Another welcome break from the tagines, Catanzaro serves up some pretty good pizzas and Italian food. Expect dishes to come in at the 60-120 dirham range. Serves wine.

Alas, there are dirt-cheap eats on the streets

Rock up to any of the street food stalls and grab something local (a word of the wise: choose ones that are busy and crawling with locals). Some yummy snacks to try: ma’qooda, chebakia, and b’stilla… or anything that looks delectable- try it!

Stop, Hammam Time!

I, unfortunately, did not visit a hammam while I was in Marrakech (I’ve experienced one in Uzbekistan and it was amazing!). Those that came highly recommended in Marrakech were Hamam Mouassine, Heritage Spa, Sultana Spa, and Hamam Bab Doukkala. Prices can range anywhere from 100 to 600 dirham.

Read:  Top Tips For a Merzouga Desert Tour

Book a tour

You can book walking tours of the city if you’d prefer something organized and less harassment.  Shop Marrakech walking tours here . From foodie tours to artisan shopping to historic sites, there’s a tour for just about anyone.

Other great articles to check out with female travel tips for Marrakech

• Bradt’s Morocco Footprint – a handy guide to help you plan your visit.
• READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO- Solo Female Travel Tips – By Journalist on the Run
• Solo Female Travel Guide For A Weekend in the Red City – By Weekend Jetsetter
• The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Marrakech – By The Blonde Abroad

Ready to start booking flights to Morocco?

Check out  Skyscanner  for the best deals!

More Posts from Morocco:

How to Survive Marrakech as a Woman: Tips for Female Travel in Marrakech

Merzouga Tips: Recommendations for Moroccan Desert Tours

Southern Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Road Trips In The World

What It’s Like To Spend The Night In The Sahara Desert

19 Best Things To Do In Morocco

10 Best Things to do in Marrakech + Two Day Marrakech Itinerary

8 thoughts on “how to survive marrakech as a woman: tips for female travel in marrakech”.

I really liked it thank you for sharing

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Its an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing with us. I hope you keep sharing this types of informative posts.

Hi Nicole, I’m readying this amazing writing in Marrakesh after being scammed a little, haha. Just to update, the scams are still there and similar in 2023.

Hi Laura, thanks for the update! Doesn’t surprise me to hear that its still business as usual in Marrakech 😂

I am in Morrocco now and visiting from the UK. Great blog..a really good read and well explained with humour, not belittling the crazy unacceptable stuff. I have ahad a few crazy experiences from a guys perspective and I thought id google if its me that’s going crazy or is this place just plain crazy. I am a Muslim and all I can do is apologise as I have seen quite alot of the behaviours you mention especially with regards to western women, it really saddens me as there is such beauty here in the, food, culture, are and skills and its ruined by these guy.

Hi Mohammed! It was definitely frustrating to deal with but me and my friend definitely laugh about it all now. I wish men in Marrakech didn’t act this way as for many Westerners it is their first time in a Islamic-majority country and some think that’s just how Muslims behave which is totally not the case at all as I’ve traveled in many Islamic countries and had overwhelmingly good experiences. You’re so right about Morocco having so much to offer because it does have such a vibrant culture, cuisine, history and more. Once we got out of Marrakech we absolutely loved Morocco

Thank you for the well written guide to Marrakech. It really is an excellent read for first-time women travelers planning a trip to the city. We work with many riads in Marrakech and hear this common problems.

Thanks for reading!

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How to Travel in Morocco Alone – Travelling in Morocco as a woman

• Travel Tips

Last updated on: May 23, 2019 08:03 by Icho Ouarzazate | Reading: 3 minutes | Published: May 23, 2019 08:03 | Category: Travel Tips

For many, traveling solo through Morocco is the best way to see this beautiful and diverse country. It allows you the freedom to choose your own destinations and really learn the culture since you only have locals and other world travelers with whom to interact. Like any place in the world, traveling to Morocco on your own has its risks, but with a little research and preparation, this could become one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime. Below are three key tips to get you started.

1- Understand the Muslim culture

Table of Contents

• 1. 2- Learn some of the local languages
• 2. 3- Beware of your surroundings

Those with little exposure to and education about the Muslim culture often hold many misconceptions about the people of Morocco . The Muslim religion emphasizes respect and modesty, as well as kindness and hospitality towards tourists. Bear this in mind when dressing for the day. It is advisable that, despite the heat, tourists cover their shoulders and legs. It is not necessary for women to wear hijabs (traditional headscarves), but women, in particular, should dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Also remember that alcohol is frowned upon in Muslim culture and is not allowed in some places in the country, so best to keep the drinking to the bare minimum, if at all. When in doubt, always err on the side of staying modest in your appearance and actions.

2- Learn some of the local languages

Arabic, Berber, and French are widely spoken throughout the country. While many locals, and especially those in the service industry, speak at least some English, it is another sign of respect to try to learn the local languages. It is also a matter of safety, as there is no guarantee you will encounter English-speaking locals if you run into a problem. It can also help you avoid scams since projecting confidence and experience in the country will make you less of a target. Visit this post to learn more about the languages they speak in Morocco .

3- Beware of your surroundings

There really is no place in the world a solo traveler can go where they will be free of potential scammers and unwanted attention. Morocco as a country is fairly non-violent, has safe, well-paved roads, and a tourism police force dedicated to keeping visitors safe and the industry thriving. That said, theft and scams against tourists can and do happen. Women, in particular, must also be aware of unwanted attention from local men. Dressing modestly helps , as does showing confidence and being forceful when saying no to pushy salesmen. Know where you are going ahead of time, understand what taxis and other items should cost, and be forceful without being rude when you are not interested in what someone is trying to sell to you.

Much like any other country, remember that scams and unwanted attention are more likely to occur when you are in more urban areas. Casablanca and Marrakech, in particular, are places where you will want to keep your guard up and really understand the true cost of goods and services. Other popular areas, such as Chefchaouen and Essaouira, are quieter and more laid back, and therefore may feel like safer options when you are alone. Above all else, use common sense, educate yourself, and remember to show respect towards the country and the people, and you will have an unforgettable experience.

Join countless satisfied travelers who have experienced Morocco with us. We customize every detail to make your Moroccan adventure uniquely yours. Explore the Magic of Morocco with us!

About Author

My name is Youssef, but my friends call me Icho as this is my Berber name. I work as a driver/guide. I also organize tailor-made adventure tours for groups, families, and individual travelers through Morocco. My passion is learning different languages as in my job I meet a lot of people from different countries and it is great to speak their languages.

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11 Things Traveling to Morocco Alone as a Woman Taught Me

Jade is a freelance writer, teacher, intercultural exchange facilitator, and non-profit consultan...

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Editor’s note: This article was written by both Jade Lansing and Souad Kadi. Souad Kadi is a social worker, teacher, and lover of hugs. She is the Training Manager at Amal Women’s Center , a nonprofit restaurant in Marrakech, Morocco that helps marginalized women prepare for employment in the hospitality industry. In the past she managed a youth environmental education program at NGO Dar Si Hmad , and participated in a professional fellowship in the United States. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Ibn Zohr in Agadir, Morocco.

Tales from the field: Traveling in Morocco alone as a woman

Morocco never makes the cut for “best destinations for solo female travelers” lists, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t heaps of independent ladies roaming and thriving in the North African kingdom. From the endless desert dunes of the Sahara to the Mediterranean waves lapping at the ruins of 13th century castles, few destinations grip travelers’ imaginations so powerfully. There are undeniably challenges for women traveling in Morocco alone, so we put together these solo female travel tips to help you MoRock ‘n’ Roll safely and meaningfully.

Inspire and interact with Moroccan locals. You never know when you may just leave with a few new friends. #GirlPower

First, a quick Q&A to qualm your inhibitions about traveling alone in Morocco

Is it safe to travel to morocco alone.

Yes, traveling Morocco alone is safe. Well, as safe as anything is these days. Of course, traveling—anywhere, with anyone, in any gender presentation—never offers the same safety guarantees as, say, riding a Disneyland roller coaster or working in a unionized industry.

Road conditions are generally safe for travel, and violent crime is much less common in Morocco than, for example, the United States. Theft does occur, and if you cannot negotiate in one of the three local languages (Arabic, French, or Tamazight), you are likely to be overcharged when shopping in the souq (market) or taking taxis around town. The “Tourist Police” is a Moroccan security force dedicated to ensuring the safety of foreign visitors, which is who you should contact if you fall victim to a crime.

[ Get matched with travel programs in Morocco today! ]

Is morocco safe for female tourists.

Chyeah, girl. However, as in other countries, catcalling and harassment are a persistent challenge, especially for young women traveling without a male friend/partner or child(ren) #thepatriarchyiseverywhere. There is no way to dress or act that prevents this behavior, though wearing more conservative attire (i.e. long-sleeves and pants) can draw less attention. 

Likewise, there is no response that satisfyingly smites catcallers and awakens them to the inappropriateness of their behavior. Be aware that any verbal or physical response may be taken as an invitation to continue the interaction. In a moment of unbridled frustration, I once screamed “Go away!” at a harasser, and he responded “Hello! You want to be friends?” without a hint of irony.

Beyond these frustrating gendered interactions, Moroccans are world-renowned for their hospitality, and—on the whole—are very eager to share their culture with visitors. As a solo traveler it is not uncommon to be invited back to someone’s home for tea or a meal. When in doubt, politely decline (“ La shokran ,” “No thank you”) or suggest a meeting in a public location instead. 

[EVERYONE should download this ebook: Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Sexual Harassment Abroad ]

Traveling alone is the single best gift you can give yourself (apart from self-love of course).

Will I die of loneliness traveling alone?

Not likely. Traveling alone may invoke images of a single pair of footsteps through the lonely wilderness, but that’s not usually what it looks like. When you share the world with seven billion humans, you’re never really alone—unless you’re Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild . 

The beauty of traveling solo is that you are the only navigator of your ship. Craving some company? Strike up a conversation in a cafe, join a group travel program , or look for local meetups. Ready for some peace and quiet again? Venture off on your own to a less-trafficked region.

Morocco is a particularly social country, so solo travelers never have to look far to find company. On the flip side, expansive desert and open countryside cover the vast majority of Morocco. If you’re looking for isolation, seek and ye shall find.

