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Travel Talk Tours Review: The Exotic Morocco Tour

Last updated: March 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 13 Comments

We’ve explored a number of countries in partnership with Travel Talk Tours , including Turkey, Morocco and Egypt .

You can read about our Jewels of the Nile tour in Egypt here , and our tour of Turkey with Travel Talk Tours here .

In Morocco we did the Exotic Morocco tour with Travel Talk Tours, and this tour is all about our experience on that trip.

By the end of the post, we hope you’ll have an idea if this is the sort of tour for you.

In case you’ve not heard of them, Travel Talk Tours do excellent value group tours in a number of countries around the world, and it seemed like a fun and easy way to meet new people, experience new countries, and find exciting things to take pictures of.

The first trip we ever did with Travel Talk Tours was this tour of Morocco , titled “Exotic Morocco”. This was billed as the best way to experience the highlights of the country, from the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, to the beach of Essaouira, through to camping under the stars and camel riding in the Sahara desert.

That’s a lot to take in, and a lot of ground to cover, with the desert and wilderness parts being what I was most looking forward to.

So what was our experience with Travel Talk Tours in Morocco? Read on for our full review of our Travel Talk Tours Exotic Morocco tour! You can also see more photos from this tour (if there aren’t enough in this post!) in this photo essay I did.

Our 10 Day Exotic Morocco Tour Itinerary with Travel Talk Tours

This post outlines our experiences and review of our Travel Talk Tours Morocco Tour.

This was a 10 day Morocco tour, covering many of the highlights of Morocco over the 10 day itinerary. If you wanted to travel for a shorter time, Travel Talk have a number of Morocco tours on their website here .

Day 1: Marrakech

I’d actually spent eight days in Marrakech prior to the tour starting, so had fairly comprehensively visited all the sights. This was a good thing, but the first day was really just about meeting the rest of the group and having an evening briefing.

Our guide let us know how to get into the old city from our hotel (about 3km away), but no formal activities were arranged. If you are interested in sight-seeing in Marrakech, this excellent post has you covered .

Day 2: Drive to Desert Camp in Zagora

The adventures on the bus begin! You’re going to notice there’s a lot of time spent on the bus. On our tour, this was a comfortable bus that could seat around 22 people, and as there were only 16 of us, most people got two seats.

That’s not standard of course, but it did make the trip fairly comfortable.

Our trip took us from Marrakech to Zagora, a journey that required crossing the Atlas mountain range, which divides the country.

These are a gorgeous mountain range, and the drive through them was filled with jaw dropping scenery.

The tour stopped a few times on the way for bathroom / drink / snack breaks, and we had a longer stop for lunch.

Lunch stops on the tour were always optional, in that you didn’t have to go to the recommended restaurants, but everyone did because it was generally the easiest (and sometimes only) option!

Finally, after a full day of driving, we got as far as the bus could go, and walked the last section to the desert camp as the sun was setting. Here we had a full meal, music by firelight, and tented accommodation under the stars.

In this case, the accommodation was fairly basic, with four beds per tent, although everything was clean and well maintained. The food was excellent, and we had a really nice evening with everyone.

Day 3: Camel Trekking and 4×4 adventures

The day started early – I wanted to catch the sunrise – so I was out of bed by 6am. Conveniently, a whole pile of camels were collected just behind the tents, which made for some photogenic scenes as the sun rose over the sand dunes.

Then, after breakfast, it was time for a two hour ride on a camel in the desert!

I’m not going to lie, riding a camel isn’t exactly a comfortable affair. For the first ten minutes it was tremendous fun. Then you realise that the seat isn’t so comfortable (you try putting a seat on a hump), and you’re going to be stuck up here for another hour and fifty minutes, and it becomes more of an endurance test. Ok, so I may be exaggerating a little. It was definitely an experience.

Jess actually decided to walk her camel rather than ride it and just walked along with the guides and helped direct the camels which was perhaps the smarter idea.

But I am quite happy to now have ticked off “camel-riding” from my things I’ve done list, and plan not do it again…

From the camel riding we hopped into a collection of 4×4’s. I was particularly excited to be in a Toyota Landcruiser, which took me back to my year’s Australian exploration . Having an actual padded seat was also a bonus after two hours on a camel.

Our first stop was a village which makes pottery, and we had a nice tour of the pottery making, followed by the option to buy some pottery.

This was a really nice experience, and there was no hard sell at all, just the opportunity to buy some pottery if you wanted. It was really nice pottery, so a lot of folks invested in tagines and tableware, which were at quite reasonable prices.

Then, on again, this time, into the edge of the Sahara proper – hence the 4×4’s! We had a brief stop for lunch, which involved a large picnic rug under some palm trees, and then drove into the desert. If you’ve never ridden a jeep in the desert, you’re in for a treat, this is a load of fun as these vehicles show off what they can do in the sand.

We stopped by a huge dune from where we had a gorgeous view of the sunset, before heading to another desert camp under the stars.

I very much preferred this second desert camp. Surrounded by huge dunes and with a gorgeously clear sky, it was perfect for star gazing and a spot of astrophotography. Plus, music and drinks by the campfire, not to be sniffed at!

Day 4: Onwards to Tinghir

After another early start (you can’t miss the opportunity to shoot a sunrise in the Sahara!), we had another decent breakfast and it was onwards to Tinghir.

If you look at a map of Morocco, you’ll notice that Tinghir is about a five hour drive from Mhamid, which is the town on the edge of the desert, and we were an hour and a half’s drive inside the desert. So, you guessed it, another full day on the bus.

Again, the scenery was pretty epic, and there were plenty of stops for photos, bathroom breaks, snacks and so on, so this wasn’t a problem.

The highlights of this day (other than that gorgeous sunrise), was the trip up into Todgha gorge, a fantastic canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas mountains, with walls that tower up to 160m on either side.

It’s very popular with hikers, and a really worthwhile place to visit.

Then, we drove into Tinghir and spent the night in a hotel with lovely panoramic views over the city as the sun set.

Day 5: To Fez!

Our fifth day was another day of driving. Morocco is a fairly well spread out country, so a lot of transportation seems inevitable.

The good news is that we had two nights scheduled in Fez, which meant a whole day of exploration was to come. In the meantime, it was a full day on the bus, enjoying the scenery of the Atlas mountains, again with lots of short breaks.

The highlight of this trip had to be the stop for the monkeys. I mean, who doesn’t like monkeys? (Sorry if you don’t like monkeys).

We paused for at least a half hour in a lovely wooded area where we watched monkeys of all sizes playing in the trees, swinging from branches, and generally having a good old monkey time.

Then, it was into Fez, where we checked into a lovely hotel, and had the option of an evening entertainment performance (extra fee). This involved a short bus trip into the centre of the city, and an evening of dinner and entertainment. This included music, belly dancers, and a magic show.

It was also very interactive, with everyone ending up on stage at some point. The food was tasty, and everyone had a great deal of fun.

Day 6: A Day in Fez

Fez is home to the oldest university in the world, and the old medieval market, or medina that makes up the heart of the old town centre, has roots reaching back to the 9th century.

So it was no wonder that it’s a UNESCO listed site , or that our tour would have us spending a full day here.

This involved a guided tour of the medina which lasted a few hours, with a local guide.

We were led through the maze that is the medina (I would have been totally lost within moments on my own!), who showed us all sorts of interesting stalls where the locals come to do their shopping, as well as some of the highlights of the medina including that ancient university.

Then it was on to the world famous tanneries of Fez. Unfortunately, these are under serious renovation, after countless centuries they were a little the worse for wear. So we got to see a construction site, and a video of what they should have looked like.

Having visited tanneries before, I wasn’t totally sad about this, because they smell awful when in operation! Still, I was a bit sad to miss the photography opportunity.

Then we were given the opportunity to buy from a local tannery, as well as from a local weavers. Again, these were generally fairly soft-sell locations without too much pressure to buy, the quality and prices were reasonable, and certainly plenty of souvenirs were bought by folks on the tour! Then it was back to the hotel and dinner at our leisure.

Day 7: Rabat and Casablanca

From Fez, it was another long drive, this time to the coast, with our destination being the city of Casablanca – made famous by the movie of the same name, even though none of said movie was actually filmed anywhere near Africa!

On the way we stopped for a tour of Rabat, which is the capital of Morocco and another World Heritage Site. Here we were taken for a tour with a local expert guide. This included a visit to the Hassan Tower, construction of which commenced in 1195 but which was never finished.

Then, it was on to the Andalusian Gardens , the ruins of the Roman city of Chellah , before we finished our tour wandering around the gorgeously colourful Kasbah of the Udayas – filled with lovely blue and white walls, intriguing doorways and tiny alleyways.

I think it’s fair to say we would all have been happy to spend more time in Rabat.

Time, unfortunately, wasn’t on our side, as we had to head on down the coast to Casablanca, another long drive away. We took the scenic coastal route, and I did enjoy seeing the rural coastline, and how different it was from the mountainous and desert regions.

Finally, as evening was hoving into view, we arrived into Casablanca. Casablanca isn’t really as romantic as the movie made out , being largely a commercial port city, but it does have a impressive mosque.

The Hassan II Mosque isn’t particularly old (1993), but it is the largest mosque in Morocco, the seventh largest mosque in the world, and it has the highest minaret in the world, at 210m. It’s also a convertible, in that the interior roof retracts to open the interior to the sky. It’s a rather impressive building, to say the least.

We had an optional tour (fee) scheduled of it for the following morning, but as the light was so lovely, we had a chance to explore and wander a little as the sun set, where I was able to capture some jolly nice images.

Then, it was back to the hotel, dinner, and bed.

Day 8: Casablanca and Essaouira

Casablanca started with a morning tour of the Hassan II Mosque. Like the majority of the activities we did, this was also optional, but most people chose to do it.

It was very much worth it as the building is hugely impressive, and as I’d never been in a mosque before, I was intrigued to learn how they worked.

The guided tour was very interesting, and if you’re in Casablanca or on this trip with Travel Talk, I very much recommend making the time to do this.

Then, we left Casablanca, and headed down the coast to Essaouira, another pile of driving away. We stopped for a delicious sea food lunch on the way, and arrived as night was falling.

The hotel was about a 20 minute walk outside the city centre, but some of the group still took advantage of our guide’s offer of a walking tour, and spend some of the evening exploring the medina and old city. I have to admit that Jess and I were tired, so gave that one a miss, opting to explore it the following morning on our own.

Day 9: Essaouira and Marrakech

Our last full day of tour started off with a relaxing free morning, which was nice. We opted to spend it wandering into Essaouira, filming location of one of my favourite TV shows .

After a twenty minute walk along the beach we arrived at the city walls, and I have to say, I instantly fell in love with this 18th century walled city. It just seemed like the perfect place to come and while away a few weeks, wandering the alleys, city walls and beach, whilst sampling some delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Of course, we didn’t have time to spend a few weeks – just a few hours. We packed them full though – with a highlight being the visit to the Citadel – well worth the minimal entry fee for the views.

Then, it was time to head back to the hotel, check out, and hop into the bus for the last journey of the tour – back to Marrakech!

We stopped on the way for a tour of an Argan oil production facility. Argan is an oil from a tree endemic to Morocco, and naturally is said to have all kinds of exciting properties. We didn’t buy anything, but it was interesting to see how the oil was produced and to meet the people making it.

Then, the last leg of the journey took us back to Marrakech, where we checked into the hotel.

There was the option of a trip into the city centre that evening which we didn’t take, as we’d already spend a couple of weeks in Marrakech , and had a few more nights scheduled there before our trip to Egypt.

Day 10: the End!

Whew! Still with me? Not much to say about the final day – after breakfast everyone said their goodbyes, exchanged contact details (well, facebook friend requests) and headed on their way.

Travel Talk includes airport transfers, so trundled everyone who was leaving back to the airport.

A good few people had booked a couple of extra nights in town, which I would recommend doing as otherwise you won’t see much of Marrakech. I’d also advise booking a guesthouse in the old medina part of town rather than where the Travel Talk hotel is located, as otherwise you’ll be journeying back and forth by taxi the 4km or so each way.

In terms of accommodation recommendations, we stayed at a centrally located basic Riad for three weeks, and there are plenty of options to choose from in Marrakech at all price points.

So that was the tour in detail. Let’s go over my thoughts on our experience and see if this is the right experience for you.

Travel Talk Tours review: What was good about our Exotic Morocco Tour?

Covered a lot – As you can see from what we did, our ten day itinerary really packed in a lot. We saw everything from deserts to mountains to beaches, cultural highlights and adventure activities. It was a fantastic way to easily experience a lot of Morocco in a relatively short period of time.

Great people – A tour like this can be made or broken by the people on it. In our case (and on both our tours with Travel Talk in fact), we had lovely people, many of whom have become friends – in fact one will be visiting us in Scotland soon!

We had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun together on our ten day adventure, and I got the impression that Travel Talk tours tend to be like this as a rule rather than an exception.

Easy way to see the country – It’s obviously entirely possible to do a trip like this on your own, plan it all out yourself, go at your own pace and so on.

For a first time visit to Morocco though, this could be a bit of an overwhelming amount of work, and the Travel Talk tour removes all the hassle.

You see all the highlights, hang out with great people, have a lot of fun, and don’t have to worry about anything other than making the bus in the morning. Too easy.

Decent accommodation at the price – One thing that really impressed everyone on the tour was the quality of our accommodation.

Aimed firmly at the backpacker market, the hotels we stayed in were a far cry from the hostels that many were used to.

Sure, you’re not going to be staying in the Ritz, but the hotels were all nice three and four star properties with good beds, high cleanliness standards, private bathrooms and so on.

No-one on the tour had anything bad to say about the accommodation.

Friendly, knowledgeable guides – Our guide Mustafa was very friendly and certainly knew a lot about the history of the country.

On those long bus rides, he’d often get up and chat to us about where we were driving, what we were seeing, and the history of the country. I have to confess, Jess paid more attention to this than me, I was happy to just let the scenery wash into me.

Value – Everyone we spoke to on the tour was very impressed by the value that the trip offered – we saw a lot, and as mentioned above, the accommodation was of a good standard.

It is worth mentioning that the sticker price on the website is not the final price. Like most tour companies, not all meals or activities are included in the price you pay prior to joining the tour.

Travel Talk certainly don’t hide this – it’s really obvious on their website what is and what isn’t included in each tour. Generally, you need to budget in entrance prices, some meals, any optional activities, and tips on top of the advertised price.

Each tour on the Travel Talk website has guidance for how much you might need to budget for these – see here for the Exotic Morocco example .

Then, also consider drinking water, alcohol, snacks, and gifts to come to a final budget.

I think the trips are excellent value for money, just make sure you do your sums first to be sure they are right for you!

Exotic Morocco Travel Talk Tours review: What wasn’t so great?

There are always going to be a few things that aren’t always ideal, although whether or not these are deal breakers for you entirely depends on your perspective. Personally none of the things I’m listing here were really issues for me, but I’m bringing them up so you’re aware:

WiFi access – There’s no WiFi on the bus, and the majority of the hotels we stayed at only offered WiFi in the lobbies. Usually this was fast enough for social media and e-mail, but I wouldn’t suggest you’d be streaming movies or uploading video.

In some cases, we couldn’t get it to work at all.  I expect over time this situation will evolve, but for now, be prepared not to be in constant contact with the world. Not a terrible thing really.

Long bus rides – As you’ll have noticed from the overview of what we did, we spent a lot of time on the bus. Like, a LOT of time. The bus was comfortable, and the driver and roads were both excellent, so it never felt dangerous, but it did go on for a while on some days.

The plus point to this is that we saw a lot of Moroccan scenery, which was absolutely stunning, particularly in the High Atlas and Desert sections of the tour.

There were also lots of stops for photos (and to buy water / use the loo), as well as loads of information from our guide about what we were seeing.

If you’re happy to gaze out of a bus window for hours on end, you’ll not have a problem with this. Otherwise, consider loading up your device with movies, bring a well stocked Kindle, or prepare to become best buddies with everyone on board!

Free time – We didn’t have a great deal of free time scheduled in to our trip, unless you opted out of some of the activities.

We did have plenty of time on the bus of course, but exploring on our own was a bit limited.

My advice would be to add on a day or two in Marrakech at the start or end of the trip if you want to see more the city, as the tour spends a minimal amount of time in the city, and there’s more than enough to do in Marrakech to fill a couple of days of sight-seeing and shopping.

If you’re looking for more ideas on what to do in Marrakech, check out this post from Jess, highlighting 12 must do’s in Marrakech !

Who’s going to be on a Travel Talk tour like this?

Morocco, being a Muslim country (if fairly liberal) isn’t known as exactly a party destination.

Our group was made up of 16 people (Travel Talk Tours can be up to 30 in size), with lots more women than men – there were three guys travelling with their girlfriends, including me, and then the rest of the group were either solo female travellers or groups of girlfriends. Ages ranged from mid-twenties to early thirties.

Nationalities wise, there was a heavy skew towards Australian, with Travel Talk tours generally popular amongst Australians and New Zealanders – our guide confirming that the gender split, age range and nationalities in our tour were pretty standard for their Morocco trips.

So just know that you will probably be on a tour with a group of 20-something Australian women.

Tips for travelling in Morocco

Morocco is a safe country to travel in. The main issues are health, in terms of keeping an eye on what you eat and drink, and the occasionally aggressive nature of some of the vendors.

In the latter case, this might be from street performers demanding you pay them an extortionate amount for the photo you snapped of them or someone who offers you a tour of the tanneries, followed up by some aggressive tactics to make you part with your cash.

My advice would be to have some change available to pay vendors if you do decide to take photos, and to stick to only organised tours with a pre-agreed price for the activities.

You’ll be largely insulated from the hassle on the Travel Talk tour, although some of the shops that the tour visits do feature some fairly persistent vendors.

Just remember that they’re trying to make a living, and if you do want to buy, nearly every price is negotiable.

For food and drink, similar rules apply to travelling in a good many countries – only drink bottled water, steer clear of salad and fruit that hasn’t been peeled, be wary of ice cubes (it might not be bottled water) and only eat food that is well cooked and served hot.

Check out this guidance for more info on staying healthy abroad.

Personally I didn’t get sick on the trip, but I travel a lot, and my stomach is pretty good at handling different types of food.

Many of the folks on our trip did get upset stomachs, diarrhea and the likes at some point in the tour, which is pretty much par for the course when travelling in areas like this.

Pack hand sanitiser and Imodium, or pop into a pharmacy when you’re in the country – there are plenty on hand, and they are more than used to handing over the right kind of pills to travellers in need!

If you go in the hotter months, stay hydrated, and be aware of the signs of dehydration – which can often manifest as food poisoning.

When’s the best time to visit Morocco?

Situated in North Africa, Morocco gets incredibly hot in the summer months (40C+), and quite cool in the Winter months, particularly at night and higher altitudes. There’s even skiing in the Winter.

The best time to visit therefore is generally the Autumn and Spring time, when daytime temperatures are in the mid twenties, and it’s cool enough at night not to need to use air conditioning.

Pack layers as sometimes it can be a bit cool at night, especially in the desert and in the higher mountainous regions.

Is the Exotic Morocco tour of Morocco with Travel Talk Tours for you?

Of course, I can’t answer that exactly! Hopefully you’ve got an idea of whether or not it is based on the post above.

I would say that if you want to see a good amount of Morocco, have a safe and fun trip with good people that also happens to be great value, then yes.

Of course, if you’re not into group tours, this won’t be for you. Travel Talk also generally has an age range of 21 – 35 on their tours, although our guide said that they have had all ages, so if you’re young at heart this would work for you too!

One thing that did stand out as a positive was that many of the folks on the tour had been on Travel Talk tours before, and were planning to go on them again. Clearly the company is getting it right on their tours for their audience, which is a great sign.

Finally, this wasn’t a “party” tour.Whilst alcohol was available at the hotels we were at, and stops were made to give us the option to purchase it (for example before heading into the desert), the long days, early starts and full schedule meant that whilst people might have had a beer or two (or some fine Moroccan wine!) in the evenings, there weren’t any late night party sessions.

Of course, this might vary based on your group, but again, indications from the guide were that this was very much the exception.

Further Reading on Morocco

If you’re looking for more reading on Morocco check out the following:

• Our guide to spending 3 days in Marrakech
• Jess’s guide featuring the best  things to do in Marrakech
• My photo essay on Marrakesh
• This travel guide to Morocco , for something to read and get you excited about on the plane ride over!

And that summarises our experience travelling Morocco with Travel Talk ! Have you been to Morocco? Been on a tour with Travel Talk? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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There are 13 comments on this post

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Tharsi says

30th December 2018 at 10:37 pm

My friend and I will be traveling from Toronto to Morocco in mid-February. We are so glad we came across your post. This really helped us decide if we want to do the trip or not. With the recent travel advisory do you think it’s still safe to travel to Morocco ?

