Cher Huang

Jan 02, 2023

Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Morocco's astounding and diverse POI ranging from the Sahara desert, buzzing local markets, blue-washed city landscapes, golden beaches, along with its easy access from Europe and visa free regime for most countries, make it a top destination for cultural travel.

-me riding camels in Sahara

As a country in the North Africa region, is it safe to travel alone, especially as a solo female? Read on to find out.

I went on a trip to Marrakech, the Sahara desert, and nearby sea town Agadir for one month by myself. Despite some emotional traumas and a few "uh-ha" moments, I find Morroco to be generally safe, if you know what to expect.

-first day in Morroco

The police is on your side

On the first day I arrive, I was looking for my airbnb. Some tourist police shouted at me for attention but I did not respond since I did not trust them right away. They knew the area well and helped me find the house. In the following tricky scenerios, remember you can shout "I will call the police" to deter the scammers. There are plenty of plaincloth police in the touristy area, and their phone number is  +22 0524 38 46 01.

-craftman in the tannery

The Tannery Scam

Wandering around the main market in Marrakech, a guy approached me, telling me that today was the last day of a special local market. I followed him only to be found in pungent tanneris with scattered feathers of dead birds and other dying materials in compele disarray.

There are many shops that sells leather good at a touristy price. They aren't the most exquisite accesories to buy, but if you are interested, make sure to haggle the price.

Overall, I recommend not visitng the tanneries in Marrakech but instead head to the ones in Chefchaouen instead.

Guilt Tripping From Street Kids

Coming back from the tannery scams, and on the way to a restaurant (To find out what I had, checkout my post on things to do in Marrakesh), to taste the delicious tangine (slow cooked vegetable or meat dishes), I encounted kids who begged money from me. They chased me and asked me where I am from and make comments about how fortunate I am and how I am obliged to give them money. Their wordings weren't exactly soft or polite so I gave in and handed some 20 usd with tears in my eyes. If I had another chance I would just not look at them and keep walking, or threaten to call the police

Polygamy Nomad

I went on a group tour to visit the nomads who make and trade blankets and other goods for a living. The tribe leader had three wifes. When we made a group photo together, he murmured and asks me to marry him, and promises to teach me their art of making blankets...How bold! I passed on this one.

Demanding Tourguides

Wherever you are, which everactivity you signed up for, there's no avoidance to the customary tips. Afterall, the company takes most of the money and tourguides make very small share of the trip price.

While most tourguides around the world will politely ask if we appreciate their service, the guides in Morrocan tourguides will give you a very cold stare with enlarged pupil, demanding a tip from you.

Don't feel pressure to give in. Remember, it's customary, and if all fails, you can threaten to call the police.

-picture with spiceman

Friendly Salesmen

Be carefull, the sales clerks here are extremely friendly! They will offer you Morrocan mint tea, and their hospitality makes you hard to say no to their offers. Don't worry if you want to buy things! Just remember to haggle and cut the price in half.

-after a refreshing Morrocan mint tea, I bought this scarf without haggling. Put it to use in Sahara!

Travel Insurance

For a very low cost, travel insurance gives me the peace of mind while abroad. It covers trip cancellations, delays and accidents. My go-to insurance provide is Allianz Travel Insurance.

They have the most affordable rates, up-to-date policies such as pandemic coverage, and instant confirmation. You can also purchase additional coverage for adventurous sport such as hiking and diving.

Final Thoughts

It's relatively safe to travel in Morroco if you know what to expect. I didn't see any violent crime happening during my travel, but as usual, pay attention to international news for potential political turmoil.

Do you have any questions about traveling Morroco? Comment below!