Things backpacking Morocco solo has taught us

Home to the world’s oldest library (founded by a woman!), goats that climb trees, and North Africa’s tallest mountain, among other things, Morocco is traveler’s paradise. Which is why we think everybody should have the chance to explore it. Morocco makes a particularly stellar solo destination, so we’ve compiled these solo female travel tips to make it more accessible to adventurers of every anatomy.

All anecdotes herein are based on a true story —our own adventures smashing (really more like prodding with conviction) the patriarchy across Morocco.

1. Haters gonna hate.

Once you decide to set out on your own to anywhere in the world, you will almost invariably encounter nay-saying family and friends. We all have that distant relative who watches the news, and is therefore qualified to make sweeping generalizations about your safety “abroad”. “Is it safe to travel to Morocco alone?” they might ask. “Is Morocco safe for female tourists?” (Refer to the handy FAQ above for go-to responses to these inquiries.)

[ Beyond Camels & Deserts: Volunteering Abroad in Rural Morocco ]

Your loved ones are inclined to panic if you plan to travel alone, especially for the first time, and some may even be downright unsupportive. They might be worried that you will get lost, feel alone, or get sick suddenly. They may even call you a fool, because the decision to travel alone seems so absurd to them. 

However, if women had let doubt and nay-sayers win, we might still not be able to vote or own property. That’s not to say throw caution to the wind and look for a war-zone to start the feminist travel revolution. 

DO research before you travel alone in Morocco, and take precautions to minimize danger.

DON’T make travel decisions or assess your capabilities as an independent lady based on that one auntie who thinks you should stay home.

#Views for days and memories forever.

2. Plan up a storm, but don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected along the way.

Morocco is a mixed bag of cultures and landscapes, and you’re going to want to discover every part of it. If you are a nature lover, head north to see Chefchaouen and Asilah, or take the road down south to catch the waves in Agadir and Essaouira. For a taste of urban life, Marrakech is sure to overwhelm and delight, and also serves as a great launching point to the Sahara Desert. 

Assuming you don’t have unlimited time, planning is critical to making the most of your time traveling alone in Morocco. Make a list of the destinations you’re dying to see (and local delicacies you’re dying to eat, of course!), and try plotting them on a map to optimize your route. 

Overwhelmed by planning or not sure what you should prioritize? Put your trip in the trusty hands of one of the program providers listed below!

[ Teach Abroad in Morocco ]

3. readiness will come along the road..

If parenthood doesn’t have prereqs, why should travel? If you’re not sure you’re ready to tackle Morocco alone, that’s okay. Readiness is not a prereq for meaningful, safe, and FUN solo female travel. Do your research; book a ticket; pack your bags, and hit the road. You’ll grow in ways you couldn’t have imagined back home to rise to the unexpected challenges that arise along the way.

4. Solo travel is the cure for self-doubt.

Do you know how to ride a camel? (Hint: Not on the top of the hump.) Can you whip up a tasty tagine? How will you procure a bus ticket to your intended destination with pure charades sign language? Will you be able to purchase souvenirs without getting ripped off? 

From afar, these tasks seem daunting, perhaps even scary. There’s no freshman seminar on Solo Female Travel in Africa 101 or Responding to Unwanted Flirtation 203. The YouTube videos on camel riding techniques seem woefully lacking, and your favorite foodie blogger probably oversimplified how to make couscous properly. But that’s the joy of travel – you’re constantly growing and learning and challenging yourself with new experiences.

5. You are never truly alone (even when you want to be).

Women traveling to Morocco solo will note that sitting alone in public spaces is often taken as an invitation for company. Privacy and alone time are much less common in Morocco than other parts of the world. Taking the old adage “no man is an island” to heart, you will rarely sit at a cafe in Morocco by yourself for more than 10 minutes before someone strikes up a conversation or plops down at your table. 

6. Sometimes, you have to choose sanity over honesty as a woman traveling alone in Morocco.

It’s no coincidence that George Washington, America’s infamous historical hero of truth telling, was a rich white dude. As a solo female traveler, sometimes telling the-whole-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth-so-help-you-God is just an invitation to a conversation you do NOT want to attend. 

[Can I Volunteer in Morocco Without Speaking French or Arabic?]

Wander where the wifi is weak and where your confidence grows!

While traveling alone in Morocco, especially as a woman, expect multiple daily inquisitions regarding your marital status (and other personal affairs that may feel invasive). If you are unmarried, and plan to be honest about this, expect responses that involve some combination of: 

• Direct marriage proposals, or occasionally more tempered expressions of interest,
• Suggestions of local eligible bachelors, 
• Surprise that you have not yet been scooped off of the dating marketing, 
• Interest in your future childbearing abilities, and 
• Concern for your safety and wellbeing.

If these conversations become tiring, try out alternative responses, or try diverting the conversation to a topic that both parties are interested in. Honesty is the best policy, but not if it gives you a complex about doin’ your own thang. As women traveling alone, asserting what parts of ourselves we do and do NOT want to share is a crucial form of self-care. 

7. You are what you project yourself to be.

Being honest with yourself about how you’re feeling, what you’re enjoying (woo-hoo!), and what you’re struggling with is an important part of solo travel. Reflect and check-in with yourself regularly, and adjust your schedule accordingly to ensure the trip leaves you feeling empowered rather than exhausted.

That said, being your authentic self does not mean wearing your weaknesses on your sleeve. Walk purposefully, project confidence, and interact directly and sincerely.

[ Switching Cultures & Codes: How to Handle New Interpersonal Boundaries ]

8. there is a difference between your perception and how you are perceived..

As always when you travel, it’s important to be aware of different cultural and social cues in new settings. While relevant in all fields of life, this is particularly true in the context of dating, as global Tinder users have likely learned the hard way. 

Even at home, “looking for something casual” can be misconstrued to mean anything from “Hit me up for a good time” to “I just want to be friends” to “I prefer dating in sweatpants.” In a new multilingual environment, language barriers can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. There’s no simple way to avoid this, but do be attentive to differences between how you understand what you’re saying/showing and how others might interpret it, particularly with solo female travel in different cultural and social contexts. 

Moroccan food is as colorful as your chakras (which you can align in the Sahara)!

9. Do what you have to do to feel safe and healthy.

Women traveling to Morocco alone should be ready to listen to their gut. If something smells fishy, then get out of it. (Unless it’s fish tagine, in which case, YOU GO GIRL, dive in!) Many of us have been raised to avoid conflict and “go with the flow,” which can be useful for smoothing over potentially thorny moments on the road. However, don’t let social pressure lead you into anything that makes you uncomfortable or puts you in danger.

[ 10 Things Female Travelers are Tired of Hearing ]

10. you don’t need a silver fork to eat good food; the bread will do the work..

Fueling up is crucial wherever you go, and eating in Morocco will give you the chance to explore different tastes and traditions. You’ll notice, for example, that many dishes are eaten with a unique utensil: bread. Khobz (bread) is the king of Moroccan cuisine, and no meal is complete without it. Our advice? Don’t worry about being a ladylike (or, heaven forbid, counting carbs). Grab a fresh semolina round, break off a piece, and dive into the nearest tagine.

11. Solo female travel tips only get you so far.

When you elect to travel alone as a female in Morocco, you are pioneering a new world of opportunities for other solo wanderers. High five! On the flip side, going off-script—blazing trails that haven’t been smoothed other by the weight of many footsteps before you—means things won’t always be mapped out. 

These tips for solo female travel in Africa and beyond are just that: tips. Hopefully they give you the confidence that you can, in fact, travel to Morocco alone. But, once you’re out there, you’ll find your own strategies. Feel free to share them in the comments!

[Save and compare travel programs in Morocco side-by-side with MyGoAbroad ]

Recommended programs for women traveling to morocco alone.

Not sure where to start or what to see? Hoping to join up with like-minded folks to share all these beautiful (and challenging) experiences in a new country? Check out these great programs to amplify your experience backpacking Morocco.

Dar Si Hmad for Development, Education, and Culture

Volunteer, study abroad, work on independent research, or study Tashelhit (Berber) with a local nonprofit. Nestled between mountains and desert along the Pacific coast, Dar Si Hmad invites students of all ages to become a part of their active community center in Agadir. You’ll see participatory development in action, and learn how the organization’s fog harvesting project is sustaining rural communities.

Related: Read Dar Si Hmad reviews | Visit site

You’ll never be truly alone. Those strangers you meet are just future friends!

Qalam wa Lawh 

For the richest experience of Morocco (and to get a fair price while shopping for souvenirs) invest in learning a local language. Based in the capital city of Rabat, Qalam wa Lawh offers internationally-recognized courses in Modern Standard Arabic and the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, Darija. They’ll make sure you amplify your language learning with plenty of volunteering opportunities and excursions around the country.

Related: Read Qalam wa Lawh reviews | Visit site

Sahara Service Organization

Founded by former Peace Corps Volunteers in collaboration with local community members in Boudnib, this low-cost program takes volunteers into the desert, far from the tourist centers of Marrakech and Fes. In addition to community development work, volunteers also participate in language, culture, and history classes and stay with Moroccan homestay families. 

Related: Read Sahara Service Organization reviews | Visit site

Trips-Marra Morocco Desert Tours

Venture into the desert; get lost in maze-like medina streets, and ride the waves of the Atlantic with Trips-Marra Morocco Desert Tours. Just give them a schedule, budget, and list of things you’d like to see – and they’ll help you make the most of your time in Morocco.

Related: Read Trips-Marra Morocco Desert Tours reviews | Visit site

You’ll feel like Beyonce when you come back from traveling Morocco alone. Channel that confidence! #YassQueen

Girls rule (/boys can come too, I guess): Backpacking Morocco edition

When was the last time you did something you were afraid of—that got your heart pumping and washed you in waves of inspiration? Traveling to Morocco alone promises just that. Test your limits, and remember you can do anything you set your mind and heart to. The world is not as scary as we project it to be, and there are so many beautiful experiences to be had! See you on the Sahara! 