Laurence Norah says

31st December 2018 at 12:29 am

Hey Tharsi!

So, there are very often travel advisories in destinations. In our experience, whilst they serve a useful purpose, they tend to be fairly broad brush, so it’s just a question of what you personally feel comfortable with. Currently I would personally see no reason not to travel to Morocco, but I can’t of course promise you that it’s a safe destination – nowhere truly is (even home!). So it’s always a personal decision. I think it’s safe yes, no less safe than the majority of destinations around the world, but that’s just my thought.

Not sure if this helps, but I hope you have safe travels 🙂

Breanna says

17th December 2018 at 12:03 pm

Hello there!

Thank you so much for the blog post! Part of the reason I ended up booking was due to it. I leave in a few days and im very excited!

I was wondering if you had a rough budget/general idea of how much you spent while on the tour? I can’t seem to find one from Travel Talk, and I’m just trying to sort out how much I should bring. Just a rough estimate would be great!

Thanks again,

17th December 2018 at 4:04 pm

Hey Breanna!

Our pleasure! You’re going to have an awesome time 😀

So, your main expenses will be your Travel Talk local fees (the exact amount should be in your booking,/pre-departure info), money for entrance fees to each paid attraction or museum you wish to visit (the amount for each should be in pre-departure info), and any money for any optional activities you wish to do (options and prices should be provided, these are normally booked the day you arrive and meet your tour group and leader).

The rest of your budget would be money for meals that are not covered (meals are relatively inexpensive in Morocco , you can normally eat for 5 to 10 USD we’d say), extra money for snacks/souvenirs/gratuities/extras (many public toilets have an attendant/cleaner present that you should tip a small amount).

On one of the last days of the trip, the group will collect tips/gratuities for the driver and tour guide (this is recommended but optional, and you can give what you wish).

We did not spend a lot of money in Morocco but some of the people on our tour bought a lot of souvenirs, goods, snacks, etc., and you decide if you want to do optional activities or not so you do have quite a bit of control over your budget. We’d also add that near the start of the tour there were some stops so folks could stock up on drinks and so on, which is a good budget option.

I’d exchange your money in Marrakesh after you arrive, the tour staff can tell you the best place for rates. I’d keep cash on you as some shops/stalls may not accept credit cards. You can pay the local payment in GBP, EUR, USD or the local currency; however the Travel Talk website advises you to pay the local payment in GBP in order to avoid exchange rate differences at the destination 🙂

This website should give you a good idea of some of the average prices for things like food, groceries, coffee, and souvenirs in Morocco: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Marrakech?displayCurrency=MAD

Hopefully this helps! We’d also say that if you’re doing the desert night sleep over, to make sure to bring some warmer clothes as the desert can be cold at night, especially at this time of year 🙂

Have an awesome trip, and do pop by when you are done to let us know how it was!

Laurence & Jess

Tracey Clarke says

9th May 2018 at 6:11 pm

Excellent Blog! very helpful … and the links were informative! My husband and I are going on the Exotic Morocco tour in July. We were wondering about when and where to get cash. Should we get a large sum at once? or smaller portions along the way? Also, does the dessert get cold at night in July? We want to pack light and just wondering about the best type of clothing to bring. Thanks for your help!

10th May 2018 at 8:54 am

We felt very safe on the tour so you should be fine to get a fair amount of cash, but the guides will tell you at the beginning of the tour as to your options for where you can withdraw cash so you can plan accordingly. We were there a little later in the year than July so it was a bit cool in the evenings, but the tents came with blankets. I have to confess I’m not sure exactly how cold it would be – I’m guessing not freezing, but possibly a bit cool, so maybe bring some warmer layers to be on the safe side. And do please pop back once you’re trip is done so I can update the post!

Stephanie says

18th June 2019 at 7:02 pm

Tracey, Is your Exotic Morocco tour starting on July 6th?

Mary Njenga says

11th March 2018 at 7:33 pm

Thanks ever so much for your detailed blog, it inspired me to sign up and I am now going solo trip next month. I have read many reviews that it helps to arrive a day or two ahead of the tour to explore Marrakesh. What would be your must-see places and what was your average budget per day? I plan on purchasing my first professional camera, what would be suited for Morocco as a beginner?

11th March 2018 at 8:59 pm

My pleasure, I’m sure you’re going to have an awesome time 😀 It definitely helps to arrive early if you want to see Marrakesh as the tour doesn’t include a lot of time for signtseeing. We’ve written a guide to our favourite things to do in Marrakech, which you can see here: https://independenttravelcats.com/12-things-to-do-in-marrakesh-morocco-marrakech/

In terms of budget, it’s not a very expensive place, I’d say you could easily get by on £20 – £40 a day.

For a camera, that’s quite a big question. I’m not sure exactly of your budget, but I’d probably recommend either a mirrorless camera like the Sony a6000 or the Fuji X-A5, or the Canon Rebel EOS 200D to get started. I’ve actually written a whole guide to picking a travel camera which might help, you can see that here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-travel-camera/

If you read that and still have questions, I’m happy to help of course!

Happy travels!

Simona says

16th February 2018 at 7:30 pm

Thank you very much for all the details included in this article. I have 2 big curiosities: did you go to Chefchaouen too? We’d be very interested in visiting it and I saw it mentioned on the website describing the tour. Also, did you pay full amount of the trip upon subscribing? Thanks much for your help and happy visiting:)

17th February 2018 at 8:35 pm

Hi Simona! The tour we did, titled Exotic Morocco, did not go to Chefchaouen, however, looking at the itinerary, this tour does seem to have been updated and now includes Chefchaouen. For the payment, Travel Talk splits the payment into two parts – one part that you pay up front, and one part that you pay locally when you arrive. This is made pretty clear when you book, and is listed as the tour price and the local payment. So you pay the tour price on booking, and the local payment on arrival. Hope this helps!

18th February 2018 at 7:07 am

Thank you very much for clarifying and for inspiring me to choose them for the Morocco tour!

19th February 2018 at 6:12 pm

My pleasure – have a great trip!

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Morocco travel blog — the fullest morocco travel guide for a budget trip for first-timers.

Morocco is an Islamic country located in the northwestern part of Africa, both the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and the gateway to the Sahara desert, so this country possesses different types of terrains and diversity in climate, along with countless of extremely beautiful, impressive, spectacular landscapes. As part of the Arab world, Morocco also has many cultural traditions and a treasure of very unique Islamic art and architecture. That is why Morocco is always a favorite destination of many tourists around the world, and especially always on the “must-visit” list of any traveler. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Morocco for the first-time? Let’s check out our Morocco travel blog (Morocco blog, Morocco trip blog) with the fullest Morocco travel guide (Morocco guide, Morocco tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Morocco travel blog: Overview of Morocco

Geographically, Morocco is formed up of four different regions: The Sahara desert with its towns and Berber oasis (Siwa Oasis); the Atlas and Rif mountains; the plains were home to the royal cities of Strasbourgesh and Fez (Fes); and finally the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by small seaside towns and the cities of Rabat and Casablanca.

Morocco (Arabic name Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah, meaning “The Western Kingdom”) is a country located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east and Western Saharah to the south. The whole country of Morocco is divided into 16 regions, with the capital of Rabat and the largest and most famous city of Casablanca.

Safety and security

Theft can happen in big cities and along beaches, where you should avoid deserted areas and stay alert at all times, especially after dark. Remember do not bring large amounts of money or valuables with you.

In big cities, in addition to petty theft, pickpockets and extorting money, I find the safety and security in Morocco not so bad. In crowded places, there are many policemen in uniform and plain clothes. In the old towns (Medina) always have crowded markets, it is necessary to pay attention to your belongings. You should leave the passport in the suitcase at the hotel, bring only a photocopy.

The southwestern border region which bordering Algeria and the southern territories of Western Sahara, especially near the border with Mauritania because of kidnapping and is advised by the authorities that visitors should not to come there due to the complicated security situation in these areas.

The US government has a website to notify the security situation (terrorism, natural disasters) of all countries in the world here .

The French government also has a similar site, access here .

The national religion of Morocco is Islam. Coming here, it is advisable to wear discreetly, limit open underarms and short skirts on streets to show respect for locals. If it’s too hot, you can bring a thin, long, large scarf to wear instead of a shirt with sleeves.

In Morocco, in large places of worship, men and women are not allowed to pray in the same area but must be separated, male on one side, female on the other. There are different entrances as well.

The Moroccans speak two main languages, Arabic and French, and in the mountainous areas, there also is a Berber language. All the signs, in addition to Arabic, they are also available in French, so you don’t have to worry about falling illiterate.

A few common words (transliteration):

• Where is the toilet: Fin kaynin toilettes?
• Hello: Salam
• Goodbye: Bslama
• Thank: Shokran
• Thank you (in Berber): Ten miêrt
• Agree, ok : Wakha
• Let’s go: Y-allah

The flag of Morocco flag is red, with a green five-pointed star, which is the symbol of the Kingdom of Morocco. Originally, the Moroccan flag was plain red, embodying the Alaouite dynasty, which ruled Morocco since 1631. In 1915, a green five-pointed star was added to distinguish it from the flags of other countries that also had red. Green is the color of hope and also the color of Islam. The star represents the 5 pillars of Islam:

• Fasting (Ramadan)
• Pilgrimage (to Mecca, Islam’s holy site)

Morocco blog: When to visit?

Due to its diversisty in geography, the best time to travel to Morocco depends largely on where you will going to, but overall, Morocco is a great year-round destination. With its long coastline, majestic mountains, and desert landscapes, it’s an incredibly diversity country in landscape that offers unique experiences to explore at any time of year. January is the wettest and coldest month and July and August are the hottest months, so you’ll see less touristy. Spring (March & April) and autumn (September & October) have the most pleasant weather.

In the Sahara region, cities in the plains, you should be avoided come in mid-summer. Desert climate is hot, dry and clear in the summer, but nighttime temperatures can plummet. However, the hottest months are ideal for visiting coastal cities like Essaouira and Rabat. The winter months in the mountains are very cold, which can be difficult to come as many hotels do not have heating system.

From October to May next year is the best time to visit Morocco. The autumn and spring’s weather is cool. Winters are not as cold as Southern Europe. The desert night is quite cold, so you still need to bring warm clothes. The Moroccan spring often comes a little earlier than in Europe. From mid to late February, plum and apricot blossoms bloom white on oases in the middle of desert. In late April, early May, roses bloom brilliantly in the valley of roses (Vallée dés Roses).

During Christmas and New Year, the whole Europe is on holiday, the streets will be a bit crowded and the price of services will be slightly higher. Because Morocco is Europe’s neighbor, the French and Germans like to go to their neighbor to relax, especially special holidays.

Morocco travel blog: Getting to Morocco

The simplest and most convenient way is flying to big cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Rabat… There are many low-cost airlines operating daily flights from European cities to Morocco and the flight time is also very reasonable (It takes average 3 – 4 hours of flying) such as Ryanair, Volotea, Easyjet… If you hunting hard, you can find cheap airfares for just a few dozen of Euros / round-trip. I often use Skyscanner , Google Flights to find tickets and then go directly to websites of airlines to buy.

Alternatively, you can also drive to Morocco from Europe via a transit ferry from the Spanish city of Tarifa to Tangier. Some ferry companies such as FRS, Inter Shipping regularly operate ferries that connecting these two cities with travel time of about 1 hour. See ferry routes and timetables here .

Morocco blog: Getting around Morocco and between cities

Morocco’s national railway company is ONCF. The railway network in Morocco is concentrated mainly in the north and cities along the west coast, connecting the major cities. Therefore, if you want to getting to cities in the South (such as Agadir), the bus is the most reasonable choice.

Train tickets can be purchased online through the company’s website at:( https://www.oncf.ma/fr/ ), via app ( iOS , Android ) or directly at ticket counters at train stations.

If you want a guarantee and rest assured, you can buy tickets 1 to 2 days in advance.

Like me, when I was in Marrakech, I checked the train schedules and prices in advance on the web, then went to the station 1 hour before departure and bought tickets directly at the ticket counter. This helped me more flexible and not be constrained by time.

A few things you should keep in mind are:

• The ticket counter will stop selling 3 minutes before departure time.
• In big cities like Marrakech or Casablanca have relatively high frequency of trips, on the contrary, smaller cities like Meknes have quite a few trips. So, if you stay in small cities, you should carefully check the departure time of train to arrange a reasonable travel time.
• On the train, you must always keep your belongings within sight, to avoid being “lost your luggage” when train stops at stations.

Example fares: Train from Casablanca – Marrakech : 95 MAD (10 USD); Bus supratours from Marrakech – Essaouira : 80 MAD (8.4 USD), Train from Fes – Meknes : 22 MAD (2.3 USD).

It is the most convenient means of transportation in Morocco. The bus network covers the whole country, so it is possible to reach places that train cannot. The major bus carriers are CTM ( http://www.ctm.ma/ ), Supratours ( http://www.supratours.ma/ ), SATAS and Trans Ghazala.

When traveling in Morocco, I chose the CTM bus company (because the company has frequently bus trips, and the service is also relatively good).

Riding by bus, I recommend you to book tickets 1 to 2 days in advance to be able to choose the most suitable trip in terms of both tickets and timetables. The reason is that if you buy tickets on the departure date, but unfortunately the bus trip you already choose is already full, you will be pushed to the next trip. In big cities, the waiting time between bus trips is not too long (about 1 hour), so take the next trip is still okay.

But, in contrast, in small cities (eg Chefchaouen) the frequency is reduced quite a lot and you have to wait for a long time to wait for the next bus, which can affect your expected schedule.

This is also a good option to getting around in Morocco, helping you to be more proactive in your time as well as being able to reach places that trains and buses cannot reach. However, self-driving in Morocco also requires you to be very steady and careful.

As far as I can see, the traffic here is a bit chaotic, especially in small cities (eg Chefchaouen): pedestrians cross the street anywhere; On the road, in addition to cars, there are also horse-drawn carriages, donkey carts, and horns are loud, in general, it feels quite similar to Vietnamese traffic.

Moreover, the terrain in the North of Morocco has many hills and passes, so self-driving is not for weak drivers.

Getting around in cities

Inside medina, motor vehicles are prohibited, you can only walk or donkey riding. The area of medina is not too large but complicated like a maze. So prepare a good pair of walking shoes.

In Moroccan cities, there are always people who are enthusiastic to show you the way to ask for money. If needed, let them guide directions for you and pay about 10-20 MAD (1-2 USD). If you feel uncomfortable, just say “No” clearly a few times. If they insist on following and walking ahead, pretending to give directions, I often take advantage of when they don’t notice and stop by a shop on the street. If they don’t see you anymore, they will leave away.

In order to limit being disturbed on the road, you should not hold a paper map in your hand with a blank face, a half-lidded gaze. Instead, you should download offline maps of MAPS.ME or Google Maps , plus compass apps to your phone for convenient navigating. In Marrakech and Fes, paper maps are also not very effective because in the souks, almost all streets have no numbers, streets without names.

Outside of medina, the most convenient way to travel are taxis. Taxi prices in Morocco are comparable to Vietnamese taxis. In Casablanca and occasionally in Marrakech, taxi is billed by meter. During rush hour, the drivers often refuse to turn on the meter, you should ask in advance to be sure and bargain the price before getting on the car.

There are two types of taxis operating in cities in Morocco: “grand taxi” – large taxi and “petit taxi” – small taxi.

Small taxi: 4-seater car, only allowed to run in the inner cities. According to regulations, this type of taxi can only carry a maximum of 3 passengers.

“Our group went with 4 people, even though we saw that the car still has an available seat and asked the driver to take all 4 of us, the driver disagreed and asked to divide into 2 groups to accept it”.

Large taxi: Usually a 7-seater taxi, this type can go out of town or traveling between neighboring cities.

In cities, to getting from city center to airport, you can only take this large taxi.

With most taxis, the price list is listed on the window of the car, however, you can still bargain with the driver to get the most reasonable price.

Casablanca also has a tram system, the way to buy tickets and travel is the same as in Europe.

Morocco travel blog: Where to go?

Marrakech (marrakesh).

There are few places where red is so overwhelming as in Marrakesh, from houses, walls, even the streets are painted pink or red. This North African city has a multi-dimensional, mysterious and captivating life.

It is the country’s fourth largest city, after Casablanca, Fes and Tangier. Marrakesh, located in the southwest, was once the capital of Morocco, playing an important role in the trans-Saharan trade route. The history of formation and development of Marrakesh has gone through many periods. Since the 13th century, Marrakesh is no longer the capital, but is still one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, an important commercial center. Marrakesh is also one of Morocco’s artistic cities, a national and international tourist destination.

Attractions in Marrakesh: Jemaa el Fna Square, Medina old town, Souks. Medina Old Town is a top tourist attraction in Marrakesh and is surrounded by 9km of high walls. Jemaa el Fna Square is a bustling place with all kinds of representations of the daily life of Moroccans, Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest Koran school in North Africa, Bahia Palace, Souk Flea Market in the Medina is also a must-see place during your visit.

Chefchaouen

Also known as the Blue City of Morocco, Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains in the northwestern Morocco. It’s a small city, a bit remote, but well worth a visit in the vibrant shades of turquoise of the houses, charming alleyways, a photogenic and perfect spot to take virtual living photos.

The city is built on a hill, so be prepared for a hike, when you get to the top it can feel like you just went for a hike. Walking is the best way to experience the city as there are many narrow streets that cannot be accessed by cars.

Sahara Desert tour

There are many Sahara desert tours that offered by tour operators in Morocco, with options ranging from camping, day trips, or night add-ons combined with other city tours. Camping in the Sahara Desert is a dream for any visitor, it’s definitely the ultimate nomadic experience. This is where you can experience walking on the sand dunes to watch the sunrise, camel riding, camping…

Known as Morocco’s cultural capital, Fes is a place you’ll definitely want to visit once. Ranked as the second largest city in Morocco, Fez served as the country’s capital until 1925. The city is known as the “Athens of Africa” ​​for preserving its diverse historical heritage. One of the heritages with the most vivid image of the Moroccan people is in the Fez markets (souks). Visit the Fes el Bali area to discover the unique cultural features, which was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1981.

Fes is located just over 300 miles from Marrakech which you can reach by car or plane. This UNESCO World Heritage city is one of the best-preserved ancient Arab cities in the world and the largest car-free urban area on earth.

The seaside city of Essaouira

Located on the coast of Morocco, Essaouira is known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent kitesurfing conditions and beautiful beaches. If you stay in Marrakech, there is a bus that connects these two cities. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Another option is to hire a taxi from Marrakech airport and a one-way trip will cost around $90.

Tangier is a northern Moroccan city with a population of over 2 million, located on the North African coast, to the west of the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, which borders the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans at Cape Spartel. This city has cultural features, architecture that mixed of France and Spain.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Tangier attracts visitors by its vibrancy that few places have. Visitors can move here by taxi after about 10 minutes from city center. My first impression of Tangier is the lively, bustling street and beautiful beaches just ten minutes away from the center. By the beach are markets, modern residential areas, frequented by tourists from all over the world with a wide variety of goods on sale.

In 1923, Tanger was called an international city under a treaty between nine countries with interests in Morocco: France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

Meknes is one of the four most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Before choosing Marrakesh as the next capital, Meknes served as the capital of Morocco from 1672 – 1727 under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Today, the city still retains the images that recreate the heroic history with the architectural style of Spain and Morocco. Especially the great gates with high walls. The impressive historical landmarks: Mosques, old markets and squares… Especially the old town (medina) in this city is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the largest port in Africa. Casablanca is known to many people through the movie of the same name, but it is not the filming location of this movie. With the diversity in culture from Portuguese, French and Moors, make the city is more dynamic and full of vibrant.

The city of Ouarzazate is known as “The Door of the Desert” because of its location on the edge of Sahara Desert. This place is a “quiet” land of palm trees, sandy roads and buildings bearing the image of fortresses. In particular, Ouarzazate also owns two largest film studios in the world, Atlas Studios and CLA Studios. Moreover, there are many movies using the setting here, so this city is also known as the “Hollywood of Africa”. When coming to this city, the following attractive tourist attractions will surely attract you: First is Sahara desert, Todra gorge – a great natural wonder or visit Taourirt Kasbah, which is an important histrical fortified residence complex of Morocco.

The city is now the capital of Morocco and was established in the 12th century. Rabat impresses with its diverse landscape of flowers, plants and trees. In addition, monumental works must be mentioned gates such as the Great Gate of the Kasbah (Bab Oudaya) and The Gate of Ambassadors.

Some notable attractions in Rabat: Mamora forest, beautiful beaches, mosques, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, ancient city (medina), Royal square, Chellah medieval fortified, … Not only that, tourists can visit the National Craft Museum or stop at the street cafes while wandering in Rabat.

The town of Asilah or Arzeila is located in the northwest region on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is located in the northern Atlantic Bay and is 31km from the city of Tangier. The town has a pretty good depiction of Moroccan culture, including murals.

