Solo female travel in Morocco is an experience many women enjoy every year: the Marrakech medina, the silence of the Merzouga desert, mint tea with people from all over the world. To enjoy it with peace of mind, it helps to know how the country works and to prepare a little. Here are the tips we give to the women who travel with us.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?
Generally speaking, Morocco is a safe country to travel in, as official travel advice such as the UK Foreign Office travel advice reflects. The most common problems in cities are pickpocketing and bag snatching, as in any tourist destination, and pushy sellers and fake guides in the medinas.
What women mention most is unwanted attention: comments or people offering to walk with you. A firm «la, shukran» (no, thank you) and walking on is usually enough. Official advice also recommends against travelling alone in isolated rural areas and driving at night.
What to wear in Morocco
There is no dress code for tourists, but dressing modestly will spare you stares and open more doors. In practice:
- Long, light trousers or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders.
- A large scarf: useful for the sun, the desert wind and entering religious sites.
- A warm jacket for the night in the desert, which can be cold even when the days are hot.
- Comfortable closed shoes for the medina and for walking on the dunes.
At the hotel or riad pool you can dress as you would anywhere else.
Getting around Marrakech and the medinas
- Download an offline map of the city before entering the medina: it is a maze and a map will give you confidence.
- If someone tells you «the street is closed» and offers to guide you, keep walking: it is a common trick.
- Only hire official guides.
- Wear your bag across your body and in front, and carry little cash.
- Always agree the taxi fare before getting in.
Travel solo, but in a group: the easiest way to the desert
Getting to the Merzouga desert on your own means many hours on the road through sparsely populated areas. That is why many women travelling alone choose a shared desert tour: transport, accommodation and camp already organised, and travel companions to share the experience with.
That is exactly what we organise at Desconecta2Viajes. You can start with the shared 3-day desert tour from Marrakech, the 4-day trip from Marrakech or the 2-day tour from Fes. To see how they work, read travelling solo in Morocco with a group.
Documents and insurance
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US, do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
- Take out travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation.
- Register your trip with your country’s embassy or consular service if it offers that option.
Emergency numbers in Morocco
- Police (cities): 19 or 190
- Gendarmerie (rural areas): 177
- Fire brigade: 15 or 150
Also save the phone number of your nearest consulate. For more practical ideas, read our 10 tips for travelling to Morocco.
Fancy travelling solo in Morocco with us?
Message us and we will tell you about the next departures and which route suits you best.