Wander Morocco A Solo Traveler’s Adventure
Wander Morocco A Solo Traveler’s Adventure
Let me first say I love Morocco deeply. This North African country must be on your list of places to visit, from the quaint beautiful valleys of the Atlas Mountains to the lively city markets.
Having said that, people sometimes ask me if Morocco is a safe destination for women. The answer is simple: Yes. I travelled throughout the world, and never felt in danger. There is much more to protect, however, and traveling as a solo female, and much of it has to do with differences in culture.
If you haven’t seen anything like it, Moroccan culture might take some adjustment.
Here are my thoughts on safely traveling as a woman in Morocco.
Is Morocco a safe place for women travellers?
In brief, Indeed! For female travellers, Morocco is a safe place to visit. My biggest tip as in all destinations is to be cautious. Pickpockets and fraud are the key crimes that you need to look out for.
As a female traveller, you’ll have to keep your guard up a little bit more as the unwelcome attention of Moroccan men can get exhausting. Another question I get quite a lot is whether Morocco suits Americans. I’ve never encountered any prejudice in the country or felt in danger because of my nationality.
Although you are unlikely to be in physical danger, there can be petty crime and intimidation. Use good judgment, and follow my safety advice below for Morocco to prevent any real problems.
Define boundaries in Morocco
As soon as you reach the streets, you’ll probably catch a few men’s attention. Whether they’re shop-owners attempting to get a sale, or locals trying to get a reaction from you, the harassment gets tiresome very fast. I would say that the most annoying part of a trip to Morocco, from personal experience and feedback from mates, is unwanted attention from men. It’s not that I felt in danger with so much interest and name-calling, I just felt deeply awkward. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a continuing problem even for local Moroccan women.
When I covered my head in densely populated places I found it easier to deal with. I’d walk near other travellers, mostly men. That may sound insane but the cat-calling stopped entirely when my friend and I walked directly behind male tourists.
The best recommendation for you is to just disregard that. Don’t feel compelled to respond to someone who speaks to you and get relaxed with their words going in one ear and out of the other.
The male aggression can begin to feel daunting, but if you let yourself get worked up, it is worse. I was also tempted to yell similarly expletive stuff back at the men. But, do know it’s not worth it. Morocco is yet another country, with different laws and, sadly, the law may not always be fair or in our favor.
Once again, it’s not that I felt insecure in Morocco, but sometimes the leering could be awkward. As long as you don’t pause and interact with any man on the street that looks your way, you’ll find it easier to ignore.
Dress Right in Morocco
In Morocco choosing the best clothes to wear is a great challenge. After all, is said and done, the less you wear, the more publicity you can get.
This problem has been made tricky by the country’s extreme heat. Temperatures in the Sahara Desert in the summer reach 100 degrees, so keeping cool is a real necessity.
Flexible, full-coverage looks are your top choices. Think maxi dresses and scarves!
So, is travelling to Morocco by itself safe? I think so, but I sense that Morocco is a place that is better enjoyed with friends. I wouldn’t ever say you need to have a man along to have a great time, but when you’re with everyone (especially the male variety), you’ll get less unwelcome attention.
I’ve also heard of women travellers wearing fake wedding rings to keep men at bay. The local men, however, started calling at me before I was close enough for them to see my eyes.
You can have a nice time with your girls in Morocco too. I was traveling with a friend of mine. It was certainly uncomfortable for us to walk around together at times but we were even more exhausted by the few times we went into the city alone. Travelling in a party would certainly make the cat-callers feel less singled out.
If you wish to visit Morocco alone, consider joining an organized party of visitors. Throughout Morocco, there are amazing options worth checking out. If not, grow a thick skin and use common sense!
Research the History of Morocco.
For example, learning about the culture before you go is always a good choice if you’re traveling to China, Brazil, or Morocco. Making a faux-pas is easy when you don’t know the customs in the region.
Morocco is a primarily Islamic country, meaning women dress rather conservatively (though you’ll see all types of clothing in tourist hotspots like Marrakech).
Most local women wouldn’t smoke or drink in public and it’s a widespread myth in many Moroccan cities that these activities are only done by prostitutes. Sometimes you won’t see women alone, and shopfronts are usually men’s hangouts.
It is also worth mentioning that some mosques only allow Muslims to join. There is only a handful that is available to visitors. Bear in mind that to join you would need to be concealed past your knees and over your shoulders.
Look Out for Moroccan Scams
One of the major issues you need to look out for is the scams in Morocco. If you’re travelling to Marrakech or Fes, you’ll find people in their stores trying to lure you. Typically it begins with a local tea invitation or someone who needs you to read or write a letter to their cousin. Don’t just go for it!
It’s a trick to get you into the shop so they can wear you down and make you buy something finally. The vendors are stubborn, so save yourself the hassle and say “no thank you” politely, or say nothing, and walk away. Do not think about upsetting the feelings of the people.
Don’t Walk in Medina Alleys Alone:
Often there are dark back alleys where the robbers hang out. Note, both the streets and the people don’t you know. You could walk right down a dead-end alley and put yourself in a dangerous situation. That being said, the most crowded tourist areas are also where most criminals camp out. They are looking for a simple chance, so be mindful of your belongings and your surroundings.
Leave your precious belongings in the Riad or Hotel: Morocco is not the venue to display your money. It would draw more publicity. So leave your glamorous designer bags and jewelry back home. Do not forget to also leave your passport secure in your hotel room (this applies to almost any travel destination!).
Don’t Look Lost: You wouldn’t want to appear helpless while touring an area, no matter where you are in the world. Thieves will notice you a mile from off! If you need to look at your phone for guidance, make sure the maps are preloaded and try to look as unobtrusively as possible at your computer. Try to memorize it as much as you can, because you don’t need to be looking down constantly. You do want to walk confidently and hold your eyes ahead. It is going to make you look helpless and vulnerable.
Don’t walk solo around Morocco at night: Ensure you’re in a group and pay heed to your gut! If anything doesn’t feel right, pay for a cab and arrive safely at your hotel or destination.