Morocco travel blog: Where to stay?

Room rates in Morocco are much cheaper than in Europe. The price for a double room, included breakfast, from 30 USD (guesthouse), 50 – 60 USD (2-star hotel or hostel), with more than 100 USD you can stay in a 4-star hotel.

To find top rated and best hotels in cities in Morocco you can go to Booking.com , Agoda.com . If you want a budget stay let choose Airbnb , and use this link https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185 , to register for an Airbnb account and book a room, you will get a discount up to $55 for the first booking.

The main attractions are located in medina (old town in city), you should rent a room here for convenience. But also should not be too far from the motorway in case you have bulky luggage, to avoid spend much effort. For example, in Marrakech, you should rent a room near Jemaa el-Fna square, in Casablanca, you should rent near United Nations Square or Casa-Port Railway Station (note that in Casablanca there are 2 big stations that are quite far apart), in Fes, you should rent in Talaa Sghira street or Talaa Kebira street (the beginning of this street near Bab Boujloud).

In the old town, there are usually few big hotels. Instead, there are Dar or Riad which are traditional Moroccan homestays. Riad is usually built in square-shaped, with a skylight and a small garden in the middle, creating a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. You should stay there once, I’m sure you will like it.

Morocco blog: How to buy and choose desert tour?

Coming to Morocco, riding a camel in the sunset or sunrise in the Sahara desert is an experience not to be missed. In the medina in Fes and Marrakech there are many tour operators offering tours to the desert, but in reality there is only one company that organizes it. Tour operators only distribute as travel agents, so there is no need to book online in advance, so just directly go to their offices to bargain and choose the cheapest one to buy.

Check out the tour schedule here: https://www.igomorocco.com/

There are different types of tours to desert: 2 days to Zagora (Ouarzazate); 3 days to Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) or 4 days to both places. I found the 3-day tour to Erg Chebbi is the most suitable and reasonable. The 2-day tour to the Zagora does not see the beautiful shimmering sand dunes as shown on Instagram, while the 4-day tour is a combination of the two tours above, you will have to waiting for the car for a long time in Ouarzazate.

The distance from Merzouga to Marrakech and Fes is about the same. If your itinerary includes both of these cities, you can request tour operator pick up in Marrakech, drop off in Fes or vice versa.

If riding a camel, you should wear long pants, not lace or jean pants that are too tight or hard (my own painful experience). Overnight in the desert, you have to sleeping in a Berber tent which is very cold, need to bring extra warm clothes. In addition, you should bring more toilet paper – “paper attached to the intestines”, haha!

Morocco travel blog: What to eat?

Moroccan food is delicious and rich. Traditional restaurants often have tajin, couscous, pastilla or lamb or beef stews. In souks (traditional markets), there are many kinds of savory, delectable grilled meat, skewers. Morocco is a Muslim country, so people don’t eat pork.

Breakfast in riads has many types of breads, cornmeal pancakes, with jams, honey, butter, mint tea, and delicious freshly orange juice.

The Moroccan pastries are also delicious (but very sweet). Some pastry is as small as a thumb, goes well with mint tea.

During the two weeks of eating and drinking all over Morocco, I always remember of eating fresh fish and seafood in Essaouira. If you have the opportunity to visit, do not forget to try.

B’ssara (Moroccan fava bean soup)

B’ssara is a soup made with simple ingredients using beans, olive oil and local flavor cumin. This is a traditional Moroccan dish often used in daily meals. It can be used in breakfast to start a new day and served with bread. The price for this dish is quite cheap, a bowl costs only a few cents.

You can’t leave Morocco without trying tagine! This is a stewed soup that is considered a Moroccan’s culinary cultural symbol with its very own taste. Its ingredients include mea, poultry, or fish, vegetables, spices, nuts, all are stewed in a clay pot. It’s available everywhere that you can find easily in this country from high-end restaurants to eateries, roadside food stalls.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese comes in a lot of Moroccan recipes and is amazing. If you are a lover of goat cheese then you will especially love this in Morocco.

Morocco is home to a wide variety of olives. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil, so it’s the perfect place to sample all kinds of olives.

Almonds are the basis ingredient of many of the delicious things here, especially the orange blossom flavored almond milk and Moroccan spiced almonds.

Kefta tagine

Kefta tagine is the name of a dish made from minced beef or lamb mixed with ingredients and spices such as coriander, garlic, and cinnamon. Then it will be rounded into balls and cooked in tomato and onion sauce under skillful hands of chefs. The final step to perfect the dish make it greasy, a few eggs will be added into the pot.

You must definitely enjoy delicious dishes made from lamb, the most famous of which is Méchoui. Previously it was a traditional dish used in wedding parties, later it was mentioned as one of the famous street foods in Morocco. To make this dish, people use a whole lamb, marinate with herbs and spices and then spit-roasted on charcoal.

Akouda is a cake made from mashed potatoes combined with aromatic spices. This dish is deep-fried until golden crispy and eaten hot. It can be dipped with tomato sauce, served with salad or sandwiched with bread are all very delicious, this dish is popular in northern Morocco and in old towns (medina).

This is a traditional dish associated with Moroccan culture and religion. On the Friday after the weekly prayer, if you travel to Morocco, you will find this dish on all Moroccan family tables. Couscous is stewed from vegetables such as zucchini, pumpkin, eggplant, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, green beans, chicken and beef. Especially served with Leben – a traditional fermented milk.

Chermoula fish

Bordered by Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean with a long coastline, Moroccan cuisine is rich with a lot of dishes made from a multitude of different types of fish. Chermoula is one of them with an irresistible delicious taste. The dish with a combination of herbs, spices and fish is grilled over charcoal with the highlight of a special sauce.

Deep-fried Moroccan doughnuts

Import from French, a pastry lover’s dream. They are similar to fried donuts and you will find them all over the country.

Moroccan sweets, pastries

You’ll find shops full of sweets, and it’s easy to sample a variety. You can grab some bread and baklava or almond briouats and almost anything dipped in orange blossom water.

Moroccan smoothie made with avocado fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, kiwi, eggs, milk, and candies or nuts, is a must-try sweet treat of Moroccan cuisine.

Morocco travel blog: What to buy?

Morocco is one of the countries with many specialties. Tourists come here often buy:

• Rug: If you know that Iran has a famous Persian rugs, Morocco is also known as a rug paradise. The most prominent is the unique Berber wool rugs. One useful tip to not buy the wrong type of fake rug is to ask the seller to burn the tassels to try. If it’s real wool, it won’t catch fire, while fakes will catch fire and burn.
• Pottery (the most beautiful in Fes): You can come across all styles and ceramic products that Moroccans still use every day such as vases, cooking utensils, dishes, mosaics, ashtrays… The ceramics in Fes and Safi are best, the two main ceramics production sites of this country, they have a unique Moroccan style.
• Leather goods (in Fes, Essaouira or Marrakech). Head to Marrakesh and Fez to shop for these items, bags and leather products. Here sells a variety of products with vary prices, types and quality for you to choose from. In other cities of Morocco you can also buy these products but it is a bit smelly.
• Spices: Moroccan spices are very popular with tourists to buy as gifts after their trip. Locals sell spices in souks in every city. The most special is Ras el Hanout, which is a spice named after “head of the shop”. The reason it is called that is because the owner of the shop will mix this spices for you. Usually it consists of cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, ginger powder, clove pepper powder and some other spices.
• Herbal, dried rose, dried fruit (Marrakech or Essaouira have the most).
• Argan Oil (in Essaouira): The rarest gift that can only be found in Morocco is argan oil. Because the only place on earth where argan trees grow is near Essaouira. However, it is because of its scarcity that many people fake it to sell at a high price. When buying this oil, you should note that you should refer to a reputable place to buy and from locals to avoid being scammed.
• Decorative lamps and jewelry (in Marrakech)
• Fresh fruit, pomegranate, orange, and cactus are delicious.

Goods in Fes are a bit more expensive than in Marrakech, but much better. The souk near Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna square sells a lot of Chinese goods, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake items. Shopping in souks in Morocco, you always remember to bargain, starting from 1/3 to 1/2 off the asking price. It’s also a pleasure of going to a market, isn’t it?

Sometimes, you can meet people nearby invite you buy weed, you should be careful because Morocco has many policemen in plain clothes hidden in the crowd.

Morocco blog: Traveling cost

• Hotel: $50 – 60 / 1 night (double room in 2-star riad for 2 people)
• Food: $10 – 20 / 1 meal at delicious restaurants, with a nice view

I budgeted $80 – 90 / 1 person / 1 day (excluding airfare) and found it very Okay. If your budget is slightly lower, the total cost will be in the range of $60 – 70 / 1 day for all: meals, transportation, sightseeing (excluding airfare).

Picture below is the courtyard of La Table du Palais. One of the nicest restaurants I’ve been to. 150 DHs for the main course, 220 DHs for the main course and 1 side dish, 250 DHs for the whole appetizer, main course and dessert. If you just want to sit and rest for a while, don’t want to eat, you can order a glass of orange juice or mint tea, very affordable.

Morocco blog: Suggested Morocco travel itinerary

Over 2 weeks of traveling in this beautiful North African country has helped me gain some experience to be able to arrange a reasonable exploration itinerary.

Here are 2 itineraries that I think are quite reasonable for those who want to once set foot in Morocco:

• Itinerary 1: Marrakech (day 1 & 2) – Ouarzazate (day 3) – Merzouga (day 4) – Fès (day 5) – Chefchaouen (day 6) – Fès (day 7).
• Itinerary 2 (long time): Marrakech (day 1) – Essaouira (day 2) – Marrakech (day 3) – Ouarzazate (day 4) – Merzouga (day 5) – Fès (day 6 & 7) – Chefchaouen (day) 9) – Fès (10th) – Merknès (11th) – Rabat (12th) – Casablanca (13th) – Marrakech (14th).

In addition, if you have more time, you can also add to the itinerary of other tourist cities of Morocco such as Agadir, Tangier. Or, if you are an adventurer, you can also book High Atlas trekking tours departing from Marrakech, visit Berber villages (Imlil, Asni, Ourika, …) and admire the wonderful valleys beauty of this mountains.

These tours are very diverse in terms of places to visit as well as the number of days to go to which help you freely choose, and of course it is also sold a lot at agents in Marrakech.

We had another Morocco trip itinerary for 7 days here: Morocco 7 days itinerary — How to spend 7 days in Morocco perfectly to visit: Fez, Chefchaouen & Tangier .

Morocco travel blog: Some notes before you go

• Money exchange: The exchange rate in the airport is often not as good as outside, you should only exchange a little at the airport and then go to the city center to continue exchange. In Marrakech, on Prince Moulay Rachid street near Jemaa el-Fna square there are many banks.
• Major cities have ATMs, but don’t expect much because the machines are often broken.
• Plugs: Most plugs in Morocco are type C and type E. Standard voltage is 220 V and standard frequency is 50 Hz. An adapter will be the best for most electronic devices. Internet: Although you’ll find that most cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the city have Wi-Fi handy (and cheap!) for 4G while you’re traveling in Morocco. You can buy a Maroc Telecom SIM card for just 40 dirhams (just over $4) and get 10GB of data for 100 dirhams ($10).
• What to wear? Choose light, appropriate clothing. Be sure to always cover your shoulders and knees like using scarves and maxi skirts. They are ideal for warm sunny conditions and that shows respect for the culture – which in turn will get you treated with respect.
• Do not take pictures without permission in Morocco. They will respond as soon as you press the button. Many people here, and especially the elderly, think that if they are photographed, their images will be used for bad purposes. They are quite negative because of the influence on religion and spirituality. Usually people in tourist cities and young people will be more open, but you should ask before taking photos.
• Long pants should be worn when riding a camel, it is not denim or lace fabric and too tight will make you uncomfortable when sitting for more than 1 hour on a back of a camel. In addition, sleeping in a tent in the desert should wear enough warm clothes. Besides, it is necessary to prepare necessary personal belongings and drinking water, but it must be compact and hygienic.
• Do not go alone at night when traveling to Morocco, you need a trusted person to accompany you. Even if you are a muscular man, you should not go at night, especially in the desert, in a remote place. Another reason is because Moroccan roads are not always convenient and well-lit, so you should keep this in mind when traveling.
• Public toilets in Morocco are chargeable, except for hotels and restaurants. At some places, there is no collection, but there are still people standing to remind you not to forget to put tips in a box after use.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Morocco you can refer to

• 2D1N Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
• Ourika Valley Day Tour from Marrakech
• Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
• Agadir Day Trip From Marrakech
• Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech
• Marrakech City Tour
• Quad Biking Experience in Marrakech

Are you looking for more top things to do in Morocco: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And here .

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27 Unmissable Things to Do in Morocco (On Your First Visit!)

One destination on many adventurers’ lists is the beautiful country of Morocco and that comes as no surprise. There is no shortage of things to do in Morocco.

The country offers a wide variety of scenic wonders, cultural richness and adventurous activities to please any travelers’ desires.

We spent 15 days hopping cities and discovering what the draw of this place really was for fellow adventurers.

It is a beautiful country and although at times it can be a challenge, it is worth putting on your list if you’re an experienced traveler.

If you’re ready to explore a country that is different from the typical traveler’s destination, then have a look. You won’t be disappointed.

Plan your own adventure in Morocco: 15 Day Morocco Encompassed

27 Things To Do in Morocco

Table of Contents

 1. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Stepping off the plane in Morocco will find you immersed immediately in an unfamiliar culture. The sights, the sounds, and the customs will overwhelm your senses and bring out your true adventurer side.

Spend some time wandering the old medinas, haggling in the souks and observing the daily life. If you’re up for it, have a stroll through the meat market, you may even find a camel hanging on display.

These local lead tours will immerse you into culture when visiting Morocco.

• Morocco Kasbahs & Desert
• Morocco: Sahara & Beyond
• Highlights of Morocco

2. Experience the Marrakech Markets

Marrakech is one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, and one of the best things to do in Morocco is to experience the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s many markets.

The city’s busy souks and markets are where you can jump right into local life. Haggle for carpets, sit down for tea with the locals, and leave with many more souvenirs than you could possibly ever need!

Experience the Marrakech Markets today on these top local tours:

• Made in Marrakech Private Souks Shopping Tour (Incl. Pickup)
• Hidden Sights of Marrakech
• Private Tour: Marrakech Medina By Night

3. Visit the Glitzy Bahia Palace

Morocco is famed for its many palaces, but one of the most fascinating is found in Marrakech. The glitzy Bahia Palace is a beautiful work of art and architecture that dates back to the mid-19th century.

The palace was built for the city’s ruling minister and was home to one of Morocco’s most important families. Today, it’s still a maze of never-ending roads, squares, and gardens, where you can lose yourself for hours.

Make sure to add these top tours that include the glitzy Bahia Palace in Marrakech.

• Historical Marrakech Tour
• Marrakech Full Day Guided City Tour – Private Tour

4. See the Tanneries in Fez

One of the best things to do in Morocco is to see the unique tanneries in Fez. The Chouara Tannery is the most popular and dates back to around the 1tth century AD.

For hundreds of years, Fez’s tanneries have been producing high-quality leather, which is tanned and dyed in different colors. The business hasn’t changed much in almost a thousand years.

You can take a tour of the tanneries to see how the work is done and meet the craftspeople who carry it out.

There are many great tours offered in Fez but the ones below you simply can not miss out on.

• Guided tour of Fez and panoramic tour
• Fes Guided Tours Full Day
• Fes Medina Guided Half-Day Tour

5. Visit the Deserts of Merzouga

You can’t visit Morocco without visiting the desert, and one of the most impressive stretches of sand you can explore is found at Merzouga.

This desert town is the jumping-off point for Erg Chebbi, a hugely impressive collection of dunes close to the Algerian border.

Take a Merzouga Sahara Desert tour by camel safari, spend the night under the stars, or go on an ATV adventure through the desert sands of Merzouga, one of the best things to do in Morocco.

Visiting the Merzouga Sahara Desert is a bucket list adventure below are the top local tours we recommend.

• Sahara desert tour and camel trek and Camping
• Camel trekking Erg Chebbi (2 Nights ) Merzouga – Sahara Desert
• Sahara Desert Merzouga 3-Day from Marrakech

6. Learn To Cook Tagine

Morocco has a fantastic culinary tradition, and the country’s national dish is often said to be Tagine.

Consisting of vegetables and meat (usually lamb), slow-cooked in an earthenware pot, Tagine can be found on almost any traditional menu in Moroccan restaurants.

For a real experience, though, you should join a Tagine cooking class, where you can learn from local chefs the best way to prepare this Moroccan delicacy and the history behind it. 

Into cooking, why not learn from a local? Below are a few of the best local cooking classes offered in Morocco.

• Moroccan Cooking Workshops
• Moroccan Cooking Class Marrakech with Chef Khmisa
• Farmhouse Cooking Class from Marrakech

7. Visit the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Morocco is awash with archeological sites. To delve deeper into the history, you should visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Located close to the modern city of Meknes, Volubilis dates back to the ancient Berber kingdoms that ruled Morocco over 2000 years ago.

When the Romans arrived, they expanded it greatly, leaving the legacies you can see today.

Do not miss out on visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

• Excursion Meknes Volubilis
• A Wonderful Private Day Trip to Volubilis, Moulay Driss Zarhoun, Meknès from Fez

8. See the Moroccan Tree Goats

Morocco has some unique sights, but perhaps the most peculiar of them all are the tree-climbing goats.

Head to the Sous Valley, where goats are found climbing the rare Argania Tree in search of food (and selfies with tourists)!

9. Explore Bohemian Tangiers

The port city of Tangiers was once a favorite hangout for artists and writers during the 60s.

While things have become more conservative, you can still trace the history of famous authors such as William Burroughs, who lived rather Bohemian lives in the city.

Tangiers isn’t on the normal tourist path, but your not the normal traveler. We highly recommend adding it on to your Morocco itinerary.

• Day Trip – Fez > Tangier

10. Visit the Caves of Hercules

Morocco’s coastline is a place steeped in legend, and one of the most important sites to visit is the Caves of Hercules.

Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, this elaborate cave complex is thought to form part of the legendary ancient tales of Hercules.

There’s much evidence of ancient civilizations within the caves that remain to this day, including ancient maps and carvings drawn into the rock by the Phoenicians.

Discover the Caves of Hercules today on this amazing private tour: Tangier Medina & Hercules Cave

11. Visit a Piece of Spain in Morocco

You don’t need to take a ferry over to Europe to visit Spain, because there’s a piece of Spain inside Morocco. The city of Ceuta was never handed back to Morocco after decolonization and remains Spanish to this today.

You can cross over to explore a uniquely Spanish yet decidedly Moroccan-influenced part of Spain. It’s kind of like Gibraltar is for the British, and makes for a fun day trip from Morocco if you’re up on the coast.

12. Explore the Royal Sites and History of Meknes

One of the best things to do in Morocco is to visit the underrated city of Meknes. Located between Fez and Rabat, the city of Meknes was one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities.

Much of the grand, royal architecture remains to this day, while Meknes sees just a fraction of the tourists that visit more popular destinations.

Explore the museums and royal sites, visit palaces and mosques, and take in the beauty and grandeur of Imperial Morocco in all its glory.

Discover the best of Meknes on these top tours:

• Historic Meknes, Roman Volubilis and Moulay Idriss – Private Day Trip from Fes
• Small-Group Full-Day Meknes and Volubilis Tour from Fez

13. Visit Rabat, Morocco’s Capital City

Morocco’s capital is one of the most interesting cities in the country, but it’s always surprising how few people actually visit it or can even name it. No, the capital isn’t Casablanca or even Marrakech, but Rabat.

You can find French-inspired botanic gardens, resplendent Berber palaces of old, and a thriving mix of modernity and tradition that complement the lack of tourism well!

Discover the best of Rabat on these amazing local tours.

• Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town
• Day Trip from Fes to Rabat
• Private Day tour from Rabat to Chefchaouen in Rif mountains

14. Visit Casablanca, Morocco’s Largest City

Although Rabat might be the capital, it’s not actually Morocco’s largest city. That title goes to the much better-known city of Casablanca, enshrined into eternity by the timeless movie of the same name.

There’s a fantastic mix of French colonial architecture and Islamic inspired buildings, palaces, and mosques to explore in Casablanca.

Visit the city’s museums, walk along the Corniche, and explore the many parks and great things to do in Morocco’s largest city.

Do not miss all the great things Casablanca has to offer.

• Highlights of Casablanca in a Half Day Shared Tour
• CASABLANCA: Discovering & Walk Inside Old Medina

15. Go Surfing at Taghazout

You might be surprised to hear that one of the best things to do in Morocco is to go surfing, but for those in the know, Morocco’s wild Atlantic Coast has long been a popular surfer hideout.

One of the best places to visit if you’re into surfing is the relaxed, laid back destination of Taghazout.

