Is Morocco Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

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I believe that if one is looking for something, they will eventually find it. The same goes for problems. If you want trouble, you will surely find and encounter it.

There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes down to the safety of solo female travellers in Muslim and Arab countries. I think the main source of these prejudices is a lack of proper knowledge and understanding for the local culture. I would like to dispatch the truth, unveil the mysteries for you and dispel your doubts concerning your safety in Morocco. If you are a group of girls or a solo female traveller planning your trip to this mesmerising country, read on ladies!

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CC image courtesy of Benson Kua on Flickr

As a Polish woman blogging about life in Morocco and general travel, I get lots of questions from my readers regarding possible dangers they can encounter here. The most common fear running through peoples’ minds is ‘Is it OK for me to come with my girlfriends? It’s going to be our first time in Africa and we are a bit concerned. Is Morocco safe for female travellers?’

First of all, I believe that no matter where you go, you need to take precautions. Doesn’t really matter if it is a shopping mall in your city, a Cambodian village or a beach in The Caribbean. Everything depends on your travel savviness, coincidences, knowledge and wisdom. I’ll fill you in with everything you need to know about travelling safely in Morocco to have a happy and fulfilling trip.

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CC image courtesy of Ana Bosque on Flickr

How Should I Dress To Feel Safe?

Even though many Moroccan girls in big cities wear quite tight-fitting and sexy clothes, I don’t think it’s the best idea in smaller cities. I truly admire them for dressing that way but I personally can’t stand being catcalled on a daily basis by men. Moroccan girls are used to it and they ignore it. I’ve had some unpleasant situations however. A man followed me to my door once and I’ve had a man attempt to touch me on a coach on a trip from the south to the north of Morocco. Wearing shorts in cities like Marrakesh is totally fine, as they are used to tourists but if you are going to Berber villages or smaller cities, I’d recommend covering up your neckline and legs. Moroccans are traditional people and it’s a sign of respect to dress modestly. Find more tips on what to wear in Morocco here.

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I Don’t Plan Ahead. Is Morocco Safe For Spontaneity?

If you are a free spirit and are spontaneously planning not to plan – don’t worry. Moroccans are generally hospitable people, especially the ones living in smaller cities and villages. You’ll always meet someone who will invite you to their house and take good care of you. And it is safe! They love to host foreigners, hear your opinion about Morocco, show you hospitality and feed you. Oh yes, you need to know that Moroccans love to eat and if they see you starving, they won’t let you go unless you have one more meal with them! Bring your elastic waistband trousers.

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CC image courtesy of Bachmont on Flickr

Is Morocco Safe If I Get Lost?

Don’t get deceived by seemingly grumpy faces on the streets. Moroccans don’t tend to smile at each other on the streets but if you ask them which way you should go, they will willingly help you out with directions. Don’t worry about getting lost. In Morocco there is always a way out from any place, any issue and any case.

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CC image courtesy of Guillaume Baviere on Flickr

Is Morocco Safe When It Comes To Suicide Bombers?

I bet this really may be on your mind at the moment and you’re looking for an answer to this. Terrorist attacks have been happening across the globe more and more lately and the media has been covering this fear, making people worry there may be trouble. Sure enough, I receive numerous emails about it every week. I am not an expert and I can’t tell you much. I can neither predict the future nor assure you of something. No one can.

Is Morocco Safe For Solo Female Travellers? Find Out All The Facts For Morocco Here With Travel Tips To Help You Plan Your Trip!

What I can tell you is that you can feel safe in Morocco due to the presence of police officers and the army in the main, strategic spots of all the cities.

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CC image courtesy of Hernan Pinera on Flickr

Are The Streets Of Morocco Generally Safe?

Something that you should be genuinely concerned about is the Moroccan way of driving! Beware of hotheaded drivers in big cities because they are on the top of the list of potential dangers. If you’ve been to Asia or Africa (or you are originally from these continents), you probably know what I mean. If it’s your first time in such a bewildering country, as a clumsy blond-haired creature you may be a potential candidate for a ride on the bonnet. Look around, follow other pedestrians, and don’t ever trust taxi drivers.

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CC image coutesy of Sherwood on Flickr

Pickpocketing happens. The most famous method is when one guy rides a bike and his companion jumps off and takes your bag or phone. Twisting your hand if you’re lucky, cutting with a knife if you’re not. I know that from my own experience. My friends too. Don’t expose your devices on the streets and be wise where you put your documents. You don’t want to be forced to spend your holidays in your embassy and police station.