Find empowering travel programs in Morocco

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Is Morocco Safe for Women? 12 Tips for Solo Female Travel to Morocco

Posted on Last updated: April 4, 2024

Are you planning your next adventure and wondering, “Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers ?” I have months of experience with solo travel in Morocco, and I can happily report that it’s safe for solo female travelers. You must know some essential tips and tricks for the best experience possible. Keep reading for 12 essential tips for planning your solo female travel Morocco adventure.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Morocco Tours :  Click here to check out the top Morocco tours Best Morocco Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Morocco Best Morocco Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Morocco

12 Morocco Solo Female Travel Tips

1. Wear Headphones and Sunglasses to Avoid Eye Contact With Touts

Is it safe to travel to Morocco alone as a woman? Yes, but you’ll have a much better experience avoiding touts. Popular Morocco tourist areas like Fes and Marrakech are full of fake guides called “touts.”

Touts are harmless but con artists—they usually aim to confuse tourists and demand a high tip for providing help. They will approach you on the street and try to start a conversation, which leads to them expecting money.

The only way to avoid touts in Morocco is by not giving them an “in” to start a conversation with you. Once they do, they’ll continue relentlessly following you around the souks unless you go inside a cafe or hotel.  

Morocco is a beautiful country, but the touts are exhausting, and they target women traveling alone more than couples or men. Bring a pair of sunglasses and headphones if you must travel through a busy area. This makes solo female travel to Morocco less stressful and annoying.

2. Take a Tour When Visiting the Souks to Avoid Harassment 

The souks in the Old Medinas of Fez and Marrakech are beautiful and a must-see if you plan to solo travel in Morocco . Unfortunately, as a solo female traveler , I received more harassment from souk shop owners than other tourists. Some sellers even grabbed my arm and tried to pull me into their stall! 

I recommend taking a guided tour of the souks to avoid this treatment. The harassment won’t be as bad if you’re accompanied by a local, and you can shop (relatively) in peace while learning about the local history from your guide. 

3. Organize an Airport Pickup in Advance

Taxi drivers in Morocco are notorious scammers, and the airport ones are the worst offenders! I recommend arranging transportation from the airport to your hotel in Morocco beforehand, either through your hotel or a private transfer service . 

4. Don’t Listen to Anyone Saying You’re Going the Wrong Way 

A common fraud in Morocco is called the “wrong way scam.” Touts target foreigners in the winding, maze-like streets of the Old Medinas and tell them they’re going the wrong way. Then, they turn around and demand a tip to show the tourists the “right way.” 

On my last trip to Morocco, I found the touts were significantly bolder with this scam, to the point of being funny. Guys would approach me on the street and tell me I was “going the wrong way” without knowing where I was headed!

Don’t believe anyone telling you you’re going the wrong way in Morocco. This is one of my top tips for solo female travel to Morocco.

5. Remember to Haggle

Almost everything in Morocco is up for negotiation—it’s part of the fun of shopping there! 

When you solo travel Morocco, the first price a shop owner gives you in the souks is usually two to ten times what the item costs (unless official prices are posted).

You must  haggle  with the shop owner and work them down to a reasonable price. 

6. Only Pack What You Can Carry 

Is Morocco safe for women traveling alone? You’ll have a much better experience if you only pack what you can carry on your back. Many Moroccan towns and cities aren’t car-friendly, so you must travel on foot.

On my first trip to Morocco, I visited the town of Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains . I could not drive to my hotel, so the only option was hiking up a steep incline. While I thought I had packed light (by my standards), I paid a guy with a donkey to help carry my bag the rest of the way up! This could have been avoided if I had traveled with a duffel bag or backpack.

Other places in Morocco, like the Old Medinas in Marrakech and Fez, don’t allow cars. A few times I have stayed in Marrakech, I’ve had to pull all my luggage half a mile or more into the Medina. It is not fun to have a giant suitcase, so I recommend packing light! 

7. Use a Ride-Sharing App When Possible

Taxi drivers in Morocco are the worst scammers. They sometimes charge foreigners five to ten times the price of a trip as they would a local. Occasionally, there are taxi scams in which a driver takes a foreigner around in circles and demands more money for the “long trip.”

I recommend using a  ride-hailing app in Morocco  when possible. The most popular options in Morocco are Careem, Roby, Heetch, and Yassir. Morocco solo female travel is much safer using reputable ride-sharing apps for these reasons:

• Track your ride on a map in real-time.
• See your driver’s rating. 
• Your driver knows they will be rated on their conduct at the end of the trip. 
• Prices are set, so you don’t have to haggle.  

8. Dress Appropriately 

Another essential tip for solo female travel to Morocco is to dress modestly. While I’ve seen some tourists dressed in skimpy clothes, they usually aren’t treated as well. Morocco has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in coastal cities like  Taghazout , so you can pack some going-out clothes. However, your daily outfits should err on the side of modesty.

As a foreigner in Morocco, you don’t have to cover your hair—in the cities, a shirt and a pair of pants are more than enough. A good rule of thumb is to cover your shoulders and knees. 

You can also read about travel essentials for women here .

What to Wear in Morocco

9. Immediately Withdraw Cash

Morocco is cash-oriented—most hotels, restaurants, and activities don’t accept cards. To prepare for your solo travel Morocco experience, I recommend withdrawing cash as soon as you arrive in the country. 

Don’t use a money exchange service in Morocco, as there are too many  scams to worry about. Instead, take out cash from your account at a bank ATM. Every airport in Morocco has bank-affiliated ATMs that work with foreign debit cards. 

Top Tip : Always deny the bank’s conversion rate when withdrawing money from a Morocco ATM. The banks usually have a worse conversion rate than the global standard, and you will save money by refusing the rate.

10. Don’t Drink the Water!

Morocco is not a country where you can safely drink tap water, so you’ll see many locals drinking mint tea with every meal. Boiling water kills all the bacteria that could make you sip, so hot tea is safe to drink. I suggest packing a travel water purifier for solo travel in Morocco so you can drink tap water anywhere.

11. Know Some French 

Morocco’s primary languages are French and Arabic. You can manage with basic French in many touristy cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. 

French uses the same alphabet as English, so as an English speaker, I found French much easier to translate in reading and speaking than Arabic. 

Top Tip : Download both French and Arabic for Google Translate’s offline translation. It’s free and incredibly helpful when traveling in Morocco! 

12. Escape the Hectic City at Least Once

Many tourists visit Morocco only to see the big cities like Fez , Marrakech , and Tangier . While these are unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you’re missing out on much of what Morocco offers if you don’t explore other areas.

During my first solo female travel Morocco trip, I was burnt out after a week in Marrakech. There was endless street harassment, scamming touts, and feelings of being overwhelmed that almost made me give up on the country.

Thankfully, towards the end of my trip, I left the big city to spend a weekend in the High Atlas Mountains. Leaving the city was a breath of fresh air, and I needed the experience to fall in love with Morocco. 

Here are some excursions outside of the cities I recommend: 

• Camping in Merzouga Desert
• Spending several days in the High Atlas Mountains
• Visiting historic locations like Aït Benhaddou
• Enjoying time by the sea in Taghazout

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Where to Stay in Morocco

• Royal Mansour
• Four Seasons
• Mandarin Oriental
• Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
• Palais Amani
• Karawan Riad
• Riad Excellence
• Riad Nouceiba Marrakech
• Riad La Vie
• Allegro Agadir

Backpacker:

• Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir
• Tildi Hotel & SPA
• Diwane Hotel & Spa Marrakech
• Dar Tasmine

Morocco Travel Guide Planning

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?

I strongly recommend using  Bookaway . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫  Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?

I recommend either  Viator  or  GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using  Heymondo  for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out  SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance  here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay  offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise  Skyscanner  or  Expedia  are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read  here . I personally use  GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub  or  Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are  Booking.com ,  Hotels.com , and  Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅  Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list  here . I’m currently traveling with  this suitcase  and  this backpack. 

Solo Female Travel to Morocco: Final Thoughts

Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers? It generally is, especially with these solo travel Morocco tips. I hope this solo female travel Morocco guide helps you have a fun and safe time exploring the country! While Morocco isn’t the  most accessible  country for solo female travel , it is incredibly rewarding. 

by Katie from  KatieCafTravel.com  

Katie is a full-time traveling Digital Nomad who loves adventure, art, good WiFi, and even better coffee.

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

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Tips for women traveling in Morocco.

What is your favorite country? It is one of the questions I get asked the most and to be honest, I hate it. It seems unfair to all the other countries and I also really dislike people’s reaction to my answer. The answer is and has been for the past few years one and the same: Morocco.

People seem surprised by it. Am I suddenly jumping on the Morocco bandwagon? Do I really mean it or is this just my official travel blogger answer? Since Morocco is the new it destination, the second India, for travel bloggers and Instagrammers and all of a sudden everybody is flocking there. But no, I have loved Morocco for years. Admittedly after Pico Iyer, Yves Saint Laurent, and all the other cool kids explored it but definitely before taking a shot at Riad Yasmine ever became a “to do in Marrakech” thing.

Women seem especially surprised and usually follow up by asking if I am not scared to travel solo in Morocco. Is it safe to travel to Morocco in general? If I don’t mind the harassment, the catcalling, the oppressive headscarves. Some questions are valid, some connotations I find offensive, to me and to Morocco. The media has done its part to give Northern Africa a somewhat bad rep in recent years and though Morocco has mostly escaped that thanks to becoming such a hyped destination, it still gets its fair share of bashing. I have read so many posts lately about how to behave in Morocco when traveling as a woman which to me seem to more discouraging than helpful. It makes me sad because I think all those girls out there, cautiously curious about Morocco who wonder, ask, and worry if and how they can travel there will probably be put off after reading one of those posts. I am not saying other writers’ opinions aren’t valid or accurate, I am not telling you that Morocco is made out of rainbows and rose petals ( well, it kinda is… ) and that it is the safest country in the world but…big BUT – I think the country is totally worth the hype and also worth putting up with its shortcomings.

I adore Morocco. I love the beautiful chaos, and I love the sound of the call to prayer even when it wakes me. I adore the architecture, the smell of sugar, bitter orange blossom and dusty roads, the overly sweet mint tea, and the fact that Morocco is not only full of cats but also tortoises. I can’t wait to see the sunset again overlooking the ocean in Essouessaira, sleep in the desert in a billion stars hotel , and go hiking in Todra Gorge during a Morocco itinerary . Even Marrakech, a city I hated when I first arrived, I now love and return to frequently. Man, I <3 Morocco, so much people got annoyed after reading my book because every other chapter starts with…” and one time, in Morocco…”

With that said, I think you should go and have a look yourself. Do you have some concerns on how to travel to Morocco as a woman? I’ve got you covered. Me and my friend Amanda, also called Maroc Mama that is. Amanda is in a unique position as she is a Muslim woman from the States and has lived in Morocco for over ten years and is married to a Moroccan. It doesn’t get more expert than that in my opinion. So we are sharing our combined expertise and views on how to have the best time as a woman traveling in Morocco.