A few years ago, this was just a fishing village. Today, it’s still a fishing village, but in summer, crowds of surfers descend upon the beaches to hit the huge waves that crash into the coast.

You can find surf schools, chilled out hostels, and plenty of fellow surfers to socialize with at Taghazout.

16. Relax on Agadir’s Beaches

Some of Morocco’s best-known beaches are found just along the coast from Taghazout, by the popular resorts of Agadir.

In summer, the beaches here are heaving with package holidaymakers from Europe, but if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand – and all at a great price! – you really can’t beat Agadir.

Head away from the resorts to find more secluded stretches of Atlantic coastline untouched by tourism, if the crowds aren’t for you.

17. Marvel at the Natural Rocks of Legzira Beach

If you’re looking to visit one of Morocco’s best beaches, then along the Atlantic coast – not so far from Agadir – you can find the beautiful climes of Legzira Beach.

Legzira Beach is best known for its iconic red rocks that tower above the sands. Many of the cliffs have been sculpted by the fierce waves of the Atlantic into natural works of art, with beautiful arches standing precariously against the power of the ocean.

18. Beaches and Archeology at Tetouan

If you prefer calmer seas, then one of the best things to do in Morocco is to visit Tetouan. Located on the peaceful Meditteranean Sea, the beaches of Tetouan provide year-round warm waters to tourists.

At Tetouan, you can immerse yourself in history, too; the small city is home to great archeological sites and museums, many dating back to the ancient world.

19. Explore Ait Benhaddou

One of the best things to do in Morocco is to explore the historic streets of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to at least the 11th century and is a remarkable example of Moroccan clay architecture.

Ait Benhaddou was an important stop on the trade routes that dissected the deserts of the Sahara, and today, it remains an integral place of local history.

Not all Morocco tours include Ait Benhaddou when booking your tour make sure its included, below we have added our top recommend tours that include Ait Benhaddou.

20. Hike the Dades Gorges

Morocco has some incredible hiking and outdoor scenery, and one of the best things to do is hike the Dades Gorges.

This unique network of gorges, canyons, and wadis (dried river beds) extends from the Atlas Mountains into the deserts and offers some exceptional hiking opportunities. Visit in winter to avoid the heat!

If you love nature you have to add visiting Dades Gorges on to your Morocco Itinerary.

21. Freshen up at the Ouzoud Waterfall

Of course, no trip to Morocco is complete without calling in at one of the country’s best waterfalls. The most popular waterfall to visit is the Ouzoud Waterfall, and you’ll soon see why.

There are actually at least seven waterfalls found in this beautiful canyon. They make a great day trip from Marrakech, being located just a few hours away from the popular tourist hotspot.

• Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech

22. Explore Chefchaouen- Morocco’s Blue City

Your trip to Morocco would be incomplete if you didn’t add Chefchaouen to your itinerary.

This literally blue city is a photographer’s dream with contrasting blue walls, bright colored carpets, merchants, shops and stalls waiting to be seen.

A walk around the city itself is a hike, as it’s built into the side of a large hill but those wanting more of a work out can make the steep climb to the Spanish Mosque for an amazing view of the blue city.

Chefchaouen is one of the best cities in Morocco, why not discover it on these top local tours.

• Private guided tour of Chefchaouen (The blue city)
• Chefchaouen day trip from Fez

 23. Camp in the Sahara Desert

One of the highlights of our trip around Morocco was our adventure into the Sahara Desert. We camel trekked for an hour to a Berber camp where we spent our afternoon climbing sand dunes and sandboarding.

After the adrenaline was done pumping, we settled atop one of the dunes near our camp to watch the sunset before enjoying dinner and a campfire with a local Berber family.

Music and dancing ensued before we spent the night sleeping under the stars with no light pollution insight.

If your going to add one of the top things to do in Morocco that we recommend it has to be camping in the Sahara Desert.

• 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes & Camel Trek
• 3 Days Sahara Desert Trips From Marrakesh
• 3 Day Luxury Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

 24. Explore the Atlas Mountains

Morocco is an excitingly diverse country that offers you beaches, deserts, rocks, and the Atlas Mountains.

When they aren’t visually stunning you with their amazing vistas, they are tempting you with their many hiking trails. You can partake in anything from short day hikes to multi-day camping trips.

If your looking to experience the Atlas Mountains more than just from a car or van’s window you should look into one of the tours listed below.

• Agafay Desert & Berber villages & Atlas Mountains, Full Day Trip From Marrakech
• High Atlas Mountains and 5 Valleys Day Trip from Marrakech – All inclusive
• Full-Day Trip from Marrakech to Atlas Mountains and The Ancient Ait Ben Haddou

 25. Rock Climbing in Todra Gorge

Todra gorge is an adventurer’s playground if you are into rock climbing. There are several faces with bolted and self-bolted climbs that you can explore.

These climbs range from beginner to advanced and offer some of the best rock climbing views you’ll come by.

If you seek a lighter adventure, go for a hike along the gorge and capture the dramatic landscapes. A bonus with Todra Gorge is the local festivities you will encounter on the weekend.

 26. Head to the Coast and Visit Essaouira

While many people plan their visits to this oceanside town to relax and shop, many people don’t realize it is one of the adventure capitals of Morocco. Due to the consistent winds off the Atlantic Ocean,

Essaouira is a hotbed for all things wave and wind-related. Try your hand at surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing or boogie boarding. If you prefer land, horse trekking and camel safaris along the beach are easily an option.

When visiting Essaouira you must add these tours on to your must-do Morocco travel list.

• Surf Lesson with a local surfer in Essaouira
• Horse Ride on the Beach in Essaouira
• Experience Essaouira: Food and Art Walking Tour of the Medina and Ramparts

 27. Enjoy All of the Goats, Burros, Camels, and Horses

These animals are part of daily life in Morocco, which means they are everywhere; on the streets, in the houses, in the cities, in the desert, in the villages and in the middle of nowhere.

They provide entertainment and many photographic opportunities while you are making your way around this colorful country.

Our highlight? Seeing goats in a tree on the side of the highway while making our way to Essaouira, you don’t see something like that every day.

Top Morocco Tours We Recommend

We have put together a list of the best tours offered by top tour operators. These are tours ran by locals with experience and knowledge of Morocco.

• Marrakech To Marrakech (15 Days) Morocco Encompassed. Start and end in Marrakesh! With the in-depth cultural tour Marrakech To Marrakech (15 Days) Morocco Encompassed, you have a 15-day tour package taking you through Marrakesh and 10 other destinations in Morocco. Starting from $1028.76, Marrakech To Marrakech (15 Days) Morocco Encompassed is 46% cheaper than the average 13-17 day tour through Morocco.
• Morocco Kasbahs & Desert Marrakech – whisper it and instantly your mind goes to a place of seduction and spices. Experience it for yourself. This intense 1-week journey reveals the secrets of Morocco and is filled with all the activities and energy you crave. In the company of other young travelers, dance beside a campfire in the Sahara, go rock climbing in Todra and hang with the hippies in Essaouira. Explore the kasbahs, coast, and desert and lose the herd on a trip you’ll never forget.
• Morocco: Sahara & Beyond. The culture of the Berbers in northern Africa dates back as many as 5,000 years. Come discover their world on this 15-day experience through the most incredible cultural highlights Morocco has to offer. Explore the souks and streets of Marrakech and Fes; spend a night in a comfortable tented camp; enjoy dinner with a traditional Berber family, and unwind in the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Come to Morocco and return home with a new understanding of this unique part of the world.

More on Morocco:

• 8 Best Morocco Cities for Your Itinerary
• 21 Superb Things to Do in Marrakech
• Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco: What It’s Really Like!
• 16 Sahara Desert Pictures That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Hiking Through Berber Villages in Midelt Morocco
• Discovering Chefchaouen the Blue City of Morocco

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

7 thoughts on “27 Unmissable Things to Do in Morocco (On Your First Visit!)”

So many great adventures to be had in Morocco – I’d love to go! My uncle just got back from a trip around Morocco and the pictures were amazing 🙂

Yes, Morocco has some really great adventures and some unique culture to take in. Highly recommend.

You definitely make Morocco sound like an exciting place! I would love to climb around the Todra Gorge if I went there someday. What time of year do you suggest going?

Morocco is an interesting country. There is some good climbing in the Todra Gorge. We were there in May and the weather was great.

Thank you, Lina. It’s now on my list of places to visit someday.

We only spent 4 days in Marrakech a couple of years ago – with a day trip to Essouira – but loved what we saw. We are already looking forward to returning to Morocco, particularly for trekking in the Atlas Mountains.

We did get a small adrenaline fix while we were there – quad biking in the deserts to the north of Marrakech! Great fun!

Marrakech was an interesting city but getting out of the cities can give you some good adventure in Morocco. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is great and so is a trip into the Sahara Desert. Well worth a return trip.

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Morocco Trips & Tour Packages

When people throw around the word ‘remarkable’, they’re probably referring to places like Morocco.

In a place where riding a camel over dunes at sunset is not unusual, where tagines spiked with saffron perfume the air and Amazigh people herd goats on the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, the word remarkable just doesn't cut it. Whether you're wandering the wind-battered port town of Essaouira, exploring the famous Kasbah in Aït Benhaddou or sleeping beneath the Saharan stars , a healthy does of Maghreb hospitality will make a Morocco tour truly unforgettable.

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Morocco at a glance

Capital city.

Rabat (1.9 million)

37.9 million

Moroccan Arabic, French, Berber dialects, some Spanish

(GMT) Casablanca

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about Morocco

Best time to visit morocco.

The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 86°F) during the day and cool to cold (around 59°F) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December. As a Muslim country, Morocco observes Ramadan. If you are planning to go on holiday in Morocco during Ramadan, it is important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours during this time.

Read more about the best time to visit Morocco.

Read more about the weather in Morocco.

Culture and customs

Morocco's culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The 'Call to Prayer' can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn't drunk by most of the population. 

Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat, or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Believe the hype - Moroccan food is legendary.

Things to try in Morocco

These slow-cooked stews are synonymous with Moroccan cooking. Chicken, olive, and citrus are well-known favorites, but there are endless variations using different meats, vegetables, and seasonings.

2. Couscous

Forget instant cous cous and try the real deal in Morocco. Often served with vegetables and meat, regional varieties sometimes also include everything from sweet raisins to spicy harissa or smoky almonds.

3. Fresh fruit

Morocco has an amazing array of fruit available in the markets, shops, and juice bars. Choose from bananas, mangoes, oranges, avocados, or peaches - eat fresh or get them whipped up in a juice.

4. Mint tea

While traveling through Morocco you'll probably drink more sweet mint tea than ever before. Offered as a gesture of hospitality when visiting someone's home or shop, it's considered impolite to refuse, so accept graciously.

Read more about what to eat in Morocco.

Read more about what to drink in Morocco.

Geography and environment

Located in North Africa, Morocco has the best of many worlds within its boundaries. From the sun-drenched beaches of the coast to the sands of the mighty Sahara and the snowy peaks of the High Atlas and Rif Mountains, Morocco has great variety in its landscapes and terrain. This combination of desert, woodlands, forest, mountain steppe, and grasslands ensures a wide diversity of flora and fauna lives within the country.

History and government

Early history.

The land now known as Morocco has been inhabited for centuries, with Moroccan civilization being known for its richness in history and culture. Centuries of foreign trade, invasion, and dynastic rule have given Morocco many different cultural influences that are evident in today's society. From the Phoenicians who entered Morocco via the Mediterranean in the 6th century BC, to the Roman influence of 40 AD and the formation of Islamic Morocco in the years after, Morocco has evolved with the rise and fall of dynasties, formation and dissolution of empires and the birth of new governments, movements, and ways of living. Reaching its height under the Berber Dynasties of the 11th and 12th centuries (the Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids, and Wattasids), Morocco subsequently fell to Arab tribes in 1559. The current royal family are descendants of the Alaouite Dynasty who have largely ruled since the 1600s, despite enduring a few crises in the 18th and 19th centuries, mainly in relation to European influence in the area and surrounding countries.

Recent history

With the signing of the Treaty of Fez, Morocco was declared a protectorate of France in 1912 with Spain being allocated control of parts of Morocco, mainly in the north and south. European control was generally opposed by Moroccan citizens, with the people of Rif attempting to establish a separatist republic in 1921. Decades of opposition continued, with rioting and protests leading to increased political tension. In 1955, the road to Moroccan independence was paved by Mohammed V who negotiated reforms and the restoration of independence. By 1956, France had relinquished its protectorate of Morocco and in 1957, Mohammed V became king. In 1961, Hassan II assumed the title of King of Morocco and continued to rule until his death in 1999. His son, Mohammed VI, took over the mantle of king in 1999 and continues to rule today.

Top places to see in Morocco

1. marrakech.

Things just happen in Marrakech. One moment you're sitting down to a camel burger, the next you're chatting with a snake charmer. The labyrinthine markets are the perfect place to lose yourself but find a Moroccan memento or three.

The endless dunes of the Sahara will call to your inner explorer. Jump on a camel and start riding out over the sandy waves. At sunset, the desert glows rich and red and at night the stars turn the sky crystal.

The desert is calling! Add a  3 day Sahara Mini Adventure  to your Morocco trip itinerary.

3. Essaouira

The name 'Essaouira' means image, appropriate since its charm is undeniable. Within the stone ramparts, you'll find art galleries, wood workshops and whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters. Portuguese, British and Jewish influences all mingle in this artist's town.

Explore this windswept coastal city on our  11 day Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira trip,  or make it a quick journey on our  Five Days in Morocco tour.

Fes is the cultural heart of Morocco and home to some of its most iconic sights. Feel every sense come alive in the medina. Shops, dye pits and mosques all vie for space and you're as likely to see a donkey as a car.

5. High Atlas Mountains

The mountains are best explored at the ground level by foot or bicycle. Travel through Amazigh villages, up along crop terraces, down through lush valleys and past orchards, goats and Moroccan rural life. The seriously fit can tackle Mount Toubkal for incredible views.

Join a  7 day Mount Toubkal Trek  or a  Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek  for those short on time.

6. Todra Gorge

This is a rock climber's heaven or the ideal place for beginners to get a taste. It's a tight squeeze in some places but a sparkling river, the odd palmeraie, Berber villages and high cliff walls make it worth breathing in for.

7. Moulay Idriss

The small Medina of ancient Moulay Idriss was once forbidden to non-Muslims. Now it is a pleasure to explore as the faithful gather to pay homage to the founding father of Islam in Morocco at the 8th-century mausoleum.

8. Ait Benhaddou

Perfectly preserved, this is one of Morocco's most picturesque kasbahs. Centuries ago it was a stop for caravans as they carried salt across the Sahara. Today, it is inhabited only by a handful of families and the odd film crew.

Visit Ait Benhaddou on our  8 day Classic Morocco tour .

9. Casablanca

The very name conjures up images of war-time romance. But the real romance of Casablanca must be its French influences and the beautiful Hassan II mosque, the largest in Morocco.

Here's lookin' at you kid! Spend some time in this famous city on our  15 day Best of Morocco tour .

10. Volubilis

Do some time travel and visit the ancient hilltop city of Volubilis, one of the Roman Empire's most remote bases. The ruins here are beautifully preserved and it's easy to believe you've stepped into the 2nd or 3rd century.

Rabat is Morocco's lively capital. Its history is long and colorful, having been host to Roman settlements, pirates, and more recently the Moroccan parliament. Stroll through the old quarter or enjoy views over the Atlantic Ocean from Kasbah des Oudaias.

12. Chefchaouen

You might recognize this city from the famous photos of its bright blue buildings. Set against a wide valley and tucked between two peaks in the Rif Mountains, much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista, so it might remind you of the hills of Spain.

Get a chance to wander around this striking blue city on our  18 day Morocco Encompassed tour .

13. Tangier

The coastal town of Tangier is the gateway between the Mediterranean and Africa. Enjoy fresh seafood by the port, watch the sunset over the Atlantic or visit the Caves of Hercules.

Explore the Gateway to Africa on our  9 day North Morocco Adventure.

Morocco has one of the oldest retail cultures in the world. From bargaining in age-old souqs to swiping your credit card at a modern gallery, it's all possible in Morocco. But to experience brilliant bargains, exciting finds, and a dose of history, you can't go past the souqs.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.   Australia   and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Morocco

1. Silver jewelry

Jewelry fiends will love Morocco's affinity with silver jewelry. Chunky rings, elaborate necklaces, and patterned earrings can all be found for great prices, especially if you're willing to haggle.

Save room in your backpack for an iconic silver teapot and some delicate tea glasses. Morocco's silversmiths have this ancient art running through their veins, with centuries of craftsmanship being passed from generation to generation.

The quality (and price) of leather in Morocco is pretty phenomenal. Handcrafted handbags, wallets, belts, and purses can be found in almost every souq around the country.

Festivals and events

Ramadan and eid.

The ninth and holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by most in Morocco and is thought to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation. For this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset - refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Eid marks the end of fasting with 3 days of feasting and celebration.

Gnaoua World Music Festival

Seaside Essaouira hosts this world-famous festival that celebrates the mysterious music of the Gnaouas, brought to Morocco centuries ago via the African slave trade. Jazz, rock, blues, and pop music add a contemporary flavor, although the drums of the Gnaouas are the true soul of the festival.

Casablanca Festival

Touted as a 'celebration of all things Moroccan', this annual festival includes local and international music performances, dance, art installations, theatre, workshops, and street parades. This fusion of history and modernity, innovation and tradition is a shining example of what it means to be a citizen of cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Read more about festivals in Morocco.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around Africa. The option below may be of interest:

Tours from Marrakech

Tours to Marrakech

Tours from Casablanca

Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech

Tours by type

Morocco solo tours

Further reading

Morocco travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?

• Australia: No - Not required 
• Belgium: No - Not required 
• Canada: No - Not required 
• Germany: No - Not required 
• Ireland: No - Not required 
• Netherlands: No - Not required
• New Zealand: No - Not required 
• South Africa: Yes - in advance (in general, visa processing can take approximately 20 working days)
• Switzerland: No - Not required 
• UK: No - Not required 
• USA: No - Not required 

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas.

Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Americans and British citizens do not require a visa to visit Morocco for stays up to 90 days. All other nationalities should check with the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information.

Is tipping customary in Morocco?

While tipping isn't mandatory in Morocco, rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. Taxi drivers and porters will also accept tips, 10 dirhams is usually sufficient in this case.

What is the internet access like in Morocco?

Morocco's cities have internet access available in internet cafes and hotel lobbies. In some cases, free Wi-Fi can be accessed in public places. Less internet access is available in rural areas, so be prepared to 'disconnect' when traveling out of Morocco's big cities.

Can I use my cell phone in Morocco?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in Morocco's cities and metropolitan areas, although coverage can be limited in remote or mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while in Morocco.

What are the toilets like in Morocco?

Morocco's toilets are a mixture of modern flushable toilets and squat toilets, so be prepared to encounter both. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Morocco's unit of currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Mint tea = 6-10 MAD
• Fresh juice = 18 MAD
• Basic meal = 100 MAD
• Expensive meal = 200 MAD

Can I drink the water in Morocco?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Morocco. Your leader will advise where filtered water can be found, and some hotels provide it. For environmental reasons, we suggest carrying a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Morocco?

Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash.

What is ATM access like in Morocco?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When traveling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren't always an option.

What public holidays are celebrated in Morocco?

• 11 Jan: Independence Manifesto Day
• 1 May: Labor Day
• 26 Jun: Aid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan
• 30 Jul: Throne Day
• 14 Aug: Oued Ed-Dahab Day
• 20 Aug: Revolution Day
• 21 Aug: HM Mohammed VI's Birthday
• 1 Sep: Aid al-Adha / Feast of Sacrifice
• 22 Sep: Islamic New Year / Muharram
• 6 Nov: Green March Day
• 18 Nov: Independence Day
• 1 Dec: The Prophet's Birthday

Please note: Morocco public holidays may vary.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Morocco is an extremely safe country to travel to as long as you abide by the local culture and customs.

Is Morocco a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

We recommend LGBTQIA+ travelers exercise discretion when traveling in Morocco as homosexuality is not widely accepted in the community. Homosexual acts (including kissing) are illegal in Morocco and can attract a fine or even a jail sentence for offenders. That said, some towns (such as Marrakech and Tangier) are considered more gay-friendly than others. As long as travelers use discretion and avoid public displays of affection, travel in Morocco should not be a problem.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or   ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

What should I wear in Morocco?

While Moroccan days are generally mild-to-hot or hot-and-humid, they can give way to cooler nights – outside of the summer months, anyway. Packing layers and sensible footwear to deal with Morocco's changeable climate, uneven paths and conservative culture is always a good idea.

F emale travelers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, but it’s still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up.