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CC image courtesy of Caroline Granycome on Flickr

Is Morocco Safe To Visit Right Now?

It’s totally up to you. I would say that if fear is the only factor that’s stopping you, then you should let it go and just book your tickets. Morocco is a safe, tourist-friendly country and can get you out of your comfort zone to the next level of experiences! Don’t dress in a provocative way unless you are interested in different things than exploring the country. Don’t travel alone at night if you want to avoid unpleasant situations. Basically, be respectful and wise. As Alice Teacake would say, grab fear by the balls! Other women around the world are tackling countries others may think are ‘dangerous’, just like Sarah is in Jordan.

Wondering if backpacking is safe around the world? Let’s nip this in the bud right now – here’s why backpacking is safe.

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Guest Post By Monika From Bewildered In Morocco

Monika is a Polish chick who uprooted to Morocco and hasn’t looked back. You can find out more about her in Teacake’s Wander Woman Wednesdays series! Her blog Bewildered In Morocco is all about helping travellers discover the REAL Morocco and making your trip as smooth and awesome as possible. Go check Monika out!

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Cover photo and Pinterest CC image edited and courtesy of  Vesna Middelkoop on Flickr

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13 thoughts on “Is Morocco Safe For Solo Female Travellers?”

  1. As an American expat living in Europe and trying to travel as much as I can, I’m so glad you’ve posted this. I’ve never been to Africa before and I’ve always been curious about Morocco. It’s also not so far away from me that it’s not doable as a short trip! I’ve held back because I’m afraid I wouldn’t be comfortable there alone as a woman. I’m so glad to see that it really is not unrealistic to dream of travelling there, especially with some background info…

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  2. Love this post – finally a Morocco post for women I can agree with. However, I would disagree that it is okay to wear shorts in Marrakech or bigger cities. Nothing will happen to you, but it is still seen as disrespectful and makes it a lot harder to connect with local women (coming from my Moroccan girlfriend who lives in Marrakech!).

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  3. I had the pleasure of spending 10 days in Morocco 3 summers ago. I went to visit a friend who moved there and often did solo trips during the day. My friend lived in a small beach town so it was a taxi and a train ride plus to visit other locations. Yes, there was a lot of catcalling, but not more than when I was in Italy.

    I’d say the biggest hindrance that wasn’t mentioned above is the aggressive bargaining and demanding of money for any task, especially in the bigger cities. People will expect and ask repeatedly for some payment just for pointing out a sign on the wall. Granted this happened to all tourists and not just females. And again, this was a city, tourist concentrated areas, and even international airport issue.

    The smaller towns are full of heartwarming, kind, and friendly people. The landscapes are amazing: ocean, desert, mountains, and oasises! There is no reason to hesitate to plan a trip to Morocco. Just keep in mind that the vendors of Marrakesh make SE Asian night markets feel like a church bake sale!

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    • Thank you so much for your extra travel tips! I travelled to Marrakesh in 2010 and found exactly the two things you mentioned! Payment being demanded for the simplest of things and haggling being an absolute art form! Still one of my favourite countries to date nonetheless :)

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  4. So glad I read this one! I’m planning to visit Morocco next year, albeit with my husband, but safety is still always of concern I think regardless of whether you travel alone or not in a new place. We’ve visited Egypt before, and it sounds like the situation is fairly similar in Morocco, if not a little more liberal… I think the tip of dressing appropriately and respectfully is so important in places where the culture is different from your own, but also really good to know that you can still wear shorts and what not in the big cities in the heat!!

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  5. Morocco is so safe! We have been many of times and will be back this year for our photo tour! Two weeks is the best amount of time to see all of Morocco.

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  6. Great post. I loved Morocco. I loved my time, places. People proved that Moroccans are welcoming and helpful, but I felt that many Moroccan men equate women traveling alone with loose morals.

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  7. Great post! I have been hesitant to book a trip to Morocco because I’ve heard horror stories from solo female travelers. I thought to err on the side of caution this might be a trip I do with a girlfriend or husband later down the road. Either way, you’ve given me lots to think about!

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  8. Fear is not even the problem, cuz i aint got no fear towards anything. the only factor that stops me from going abroad is the budget lol

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    • Hey Shanky! Yes money is something we’ve got to tackle for sure! Please make sure to check out my money section. It’s going to give you a lot of ideas on how to save and focus your mindset on MORE money.

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