Tips for Women traveling in Morocco

What to wear in morocco as a woman how to avoid unwanted attention finding & shopping your way around the souks moroccan hammam etiquette how not to get sick in morocco travel advice for morocco during ramadan photography tips.

What to wear in Morocco as a woman

Let’s address the elephant in the room first – what to wear in Morocco? Before I continue, I want to add it doesn’t and shouldn’t matter ever what women wear, women’s clothing is not responsible for men’s action. But I think in certain countries and situations a specific dress code comes into play, making your life easier in the end.

• With that said, my number 1 Morocco travel advice for women is to cover up. I see it as a sign of respect to cover up more than I would at home and it seems to make interaction with other women easier. There is no set dress code as in other Muslim countries like Iran which you have to obey, but I always cover my knees and shoulders and not wear anything too tight. I always have a scarf which comes in handy when I realize I might be dressed a little too sparsely.
• Obviously, you need to be covered more when you visit a mosque, but that’s actually the same as when you go into a church or as a friend of mine put it – you wouldn’t go to the mall in your swim trunks.
• While you can get away with shorts and tank tops these days in big Moroccan cities and guys will whistle regardless of what you wear, I don’t recommend it. As Amanda rightfully says in this excellent post about women in Morocco , just because you can wear everything doesn’t mean you should.
• I was in Marrakech in August once and was wearing a dress that came to my knees and was appropriate enough. Until I got on my friend’s scooter and it hiked up quite a bit. Nothing happened, I didn’t stop traffic, but I didn’t feel particularly great about baring most of my legs either. Plus I got a sweaty bum. So remember that for pretty much any country: mustn’t ride a scooter in a short dress!
• Unless you are Parisian and you know what you are doing, don’t wear heels in the medina of any Moroccan town. The streets are hazardous. Medinas are not made for mere mortals in heels. I kinda knew that before my last trip so I should have just stuck to flats instead of packing three pairs of heels which I didn’t wear.
• Don’t underestimate that it gets cold at night in the mountains and the desert, and on the coast even in summer. Take something cashmere or at least something warm.

Packing list for women in Morocco in October

• Need some inspiration what this could look like? Check out this post I put together on what to wear in conservative countries especially when it gets hot.

Avoiding unwanted attention

Yes, men will call after you and offer you camels. Sometimes that can be funny, other times annoying and a little insulting (like when they only offer you ten camels but forty to your friend) but from my experience, I never felt threatened. While that doesn’t make catcalling alright, I have merely come to accept it as part of life here for a female traveler.

Some of my tips for solo female travel in Morocco include sunglasses, a resting bitch face, and being assertive with men. And Amanda tells me is me ignoring all advances, camels and catcalls is the best way to go.

I think one of the most essential travel tips for women in Morocco holds true for other countries as well: don’t be so damn nice. While I know and understand cultural differences, I will set my boundaries with any interactions quite clearly. As women we often want to be accommodating, are afraid to offend but in all of my years of travel, I have fared a lot better when saying No rather than putting myself in a compromising position. There is no need to be rude but being direct (maybe it is my German side that has no problem with that concept) always served me well when traveling as a woman in Morocco.

Want to read more about this concept? Check out my friend Mariellen’s post: The female traveller’s guide to being rude .

Finding & shopping your way around the souks

• A medina to any foreigner is basically a maze. I found that smartphones are a bit useless as are most maps. Ask nicely at El-Fenn if they will give you one of their maps. They have the best map which shows every little nook and cranny of the medina.
• Also, don’t be scared to ask for directions. People are friendly, and someone will usually just offer to show you the way or take you. If they do, a tip is generally expected – easy travel advice for Morocco, nothing to be scared of.
• Learn a few phrases in Moroccan Arabic or at least in French: Ou est….?, a droite, a gauche . This way you can ask for directions and understand the answers too.
• Know that in Marrakech all ways lead back to the Jemaa El Fna and you will find signs along the way.
• A common trick is to tell tourist a particular sight or museum is closed and wouldn’t you rather buy a carpet instead? This is usually untrue – when in doubt check opening hours beforehand.
• Are you a bit lost on how to spend your money and how the whole haggling business works in the souks? If a vendor calls you a Berber, you have done well, but remember you don’t want to be that tourist when it comes to negotiating a price. Bargaining is part of the experience but know the limits – a few dirhams might mean little to you but make a big difference to the seller. Ask yourself what the item is worth to you?
• Do not negotiate and settle on the price and then back out after accepting – that is just bad manners.
• Show me the money! That something my dad swears by and I think is a good tactic, especially when buying larger items. There is something about seeing a wad of cash people can’t seem to resist even if the actual amount is below their asking price.

Moroccan hammam etiquette

You will find that Moroccan women are not shy once they venture from a public space into the hammam. Obviously, it is strictly separated by gender, but this is a place where everyone seems to drop their covers quite literally.

• As a foreigner be aware that a public hammam is not a spa and it probably will not be very fancy. For Moroccans, it is a place of socializing and of course to clean. You must bring your own savon beldi (black olive soap) and kessa (scrubbing glove), which you can buy at every corner shop, in addition to your other shampoos and towel. You can pay to get scrubbed, and honestly, I think it is the best thing ever; I don’t think as a foreigner you can get the technique quite right to truly clean yourself.
• Scrubbing may hurt a little, and you may shed a lot of skin – don’t be scared, that’s all part of the process. The last lady who scrubbed me kept shouting “spaghetti, spaghetti!”, pointing to black strings of skin she rubbed off me. While I was embarrassed to be so dirty, she seemed delighted to have her work cut out and get me clean.
• Don’t wear a bathing suit, but keep your knickers on (though don’t be surprised if they come off now and then in the scrubbing process).
• Don’t take other people’s water buckets – refilling can be tedious work so stealing other people’s full buckets and pretending you didn’t know better is really bad manners.

How not to get sick in Morocco

I remember that while I had a full bag of hand sanitizers, wipes, Imodium, and rehydration salts on my first Morocco trip, I took none on my last and was fine. As a general rule I wash my hands often, I check that chicken and eggs are cooked properly, and then I stuff EVERYTHING in my face what my greedy little fingers can grab.

I do drink only bottled water. While in the urban areas tap water is usually safe, and most locals drink it, your stomach may just not be used to it. Most hotels will also provide it for tooth brushing, which I had forgotten to use by the second day. I don’t think it is a problem and do it wine tasting style – spit, don’t swallow!* *Actually that is a lie – I never spit when wine tasting.

Moroccans tend to eat local and seasonal so go with it. If you are in Essaouira or any other coastal region, eating fish and seafood is a must as it doesn’t get much fresher than that.

While a lot of people seem scared of salads and fruit, I cannot live without them, and fresh Moroccan salads are rather good (unlike the overcooked vegetable most tajines come with). When in doubt eat fruit that can be peeled, eaten straight from a vendors cart, and drink as much fresh orange juice (four dirhams per glass!) as you possibly can.  

While a lot of restaurants will serve alcohol, the ones that don’t often have the better food. Or stay at the most awesome riad Chambres d’Amis and get the best of both worlds.

If you want an introduction to proper Moroccan street food, contact Youssef, Amanda’s husband, for a tour. He will show you hidden food treasures like tangia and hout quari, fish balls in a sandwich.

He will also advise you on what not to say to vendors, ie. “I really like your balls!” Even though in my defense he was serving me fish balls. I guess there are some things a woman should never tell a guy she has just met, in Morocco or anywhere else.

Traveling during Ramadan

Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, and daily life will be affected even if you are a non-Muslim visitor. During my first Morocco tour, I arrived on the last days of Ramadan in Casablanca. Buying a bottle of water was challenging, and sadly for me, the beautiful Hassan II Mosque was closed to non-worshippers during this time of the year. Traveling on, a few in our group had lost their luggage upon arrival and choices of open shops to buy stuff were somewhat scarce. That said, it can also be an interesting opportunity to observe such an important holiday, and while I don’t think I could fast for a month, I appreciate the thought behind it. If you have the chance to make a local connection and celebrate Iftar (the breaking of the fast after sunset) or Eid at the end of the Ramadan month – go for it.

In general, know when you are traveling during Ramadan:

• Drinking and eating in public is not officially forbidden (as in some other Islamic nations) but frowned upon. It is just not polite, so if you have to take a sip, please be discreet about it.
• Buying stuff and finding open restaurants during the day might be more challenging, especially in rural areas – plan accordingly. In big cities, some tourist places might be open but better check beforehand.
• Mosques are usually not accessible for non-Muslims during Ramadan and it general opening hours for palaces and sights might be affected.
• Remember this is a significant time for Muslims, a time for introspection and reflection and also quite difficult on the body. You are a visitor and while tourism doesn’t stop, show some empathy and have some compassion!

Photography Tips

Oh man, that is a struggle for many visitors – photography in Morocco. First of all, I think one should always prioritize being respectful over getting THE shot when it comes to taking pictures of people. I am actually working on a whole new post about the topic but in the meanwhile, know this about Morocco: many people make their living by posing for pictures. So if you go around and take a sneaky shot, you are effectively stealing from them.

How do you know if you need to pay? If you are at the Jemaa El Fna assume you have to. Snake charmers, acrobats, water sellers in costume, the scary man with the teeth – their business is not to sell your dentures or such but to pose for pictures. Usually, twenty dirhams are appropriate but negotiate before you take your shot. Don’t even try to shoot from the hip – they always find you.

As a rule, I don’t take pictures of or with animals as they are often captured and kept under gruesome conditions – monkeys get taken from their mothers, snakes get their teeth pulled, goats are tied in the trees … it is an ugly business and one I do not want to support by paying for a picture.