How will I get around Morocco?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Morocco, you may find yourself traveling by:

Board an iconic ‘ship of the desert’ and amble off across desert sands for a quintessential Sahara experience.

Where will I stay in Morocco?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Morocco you may find yourself staying in a:

Admire beautiful arches and tiled mosaics while staying in a traditional Moroccan riad. The riad is the Moroccan traditional house, normally with two or more stories around an Andalusian-style courtyard that contained a fountain. Riads were the stately city homes of the wealthiest citizens such as merchants and courtiers.

Does my trip to Morocco support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Morocco directly support our foundation partners, Education For All and High Atlas Foundation. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Education For All

Education for All allows girls in remote areas of Morocco to access education and prepare for successful careers. Donations from our trips help girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.  

Find out more or make a donation. 

High Atlas Foundation

The High Atlas Foundation helps communities in Morocco implement human development initiatives such as organic agriculture, women's empowerment, youth development, education and health initiatives. Donations from our trips directly support their sustainable agriculture programs, which fund fruit tree and wild medicinal plant nurseries, irrigation infrastructure, organic certification, technical skills-building, carbon sequestration, and commercialization.  

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

18 things to know before traveling to Morocco

Oct 15, 2023 • 7 min read

It helps to learn a little lingo: here's what to know before your trip to Morocco © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

I am originally from the UK and have been living in Morocco since 2018. There are things I wish I'd known before jumping headfirst into the seemingly lawless world of Moroccan taxis and bargaining in the souqs.

Morocco reveals the full spectrum of real life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the oh-so beautiful. For some visitors, Morocco can be a huge culture shock. But with some awareness and understanding, it is possible to appreciate these differences, connect more deeply and see the country through a different lens without trying to change it.

1. Plan your itinerary loosely and allow for changes

Research the places in Morocco you’d like to visit but leave wiggle room for changes along the way and enjoy the spontaneity that Morocco allows. While it’s possible to pre-book tours and activities, it’s usually just as easy to reserve them when you arrive in the country.

2. Take public transport, especially in cities

Driving in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh is best left to the locals. Getting around Morocco is easy, even without a car. An excellent train network links many cities, including Africa’s first high-speed train, Al Boraq , between Casablanca and Tangier . A comfortable and reliable bus network connects towns big and small. Book train and bus tickets a day or two in advance to ensure the travel time you'd like.

3. Book professional guides

To get the most out of your trip to Morocco, use a guide who has in-depth expertise and speaks your language. In cities, check with the local tourism office or your accommodations for recommendations for licensed guides in the area. If you’re surfing, check ISA’s directory of certified instructors .

Hiking guides are mandatory for climbing Mt Toubkal in the High Atlas. Check with Bureau des Guides .

4. Understand the written and unwritten rules of the road

In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory, even though some taxis don't have them. Car horns are used often - not in an aggressive way, but as a means of communication. 

Watch out for people, bicycles, motorcycles and animals coming from all sides. Avoid driving at night because some vehicles do not have or use their lights. Take notice of the speed limits and the roundabouts that have stoplight systems. If you’re stopped for speeding – police speed checks are common – or other penalties, having cash on you to pay fines (usually between Dh150 ($15US) and Dh300) is preferable to going to a local police station.

5. Practice the art of haggling 

Haggling is a game and part of the shopping experience in Morocco . Try not to get frustrated – the ideal scenario is that both sides come away feeling like they got a fair price. 

For big purchases, do your research, have a price in mind or shop around until you do. Sometimes vendors say to pay what you feel like, so if you don't have a price, ask some questions: how many hours did it take to make? Where did the materials come from and at what price?

The souqs are filled with fake tennis shoes, which are just that: fakes. Many Moroccans don't care whether their Nikes are original; they just want the best price for the latest styles.

6. Cash or card?  

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you cannot use or get it outside the country. Morocco’s rural areas still operate on a cash economy, but cards are widely accepted in towns and cities.

7. Learn some of the lingo 

A mixture of French, Arabic, Amazigh and English is spoken in Morocco, depending on where you are in the country. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Apps like Google Translate can be useful, but learning some basic Arabic phrases will reward you with feeling more connected and engaged with people you meet.

8. Respect the motto of ‘God, king and country’

These words are etched on hills around the country. Islam is the state religion, and the rules of Islam are applied to personal matters in the same way that state law works in other countries. It is illegal to speak disrespectfully about religion or the king. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques or cemeteries, except the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca . Friday is a holy day across the country, and most people take a few hours off in the afternoon to go to the mosque and eat couscous with their families afterward. Check business opening times before you visit if you're heading to a particular place on a Friday.

The holy month of Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid offer a different cultural experience, and during these times many places will be closed.

9. Things to know before going to Marrakesh

Marrakesh is the most popular city in Morocco for visitors, so pre-book entrance tickets to major attractions such as Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent online to avoid waiting in line. The Marrakesh medina comes to life around 5 p.m., but the 'pink city' is more than just the medina – spend time exploring Gueliz and step off the main boulevards onto the leafy side streets to discover pretty street cafes, bistro restaurants and small indie boutiques.

10. The dress code depends on where you are

To visit the Hassan II Mosque and other religious sites, visitors – both men and women – must cover to their shoulders and knees. Dress modestly in cities and towns to avoid unwanted attention. At bars and nightclubs, almost anything goes, but in rural areas, cover up and be respectful of the local customs. 

At the beach, you can wear shorts, dresses, vest tops and swimwear including bikinis. Pack comfortable footwear that’s suitable for uneven roads and a scarf to cover your shoulders.

11. Ask before taking photos of people 

No matter where you are in the world, it’s best to ask permission before taking someone’s photo. Many people are fine with it, but others aren’t. Some may ask for money. Do not take photos of military or government buildings. Drones are not allowed in Morocco without special permission. 

12. Learn how to deal with the hassle

Simply ignore people who offer goods that you do not want. There's no need to be polite to everyone who wants to sell you something. By not reacting, they'll get bored and walk away. 

In some places you may receive comments and, at worst, inappropriate behavior, but shouting ‘Police!’ will send these people away. In Marrakesh, there's also a high chance you will alert the undercover tourist police.

13. Can you drink alcohol in Morocco? 

Even though alcohol is forbidden by Islamic law, it is widely available and sold in licensed wine shops and international grocery stores. Not all bars and restaurants serve alcohol. 

14. Eat with your right hand

Moroccan cuisine such as tagines and grilled fish are traditionally eaten with bread using your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it’s typically the hand used when going to the toilet. 

15. It’s okay to get lost

Getting lost is part of the joy of exploring Morocco with its unmarked roads, the maze of souq alleys and areas of no cell phone reception. Relax but be aware of your surroundings and ask for help if you need it.

In medinas, it’s helpful to know that if the street sign is a hexagon, it's a dead end. If it’s a square, it’s a through street.

16. Don’t drink the tap water

Morocco’s tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic.

17. Bring tissues for public toilets

Some public toilets do not have toilet paper. Unless you are comfortable using water to clean yourself, keep a pack of tissues and some anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes on you.

18. Street cats and dogs are everywhere and part of the community 

It’s best not to feed street animals from your table because they might not leave, but you can keep leftovers and feed them elsewhere on the street.

See whether a rescue center is set up in the communities you’re visiting and show your support with donations or by volunteering your time.

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21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco Travel Tips

• Africa / Fez / In the City / Marrakech / Morocco
• 33 Comments

Visiting Morocco? This is what you need to know before visiting.

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day.

On the flip side, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, we put together a few pointers to help you set realistic expectations and prepare for your trip.

Thank you Contiki for hosting our trip. See our full 15 day trip itinerary here . All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

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21 things you must know before visiting morocco, best places to stay in morocco, planning checklist, more resources, 1. dress appropriately.

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention.

Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy.

It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles.

For the ladies out there, keep a  shawl / scarf  handy (this one is reversible and great for traveling light)

See More: What to Pack for Morocco – 2 Weeks in a Carry On

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit cards, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency.

The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 10.4 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 11.09 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but the prices were comparable to Europe because of how touristy the country has become.

Our guide recommended that each person exchange 100 euros daily, which was plenty for us.

3. ATMS Can be Hit or Miss

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. Ask the front desk at your hotel; they may have money to exchange.

The ATM quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to exchange money. Who knew ATMs can run out of money!

A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times, but the ATM didn’t dispense any while still charging it from the bank for every attempt.

Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. At least, that’s what they tell you. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins.

Most of our cab rides within the city cost roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country since they only want larger bills.

You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. I know some people have strong opinions about paying full price for the sake of “charity”, but selling is like their national sport and haggling is an integral part of their culture.

More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25-50% of the starting price.

Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back multiple times.

Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before getting in. Most of our rides within the city cost 30 DH. If they demanded more, our guide told us to hand them the money and walk away.

Luckily, that didn’t happen to us because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before visiting Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides

You should absolutely hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns). However, be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price, because they usually aren’t. We were able to get better prices without them. This happened in Fes.

See More: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Fes Morocco

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free TOurs or Directions

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, you might find other locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas.

If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too.

This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always keep money to pay them off, plan ahead and ask your hotel, or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

Also, if you are  renting a car in Morocco  so that you can get around on your own, be sure to plan ahead rather than wait until you are there.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed.

Also, most shops and attractions will close on Friday since it’s their holy day.

A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street.

All shops we saw closed that day and most shops were closed the following day.

Plus it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

10. Be Careful what Water You Use

To stay safe, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, avoid using any ice when you’re out. The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. See all the top travel water bottles we tested on the road.

11. Pack Some Imodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some  Imodium   just in case. This is always a good rule of thumb for all travel.

At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple of Imodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

See More: 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but you should always be careful with pickpockets in any major city, especially in crowded places like the markets. Pickpockets often target touristy areas.

13. What Language Do they Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

• Hello  (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
• Thank You:  Choukran (shokran)
• No Thank You:  La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
• Watch Out:  Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). Locals will say balak if coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart to warn you to either get the side or get run over.

14. Visiting Mosques

If you’re hoping to see a Mosque while visiting Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!

If you’re looking for beautiful architecture,  Bahia Palace   is open to visitors.

See More: 21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

15. Alcohol, Drugs, and Parties?

Although most Moroccans are Muslims, yes, they still have all these. Hashish, an extract of the cannabis plant, is quite commonly offered to you in the streets. 

Contiki loves their parties, and we were told that only hotel bars had alcohol available for tourists, but we surprisingly found several bars and even nightclubs serving alcohol.

We decided we didn’t want to pay 300 DH (30 euros) to get into a club that already appeared like a sausage fest from the outside.

They also told us it’s pretty typical for prostitutes to hang out at nightclubs there too. There was a special DJ guest that night, but normally the club was supposed to cost around 150-200 DH.

16. Do I need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa and Australia) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. Find out more details from  CDC here  for the most updated information on vaccinations before visiting Morocco.

17. Have the RIght Converters

Don’t get stuck in Morocco without a way to charge all your electronics. We recommend picking up  one of these  so that you have options for wherever you travel and additional outlets in case there aren’t many in the hotel room.

Morocco uses the following: Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C / E. If you have something that works in Europe, then it will be the same. If you’re traveling from the states,  the adapter  will help you get everything charged.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You may have to Pay)

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so again, it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring TOilet Paper with you Everywhere

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask the price before using the bathroom.

Though they’re not flushable, I like to bring my  wet wipes  on all my trips to wipe my hands when I don’t have easy access to bathrooms.

20. Souvenirs to Bring Home

Fez is known for leather and carpets, while Marrakech is known for fragrances, oils, and spices (like saffron). If you’re buying saffron, make sure you’re buying the real thing. Many places sell artificial saffron for dirt cheap or mix the real with the fake stuff. No one wants saffron cut with other spices.

You can ask them to do a demonstration in water. If it colors the water yellow, it’s real, if it turns reddish, it’s the dye coming out from the artificial saffron.

You can also smell the difference (should smell more herbal), or ask for a couple of strands to put in your mouth and spit it onto a tissue to see what color it produces.

21. It’s a cat Lover’s Heaven… and Hell

There are homeless cats everywhere in Morocco. They are super cute and made us smile every time we saw them but also really sad every time we had to walk away and leave them.

It seemed that the people of Morocco took care of them in their own way. We saw them feeding them scraps of food in the markets. If you’re highly allergic to cats, don’t forget to bring some allergy meds with you.

Final Thoughts as a Woman Visiting Morocco

There were many times on our trip that I genuinely wished I was a man visiting Morocco. While others simply got annoyed (full disclosure), I was much more sensitive since I still have residual resentment from some sexual traumas when I was younger that I am working out.

It’s a work in progress, making the trip incredibly challenging personally. For the most part, we had the best-case scenario of traveling with a local guide and Contiki. Those incidences happened within the few hours of free time that we wandered off alone.

Overall, Morocco is beautiful, and we’re happy to have experienced the country.

Instead of scaring you from visiting, we hope it educates you and helps you go in with the right mindset and expectations. As long as you’re entirely aware of your surroundings and know what to expect, you can have a wonderful experience.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Find a great deal on Morocco hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Morocco travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Lonely Planet Morocco  – they always have great photos and information.
• Moon Morocco  – also very photo heavy.
• Morocco National Geographic Adventure Map
• Pocket Arabic Dictionary

Is Morocco one of the top places you want to visit? Why or why not? Can you think of any other tips for visiting Morocco?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 33 Comments

I’ve been to Morocco 3 times. Tangier and twice to Agadiar. Guess what IM A WOMAN and had the most amazing time in both areas. In Tangier we visited the Casbah which was amazing. Haggling was fun and the people are great. Never felt vulnerable and I have not been insulted or felt afraid. On the most part the people are really nice. I absolutely love Agadir. Its modern in its approach and there’s loads to do. The beach is beautiful. As two women travelling without a man, oh who’d of thought, we did not have any issues in Morocco anymore than anywhere else. Wherever there’s men they’ll be the ones who are rude, sexist and revolting. That’s unfortunately the way some of them are. Otherwise the people of Morocco are lovely. I’d go every year if I could afford it.

That’s so great to hear you had a wonderful experience! I’ve definitely heard a mix of thoughts from both sides.

Thanks for your list of tips. I’m a bit conflicted about Morocco due to my serious feminist leanings, but I so want to see it. It’s a shame that there is such disrespect and hypocrisy, but I suppose that’s everywhere in some regard. ;-)

You’re welcome, Hillary. I still hope you get to experience all the good parts of Morocco. I think it’s definitely changing with the younger generations, but it really is a different world view over there.

as local Moroccan, I can confirm that the tips that you provide are true. I am ashamed of the ‘Watch Your Pockets’ tip; what can I say?! every place have it’s good and bad people. however, by mentioning that you are making people aware so that they don’t have any bad experiences in Morocco. thank you :)

I think it’s true for most big cities in the world. :) Thanks Abdou!

Hi I’m Indian live in dubai UAE I like to visit Morocca it need visa or not I’m hear with residents visa

Great article. My friend is currently in moroco and hates it. I hope that she gets home safely and isnt raped. I am never going to visit! I will stick to places like Finnland, Switzerland and new Zealand

Stay safe everyone!

dont forget that you can be beheaded if you backpack in the countryside :)

I did not hear about that!

Thank you realy Marrakesh is very nice

So glad I found this! I booked today for me and my partner to go next year. Great to have an idea of what to expect.

So glad you found this helpful, Donna. I hope you two have a great trip!

Such a detailed insides about morocco, a great read to be aware before going to morocco, I have some more insights in depth. If you want to read.

Thanks for the information, yes I agree that before visiting In Morrocco we must know about the details of that places. When I had visited that place I don’t know anything about that place but my journey was very interesting and beautiful. The natural beauty also attracts me a lot.

Glad you found it useful, Diana!

Thank you for being so detailed. Your blog is wonderful and very insightful. I will use it in future travels. Thank you for including pictures.

Thanks so much for reading, Madison!

Wow…such an amazing experience feeling happy while visiting Morocco. Basically, in time of our trip we visited local market bought many products. Thanks to our local guide from yougomorocco.com planned a trip in a perfect way. I hope I will plan this place in an upcoming year.

Thanks for such an informative blog! I would love to travel to Morocco, and in fact, almost booked a trip, but decided to go elsewhere instead due to time constraints. Thanks for the advice to get out of the cities and explore more.

thanks for sharing the valuable info for Morocco visitors !!

I’m planning to visit Morocco with my boyfriend in March. But I’m a bit skeptical. Will I be safe in Morocco

My daughters middle school is deciding bet Morocco & Brazil. there will be at least a minimum of 20 middle schoolers with parents, The trip will be next April 2018. Im worried either way on what they can do

I feel like as long as there are parents watching out for them, they should be okay. It’s unfortunate to say, but it helps if the parents are male. Our tour guide was telling us they previously sent a female guide who didn’t fare too well in the country.

Very informative write up. I appreciate your work. I will be visiting Casablanca on official note in a weeks time just for two days. I hope the experience will be great! However, you did not mention what the cost of various hotels are like.

Thank you so much.

I’m moroccan and I have been there like 5 times I think but everything you said is true. It’s good you’re being honest about it. Morocco is good but it’s not perfect.

Thanks for your comment. If you think about it, no country is perfect. I’m sure plenty of people have gone and had different experiences too, so it’s best seeing it for yourself. :)

Very informative. Thank you for being so open and honest. I still want to visit Morocco and now have a good idea as what to.expect, especially as a woman.

Thanks, Suzy! You absolutely should! :)

Thanks, I will be in morocco in July, really helpful tips, Choukran :) regards Ayaz

You’re so welcome! Have a great trip :)

How I can trip to morocco is there any cheap morocco holidays packages ? My friend suggest me this website http://www.viriksonmoroccoholidays.co.uk is this good ? i find this website have very affordable packages but I am confused because of fraud.

Unfortunately we’re not sure about that company since we’ve never been. The only experience we have in Morocco is with Contiki, which we had a great time with! Good luck!

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The Complete Guide to Travelling to Morocco as a Solo Woman in 2024

I’ll be honest: travelling solo through Morocco was tough.

My four weeks in the country were challenging, exhausting, frustrating and disheartening — and yet, they were also full of joy, awe, wonder, and rewards.

Morocco is one of my favourite countries but it was also one of the hardest to travel in.

It’s hard to explain. How can one of my favourite countries in the world have left me with such unenjoyable experiences that I cut short my time there by several weeks? I don’t know either.

But I loved Morocco. I loved my time there. I loved the places I wandered through and the people who proved that Moroccans can be kind and welcoming and helpful. However, I was so frustrated that the local men I met acted in a way that made my trip far less enjoyable.

I’m frequently contacted by women who feel that same pull as I did to visit Morocco, but who have also been put off by the negative articles and sexual harassment horror stories. They reach out looking for reassurance, wanting advice, and looking for information on how to have a safe, trouble-free trip.

The problem is I didn’t have a trouble-free trip, and I can’t offer reassurance that travelling through Morocco will be easy. But at the same time, just because I had a challenging time in the country doesn’t mean that anyone else will too. That’s why it’s tough writing articles like this — I don’t want to put anybody off visiting Morocco but I do want to share my personal experiences.

So here, then, is an account of the struggles and joy I experienced from travelling through Morocco — and the advice I would offer women who are looking to travel there too.

The Best Destinations to Visit in Morocco as a Solo Woman

I spent a full month in Morocco, and chose to visit Marrakech, The Sahara Desert, Essaouira, Casablanca, Chefchaouen and Tangier over that time. I deliberately skipped visiting Fes because I had heard nothing positive about the city from any women I ran into on the road.

I Loved Marrakech

I arrived in Marrakech fully prepared to dislike such a chaotic city, but fell in love from the second I arrived. Yes, it was noisy, busy, and polluted, but it was also beautiful, exciting, and fascinating to spend time in.

The touts were more persistent than I’d experienced in most places around the world, but it wasn’t stressful and I wasn’t bothered by it. I even managed to negate some of the tension by hiring a local guide to show me around. My guide helped keep the touts at bay as we navigated the medina with minimal hassle. He helped me to get my bearings, and I experienced and saw a lot more than  if I had been alone.

The following day, without a guide, I found simple wanderings to be slightly challenging but I never once felt like I was in any real danger. I experienced mild annoyance from the touts as they desperately tried to sell things to me, but they always left me alone if I didn’t engage. I simply avoided eye-contact, walked as if I knew where I was going, and they soon moved on to someone else.

The Sahara Desert was Incredible

I would count my tour to the Sahara Desert as one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. Sitting atop a sand dune and watching the sunset was a life-changing experience, and sleeping beneath the Milky Way hours later was even more breathtaking than I’d expected. I believe everyone should venture into the desert at least once.

It was on this tour to the desert that I experienced my first taste of harassment. My tour guide made me feel uncomfortable at several points by continually reaching out to touch my arm and attempting to separate me from the rest of the group. At one point, he offered to take me up into the Atlas Mountains to camp after the tour, insisting I’d love the perfect night sky and friendly Berber people.

