Solo Female Travel in Morocco: 10 Essential Safety Tips for First-Timers
- Vero
- Mar 10
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Morocco, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, is an alluring destination for solo female travelers. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert, the country offers unforgettable experiences. However, for first-timers, navigating Morocco as a solo female traveler can feel daunting. To ensure a smooth and safe journey, here are 10 essential tips to help you confidently explore this magical country.
Solo female travel Morocco - My personal experience
I completely understand why many solo female travelers hesitate to choose Morocco for their adventures, trust me, I felt the same way for a long time. In fact, after my first trip to Morocco, I told myself I would never go back. But I'm so glad I gave it a second chance because now I’m absolutely obsessed with this incredible country, its rich culture, and the countless unforgettable places it has to offer.
During my first visit, a 4-day trip to Fez with a friend, I had a less-than-great experience. At that time, I thought Morocco just wasn’t for me. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to see more, so I decided to give it another shot, this time, solo, exploring the northern part of the country. That trip was a game-changer. It was such a positive experience that I completely fell in love with the country and its unique energy. Since then, I’ve returned to Morocco seven times, and each trip has deepened my appreciation for this beautiful place. Now, I can confidently say: don’t wait for someone else to join you, just book your ticket and go! With the right mindset and by following these essential safety tips, you’ll have an amazing experience exploring Morocco on your own.
1. Dress modestly and respect local customs
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and dressing conservatively is a sign of respect. While it’s not necessary to wear a hijab, covering your shoulders, cleavage, and knees will help you avoid unwanted attention. Loose, breathable clothing is also practical for the climate and will help you blend in more easily.
2. Be aware of street catcalling
Catcalling and street harassment can occur, especially in busy cities like Marrakech or Fez. While this can be unsettling, it's often best to ignore it and keep walking confidently. Wearing sunglasses can help avoid direct eye contact, which can sometimes invite attention. Learning a few Arabic or French phrases, like "la, shukran" (no, thank you), can be helpful in politely declining unwanted advances.
3. Book trusted accommodation and arrange an airport pick-up
When choosing accommodation in Morocco, prioritize reputable hotels, hostels, or riads with strong reviews, especially those experienced in hosting solo female travelers. Many riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses) offer a warm, secure environment, and the hosts often provide invaluable local insights.
One highly recommended tip is to arrange a transfer from the airport, station, or port when you book your accommodation, especially if you’re arriving at night. Most accommodations in Morocco are located inside the medina, the heart of the city where bustling markets and shops are found. Medinas, particularly in cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat, are often maze-like and can be confusing to navigate, especially after dark when the shops close and the streets become quieter.
If you find yourself lost, it’s common for people (often men) to offer to show you the way, but they will usually expect payment for their help once you reach your destination. Taxis can’t enter the medina, so they will drop you off at one of its entrances. Even if your accommodation seems easy to reach on a map, trust me, it's not always that simple in real life.
By pre-booking a transfer through your accommodation, they’ll arrange for someone to meet you at the medina entrance and guide you directly to your lodging, ensuring you arrive safely and without the hassle of navigating alone. This small step can save you a lot of stress and confusion, so I strongly recommend following this tip, you won’t regret it! During my travels across Morocco, I stayed in some wonderful riads and hotels that felt safe, welcoming, and perfect for solo female travelers. Here are my personal recommendations by city:
Fez - Hotel & Spa Dar Bendousa This riad is simply amazing, probably the most beautifully decorated riad I’ve ever stayed. The rooms are charming and well-equipped, the rooftop and patio are absolutely dreamy, and the breakfast is delicious. The staff is incredibly welcoming and always happy to help. The location is perfect if you want to stay inside the medina, but I highly recommend organizing an airport pick-up directly with them, especially if you're arriving at night, navigating the medina on your own can be overwhelming.
One of Riad Dar Bendousa's patios, Fez, July 2023 Tanger - Riad Sultana Located in the heart of Tangier’s small medina, this lovely riad features a stunning rooftop with panoramic views of the city. The staff is super friendly, and the included breakfast is excellent. A cozy and authentic stay in a great location.
Breakfast on the rooftop of Riad Sultana, Tanger, July 2024 Marrakech - Riad La Caleche A fantastic budget-friendly option that still gives you a private room and bathroom. The location couldn’t be better, right in the best area of the medina, close to great restaurants and just a short walk from the market square. It’s also very convenient if you're planning on joining tours, as it’s only five minutes from the main pick-up point.
Asilah - Dar Said While this riad might feel a bit big if you're traveling solo, it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking to unwind in this peaceful coastal village. You’ll have the entire riad to yourself and two incredible rooftops with some of the most breathtaking ocean sunset views I’ve ever seen.