In other areas, it might not be that easy to distinguish if someone works as a model or is just sporting a cool outfit. Either way, always ask if you can take their picture. Point to your camera, look at them, raise your eyebrows – getting permission works like that in any language. Some people, especially more traditional women, may not want their picture taken – respect that. Same goes for children, a tricky subject altogether as children can’t really give consent to have their picture taken and published on your FB wall. In some countries, it is prohibited to post images of minors on your social media. I was told that paying children for pictures is a huge issue in Morocco as it often implies they won’t go to school but rather make money.

As a courtesy, I always show someone the picture I have taken, and if someone asks for money now I have the choice to either agree to pay, or I will delete the shot in front of their eyes.

Any specific questions or concerns when it comes to travel tips for women in Morocco? Please comment, and Amanda & I will answer.

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33 comments

Hey, this article is written quite a while ago, but I still hope, that I’ll get a good answer 😉

I’m currently thinking about visiting marocco, but would love to see a bit more of the country. What is the best way to get around, by bus, rent a car or do a tour? Some tour’s are quite expensive though and I don’t have this kind of money.

Keep loving traveling, love Marleen

I regularly update my posts and I think the tips for this one are definitely not outdated yet 😉 I think it depends on how much of a independent traveler you are – I did my first trip in Morocco with Intrepid and absolutely loved not having to take care of anything. The trains are pretty good in the country as are the Supratour busses (though I have only ever traveled from Marrakech to Essaouira). As far as most people say – don’t drive yourself unless you are a really good driver, traffic is a bit mad.

Morocco is beautiful and is definitively in my top places to visit, but surely a place that requires a lot of research before visiting. Extreme cultural differences are evident but really worth to know them. Thanks for sharing your experience and tips!

My pleasure, Bruna! And yes, I agree some research is always good though Morocco is one of those places that will teach you quickly to go with the flow too 🙂

Sounds so amazing! Morocco is on my list! xo Loren // http://www.thinkelysian.com

Going there in Oct, 6th and traveling alone. Your article helps a lot. I haven’t decided where to go and haven’t booked any accommodations, but visit Chefchouene is a must.

I haven’t been to Chefchouen but it’s supposed to be amazing. For more tips for female traveler’s check out my friend Amanda’s blog Maroc Mama. She is married to a Moroccan and living in Marrakech!

hello there:) Loved the article. It seems like a genuine take on the city. A friend and I, from South Africa, are planning on visiting Morocco and Marrakech of course this year in March. Just a few questions if you would be kind enough to indulge: what is the weather like there in March? so I am fully prepared clothes wise You mention popular phrases, do you have a comprehensive list of local phrases that don’t sound like I got them straight from a tour book. lastly, As I am looking forward to shopping until my feet give in do you have an idea of how much things cost generally? so that I know not to overspend and also so that I know when to stop haggling so that I don’t become that tourist

Hey Aneesa, happy you liked the post 🙂 Honestly, I am not sure about the weather in March as I have never been at this time of the year, I would have to google as well. However, it will also vary a lot depending on where you are in Morocco – it gets really chilly in the mountains and on the coast, but rather hot in the desert and cities like Marrakech. No, I don’t have a list of local phrases – I just use common sense and prepare beforehand: Where is….? How much is….? Hello! Thank you! And also numbers so I can negotiate prices. Your last question is really a bit vague – what exactly are you looking to buy? In general, make sure you find a price that makes both of you happy and also take into consideration that the more you buy from one particular vendor the bigger your discount should be. Also you can get cheaper factory made items of many things that will obviously cost you less than beautiful artisan products, so the price span even for the ‘same’ item could be huge. Don’t forget that the airport may also want money from you afterwards in form of excess luggage charges 🙂

[…] so I’m sure I missed out on a few intricacies of the real hammam experience. But as my friend Amanda pointed out, as long as you don’t overly stare or steal someone’s water, you should be […]

[…] just chose to do a presentation about it) so when this came up in my newsfeed I had to read about what travel is like in Morocco for a woman.  Great tips […]

Yes, definitely! I mentioned poverty too but you are totally right. It is a very different culture. The weather seems to be getting better but there are still a lot of closed roads and bridges. I will be sure to check out your must-dos whilst I’m here too 🙂

I’ve been contemplating Morocco for awhile. Thanks for the good advice. Gaines facebook.com/BrasintheBackpack Gainesbishop.com/home.html

Firstly, I would like to say I really enjoy following your blog (and even more so because a few of your posts have been perfectly timed with my travels!) I have been asked to write a guest post about Morocco on another travel blog but I feel compelled to add a few points here as I am truly surprised how in-love I am with this country! I started in Casablanca three weeks ago and I have been in Marrakech for the past week. 70% of the people I spoke to about traveling to Morocco as a solo female warned me against it. I have heard all kinds of stories! I’m definitely not about to disregard them, but I have to admit, I’ve only had the best experience so far (apart from a few people trying to make a couple of extra dirhams). You are right, French will get you far, but learning a few basic (Moroccan or Classic) Arabic phrases will get you respect. Simple ones like “Salem Walekum” Hello/ Peace On You. Where you/they would respond with “Walekum Salem”. Thanks is “Shukran”. Bye is “Bislama”. “Haafek” = Please. **check spelling and pronunciation** Ask anyone! They are more than happy to teach you! I now know how to order my daily “juice of avocado, banana and orange to take away with no plastic bag” in Arabic. It also scores you points (and sometimes even local prices ) above the other tourists – Trust me! 😛 As a solo female (moreso) you will more than likely experience a few whistles and catcalls which could leave you very sceptical of men. Its not the most respectful approach, but apart from the streets, and in all honesty, I have found Moroccans to be some of the nicest, most genuine and generous people I have ever met!!! It is very much part of the Muslim religion. I have couchsurfered for the most part and have only checked into a hostel in Marrakech (which i left yesterday to stay with someone that has offered me and a male friend I met at the hostel a place to stay). I am also about to share a bottle of wine with a couchsurfer that I haven’t had the chance to stay with yet. The hostel I stayed at (Riad Massin in the old town) was the cheapest I’ve ever stayed in (€5 p/night) and the staff were the most helpful hostel staff I have ever come across. I am not staying don’t be naive, but I do believe for the most part Moroccans are genuinely interested in different cultures and people and really just want you to be comfortable and feel at home. What I have actually been struggling with has been the poverty, the underfed animals and the ones used for entertainment and tourism 🙁 …please don’t support that industry! A couple of extra tips; If you’re lost in the souks stick to asking shop owners for directions rather than on the street. The street kids will charge you a small fee (I guess its a bit of pocket money) A lot of people will say “remember me from the riad?” …they’re not harmful, they just get commission from shop owners IF you spend money at the little stalls they take you too. Also, always ask for a meter-taxi. Generally, it shouldn’t cost more than 15-20 dirham around Marrakech if you’re only heading from A-B. And, CHECK THE WEATHER! Most traveling here at the moment would know the weather has been horrible and flooding all around! With at least 32 deaths, please be smart! Don’t be a rescue case!

With all that said, I really hope you enjoy your time in Morocco! I have picked up teaching work and look forward to my weeks ahead 🙂

Thanks for your wonderful and insightful comment. You are absolutely right about having some words in either Arabic or Berber – that does help. I am personally also not a big fan of the animal for entertainment and feel really bad for the monkeys at Jemaa El Fna and wouldn’t support that either. However I think one needs to acknowledge that different countries have different standards for their animals; while we with our western minds may not support that I also think that the way animals are held here is sometimes over the top and one should rather check on the humans first. Agreed on the taxi, but I found it too tiring to try and get them to use the meter with me so I just ended up negotiating low fares which worked well for me.

Enjoy your time teaching, hope the weather is better now?!

I’m so glad I found this post thanks to Travelettes! I’m going to Morocco in February and I just could not find the answers I needed 🙂

Happy that I could help 🙂 Feel free to drop me a line if you need more information! And stay tuned as I have some more Morocco posts for best souvenirs and accommodation planned.

are you going alone? I will be “alone” in MarraKech the first week of February.

I am going with a male friend but I sure would like to meet up 🙂

Sorry not there anymore, but by the other comments a lot of people are or will be going – make friends! 🙂

I am not in Marrakech anymore and have no trips planned in the near future 🙁 But please enjoy your trip, I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

I have six full days (traveling back and forth to and from home not incl.). How many days would be recommended for Marrakesh and Agadir? Do you think it is worth it to go to Essaouira as well and for how long?

Can’t speak for Agadir as I haven’t been, but I think in Marrakech you can easily spend 3-4 days and ease into it nicely. Essaouira is stunning! I love this place so much, but I think you need time to chill there. Trip is about 3.5 hours from Marrakech and easy enough with the bus, but might be a bit tight when you go to Agadir as well, rather just do 2 cities for 6 days.

a small tip is expected …….. ya, this is what we experienced too. but not small tips, but big once. i remembered in essaouria. i left a € 2,50 tip and the waiter sayd: lady, this is not enough ! what the hell ! it is not enoguh ? what did he expect for serving 2 drinks and 2 meals ? most of the time we had the feeling, what ever we gave, it was not enough ….. for me morocco is not a country where a tourist feel welcome. well, yes. he is welcome, when he throw around with a lot of money ….. they try to ripp you off where ever they can.

beeing a frequent traveller to yemen, i never experienced anything else than hospitality, friendlines and honesty from the local people. they will go out of their way to help you and show you areound. no need to say that NO tip is expected. it would be a shame for them to take money. if you pass by people eating, they will always envite you to join them. in sanaa (which is a city right out of the arabian nights. a fairytale) you will often hear: welcome to yemen ! one time i was passing by some children who just shared a bag of sweets. when they saw me, they offered me their sweets too ! this things would NEVER happen to you in morocco.

and this is the reason why i will go back to yemen in a few weeks. inshallah. i just cant get enough of this beautiful and amazing country.

Sorry to hear that you felt this way about Morocco. As I said I never felt taken advantage of or had people ask me for a tip. Yemen sounds lovely according to your description, I will be sure to check it out!

maybe i am just too sensitive …. maybe if i would not have been in yemen bevore, it would not have been that bad.

i would love to read a travel blog about your experiences in yemen as i liked your morocco blog 🙂 i am sure you would love it ! if you want any informations, feel free to contact me. [email protected] it is not as bad as the media make it up but you definetly have to avoid some areas. usually if i start talking about yemen, it is hard to stop me :-)))) and when i read travel blogs about people who have been there, i can see that there are many people who feel the same. happy travelling

My friend and I are headed Marrakech next week for a few days. Do you have any recommendations for what to see and do in the city?