Perhaps he was just being friendly, but as a solo woman traveler, you have to be cautious when you travel, and I wasn’t going to take any chances. I made sure to keep close to other members of my tour group and he soon decided to leave me alone.

If you’re going to venture into the desert, I highly recommend booking a tour online before you go, so that you can check the reviews and vet the tour guides in advance. This tour is the one I took and I had a magical experience while I was there.

Essaouira was Both Calming and Stressful

Essaouira felt like a breath of fresh air after the mayhem of Marrakech — a hippie town full of rumours that Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones had made this their home throughout the 70’s. I love laidback beach towns like this and I love my classic rock so it immediately felt like the perfect place for me to be. It was mellow and beautiful and took only a few minutes for me to decide to extend my stay in town.

I spent my first few days relaxing on the beach, bemused to see everybody sunbathing while covered from head to toe. I got lost in the photogenic medina by day and spent my evenings fascinated by the local fisherman trying to sell their freshly-caught fish to passing people — there were dozens of hole in the wall restaurants just a few metres away that would happily cook your fish for you right there.

When I wasn’t out exploring, I was sunbathing on my hostel’s roof terrace, napping in a hammock or drinking amazing mint tea. Essaouira was amazing.

And then everything changed.

A music festival came to town, bringing with it hundreds of thousands of tourists as the population increased from 60,000 to 400,000 overnight. The increase in people brought with them a much tougher experience with the touts — they became aggressive and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I couldn’t sit down and have a meal without a local man approaching me and sitting down to chat.

Often, I’d leave the beach to head back to my hostel only to find a teenage boy following me and trying to talk. My guard was up and I didn’t say much, sad that I felt unable to trust them. They would follow after me, getting increasingly angry as I kept my head down and refused to participate — “Just talk to me!” they’d yell. After a while, I’d turn around and ask them firmly to leave me alone. When I relented and had a conversation with them, they became lecherous and inappropriate, and I struggled to get away.

I suddenly had hassle from men in the street, too — telling me they liked my “American tits”, whispering in French in my ear and then calling me a whore when I hurried away. I have to mentioned that I was completely covered up and couldn’t have worn any more layers at this point, beyond throwing a blanket over myself. I was avoiding eye-contact and not engaging with anybody — I don’t know what else I could have done to not attract attention. I could no longer sit and enjoy a meal without several men sitting down with me and trying to convince me to go back to their house for a “local experience”.

My time in Morocco was beginning to sour and I was exhausted.

Casablanca Brought More of the Same

Still worn out from my time in Essaouira, I reached Casablanca, and was on guard, stressed, and ready to burst into tears at any moment. Fortunately, there were no incidents because I spent the entire time in my hotel room recovering.

Leaving only to buy food, I found myself each and every time with at least one guy following me and asking me questions and getting angry when I acted as if I had not heard.

I wasn’t sure what I should have been doing: engaging the men resulted in lechery and a struggle to escape, ignoring them made them angry and aggressive. I was starting to long to leave the country.

However, I had just one more place I wanted to visit.

Chefchaouen was a Welcome Respite

Chefchaouen was one of my favourite places in Morocco, and one I could have spent months living in. The entire town was painted a gorgeous baby-blue colour, the locals were friendly and welcoming and there was absolutely no hassle or abuse. It was bliss and I spent an entire week exploring the tiny alleyways, hiking in the mountains, and eating delicious tagine.

When my cab dropped me off outside the old city at the wrong gate and I couldn’t find my hostel, a local teenager approached me and made it his mission to help me out. In any other city in Morocco, this would be a sort-of scam, where a local helps you find your way and then asks you for a sum of money in exchange. I was fully expecting this but, when we finally found my hostel, he simply shook my hand, wished me an enjoyable stay in Chefchaouen and left.

I’d been considering cutting short my time in Morocco but Chefchaouen had once more transformed my opinion of the country. It seemed like every time something went wrong, I discovered something beautiful or had a touching experience which had me longing to spend even more time there. I subsequently extended my stay to a full week.

Tangier Beat Me Down

Despite spending a week in recovery in Chefchaouen, I immediately felt my stress levels rising when I reached Tangier. I daresay that had I arrived in Tangier first, I would have loved my time there, but by this point in my trip, I was reacting with frustration and irritation whenever I was approached by the local men.

Tangier, then, was the final straw.

Within a few hours of arriving in this seaside port, I had a man following me out of the medina and asking me questions over and over — occasionally in English, mostly in French. I answered a few, but kept my head down, and tried to get away from him. I had learned by now that some responses were enough to keep the men from getting angry, but to keep my interaction to a minimum in order to keep them from getting too close.

When he continued to follow me to the steps of my hotel, I panicked and began to run. I just wanted to get to my room and away from this stranger.

It was then that I felt a cold, hard blow to the head.

He had thrown a rock at me.

Holding the back of my head and running for my hotel, I shut myself in my room, jumped online and booked a ticket back home to London for the following morning.

I was done with Morocco.

Perhaps now that time has passed I find myself thinking longingly of my time in Morocco through rose-tinted glasses, but it’s the country I desire returning to more than any other. The country itself is beautiful and diverse, and there’s so much more I crave to see.

Unsurprisingly, the men I encountered during my time there ruined what could have been an incredible trip. Had they not been so intense, persistent, and aggressive I have no doubt that Morocco could have been my favourite country.

Perhaps my problem was not working any real rest days into my itinerary. Aside from the groping in Essaouira and the rock-throwing in Tangier, I don’t think the level of hassle was any higher than it was when I first arrived in Marrakech — it was just the cumulative stress of frustration after frustration after frustration that led to me being exhausted and desperate to leave. Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals. Perhaps I’m just victim-blaming myself in search of an explanation.

Should you go to Morocco?

I’m inclined to say that if you’re a reasonably experienced traveller, have plenty of common sense, and have a pretty good idea of what you’ll be in for then you should go and experience the beauty of the country.

If you’re nervous then consider visiting places like Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and the Sahara, or arrive with no onward plans so you’re open to leaving early if the hassle becomes too much. You could even take an introductory tour to the country to give you peace of mind.

Would I recommend Morocco for first time solo travellers?

I wouldn’t say don’t go if you haven’t travelled alone before — but I’d suggest researching Morocco thoroughly before making a decision.

For me, I had travelled for a year — four months of those solo — before arriving in Morocco, so I had a good idea of what to expect from challenging countries.

What if I had visited at the very start of my trip? I think I would have been fine. I would have researched the country in great depth and known what to expect. Most importantly, I would have had a lot more energy and enthusiasm. I definitely had a case of travel fatigue wearing me down when I visited.

As long as you know what to expect — and you do after reading this post — you can go in prepared and have a successful trip.

Tips for Solo Women in Morocco

And now some tips if you’re planning on travelling solo through Morocco as a female.

Use common sense: 

This goes for pretty much every country you visit but more-so for somewhere like Morocco. Be sensible, don’t drink too much alcohol (though in Morocco, alcohol is so expensive you probably won’t be touching it), and behave how you would at home.

In Morocco, I researched unsafe neighbourhoods in cities and made sure to stay away from any that were said to be dangerous. I made sure to read reviews left by female travellers for hostels before I booked them. I didn’t go out alone at night, and steered clear of dark alleyways and poorly-lit areas during the day. I didn’t drink any alcohol.

Stay in hostels/hotels that have good reviews from solo female travelers: 

I can recommend many fantastic guesthouses from my time in Morocco:

In Marrakech,  Riad Carina  ( $43 a night  for a double room; rated 9.3 on  Booking ) receives a whole lot of love. So what’s so wonderful about it? Not only is it a stunning and well-designed riad, but it’s located just a five-minute walk from all of the main tourist attractions in town and is home to some seriously friendly staff. It’s quiet and peaceful, has a beautiful swimming pool, and an even more beautiful rooftop terrace.

In Essaouira,  Riad Dar Awil  ( $49 a night  for a double room; rated 9.6 on  Booking ) is easily the best place to stay for mid-range travellers, as essentially no other riads in town receive such great reviews while still remaining affordable. Riad Dar Awil is new, modern, and clean, and smaller than other riads across the country, which means more attentive staff and a chance to get to know your fellow guests over breakfast. It’s located right in the heart of the medina, which is exactly where you want to be staying in Essaouira.

In Fes,  Dar Fes Tresor  ( $44 a night  for a double room; rated 9.1 on  Booking ) is exactly what you probably picture staying in Morocco to look like. The rooms are gorgeous, with intricate mosaics and stained glass windows, giving a real traditional vibe to the place. It’s in a quiet location, which is essential for travel in chaotic Fes, and the staff are so kind and friendly. The views from the rooftop are really the icing on the cake!

In Chefchaouen,  Dar Swiar  ( $45 a night  for a double room; rated  9.4 on Booking ) offers incredible value when you consider how expensive the city is for travellers. It has a wonderful rooftop view of the blue buildings, is just a minute’s walk from the main square in town, and a very welcoming owner. As a bonus, the Wi-Fi is fast, which is tough to find in Morocco!

And finally, in Tangier,  Mnar Castle  ( $46 a night  for a four-person apartment; rated  9.2 on Booking ) is one of the most popular hotels for a reason. Not only do they have a large swimming pool for guests, but they also offer some of the best-value accommodation in the country. There’s a delicious breakfast, a breathtaking view of the ocean, and a free shuttle that takes you to the main attractions in the city.

Dealing with local men:

There’s not really much you can do to avoid attention (I even met women travelling with men who were drained from the abuse directed at them) but there are steps you can take to minimise it. Look as though you know where you’re going when you’re out exploring because if you look frightened, lost, and disorientated you’ll also look like an easy target. When local men approach you keep your head held high, avoid eye-contact and stride purposefully away. If they persist, ask them firmly to leave you alone. Ignore them if they get angry.

Cover up: 

I wore long cotton pants down to my ankles, a t-shirt with a high neck, a long-sleeved cotton shirt and a shawl. I kept everything loose and light so I didn’t get too hot during the day. The girls I met who felt most scarred by the hassle were those who were walking around in shorts and a strap top, but even those who were covered from head to toe weren’t left alone, as my experience shows.

Expect to feel uncomfortable in shared cabs: 

Shared cabs are a cheap way to get from city to city if there aren’t any buses running. My experiences with shared cabs weren’t great. There was usually four people crammed into a backseat of a tiny car — that’s three men and myself all squeezed together. Nothing untoward happened but I did feel a little uneasy pressed up against three locals. Either wait for a cab you can share with females or take a bus instead.

Know that your frame of mind will affect your experience:

When horrible things happened to me in Morocco, it was at a time when I was struggling, worn out and angry. When I was happy and excited, wonderful things happened. There is no excuse for the man who threw a rock at the back of my head in Tangier, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been giving off a hostile vibe and storming away from him in rage and frustration. Though it can be taxing, try to stay positive when you’re experiencing hassle. I know I wish I had.

Get travel insurance: 

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Morocco. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

My time in Morocco was challenging but it was rewarding, too. As long as you’re fully aware of what to expect, stay positive, dress respectfully and take time to rest when the hassle gets too much, there’s no reason you can’t have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Related Articles About Morocco 💰 How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Morocco? 🇲🇦 28 Incredible Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco 🐪 An Incredible Experience in the Sahara Desert 💙 Is Chefchaouen the Prettiest City in the World? 🏖 Every Post I’ve Written About Morocco

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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317 comments.

Thanks for sharing your experience and telling it like it was. I went to Morocco last year – but accompanied by my husband – and had an entirely different experience than you, receiving zero attention from local men. It’s a little crazy to hear how different it could be by being on your own! Glad you had a few good memories from the trip regardless and I appreciate hearing your viewpoint.

I’m glad to hear you had a different experience to me, Becky. If I’d received zero attention Morocco would have been my favourite country :-)

Hello, I went to Morocco mid Feb this year with my daughter for 8 days. We stayed at a Riad and booked the excursions through them, the guides were really nice and there was no problem at all. I was really skeptical to go there initially.

I am sorry you had such a bad experience 😔

Hi Lauren, I am currently living in Tangier, Morocco and though I am not traveling alone I am sorry for the experience you had. Even though I also walk around with at least 1 other women I do occasionally get harassed but I could never imagine having something throw a rock at me. For others who look at this I have found that screaming/firmly shouting “La” (no in Arabic) repeatedly does the trick. We were told that if guys get aggressive then get aggressive back and yell Hosheem (I might be spelling this wrong) which means shame. I have almost always completely avoided talking to Moroccan men outside of saying my fake name and telling them I have a boyfriend. I found avoiding eye contact, firmly saying/yelling la, and turning down every guy immediately works wonderfully. I hope you try and visit again soon!

It’s such a shame that you had such a rough time in Morocco. That’s one of the countries I’ve wanted to visit, but given its checkered history, I’ve always hesitated. I’m ashamed on behalf of men for the way those guys behave toward women, and how they behaved toward you. There are other places in the world to visit.

There are definitely other places. Morocco *is* stunningly beautiful but yes, the local men’s behaviour needs a lot of improving.

I also found Morocco very confronting – a mixture of awe at the incredible scenes and beauty I was witnessing, but also SUCH ANGER at the constant harassment and abuse. Chefchaouen was such a healing spot after the insanity of the other cities. In cases like this, I try and remember that every place has its assholes, but just because one country’s assholes are the most vocal and in-your-face locals you meet, doesn’t mean that good people aren’t out there as well. But, seriously, is it ever difficult to keep that in perspective when a stranger is calling you a slut just for walking past…

It’s encouraging to read that you still consider Morocco one of your favourite countries, though! I do want to go back someday, but with a thicker skin. Thank you for sharing your story :)

Sounds like we had the exact same experience, Naomi :-). I think having a very thick skin is key for dealing with Morocco.

Same here! Hearing *I want to fuck you* on my back, walking on the public market right next to my boyfriend, getting stones thrown at the two of us stopping in the shade of a tree (we are bikepacking), hearing kids yelling stupid things as we pass – as much as people get kind when you come to their homes or purchase something, as much I feel disappointed by a culture that makes boys behave so terribly.

The landscape can be beautiful, the people can be kind – incidents downgrade Morocco a lot. I don’t know about the thicker skin, I really behave so respectful and avoid every misbehavior… I just want to kick those guys in their genitals. Really hard. But of course it’s lack of education and money which makes them that way…

I’m sorry to hear about all these terrible things that happened to you!! I have heard such a wide variety of experiences from women in Morocco – it really does determine how you feel about it.

Just to give people an idea of a different experience: I studied abroad in Morocco this past summer, and as a 19 year old girl, took many solo trips around the country. Any problems? None!! I absolutely love Morocco, it’s definitely one of my favorite countries in the world. Sure, men catcalled me on a daily basis and I did get a lot of attention, but for the most part it was harmless and I often found it kind of funny (As in – let’s rate the quality of catcalls we get today). I never experienced any physical harassment, and as a solo female traveler I couchsurfed with the nicest people all around the country and met lots of hospitable locals who made my experience amazing. A taxi driver in Asilah even invited me and all of my friends for dinner during Ramadan, and we all shared food with him and his kind family in the countryside!

The only kind of extreme hassle I had (nowhere near on par with yours) was this one henna lady in Marrakech who tried to scam the hell out of me. You’re absolutely right when you say that your frame of mind shapes the experience. I tried to stay positive the entire time, and took the cat calls lightly and with some humor instead of letting them bother me. When locals came up and started talking to me, I learned to just go with it unless I got bad vibes, in which case I’d ignore. I’d make some friendly chat and then come up with an excuse to leave, and usually the people were nice. It just seems so normal for them to walk right up to strangers and talk to them. The most common phrase I heard from these men who walked up to me was, “Welcome to Morocco!”.

Once again, sorry to hear about these bad experiences. I share your love for the country, except this is coming from someone who did not get a lot of hassle. I also absolutely loved Essaouira and Chefchaouen – my two favorite places in the country! I went to Essaouira during the Gnaoua festival (which I think was the music festival you talked about stumbling into) and had an amazing time! Then again, I couchsurfed and the locals I stayed with were amazing guides and hosts to the little hippie town. I can’t wait to return to the Morocco! Even though your talking about the difficulties you had, it’s making me nostalgic hahaha.

Thank you for sharing a different experience, Anne! I have friends that had no problems while travelling through Morocco so I definitely know it’s possible — it’s just frustrating my experience was so negative! Your time sounds amazing :-)

Sorry to hear you had such a rough time in Morocco! I’ve been debating on whether or not I should try to visit there this coming year, although maybe I should wait until I have someone to go with!

Either wait until you have someone to travel with or expect lots of harassment so it isn’t a surprise :-). Work lots of downtime into your itinerary!

Morocco remains high on my list, including Marrakech, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen. It’s sad to hear that not only is there such harassment, but the anger that appears to come along when you don’t respond. I’m almost more concerned about how I would react – I can only keep my head down and mouth shut for so long! I still plan to visit, but will probably wait until I’ve had more solo travel under my belt and/or have a companion to come along.

I’ve had enough experience with annoying touts around the world that my first reaction is to keep my head down and ignore everything going on around me. It did definitely seem to anger them though.

Glad you still want to visit! :-)

Hi I’m Moroccan.i want to apologize for this behave. It’ss true, women are harassed all the time in Morocco, not by every male but in many cities it became the rule. Sometimes, when I’m with my daughter .i feel embarrassed when I notice this wrong behave. It’s not easy to be a woman in Morocco. I’m sorry But the country is beautiful

I can’t believe that guy threw a rock at you!! Holy smokes. Kudos for you on keeping your cool with these guys. I would have never been able to handle that – I would have flown off the handle and probably made things much, much worse. Note to self: there are other places than Morocco to see :)

Yeah, I have a pretty bad temper but after punching a scammer in Shanghai I’ve worked on keeping it under control :-). There are definitely other places with much less hassle!

My pals over at Vagabond3 just got back from Morocco, so it’s really interesting hearing about their time and now yours as well. While Morocco has never been even on my radar of places to go, it’s officially completely fallen off based on the rock throwing. I am just in shock reading that. And given the fact that in a place like this I would always give off a bitchy vibe, that this could happen, I’m out.

Yeah, the rock throwing was completely uncalled for — I just wanted him to leave me alone. I’ll have to head over to Vagabond3 to see what their experience was like.

I really appreciate the honesty in this post. Morocco is one of the countries I’d love to visit, and planning a trip around cities where I won’t be harassed doesn’t seem so out of the question. I’m sorry you had some tough experiences, but I’m glad that you had the amazing times to balance that out. And you’ve written about it in a really balanced way, good job.

Those pictures, though, breathtaking.

Thanks for the kind words, Sally. My time in Morocco was definitely very conflicted.

Sorry to hear you had such bad experiences. I have yet to go but am in the midst of planning a 13 day trip next March but with my fiancé. How did you travel from city to city? Bus?

Hey Samantha,

Yep, I travelled by bus everywhere. The only exception was from Chefchaouen to Tangier, where I travelled by shared taxi.

Sorry for a rough time at Morocco. I can’t believe that guy threw a stone to you. It must be frustrating for you but i like your attitude towards Morocco, hope you will go back there and may be give a different experience story.

I’d love to return and have a completely different experience with the local men! It would make Morocco my favourite country :-)

Well, Lauren, I don’t know why there are few black sheep in every country. Sorry to hear about the person who hurt you for no reason.

I am glad that being a positive person you look for the best things and that’s exactly what I like about travelling. It lets you give a positive vibe and you tend to look at the beautiful things of the world and its people. There are so many things to learn from you Lauren.

Ah, thank you so much!

My first foray into Morocco was as an inexperienced traveller to Tangiers. Since I live a few hours north of Morocco, it’s easily accessible from Spain. In the short hours I spent there, I felt extremely uncomfortable and ripped off, and everything seemed to artifical. Due to the number of ferries that arrive from Algeciras and Tarifa, the cities along the coast have lost a lot of character. Marrakesh was totally different for me, and much more enjoyable.

I’m not surprised to hear that, Cat. I found the touts to be especially aggressive in Tangier — I guess due to all the day trippers from Spain.

Wow, what an experience! I can’t believe that guy threw a rock at you, no excuse for stuff like that. It’s awesome that you didn’t let the bad incidents colour your perception of the country too much though – it looks stunningly beautiful.

It truly is a beautiful country. And yes, no excuses for the behaviour of the men. See why I’m conflicted?!

Someone threw a rock at your head?!? That’s ridiculous! I guess guys generally get it easier than girls in the travel department – I certainly don’t get hassled in a sexual manner…maybe I should start wearing short shorts…anyway, I’m glad you wrote this post. Travel isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, and even in countries we love, we can have bad experiences. Serbia and Turkey are two of my favourite countries, but a couple of crappy things happened in each place.

Yeah, absolutely. I know that I find myself receiving much more harassment than my male travel friends do while travelling. Travel would be much easier if I was a dude :-)

Wow, I would have done the exact same as you. First, locking myself in doors for a while to recover, and then leaving after the rock incident. It is infuriating how some people can be so awful and ignorant! The things they were whispering too…..it’s hard to comprehend how they think that is okay!