Sunset and ocean view from the rooftop of Dar Said, Asilah, July 2024 Rabat: Riad Marhaba This riad is charming, with a cute patio and beautifully detailed decor. The rooms are spacious, and the location is excellent, right in the medina and within walking distance to all the main sights in Rabat.
Tetuan: Riad El Manantial Situated right in the medina, this riad is a great base for exploring the old city on foot. The staff is kind and helpful, and you can also book tours through them. A solid and authentic choice for a stay in Tétouan.
4. Join group tours for desert and mountain or other day trips
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to explore completely on your own. Joining group tours for experiences like a 2-days trip to the Sahara Desert or hikes in the Atlas Mountains is not only safer but also a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and share adventures.
I’ve participated in several tours during my time in Morocco, some of which were booked through my accommodations and others through GetYourGuide. If you're traveling solo, I highly recommend using GetYourGuide for its reliability and diverse options. Here are a few tours I can personally recommend:
From Marrakech: A day trip to Essaouira, or an excursion to Ouarzazate and the Atlas Mountains.
From Tangier: A day trip to Chefchaouen, the enchanting blue city, with a trek to the Akchour Waterfalls.
These guided experiences not only simplify logistics but also enrich your journey with unique insights and connections.
5. Hire a reliable guide or book a walking tour
Hiring a licensed local guide can transform your trip, offering a richer, safer, and more authentic experience. Whether you're navigating the intricate medinas or uncovering the secrets of Morocco's deserts, a knowledgeable guide ensures you avoid risky areas while providing fascinating cultural insights you might otherwise miss.
I personally rely on the app GuruWalk to discover engaging walking tours in every city I visit, and Morocco was no exception. The local guides I connected with through GuruWalk made my experiences unforgettable. Here are a few standout tours I recommend:
Walking Tour of Rabat, City of Lights by Night: Explore the city’s vibrant history and architecture, in a magical new light after dark.
Casablanca Free Walking Tour with a Local: Dive into the city’s unique mix of tradition and modernity.
Exploring the Medina of Tangier: Wander through its charming, labyrinthine streets.
No matter where you’re headed, there’s likely a perfect walking tour to suit your interests.
Exploring a city with a local guide not only enhances your safety but also offers the opportunity to uncover hidden gems, hear captivating stories, and immerse yourself in the culture from a local’s perspective—turning your trip into an unforgettable journey.
6. Trust your instincts and stay alert
This tip applies everywhere, not just Morocco. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Stay alert in crowded areas, watch your belongings, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers who might have ulterior motives.
7. Respect the local currency and tipping culture
In Morocco, it's important to carry cash in small denominations, as many establishments don’t accept credit cards. When shopping in markets or souks, be prepared to negotiate, it's part of the culture. The initial price quoted is almost always inflated, even if it seems affordable to you. A good rule of thumb is to start by offering half of what they ask; in most cases, you’ll find that haggling can get you a much fairer price.
Tipping is also an important part of the local culture. While no one will demand it, it's customary to tip in restaurants, and it’s expected at the end of tours. You should also tip drivers and guides as a gesture of appreciation. Offering a tip can help avoid any awkwardness and shows respect for the service provided.
8. Avoid walking alone at night
While many areas in Morocco are safe, it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking alone at night, especially in the poorly lit or quiet areas of the Medinas. Take a taxi or ask your accommodation to arrange transportation if you're out late. Always agree on the fare before getting into a taxi.
9. Stay connected
Ensuring you have reliable internet access is crucial for staying safe and connected while traveling. Having a local SIM card will allow you to keep in touch with friends and family, but also with your hosts or tour guides and most important: use Google Maps to avoid any chance of getting lost.
For longer stays, I recommend getting a physical SIM card upon arrival. In cities like Marrakech, you’ll find Maroc Telecom or INWI kiosks at the airport near the exit. The prices are generally the same across providers, around 200 dirhams (approximately €20) for 20 GB of data, valid for 30 days. Just make sure to check which provider offers the best coverage for the areas you’ll be visiting.
For shorter trips, an e-SIM is a convenient option. I personally always use Airalo for my e-SIMs, and they’ve worked seamlessly in all the regions I’ve visited in Morocco. You can choose from different data plans, ranging from 1 GB to 5 GB, depending on your needs. If you want to choose this option, you can get $3 discount on your first purchase through this link.
10. Be cautious with photography
Taking photos of locals, especially women, can be considered intrusive, so always ask for permission first. Some may ask for a small tip in exchange for a photo. Also, avoid photographing military or government buildings as it may lead to unwanted trouble.
Final thoughts
Traveling solo as a female in Morocco can be an empowering and enriching experience. By taking these safety precautions and embracing the local culture, you’ll be able to explore this beautiful country with confidence. Morocco has much to offer, and with the right preparation, your journey will be one to remember for a lifetime. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your Moroccan adventure!
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