See below my reply for Almostbooks 🙂

Cool read. I’ve always heard that Morocco can be overwhelming and sometimes feel that people are out to ‘get you’. It’s nice to know that they’re actually friendly but do expect some small gesture (tip) for helping you out. It’s better to know now than be shocked when people expect you to tip them

Thanks 🙂 It is definitely overwhelming (especially Marrakech and Fez) so I would recommend to take it easy the first day or so. As I said sometimes someone will rip you off, but not really in a mean spirited way – or so I felt. If you don’t know the taxi price (70dirham to the airport) they will try to get more, same in the souks so just barter. By the way – I didn’t know about the tipping part at first and nobody yelled at me for not tipping..

Hello aziehen and Amanda! I’m very happy with the article that I’ve read! I’m going to Morocco with my boyfriend in two weeks and will be there till the end of December. I’m visiting my aunt and uncle who live in Rabat and will tarvel around with them. However, since they will be at work it’s possible that we will visit Marrakech on our own! Can I rely on A few more local tips and tricks?

Definitely do a food tour for authentic local eats with Amanda’s husband Youssef. Visit the Maison de la PHotographie and Jardin Majorelle. For a great, inexpensive riad to stay I recommend Chambres d’Amis (post coming soon). Stroll the Jemaa El Fna and the Place des Epices, also at night for storytellers and food stalls. Visit a local hammam. Get lost in the souks.

I second that! I think you absolutely could come down and be perfectly fine. If you plan to stay the night, book something in advance as the World Cup Club Cup is happening and spaces to stay may be harder to find. But we’ve got over 900 riads, I’m sure you will find a great place!

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Solo Female Travel to Morocco, Is It Safe?

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Solo female travel to Morocco: What’s it really like?

Solo female travel to Morocco, that means grabbing, whistling, and harassment? Absolute nonsense, if you ask us!  If you want to travel as a woman in Morocco, whether alone or in a group, you actually have nothing to worry about, as long as you follow a few basic rules. In the following article, we’ll give you tips on how to make your Morocco tour an unforgettable adventure.

Are you a solo female who is willing to travel to Morocco in a safe way?

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Experience of a solo female traveling to Morocco:

Women and men are equal in morocco, but still needs some time.

Morocco is a country in transition. But as with all things in the world, change takes time. It has to take root and grow.

In 2004, the current King Mohammed VI changed the family law. According to this, women and men are now considered equal. In many places, unfortunately, this only applies on paper.

But the picture on the streets of the villages and towns is still one that does not speak for oppression. Especially where tourism is coming, where Moroccans are sniffing Western air and Westerners are willing to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture, bridges are gradually being built.

Many young women today dress daringly. Most young girls today wear tight jeans and fancy tops, rather than clothes that accentuate as little as possible. Headscarves are also far from always seen on women’s heads. It is mainly the older generation that still clings to it. True, the headscarf is not a sign of oppression, since it is voluntary in Morocco anyway. But it may be a sign that young Moroccans are on a path of change.

You hardly see any women in cafés. It’s still men’s territory.

However, I have seen very strong solo female travel to Morocco. Who moved between groups of men with such incredible confidence, as I would like to be able to do myself. Also, wore high-heeled shoes and rode them on a motorcycle through the medina of Marrakech. I saw how men and women treated each other in Morocco, and how young girls played soccer with boys on the beach.

I can imagine that in Morocco, equal rights for women still have a long way to go. And it will be a long time before women will sit laughing and smoking next to men in the teahouse. But as I said, I think it’s going in the right direction, and Morocco’s women don’t feel like “victims” at all, but instead are very brave, suave and strong.

Solo women travel to Morocco: watch your behaviors!

You should be aware that women in Morocco do not usually flirt saucily with men. So if you get involved in flirting with a Moroccan man in Morocco as a woman traveling solo or even provoke it, pushy behavior on the part of the man is likely.

Move naturally, take your time to stop, stroll or just observe the situation. Put on, mountains of make-up or generous appearance, on the other hand, will annoy Moroccans and can bring you into unpleasant situations, especially as a solo traveler.

You should also be as decisive as possible. Do not try to smile and warmly return advances out of politeness if you do not want them to continue. Don’t stop when a man whistles at you to see who it was. It is always best to just keep walking. Either ignore the men’s attempts to contact you.

Altogether, or return them with a clear “No!” If you feel better about it, append a thank you, preferably in French “No, Merci!” or in Arabic “La, Shukran.”

If the man doesn’t back down, get even clearer and make a clear dismissive hand gesture. Better not waving, but holding up the flat of your hand. This is a signal that almost every Moroccan understands.

The fear of others affects!

When I looked at pictures and videos of Morocco and decided to book a flight there directly, I had not wasted one thought on my safety. It’s not that I didn’t inform myself. For me, it’s natural to read up on a country’s cultures, norms and values beforehand to know how I should dress or behave. But I was not afraid one bit.

It was only when I told others that doubts suddenly arose. Some told me about friends or acquaintances who thought Morocco was awful. On blogs, too, there were one or two very critical articles about the men of the country. They were pushy, sleazy, and you would not feel comfortable there at all.

I became afraid for my safety, and I quickly realized that it was the fear of others that I was assuming. It made me waver and suddenly doubt that I would have a great time in Morocco as a solo woman traveler.

I, therefore, started my trip to Morocco with skepticism. With a quiet uncertainty inside of me, which was drowned out by my anticipation, but not silenced.

Most relatives would say it’s not safe!

No matter where in the world you want to travel, your friends and family will almost always worry and try to convince you to stay home. We all have that distant relative who knows the ins and outs of the world because he reads the BILD newspaper every day and therefore believes he can make sweeping generalizations about safety abroad.

It is quite normal that your relatives tend to panic at first when you want to travel alone, especially for the first time. Many fear that you might get lost, feel alone, or get sick.

However, if women in the history of the world had always followed the doubters and naysayers, we would still be living in the deepest Middle Ages. Do some research on the web before your trip to Morocco and take precautions to minimize any potential dangers. And tell your family about it. It will reassure them as much as it will you.

Make it your experience, and don’t let them ruin your trip:

It came as it had to: I built walls at the beginning of my journey. I had heard so often that the men were exhausting that I gave them a wide berth. Also, I had heard of their intrusive looks and their sayings, and avoided exchanging even a word with any of them.

I took away their chance to surprise me in a positive way. Much worse than that, I deprived myself of the chances to be positively surprised. As a woman traveling alone, as a backpacker, one lives from the exchange with other people. But I avoided just this, out of concern that the others could be right with their warnings, their prejudices and their skepticism.

Here and there, this protective shield accompanied me until the end of my trip to Morocco. And I became so often aware of how much openness and beauty this protective shield took away from me again and again. I was doing Morocco an injustice. All the more reason for me to write this article and make an appeal to all the solo female who are willing to travel to Morocco:

Girls trip to Morocco: is that a safe idea?

“We’re going on a girls’ trip to Morocco!” Unfortunately, this statement was not met with applause from friends, acquaintances and family, but with worried faces and lectures. Morocco still seems to be considered an unsafe destination for young women. And no wonder, because in our minds there are all kinds of horror stories about female tourists and stereotypes about Morocco and how the female sexe is treated there.

Solo female travel to Morocco: tips on how to behave?

If you travel as a solo female in Morocco, you will certainly receive more attention than if you make the same trip in male company. However, as long as you follow certain customs and rules of conduct, you do not have to fear any unpleasant situations. Here are a few tips on how you can travel undisturbed and relaxed as a woman in Morocco:

1- Do dress appropriately!

No, you don’t need to wear a headscarf as a solo woman traveling in Morocco, of course. Even the locals rarely wear headscarves. What you should pay attention to when traveling as a woman in Morocco is that you dress appropriately. Your shoulders, cleavage and legs should be covered (as much as possible). Hot pants, tank tops and miniskirts are therefore taboo. In my opinion, this has not only something to do with the fear of harassment, but also with respect. Avoid provocative clothing. However, knee-length pants are not a problem in many areas of Morocco.

2- Don’t go out in the dark, especially in the big medinas:

When it gets dark, pretty sinister characters also come to the streets of Morocco: drug dealers, alcoholics, pimps, beggars. Actually like in every country, isn’t it? Also the comments of the Moroccan men, the persuasions of the restaurant promoters and the requests of the street vendors become more concrete and annoying with the setting of the sun. To prevent unpleasant situations, you should not be out (alone) after sunset. And if, then only in the group and in male company.

If you have to wait a little longer for dinner, just ask a hotel or restaurant employee to accompany you to your accommodation for a small tip.

3- Remain polite and friendly!

Being annoying, rude or even aggressive will not get you anywhere in Morocco. On the contrary, you will only encourage your counterpart and get a negative reaction. Always remain friendly but firm, deny offers or flirting attempts confidently and with a smile or a snappy saying on your lips. That way, no one can be angry with you.

4- Just dive in!

If it becomes too colorful for you and the looks of the men start to annoy you, then simply shield yourself from the outside world. With a pair of sunglasses or (if necessary) a headscarf, you can escape prying eyes and certainly feel a little more comfortable.

5- Watch your valuables!

Especially in secluded alleys or in crowded places or means of transport you should always keep an eye on your valuables, this also applies in Morocco! There are thieves everywhere. In Morocco, I had the feeling that it was mainly the children who had a particularly sharp eye on my bag and camera.

6- A city is not the same as the whole country!

Of course, the dress style of Moroccan women in the big cities like Marrakech or Rabat is much looser than in the hinterland or even in the Atlas Mountains . So here you can run around a bit more “unknotted” without any problems. Just don’t overdo it. In Marrakech, we saw many tourists in hot pants, miniskirts and off-the-shoulder tops, mocking the curious looks of the locals. I can only shake my head at that! The fact is, if your trip takes you to more rural climes, you should also adjust your clothing style and dress more conservatively. It is not forever!

7- Do not be paranoid!

“You are beautiful! You have great eyes! Welcome to our country!” Would you also become alert and feel harassed at the same greeting in your country? Probably not, unfortunately we tend to always immediately put compliments in a negative context in Muslim countries. Our alarm bells always ring a little faster outside our comfort zone, and that’s exactly how we do many people an injustice. The motto is: Be mindful and careful, but not paranoid!