That being said, the Sahara desert experience sounds amazing and Chefchaouen looks absolutely stunning! It would be a dream to take pictures of and I must make it there someday. It’s too bad the people can’t just be nicer, then I’d book a ticket right away. Instead, I’m a bit hesitant, and would want to wait for the right time, the right travel partner…or maybe just a really cheap flight ;)

Yeah, the whispering and insults were what really got to me — and then I was pissed off at myself for not standing up for myself and yelling at them. I can understand you being hesitant but it’s definitely still worth visiting at some point, maybe with a travel partner.

Great post, Lauren. It’s never easy to write about a place when you experienced both highs AND lows. Morocco is one of those places that part of me really wants to visit, while the other part just wants to stay far away. Things like the Sahara and Chefchaouen I think will eventually draw me in, though…

However, I don’t know if I will tackle Morocco solo.

Thanks, Amanda! I think if you’re nervous about visiting Morocco it’s best to see it as part of a tour, or with a guy.

Oh my goodness I can’t believe someone threw a rock at you! I wrote a post where I mentioned feeling a draw to Morocco but feeling conflicted because of the hassle and safety factor and so many women have said it’s worth it. But man, your experiences sound really though! I think I’d either want to book a guided tour (ugh) at this point, or get some more solo travel experience under my belt.

Yeah. The rock didn’t hurt much but I was in so much shock. Even if I’d stayed past that point, I would have been too nervous to go outside.

I’m not a fan of guided tours either, but I’d definitely take one in somewhere like India, which intimidates me.

The pictures are breathtaking (the one taken in Chefchaouen is my absolute favorite), but until I read your post I had no idea this is the situation for female solo travelers in Morocco! I´ve always regarded Morocco as a great eco-tourism destination full of adventure and culture, but I´ve never considered its cons, I guess. I´m quite surprised I have to say.. Maybe this is the result of the lack of social interaction between the sexes and Moroccan men generally having little exposure to women other than their immediate family..

Thanks, Jamie.

I can’t speak Moroccan men, but I’ve read, and heard from several people, that a huge contributing factor is the fact that they’re not used to seeing women exposing bare skin. In the Western world it’s rather common, which has the men believing that Western women are easy.

This is a really great post, it’s wonderful you’re so honest about your experiences.

I travelled Morocco with my husband and was occasionally harassed when I became separated from him. One time we were getting out of a taxi and I guy came up to me and said “Big ASS, you have big ASS!” It was the final straw. I turned around and snapped, “I DO NOT have a BIG ASS!” And then our guide informed me he was saying I have big EYES.

Opps…

Thanks, Carmen, it took over a year for me to publish this post, but I feel like my experiences need to be shared. That story is hilarious!

I’m afraid the guide would have been lying to calm you down. I have lived in Morocco for 15 years, I speak arabic and some berber and believe me, the only words that come out of their mouths are insults! There are, of course, exceptions but there is an incredibly high percentage of rude, nasty people here. Some of the attitude comes from lack of or, even worse, poor education and the instilling of the belief by parents to children that strangers are dangerous and not welcome – the infidel!. It is quite normal, while out walking the dogs or running errands, to be hit on the head by rocks or pieces of old food picked up from the ever-present rubbish in the streets. Morocco is a truly beautiful country ruined by the population who seem unable to take responsibility for anything. I have never seen so much broken glass (from wine, beer and mehia bottles) in countryside locations as here, in this islamic country and I don’t believe that one shard has been put there by a tourist!!!!

Thanks for your insight, Pansy.

I am moroccan and feels so ashamed that you had experienced a bad moments. beleive me this not our reality, i kniow there are bad guys and even moroccan girls go through the same situation. but i am happy you still keeping a positive side of you trip to our country. My advice is to travel with a friend or have an experienced local guide.

just a note: the comment coming from PANSY that : THE INSTILLING OF THE BELIEF BY PARENTS TO CHILDREN THAT STRANGERS ARE DANGEROUS AND NOT WELCOME… is completely false and a rude judgement.

Youssef from Casablance

Thanks for sharing Youssef, I’ll be making sure to travel with somebody else the next time I come back :-)

I hope you are less racist almost ten years later. Your comment smells bullshit. The exceptions are the men harassing, it is not the other way around.

Very sad. I feel terrible sad about the situation in Morocco because I also had fantastic experiences there, yet came away with an incredibly negative view. So negative that I tell everyone I know to go somewhere else. There are 200 countries in the world and you’ll never visit them all — go somewhere else before heading to Morocco.

I had two major incidents and incessant minor ones. In each case it was about aggressive men. Hostile men. Nasty men. Nothing like any of the hassles you get a in a normal tourist destination. Hate hate hate.

Positive experiences – Chefchaouen, Mhamid, Todra Gorge. The rest was shit. :)

Yep, it’s hard to know what to say when people ask for my recommendations. I have female friends who travelled alone in Morocco and had a perfectly safe, enjoyable experience — but that was the complete opposite to my experience.

Chefchaouen was so great :-)

Thanks for such an honest post. It’s incredible to have a location that has such good and bad memories all at the same time.

While I’m a “you shouldn’t let a bad experience ruin it for you” type of person, I don’t think I would return myself after going through everything you had to. There is so much more of the world to see. So many places where the positives far outweigh any negatives.

Yeah, it’s tough, and it’s true there are plenty of other places where you won’t be subjected to abuse.

I’m still keen to return, though!

Thank you for sharing your story and for the useful tips. Morocco is a country I’ve dreamed of visiting for a while now and I’ve been fortunate to meet many lovely people from there recently (male and female). Maybe when I do go, i will be in the company of a friend as a guide. I can’t imagine what possesses men to treat women the way you were treated there. I don’t think that was simply a cultural issue, but maybe it is, which is a sad thought. Throwing rocks at anyone is just mean. BTW, beautiful photos, especially of Chefchaouen!

Thank you! Morocco is incredibly beautiful — it’s just a shame about the hassle. I would return to Morocco alone, as I think I’d be more prepared second time around, but I’d definitely choose to travel with a guy if I had the option.

As far as I’m aware, Morocco might just be the worst place to be a solo female traveler. Between my group that went and another group that went, it varied from decent to harassment-filled. It’s pretty sad that the best thing you can say about the people is “they didn’t bother me as much as people said they would.” Sigh. I don’t know the cause, but it’s certainly true. It’s not an absolute reason to stay away, but it’s certainly a reason to do your homework and be careful.

I’m sure there are worse places… but yes, it’s definitely a challenge. I believe you can have a safe time in Morocco if you research thoroughly and know what to expect — and if you have a bit of travel experience too, but it’s unlikely to be easy and stress-free travel!

Thanks for sharing your story. Morocco is on the list and I have heard it is a tough place to visit. I can’t imagine doing it by myself! But you are right, there are some amazing things to see there, and even though I go back and forth, it’s still on the list. Great article with great information, even for those that are not traveling alone.

Thanks, Lina. I’m glad you found it helpful, and I’m glad it’s still on your list :-)

I haven’t ever been to Morocco and I can’t say I’ve ever been anywhere that seems to be quite as rough as your time there was, but I do understand what you mean about finding a challenging country magnetic and alluring—I felt the same way about Vietnam, which definitely can have its difficult moments. And yet, I think that if it had been easy and smooth sailing the entire time, I just wouldn’t have liked it as much. I think that because we had to work a little bit to crack the hard outer shell and get to the good bits, it made us appreciate it more. Morocco is a country that I really want to visit one day (along with India!), but I know that it won’t be smooth sailing. Hopefully the fact that I’ll visit with Tony rather than myself will help things along, but I think there are a lot of good tips here for all female travelers.

Absolutely! I’m frightened by India and don’t think I’d be brave enough to travel solo there, but I feel that it would also end up being one of my favourite countries, despite the challenges it would hold.

Thank you for your post! I am thinking about visiting Morocco for my first semi-solo trip and joining up with an Intrepid Tour. I have been to India so I am curious as to how they compare. India was exactly like what the previous commenter said, it was a tough time but I really enjoyed the trip. I never noticed any sexual harassment in India, even when another girl and I got lost in Delhi at night, but the overall experience was emotionally tough and incredibly rewarding so I can see what you are saying. I was really excited about going to Morocco but now I am a little bit more nervous, I am hoping traveling with a group with a good guide will help the trip go well. But definitely go to India both of you if you haven’t already, though maybe go with a group or someone who knows the language and the culture.

Morocco used to be high on my travel list but after two female friends had bad experiences, it slipped several notches (in addition to being followed and grabbed, one asian friend faced constant racial slurs). It is disappointing to see that you too had a negative experience Laura (along with the positives of course). It’s such a big world, call me crazy but I’m more motivated to see the friendly/more respectful places first!

I definitely understand why you feel that way, Becky. There are definitely easier places to travel through where you almost certainly won’t be abused or hassled :-)

It is shocking, grabbing, insulting and throwing rocks? I’m sorry you had to experience all that!

I must have been lucky, I have been travelling in Morocco in December 2012/January 2013 for 4 weeks and didn’t have any bad experience!

Of course there were men starring, maybe few times trying to talk, but I always ignored and they did too.

I’m glad to hear you didn’t experience the same levels of abuse that I did, Marysia. It’s great to hear that some females have completely hassle-free experiences in the country :-)

Thank you for the post. I’m going to Morocco solo for a week mid Feb for my 30th and I’m apprehensive about it for the harassment reasons. I’ve travelled solo often , and I DESPISE the the harassment in every country I go to. I’m always covered up but I always get creeps staring and saying things no matter what country I’m in. I’m worried about totally cracking it and screaming at someone!! Do you think it will be safe/recommend doing a desert tour?

I agree. I always seem to get harassment even when I follow all the rules for avoiding it. I think you should be perfectly safe taking a tour in the desert, though. There’s usually around ten people in each tour group, so it’s not like you’ll be alone with a creepy male guide :-). I’d definitely recommend taking the tour — it’s the best thing I’ve ever done! :-)

First off, I want to thank you for writing this, it’s difficult to find information on Morocco. I am planning a 11 month trip, after I graduate. It will be my first time traveling without my family, and I really wanted to see Morocco. The thing is, this will be the second country I visit in my trip (I’m planning on visiting 10- a month for each country, except Italy, which gets two :) ), and I will most likely be traveling solo, so I don’t know if it is such a good choice for me. I don’t like tours, they don’t let you plan enough of what you want to do. I have traveled before, with my family, and I can navigate well, and everything, but the hassle doesn’t sound like its worth it, when I could decide on going to a different country without all of the hassling and love all of it, you know? Do you have any advice?

No problem, Elizabeth. I’m glad you found it helpful. Maybe you could just buy a one-way ticket to Morocco and not book your flight out of there until you’d been there a few days? If you’re finding the hassle too much then you could just get out of there and go somewhere different. I guess you’ll have to ask yourself if you think you might regret it if you didn’t give it a go? If it was me, I’d do that and go see how it is for myself. The comments here have shown that some women have had a perfectly safe experience in Morocco so that could also happen for you :-)

Bummer to hear that you had a rough experience in Morocco. We visited Fes, Chefchaouen, Merzouga, and Meknes and loved it though were traveling as a couple. I definitely echo the ‘cover up’ tip! You’ll draw much less attention traveling this way.

Hopefully some of my tips will be helpful for others looking to travel this wonderful country!

Thanks for your comment, Sara! It’s always good to hear from people who had a different experience to me! :-)

I was just wondering of you have travelled to India before and if so how you felt the men and their hassling compared? thanks! x

I haven’t yet, but hope to soon. I imagine that India is worse than Morocco, from what I’ve read.

Hi Lauren, I found your post through googling ‘morocco annoying touts’ because I too am at the brink of leaving myself. My experience and the types of touts I receive are obviously different because I am male, but the constant harassment is no less irritating.

Ah, sorry to hear that, Devon. Did you decide to leave?

Hi Lauren, Great article! Really informative and helpful to me as I prepare for a summer trip to Morocco. I am a fairly experienced solo traveler but I certainly can think of times when I felt worn down by rudeness or aggressive behavior esp. by men. I usually tend to clam up and stay quiet, feeling awkward, and not wanting to make a scene. I feel a little more prepared after reading this… quick question, Where did you get your guide when you first arrived?cost? sounds like a great way to get introduced to the area. Also do you know anything about taking a ferry over? I’m planning to take the ferry from Spain to Tangier I’m wondering if it would be best to just fly? Thanks! Ashley

I arranged it through my guesthouse. I’d imagine you should be able to do the same with most accommodations in the city. I didn’t take the ferry — sorry!

Hey Lauren,

I just came across your post, and very much enjoyed it! I am planning on traveling from Spain to Chefchaouen next week as a solo female. Any recommendations on places to stay? I’ve been looking on Hostelworld etc, but would much more prefer a suggestion from another girl who has traveled there! Thanks so much!xx

I loved Riad Baraka! It’s my favourite guesthouse in the world :-)

Thanks so much for this post! I’m heading to Morocco this summer, and though I’ve traveled extensively, including solo trips to many “questionable” places, many of my female friends and associates have had unpleasant experiences there. Think I’ll go with a tour group (for the first time) to hopefully make my time more hassle-free.

That sounds like a smart idea, Jacke. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable experience :-)

I’m in tangiers right now and have felt depressingly trapped in my hotel because of the harassment, the hooting and following and pestering…also, I don’t even feel like I can relax at a teahouse when out and about because they are full of nothing but staring men, so uncomfortable. I wish I had read your blog before wasting so much money coming here…. :(

Tangier was particularly rough for me, as well. Sorry to hear you’re struggling, Mishka. I hope things get easier for you.

My two friends and I (all female) had a horrific experience in Morocco as well. I mean, there were things I absolutely loved about it. The Blue City was by far my favorite.

And with the desert experience into the Sahara, we entirely expected it to be hot, toilets to not work properly, cold showers, etc. It’s the desert. We are not pampered. What we were not expecting was the lack of protocol when it comes to an emergency.

To begin, we had a driver from Fes to the hotel. My friends and I speak both English and Spanish. He spoke Arabic and French. We tried to communicated but it was difficult. He then, however, proceeded to yell us whenever we spoke to one another in a language he didn’t understand “No English. No English.” It was also very uncomfortable to sit in the front seat next to him as he continued to grab our hands entwining his fingers with ours. We could pull our hands away but he would hold onto them still. At one point, he patted my chest, grabbed my hand and forced me to touch his stomach. There were many other moments in the car ride that were involved inappropriate touching. My friends and I felt very trapped and didn’t know how to respond, afraid if we got angry, we would be left and we were in the middle of nowhere. At one point, he stopped the car to have us take a “panoramic picture.” He wanted to take a picture with my friend. Being polite and not really knowing how to say no, she obliged him. As he goes to pose with her, he attempts to fondle my friend. My other friend screams at him to stop and back away. Which he does, but after, he is very rude to us and won’t let us talk to one another.

Eventually, we arrive at the hotel. The staff was very kind and accommodating, welcoming and warm. Our driver left and we thought our problems were over.

On the camel ride, two minutes into the trek, before we reach the sand dunes, there is a hard rocking part that has been cleared of sand. As I am riding, I shift my book bag barely and my camel gets spooked. He kicks and starts to run – I have a hold of the saddle handle with my left hand – but I can’t hold on. I am thrown to the ground. The next few minutes are a bit of a whirlwind. They ask me if I’m alright. I explain that my arm is hurt and my hip in pain. They tell me that I’ll be ok, but I need to decide if I want to go or stay behind. They have already tamed and fixed my camel. To take responsibility at this moment, I should have stayed behind, but I was in such shock that I didn’t really have time to assess my injuries. They put me back on the same camel and we ride an hour to the desert camp without electricity, ice, or anything to treat my wounds.

When we arrive, I can’t bend or move my arm. It is in extreme pain. I tell one of the BerBer guides. He fixes up some hot water and salt and attempts to massage out the pain. I believe he honestly thought I had just sprained my arm. The pain was so excruciating that I they had to ties a scarf in my mouth to muffle my screams. I almost vomited from the pain. By the end of the hour long massage, I did have more flexibility in my arm and thought it was getting better. Some of the other travelers had pain medicine and shared it with me. Everyone at the camp was very kind, but I feel as if they were unprepared at how to attend a medical emergency. They called the hotel and their bosses, but when I requested if I could go back to the hotel to go to the doctor, they said they didn’t have any means of getting me back to the hotel until the next morning. Thinking it was just a severe sprain still, I requested if my friends and I could be the first group back to the hotel in the morning. They said yes.

During the night, my arm worsened to a point I couldn’t move it. They massaged it again, but it was too painful and didn’t help. It was obvious the guides felt bad. They were very attentive, gave my friends and I a separate meal, etc. Sadly, our bed/cabin got infected with ants and we had to sleep outside.

In the morning, when we were supposed to be the first to leave, they ended up making us wait and be the last to leave. When we finally arrive back at the hotel, I find the head staff member, maybe a manager, I’m honestly not sure because no one was very transparent with us. I requested to be driven back to Rissani to see a doctor, go to a pharmacy for medicine, and then if they could get us to the bus station. I didn’t demand a refund or anything. I just requested that they help us with transportation.

The head guy was very kind and said he would arrange everything, gave us two rooms to shower and get read while we wait for a car. Another worker gave me a sling and they accommodated us with a free lunch and water. The bus from Rissani to Fes would leave at 8pm since there are only morning and night buses. We said we understood but in the meantime would like to be taken to a doctor.

We waiting from 10am to 6pm before a car took me into Rissani, but the events that transpired into getting us to Rissani were very traumatic. By the time 6pm rolls around and no one has come to pick us up, I am upset. I start to cry and my friends, feeling frustrated, demand that we go now. We are shoved into a 4X4 with a man that we don’t know (we assumed a head guy) and another guy. He’s driving like a madman and before we were shoved into the car, all of the workers who had been kind to us before were trying to stop him from taking us. He screamed at the staff member who gave me the sling – yelling that it isn’t his property to give away.

Half way into the drive from the hotel to Rissani he jerks the car and yells at me to explain why I’m crying. My friend tries to talk for me because I’m emotionally and physically unable to articulate everything. He cuts her off and asks if she is a lawyer. He then asks her this in Spanish as well. She says no. And he says, good, because if he found out a lawyer was in his car, we would be left in the desert.

He then proceeded the entire drive to tell my friend that she had a hard heart and it was a good thing that he was kind because most people would leave her in the desert. He continued to say and do passive aggressive comments that implied we had no choice in our fate and that if he wanted to dispose of us, he could, especially with his connections with the police.

During the drive, he would scream at at people in Spanish that he was going to kill them, then turned to us and said, “Oops. I forgot you speak Spanish.” These were all his subtle ways of threatening us.

We finally arrive to Rissani and he hands us our bus tickets. He tells us we can go to a doctor, and to the pharmacy, but he actually recommends that we go to a guy that he knows to fix my arm. I request the doctor. So we go to the doctor’s office. The doctor, according to our driver, isn’t in. So he tells us, we’re going to the guy he knows. My arm is swollen, bruised, and my fingers and hand are beginning to numb.

He drives us to an abandoned building that is falling apart. He yells at my friends to stay in the car while he takes me upstairs. They refuse and say they want to come with me. He takes us to the top where an old old man with a glass eye is sitting among trash, dirt, rust, etc. He then looks at my arm and tells the draconian driver that I have suffered a severe elbow dislocation and that the guy is going to set in place now. They don’t give me any medicine, nothing, and the old man sets my elbow. He tells the driver to tell me that if I had waited any longer, I may have lost mobility in my arm. I’m not sure how true this is – but these are the events that occurred. The driver then tells us to pay the man with money from the heart. We give him 200 DH.

The driver then puts us back in the car and says “I invite you to tea. You can accept or decline, but I think it would be best if you accepted.” We then were forced to sit with this man and drink mint tea before our bus trip. He would ask us small talk questions and make comments about how respectable and beautiful Moroccan women are. He told us not to cry or we would have worse problems on our hands if the police saw us crying. Also, now that I was “fixed”, I could leave the desert happy. During tea, he told us that the same camel that threw me, had thrown another girl a week before, and she had a dislocated shoulder and they took her to the same man to be fixed.

He then drove us to the bus station, dropped us off, and left and took the sling from me. Saying, it was his and I didn’t need it anymore since I was fixed. I was not taken to the pharmacy for pain medication and had to endure the pain of my elbow and leg. (If I could attach an image of my leg I would. I have a bruise that extends from the back of my right knee to the bottom of my right butt cheek. It is black and bumped up.)

I am not sure why this all happened. I can honestly say that I acted with patience through the entire ordeal until the very end. They weren’t transparent about anything and I don’t know why they waited so long to have my injuries looked at. If they didn’t think it was sever or not, I’m not sure.