Conclusion on solo female travel to Morocco:

Morocco is a country in transition. Being in Morocco as a solo woman alone has not always been easy there so far. It can sometimes be exhausting to get so much attention and focus on avoiding advances. However, it does not become dangerous in the process. Meeting Morocco with old-fashioned prejudices takes away a lot of beauty, especially from oneself. In any case, I realized that I was doing the country an injustice. And Morocco has so much to offer beyond that. There are so many friendly, helpful people – and they are often men! The country is beautiful. Also or maybe even especially as a woman traveling alone!

Certainly, my experience is only a snapshot and other women who have traveled alone or in a group through Morocco may have had negative experiences. Unfortunately, I have the feeling that many travelers artificially aggravate the situation for effect. But perhaps I am particularly relaxed about the situation because, after my internship abroad in many Arab countries, nothing can shock me anymore in terms of harassment, lewd remarks to female tourists, grabbing, whistling, and secret photos. As a solo woman traveling in Morocco, you can really travel without much fear. Dare, be vigilant, but just not paranoid!

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Is Morocco Safe for Women (2024) - Solo Travel to Morocco as a Woman

Is morocco safe for women is often the question asked especially while traveling to morocco as a woman. here’s info to stay safe and have a good time in morocco as a solo female traveller. these tips should help you if you’re planning on a solo female travel morocco trip.

Regardless of where you’re travelling from and which country you originally belong to, Morocco is a pretty safe country to travel to, as a general rule.

However, some countries have listed Morocco as a ‘high risk’ country for tourists – such as Canada – but I think this only represents the vastly skewed generalization and misconception that most of the West has towards most African/ Middle Eastern/ Islamic nations.

The International SOS – and most of Europe – consider Morocco a low risk country. That is not to say, however, that Morocco is the safest place for women to travel to.

However, as women we know that ‘Is Morocco safe for women’ will still be a question when planning a trip to Morocco.

As is with any other country, regardless of how safe it is, for women it mostly always means considering a whole lot of other things before coming to a conclusion of whether a country is safe or not.

There are certain things that need to be kept in mind for your safety in Morocco as a woman – as you would do with any other destination you travel to. I answered the question ‘Is marrakech safe? here, however read on if it is mostly to do with traveling to Morocco as a woman.

Here’s a 3 day tour from Marrakech with food included!

Here’s a small group trip, with most of these highlights included!

Is Morocco safe for women? – Here’s some info when traveling to morocco as a woman

Morocco solo female travel.

Morocco may definitely not be the easiest country for a woman to travel in – and the challenges only increase as a solo female traveller in Morocco. As much as it hurts me to say this, travelling to Morocco with a man is definitely much easier if you’re a group of women or especially a solo female traveller.

But having said that, I do not mean to dissuade women from travelling solo to Morocco. Some things just must be kept in mind, when you do.

Firstly, it is important to keep your guard up at all times. When you are by yourself – you will get a lot of unwanted attention from local men which will get pass by quickly.

This can come from men walking down the streets, the shop owners or just about anyone around you outside.

A ridiculous thing I have seen working for a lot of women is to walk behind male tourists so it comes off as if you are travelling with them and the attention will die out very quickly.

Another tip that may work to ward off unwanted male attention for solo female travellers in Morocco is to wear a wedding ring (even if you are not married).

As twisted as it is, the knowledge of you being married will mostly dissuade men from approaching you. Avoiding eye contact as far as possible may also be a good idea.

A lot of times, wearing sunglasses also helps to not have to constantly make the effort of looking elsewhere.

Never leave your foods or drinks unattended and while in the Marrakech souk , only engage if you’re interested in purchasing items else politely say ‘No, thank you’ and keep moving on.

But at the same time, it is important to note that most troubles come in big cities like Marrakech (especially Jemaa el Fna ) or Fes . Smaller places, especially the villages in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco are far safer than the cities in Morocco.

The people in these parts of Morocco are usually very warm and welcoming and will make sure you’re having a good experience in their hometown.

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman – Clothing

As beautiful as Morocco is with its unique and vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, it is important to remember that Morocco is still quite a conservative country.

It is best for women to dress modestly as far as possible. Clothes which cover you up well and are not too revealing of your figure, are the best kinds to wear in Morocco.

Think long skirts, loose pants or jeans, kurtis, loose shirts etc. Additionally, it might also be a good idea to have a scarf on you at most times.

Many women have noted that whenever they have their heads covered, they blend in with local women more and the unwanted attention from men is reduced drastically.

The headscarf also helps whenever you are visiting a religious site in Morocco, to show your respect and follow their rules.

As far as beachside Morocco is considered, bikinis are good to go if you are staying in a resort that has its own private beach.

Resort pools also will mostly be okay with women wearing bikinis. The best is to gauge the situation by how others are dressing around you and follow suit.

Always keep a modestly covering swimsuit handy so your water time is not compromised! However, on public beaches, it will mostly be a hassle to get into the water without having eyes on you.

Burkinis are a nice way to go around this problem – they are trendy and also keep you covered. However, as a woman travelling in Morocco, it would be best if you got used to getting stares from locals around you and learned to ignore it.

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman – Street Safety

The streets may not always be the safest place for a woman travelling in Morocco – especially in the big cities like Fes and Marrakech.

The biggest threat is simply pick pocketers and purse snatchers. Carrying a handbag may not be the best option as it is easy to snatch and disappear into the crowd with it.

The best alternative to this would be either carrying a backpack, but on your front, or a cross body sling bag which you can have eyes on all the time.

Also, it is a wise decision to distribute your belongings in various places – such as keeping some money in your bag and some in your pockets, keeping your phone in your pocket etc. In big cities, street harassment such as catcalling and eve-teasing are also not uncommon, unfortunately.

The best way to avoid these is firstly by dressing modestly. As wrong as it is, how a woman is looked at, is heavily dependent on how she dresses in Morocco. If you wear revealing clothes, men might think of it as an opportunity to approach you or harass you.

Secondly, keep your smiles to a minimum. The friendlier you show yourself to be by smiling at strangers, the more local men will perceive it as an invitation to approach you.

It’s best to mind your business, not look at anyone and only initiate a conversation unless you absolutely have to (think of ordering food, shopping at a shop or asking for directions/ help).

Lastly, the best way to tackle catcalls is by doing nothing. Just ignore it and continue being on your way.

Unfortunately, confrontations might not have very desirable results in Morocco.

Another bit to keep in mind is that when driving, women tend to get ignored and often overtaken by larger vehicles on the road. Driving is quite rash in some parts of Morocco and so having car insurance helps.

Travelling to Morocco as a Woman – Places to Avoid

While most places around Morocco are peaceful and can be visited by women without any hassles – especially the remote villages when on a road trip to Morocco, the historical and religious sites, cafes etc.

The trouble arises in markets in big cities which are almost always brimming with locals and tourists alike – mostly the souks around cities like Marrakech.

In such places, crimes like pickpocketing and groping can be common and it might be easy for the perpetrator to go unnoticed.

Again, the aforementioned rules apply here as well – keep your belongings safe and dress modestly to avoid garnering unwanted attention. Another common practice in the souks of Morocco is where several shopkeepers (almost always men) will swarm the tourist, harassing the tourist to visit their shop.

This may include grabbing the arm, shoving etc. As an outsider, it can be a pretty traumatic experience (even if the intention of the shopkeeper is purely to sell – and nothing else).

One way to avoid this situation would be the sunglasses trick – keep them on so they cannot make eye contact with you. And ignore if shopkeepers start approaching you.

Public transport is another trouble area in Morocco that a female traveller might want to avoid.

Firstly, public transport in Morocco is inconvenient – as it does not run on a lot of routes and is generally not the easiest way to travel around. But most importantly, local buses in Marrakech and elsewhere in Morocco are usually jam-packed with passengers.

Unless you are familiar with this kind of travel style where other people are always in your space – and you in theirs – public transport in Morocco may not be it for you.

All in all, the only safety tip you should worry about while using public transport in Marrakech – is to always keep an eye out for pick pocketers and know where your luggage is.

Also, as a female traveller, buses in Morocco can be a little overwhelming – just be on the lookout for gropers.

Solo female travel – Meeting Other Women in Morocco

The easiest way to feel safe and comfortable as a woman traveller anywhere in the world is to meet local women wherever you are travelling to.

There are many Facebook groups that you can become a part of to meet up with fellow women. These can be localized from a certain country or be global groups where you filter out requests by putting up a specific post.

Another way to meet women is by looking for people available to host you or show you around on the Couchsurfing app .

In Morocco, you can choose to stay at a local homestay or a family-run guest house where interactions with women of the family can happen and you can make friends and find a safe environment to be in.

Another option is to enroll yourself in a cooking class with a Moroccan dada .

Dadas are women cooks in Morocco who share their culinary knowledge passed down to generations. his is also a great way to explore and learn about the local culture while travelling!

You can also consider visiting the traditional hammams (or traditional public steam baths) on the designated ladies’ days.

This is a great way to see women of an otherwise oppressive patriarchal culture be carefree in a public space.

I hope this article helps answer most if not all of your queries to the question ‘Is Morocco safe for women?’

As with most places around the globe, always be vigilant when alone and wary of places that are risky especially at night. It is safe to travel to Morocco – as safe as most countries and you’re sure to have a great time here!

Feel free to send me any questions you may have via social media or the contact page if needed! Happy travels!

Is Morocco Safe for Women – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is travelling to morocco safe?

Whether a country or a region is safe to travel to or not is a very personal experience that can’t be answered objectively. Even in the most heavily terrorised regions, you can find warmth and safety as a traveller.

To sum it up, yes, travelling to Morocco is safe. And yet, there are some parts of it that might put your safety under threat – especially since it is a heavily patriarchal country.

2. Is Morocco safe for a single woman?

Overall, Morocco is a safe country. Apart from the few bad experiences I had, the majority of my time in Morocco was nothing short of perfect.

I was treated respectfully, was shown warmth and the locals were kind and welcoming.

However, common things that must be kept in mind include keeping an eye on your belongings at all times, avoiding unnecessary interactions with local men, and dressing modestly especially if you are a solo female traveller.

3. What are the rules for women in Morocco?

Since Morocco is a patriarchal Islamic country, unfortunately, there are set rules for women that should be followed, even if you are an outsider woman and a tourist to the country.

It is best to avoid venturing out into the night without company. Dressing modestly is key in all parts of Morocco. Drinking is not only haram for men, but heavily frowned upon if a woman does it.

4. Is it safe to live in Morocco as a woman?

Morocco is a safe country to live in as an expat woman. For local women, the rules are very different and far more conservative than for a woman who is not from the country originally.

There is a great expat community in several Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Fes. These communities help in providing a safe space and meet like-minded people so you don’t feel lonely.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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A Girl’s Guide to Marrakech, Morocco

Buzzing with life, Marrakech exudes vibrancy, with the exotic smell of spices in the air to the hustle of the inner souks and varied aromas from the street stalls in the medina. With super cheap flights from London me and one of my girlfriends headed to this North African city for a 10 day girls adventure.

Here is a girl’s guide for things to do in Marrakech!

Is it safe for women to travel alone to Marrakech?

For groups of girls or solo female travellers, Marrakech is pretty safe to visit as long as you keep smart about things. The unwanted attention from men is something that may be off putting but as long as you take correct safety precautions , there’s no need to worry.

Also be cautious and aware of your surroundings. There are many scams in Marrakech so do your research and have a heads up of what to expect. Walk like you know where you’re going, dress modestly and don’t flash valuables around.

For more on how to stay safe as a solo female traveller read this:  Solo female travel: How to stay safe on the road

Places to visit in Marrakech, Morocco

Stroll through jemaa el-fna, marrakech.

This is the main square in Marrakech and is used by both locals and tourists. Here you will find food stalls, story tellers, snake charmers, musicians and dancers . It comes alive after sunset and loads of food stalls open up.

The food sellers will try and bring you to their stall, take pictures with you and are all really friendly (doing what they can to bring in the business!). Still it’s fun to talk to the locals and try the different street food available.

During the day there are many stalls selling the juiciest orange juice around , as well as ladies doing henna tattoos. Just make sure you get the brown henna (the black henna is not good) . We got ours done by a lady behind one of the juice stalls- felt a bit dodgy at the time but it turned really good.

Shop at the Medina of Marrakech

Just off from Jemaa el-Fna is the medina and the souks, full of everything from leather goods, clothing, carpets, shoes, spices and jewellery. It’s definitely geared up for tourists and much of the stuff is probably cheaply made but if you’re looking for some cool clothes to wear around Morocco, or for some souvenirs you can find some nice things here.

Be aware of the shop owners, they can sometimes be quite pushy trying to get you into their stall. If they ask you “do you want to buy something”, make sure you don’t lead them on buy saying “maybe or yes” as they will put the hard sell on you!

Admire the pretty Majorelle Garden’s

Although popular with tourists, this pretty garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle is a calm away from the busy streets of Marrakech.  French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent bought the blue villa and the gardens and kept them open to the public, restoring them to former glory.

The gardens are a nice way to spend the morning and to take some time to chill out and admire the natural beauty of this place.

Day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls

One of my favourite things I did on this trip was visit the Ouzoud waterfalls. They exceeded my expectations and are spectacular when your standing down below. The Ouzoud falls are 110 metres high and you can see them from many different viewpoints.

There were even people swimming in the bottom. On the same day tour they also took us to some smaller falls where we jumped in over the cascading water . A little scary at first but after a few times it was a lot of fun!

Spend a day in the Altas Mountains and Berber villages

Another day tour from Marrakech, this one took us again to the Atlas mountains where we were guided around one of the local Berber villages, talking with the local children and meeting several camels too! (such funny animals).

We also took a break in the traditional Berber village where we enjoyed a cup of refreshing mint tea. It tasted so good in the heat and the mint tea in Morocco is so delicious.

Lunch by a pretty stream was really good, before heading to the waterfalls of Imlil (not as good as Ouzoud but still nice).

Enjoy Bahia Palace

Built in the late 19th century by Si Moussa, Bahia Palace is a beautiful historical site in Marrakech, Morocco. With it’s enchanting gardens to the colours, textures and patterns of its walls and floors, it’s a charming visit close to the city.

Just a 15 minute walk from Djemma el-Fna, it’s perfectly situated and easy to get to. The ceilings, floors, decor, walls are so intricate and colourful, as well as tranquil gardens to match.

Camels and Quad bikes in Beachside Essaouira

This was a super fun day trip from Marrakesh which took 3 hours by coach. Once at windy Essaouira town it instantly felt more relaxed from the city, not including many street sellers trying to convince us to buy their ‘happy cakes’.

After looking around the artsy medina section, we headed to the beach for a camel ride. Such a fun activity, especially when they make the camels run a bit and you’re bouncing around like crazy!

But the most fun I had at Essaouira was going on a quad bike tour. Me and my friends took it in turns to drive the quad bike up and over the sand dunes, where we got spectacular views of the beach and desert.

Wind down at a Moroccan Spa

There are so many spas in Marrakesh that cater to most budgets. We were on a pretty tight budget but managed to find a decent looking one. In our bikinis, the lady washed and gave us a full body scrub (pretty vigorously I might say!) and then hosed us down.

It was actually an amusing experience as we were both in the small room together watching as she sprayed us with this powerful water. However my skin did feel amazingly soft afterwards so I guessed it worked!

Enjoy the Local Food

The traditional Tajine

See the Koutoubia Mosque

Lit up beautifully at night, the Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. 5 times a day you will hear the call to prayer which is quite an atmospheric thing to experience in this cultural city. Try going at sunset for some great photography opportunities.

Dine at a Rooftop bar

There are many rooftop bars in Marrakech and I happened to stumble across this beautiful one, tucked away in the medina. Enjoying a cocktail and some bread and olives, it was great to sit and watch the city from a viewpoint.

There was no one else there and the place was so calming, playing through some strange meditation type music but it just added to its charm and tranquillity.

If you are looking to go out to some bars and clubs, there are some in the city- the bigger ones will charge an entry fee though. We went to a cosy bar close to the new city and danced out in the open air. There are many cocktail bars around the city that cater to tourists.

Where to stay in Marrakech?

Hostels are cheap in the city and are always in convenient locations. They are great for solo female travellers wanting to make friends and to find someone to walk around with.

Check out these hostels from £3-£14 (so cheap!)

• Oasis Hostel
• Mosaic Hostel
• Rodamon Riad Marrakech

I stayed in a cheap hotel in the new city, close to the plaza. Even though we had a big room and our own sitting room I wished I had booked a traditional raid. There are some absolute stunning raid’s in Marrakech.

Check out these riads from £23- £80

• Riad Al Loune
• Riad Miski 
• Riad Albatoul 

Getting Around in Marrakech

The public transport isn’t great but luckily most things are walk-able distance or a cheap taxi ride away. For day trips out of the city, you can book these easily once there, at the tour shops around the Medina or from your accommodation.

When to visit Marrakech?

The peak season is from September to October and from March to May . These are warm months as opposed to July and August which are hot. December to February can be pretty chilly. Even in the peak times to temperature can drop off at night so bring something warmer for the evenings.

Hope you enjoyed this female traveller’s guide to Marrakech, please share if you can ladies!

Click here for:  5 Adventurous Countries for Solo Female Travel

Hi, I'm Sam, a British backpacker, solo travelling for over a decade. I aim to inspire and advise on solo female travel.

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26 comments.

Bahia Palace looks so amazing – you can almost feel the temperature dropping under the shade of all those trees! That’s exactly the type of spectacular historical site that makes Morocco so unique!

Yes it really is ‘typical morocco’ with all the colours and patterns- very pretty place!

I loved wandering the medina in Marrakech and the Majorelle Gardens. I missed out on the Ouzoud Waterfalls. That sounded so cool that you could jump off the smaller ones. Visiting the Berber village was such a neat experience. I wanted to get over to Essorina but didn’t make it there. I stayed in a Riad and am so glad I did!

shame about the waterfalls- if you go again check them out! A riad sounds great btw.

Great post! Marrakech is on the top of my to-go list, especially the Majorelle Gardens, tajine, and spas. Thanks for the tips.

glad you liked it 🙂

That sounds like such a fun girls getaway! I’d love to go to Morocco – one of the country’s high on the list! Sidenote: those tagine and other food pics = yummmm!

haha yes it was a great holiday and cheap flights if you live in Uk/Europe 🙂

I loved your post and the picture by those falls look so exhilerating- this is one place I dream of visiting, but yes little scared. thanks for the tips!

no need to be scared honestly!

Oh wow this trip looks like so much fun! Those palace gardens are STUNNING. I was supposed to go to Morocco for a friend’s wedding but our trip fell through when her dad got sick. We’re still waiting to go together as she’s from there. Thanks for all the tips girl!

I hope you get the chance again, would be great to get advice from someone whos from there as well 🙂

I haven’t been there. But all photos including your are so attractive. Have you done a dessert safari as well?

I didn’t do the desert safari no but it looks a great ting to do there!

Looks like a fantastic trip! Morocco has been on my list for a while. Did you find it cheaper to book day tours after reaching Marrakech than buying it online beforehand?

Yes for sure- this is true for most countries also. It’s so easy to book once there and a lot cheaper!

Looks like an amazing place to explore with a lot of stuff to do. Out of curiosity did you find the strappy white dress caused unwanted attention>

Looking back now I’m not sure I’d wear it again but I found the longer we were there the less attentions we got. I think if you walk around looking a bit lost then the locals may try and scam you buy asking for money for directions! I have a post about all the mistakes I made in Marrakech if you wanna check it out!

I’ve always wanted to stay in a gorgeous Riad in Morocco! Your post is quite detailed. It’ll be helpful when I plan my trip soon. Thanks a ton!

Yes the riad’s are a calm away from the city, glad you liked the post 🙂

OMG, the food looks so good. The tajine and especially the marguez sausages. Visiting Morroco is high on my list and seeing your pictures makes me want to so bad! Love how friendly the people seem. Can’t wait to visit soon. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

Hope you get to visit soon!

Great guide! I’d live to visit Marrakesh, the culture sounds so interesting. Ouzoud waterfall looks amazing to!

Glad you liked it 🙂

Such a good guide with lots of helpful information! It looks like you had a great time!

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