All I know, is that whether the injury appears to be minor or major, they should have a protocol in order, or at least say, whether I think you are ok or not, we need to be sure, let’s see someone now.

It wasn’t only physically harming buy also emotionally. I have traveled to many countries, I don’t expect luxury, but I do hope for human compassion and concern for safety if something goes wrong. The man who drove us was very disrespectful towards us and I am hundred percent sure it was because we were women. I felt powerless and unable to say no to him. I am writing this experience on here, because yes, I do think it is a freak accident, and if I hadn’t gotten thrown from the camel, we would have loved the desert experience. But, to see a man’s true colors, put him in crisis. I saw immediately we were just money to them and they were all concerned about protecting themselves.

I could handle the touts, the touching, no. Am I glad I went to Morocco? Yes and no. Yes, because now I really do understand and fully can grasp the objectification of my sex. We also met one very kind Moroccan man at our hostel who took my friend and me to a Hassan with all local women, and naturally treated us and bathed us like their own. It made me so sad for what had happened to us before because of how kind they were to us.

(Sorry this comment was sooooooo long, but I thought it necessary to share – and – well – I needed to because it was a painful experience.)

I just read your comment about your trip to Morocco. I can’t imagine what you just went through, but I am glad your friends are safe! Now I am seriously debating whether to go there by myself or not!

Remember that one person’s experiences doesn’t necessarily mean yours will be the same!

Hello lauren , Sorry for my english i’m not too Good , but i cant stop my self i must reply to this .

My Country is Like all other Country’s , you can Find Good and bad paople , except my country is very beautiful and charming like you said :) , There is only a fiew bad people that would like to harm you , but there is too meny good people that would love to invite you to their house and give you Their food and their bad to sleep in and he can sleep on the floor , and i dare you if you can find this in eny other country , and i’m sure if i come to england and i was sleeping in the Street , i will not say no one will help me or invite me , but the number of people that would help you in that situation in morocco will be more than the number that will help me in yours , for example , a russian girl come to my library last week , and she was lost , she needed a map and for Free , because she wasnt caring eny money , i gave it to her , and i paid The Taxi for Her to her hostle , and i gave her my number so that if she needed enything just call me and i will be there to make her trip easy as mush i can , and i’m sure that 90 % of the people here would do the same thing , for no change , and the people in the streets who stops you to buy thing’s from , they do it to us too , they stop us too , poor people have the right to feed there children too , and there is too meny poor people in marrakech , and i asure you that happen’s to me when i visite marrakech too , and that boy from tanger that bother’s you , that can happen’s to you in your country too , that was a bad luck that’s all :D

so i hope you change your idea about morocco , and you visite as again as soon as possible , because moroccan people love if people from other country’s talk good about them that’s all , and next time if you visite Casablanca and needed any thing just searsh for library wamnay in Maarif , i will be there to help you . Good luck

Thanks for your comments, Adnane! I completely agree that what happened to me could have easily happened in my hometown of London. I just wanted to pass on my experiences in Morocco, just because I did seem to have such bad luck there. I hope to return within the next few years to have a much more positive experience :-)

Thank you so much for you post about your trip to Morocco. Im debating whether or not to go there by myself this month. Ive traveled mostly alone and your tips for women travelers is very helpful!

I’m so pleased to hear that! Thank you, Kathy! :-)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Morocco is one of the places I’m definitely looking into doing solo trip to. I did 10 day solo trip to India and cut my trip short by few days (was supposed to be 2 weeks) as well due to overwhelming harassments, but of course not like what you experienced! I’m sorry your first Morocco left you a bit sour. Perhaps second or third might be better? It’s been 2 years since my India trip and even tho the harassments (or the touts) on streets were pretty bad, I’d love to go back and see other parts of India. Your experience was definitely something I’ll keep in my mind and hopefully it’ll help me stay strong when I do go to Morocco. Thank you again and I hope if you do go back, it’ll be fabulous :)

I sort of compare my experiences in Morocco with those that many people seem to have in Indian — hating it while they’re there, and having it drive them crazy, and then the second they leave, wanting to return!

I’m hoping my second trip will be far more enjoyable than the first :-)

I’m visiting Marrakesh in two weeks and am currently researching sahara overnight tours – some with very positive reviews. I was just wondering what the name of the tour you went with was called? Just so I can avoid. Thank you! Sorry if you mentioned this in one of your posts – I may have missed it.

Hi Evelyn. I booked it through my hostel, Mama Marrakech. I didn’t book in advance.

I’ll be travelling there with my two sisters. I’m Indian and I can relate to the stares when roaming with them. But do you think I need to worry about men approaching or name calling them?

And also are buses safe? It’ll be a budget trip so I would rather avoid private taxis.

I found the buses to be very safe — I never felt in any danger while taking them. And I think if you’ll be with them, they’ll probably not experience much hassle. Hope you have a good trip!

Wow, great post. Very honest!

I travelled to Morocco 2 years ago, on my first ever overseas journey as a wide eyed 18 year old! I travelled with my best friend (male) and we did a tour through Topdeck for the most part. Topdeck used a local guide who was AMAZING and ever took me and my friend to his family’s place in the country to celebrate the end of Ramadan! We are still in touch, and I’ll never forget him rushing me to hospital when I collapsed due to a bid mix of food poisoning and heat stroke!

I didn’t happen to have any problem with the touts, but I always engaged with them, although rarely purchased anything. I found that if I chatted and engaged, then explained that I wasn’t interested in purchasing anything, they were fine. I also found that I got much less attention from men than the other women in our tour. Maybe because I have Muslim friends, I was slightly more culturally sensitive, and didn’t wear revealing clothing at all.

I am hoping to return to Morocco on my next trip, and was thinking of doing it alone, but after your experiences, I might try to rope a friend in to doing it with me!

Thanks for being so candid, and I hope you do go back one day. It is such a beautiful county with the most incredible, varied culture!

P.S. It;s so interesting that you liked Marrakech! It was my least favourite place, but maybe because it was above 50 degrees celcius the whole time..!

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Morocco in October, and was wondering which tour company you used for the sahara trip and which tour you chose? I can’t find one that’s suitable for solo travellers; was yours good? Were you in a group with other solo-travellers?

Hey Owen. I just booked my tour through my hostel. It’s far cheaper to just turn up and find something — and all of the tours offered are basically identical. Mine wasn’t great for solo travellers as I was with a group of 8 kids from Brazil who didn’t speak in English to me! But as it was booked through a hostel it depends on who’s staying there.

I agree with Ms. Lauren, she said lots of things in this article is genuine. Last year i had enjoy a time with my partner. Travel To Morocco is the dream for me that’s come true. It was nice place, people of this country are hard working. It is the one of the most moderate and peaceful country in the world. I indicate to every individual on this Earth visit to Morocco is very adventuresome.

Thanks, Joseph!

Any way lauren, I’m moroccan and welcome in morocco again

Morocco was my last stop on a short 5 week solo backpacking stint throughout Europe. I was exhausted and almost immediately dreaded my decision upon arrival.

I arrived in Fes, nerve racking to say the least(had also heard many negatives about Fes). But, within a few days, it had a piece of my heart forever. I was lucky enough to have a short arabic lesson in the hostel where I stayed, and once I started attempting to speak the language, as broken as it may have been, it made all the difference.

I hadn’t planned on staying in Fes, only just flying in there and taking a train to Marrakech. However, the hostel owner and a couple of guests convinced me otherwise. They said Chefchaouen would be much better, more relaxing and less of a hassle.

I was hesitant at first, but I am so glad I changed my plans because I LOVED chefchaouen. I agree that everyone was incredibly friendly, we even played soccer in the main square with some of the local children. The scenery surrounding it, as well as the mountains and the city walls were so picturesque.

Of all the places I went on that trip, the one place I’m always talking about is Morocco. I’ve never fallen in love with one place nearly as much. I cannot wait to go back.

Thanks for sharing your input, always nice to read about other female solo travelers and their experiences!

Thanks for sharing, Lori! :-)

Even as a male visitor, never never again Morocco. They kept harassing us to buy things and they cheated us in our change, if we got any change, from buses, to shops, to eating places. There was always someone to stick close next to you, pushing you in some direction to see something special. If you relaxed to appreciate something you were immediately swamped. I understand Algerians are even worse.

Never, never again. I have travelled in Muslim countries and love places like Indonesia or Malaysia. But Morocco is, I am sorry to say on your website, the pits.

I’m sorry to hear you had such an unfortunate experience, Andrew, but sadly, I’m not surprised to hear that you did.

This is why I took a tour. It was my first ‘exotic’ country and since I’d been looking fwd to seeing it since I was a kid, I didn’t want the fantasy ruined. I got asked for coffee and kif (pot… local people don’t drink, but apparently weed is ok haha :) ) a few times by shop-owners, but they were sweet. No problems at all. :)

That’s great! I’m so pleased to hear you had an amazing time in Morocco, and it goes to show that taking a tour as a female can really make a difference :-)

Thanks for the post. I am currently in Morocco, thinking of “escaping” to southern Spain for part of the ten weeks I planned on spending here but I’m torn because I’ve had such good and bad experiences. It really improved my state of mind to hear similar sentiments from you.

I wanted to add my two cents. I have experienced the same persistent but minor incidents like you describe. I work remotely while I travel and I feel restless, cooped up in a hotel room because many cafes are just so hostile (even silently hostile). An expat I met tipped me off that cafes often have hard-to-see upstairs sections where I’ve found many Moroccan women (never solo). The service is often terrible and it’s hotter upstairs but it’s an option and good to know.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been followed. In Tangier I passed a man going in the opposite direction who said something I ignored. Three large city blocks, he is at my elbow talking to me again. I told him to leave me alone loudly in English (in the heat of the moment I forgot my French) and several men nearby approached, asked me if I was okay and kept the man, lecturing him, while I escaped. So I agree with Youssef, there are many, many good, polite and respectful men in Morocco. The taunts just make it seem like every man is a jerk.

Also, I don’t think you can count on certain towns being better than others. If you are thinking about traveling to Morocco, I hate to tell you but my worst and scariest experience occurred in Chefchaouen and my best experience occurred in Tangier.

In Chafchaouen, I was walking along the road from Bab el-Ain about 4pm on a Sunday afternoon to get photos back towards the town. There were tons of families around. This man “reverse followed” me. He walked in front of me, kept looking back and if I stopped (out if sight) he would wait for me. When I started walking back to the waterfall/Bab area he yelled at me and followed me. I got scared and flagged down a passing car. Thank goodness the car carried a family and that they spoke Spanish (the man was Moroccan but had moved to Barcelona). The man got out of his car and talked then yelled at the man. He told me it was nothing to worry about. I’m not sure if that’s because he understood what the man was saying or just trying to comfort me. He gave me a ride into the town center…on the way we passed his brother, a policeman. I went on with my day, just a bit shaken.

In Tangier, I had the opposite experience. I was strolling the kasbah, taking photos and was amused by a cat being taunted by a small bird inside a screened window. An old woman poked her head out of the upper floor of the house and I thought she might be suspicious of me. Instead her adult son came down and invited me in to see their terrace and for tea. On paper I would never enter that house. But my gut told me it was fine. And it was. We spent the next hour utilizing all of our shared vocabulary in multiple language to share our lives. I was invited to join the family for Friday couscous and I feel like I got to see what a modern Moroccan family is like. That’s why I travel.

So would I do it again? I had a conference in Casablanca, so my airfare was covered, so yes, I’d do it again. But if I were picking a trip, I’d wait a see Morocco with a male. I do get the sense that if you stay in populated areas other Moroccans will intervene if you make a scene. I don’t think Morocco is more dangerous than most other places but more challenging and exhausting.

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Miriam! I really appreciate it :-). It’s a tough country because there’s so much good and bad, and is putting up with the bad times worth it for the good? I’m planning on heading back to Morocco in a few months, but this time with my boyfriend. Intrigued to see how different it is with a man by my side!

I’m planning a trip to Morocco for a few months in Jan/Feb, and I was wondering what the name of your hotel in Casablanca was? I’m having trouble find a nice (and reasonably priced) place there.

Hi Sarah. Sorry, I visited several years ago and can’t remember the name of the hotel!

great! what a sincere heart of local moroccan! :) and you are great too lauren because of your patient! ;)

Thanks! :-)

Wow..I don’t know how I ended up on this blog but I’m glad I did. I lived in Morocco last year and had a pretty tough experience. I was supposed to teach english thereof or 6 months but left after 4…but its funny…despite the negative experience..there were some amazing moments too. And I still find myself thinking about morocco more than a year and a half later. It’s because I had felt so much like a failed traveler that I desperately feel like i need to go back. I want to learn some arabic, learn more about the culture… I don’t know. Reading this just made me fee like…OK. Other solo female travelers went through it too. And now that that’s established…I can mentally prepare for the next moroccan trip.

I am traveling solo in morocco, second time here, first time I was with a group. I have been to all the main cities, and Fez is definitely my favorite, it’s strange you heard otherwise. I havent been to chefchaoen, but that is my next stop. Of course I have experienced the very annoying and persistent young guys who want money out of showing you around. I just ignore them, as if they are not there. Besides those hassles, other people I meet in the medina are so friendly. I hope the rest of my trip will be memorably nice, as now I have rated Morroco my favorite country I have traveled.

Thanks so much for sharing…all of you. I will be studying in France next year. I have a FB friend who has invited me to visit him in Agadir and I think I shouldn’t go alone. I think your posts confirm this…

Glad this post helped you make up your mind, Erica! I hope you do get to visit Morocco at some point, though :-)

Hei there , I’m morrocan and I’m so glad u liked it but at the same time I’m so ashamed of all the harassment and looks u got from local men that kept u from visting Tangier ( my native city) , I hope u’ll get the chance to come back again . I’m so sorry for all what u had to go through it takes a brave woman to travel here alone & I admire your courage .

Thank you so much, Boutaina! I’m actually hoping to return to Morocco this year :-)

I am moroccan born in Holland.I live in Holland.Occasionally i go to morocco because my wife wants to see her family.Please people dont go to morocco iTS the worst place to go to.The country is fine but the people are very bad .the moroccans are hypocrite selfish people i have ever seen.if i could help iT i would never go to morocco.i hate morocco because of iTS people not friendly.The police wants to bring you down the people want to bring you down.

Indeed ,it is a shame to hear that you are Moroccan by origin and pseak about your mother country in such a bad way.your overgeneralization about all Moroccans indicates that you are either a dirty person or you are not a Moroccan at all,you are just pretending to be so so ,so as to spoil the reputation of our great country. Morocco is like any other country in this world,good and evil peaople are here as there,everywhere. We can not overgeneralize personal attitudes and judge the whole nation,culture,religion. Sexual Harrasement is condemned by the Moroccan law and by the Islam law ;however many people do it which means it is a personal attitude.For you manish, if you were good,you would see Morocco good;but you are an evil therefore you see Morocco as evil.In Morocco there are bad places and people and if you go there you will see only bad things and meet only bad peoples(night clubs pubs, bars,brothels etc,and some cafes that are colonized by prostitutes)and there are good places and people,if you go there you will meet nly good people and see only good things such as universities,Mosques,historical monuments , main streets ,parks and cafes to mention but a few.To close this, good and evil are to be found in everywhere in this globe.No single culture, relgion, community, race..can be claimed to be only good or only evil.Salamu aleikom

It’s a beautiful country, though, Rachid.

Sorry Rachid, but if Moroccans are bad people, than you yourself are bad too. Do you think you are Swedish yourself? Or do you think you are the only exeption to your own rigid and absolute rule? Bigot.

Hi Lauren!So sorry to hear that you have had some hardship in my country.As we know that good and evil are to be found in everywhere in this world.No single country,culture,religious group, race,family… can be only good or only bad. good and evil are personal attitutes that should be judged as personal deeds not as attitudes of a whole culture,country etc. For instance sexual harrasement is and evil attitude that all laws of the world and all relgions condemn it but though that many people do it uncaring about the earth or heaven laws. in my country as in any other country,there are plenty of good people and good things to enjoy and there are also bad people and bad things that can make you feel disgust.

I close my words with saying that Morocco and Moroccans through history remain great and hospitable and helpful people. Peace

All very interesting. Im in Marrakech and flew in this morning. The combination of no street signs and the majority if people appearing friendly but then asking for money was at least 99%. I did decide I would make my way independantly of touts and guides and had 3hrs orientation walk. Walking confidentally and understanding sections coming out of the main market area. i think ill stay a few days and head to the beach… But it needs to be given a chance i think… I preferred staying away from busy areas. Hassle immediately drops right off. Also im wearing simple unbranded clothes no jewelry or watch which seems to allow me to go a little more un noticed. So far im intrigued and as long as im not overtired/present as confident/smikey and my situational awareness isnt compromised I cant see any real danger here.

Great tips, Russell!

I have been twice to Morocco, most recently this past January. I speak fluent french and I remember thinking after a few days this would not be a travel friendly country for non-french or Arabic speakers. I was not personally harassed sexually as you describe, and had probably one of the best experiences anyone travelling independently in Morocco with a male friend could have. We went from Tangier down to Essaouira through Assilah, Rabat, El Jadida, then on to Marrakesh, Taroudant, Meknes and Chefchaouen.

While traveling we met many people. including women who told us about their experience in Morocco. One recurring statement was “it”s not that bad” or variations along the lines of it not being all bad or they can handle “it”. These were women we also found out had bought a knife in Fes because the amount of sexual harassment made them feel so unsafe, or another who was coming from Marrakesh and seemed just exhausted and shell shocked, or a couple hiding in their hotel after the harassment they had gone through in the Medina in another town.

I think men have less to prove, and will say honestly they had it with the harassment and touts in general. Women on the other hand are so anxious to prove to themselves and everyone else that they can “handle it” that they will make excuses, take blame for some of what happened (bad vibes, wrong state of mind, wrong clothing, etc), rather than admitting that (a) it was a miserable experience because a lot of the people there are ass holes and (b) they can’t handle it because frankly no one could. Every man I ever talked to thought it was an unpleasant country they couldn’t wait to get out of. Women just didn’t want to give up, as if it was a personal failure they did not want too admit to. If you want to see history and beautiful Moorish architecture, visit Andalusia, For fun and nightlife,, go anywhere besides Morocco. For friendliness, and even scenery or food,, plenty of countries are nicer than Morocco. As I read all the comments on this page, I ask myself what is everyone on?? I have traveled extensively as well, and have never come across a country where people are so constantly aggressive and in your face. With almost 200 countries in the world to choose from, why would you make excuses and want to go back to a country where you were treated so horribly. And you will be mistreated again if you go back! The people harassing you are full of anger and view women as lesser than, and foreigners in general as just dollar signs. There are nice people there as in every country, but you will also notice that when in a bad situation, very seldom will anyone get involved, as you are not one of them. PS on a more general note, as I see comments about how to handle the problems, travel with a male friend to be harassed less, etc. Do you really want to contribute your tourist dollars or euros to a country that thinks so poorly of you and women in general that you have to jump through hoops in the hope of not being assaulted there?

Well, I personally loved every aspect of Morocco but the men. Visiting the Sahara Desert was the number one highlight of four years of travel and I wouldn’t want to give that up over some harassment. I’m currently living in Granada and it’s nothing like Morocco.

I think that there are a lot of truths in your post. I have traveled solo and am currently considering traveling with my son to Morocco. I would love to see Morocco. I looked at this website to convince me that the attitude of Moroccan men really is not that bad, because I have had my share of scary run-ins with Moroccan men (in Amsterdam, the Hague, Paris, Alicante, and Bonifacio). I’ve been convinced otherwise. I’m not ready to entertain the possibility of feeling threatened, being grabbed, running for my life like I have had to do to get away from insisting Moroccan men. I would love to feel invincible and to feel that my gender is not a barrier, but I will take peace of mind over danger.

Thanks Lauren for this nice travel blog. I am travelling solo in marrakech for one week to celebrate my birthday this coming march. I am suppose to travel with my friend who cancelled the last minute due to some pressing reasons. I have already booked a non-refundable flight ticket and accomodation, so I have no way out. Reading from the thread, it seems like ,it is not the best place for women solo travellers. I have travelled around the world and had been to dangerous places but with my husband. I am thinking of doing daytrips to Chefchaouen and 2 day trip to the sahara through excursion companies. I am getting wary though going on excursions after going through the thread.

Would be glad to read more tips for women travelling solo in Morocco.

Hi, I am looking to book a week long trip (7 days) with 3 other girls and we are interested in going to Marrakech, the Sahara and Chefchaouen. How long would you recommend for each? Thanks so much, Carly

I’d say 3 nights Chefchaouen, 3 nights Marrakech, 2 nights Sahara Desert.

I too had a very difficult time in Morocco. I went there in 1997 as a teenager with no adult men present on the trip. I was followed around and harassed. Actually, the men were not very abusive, but they gave me a lot more attention than what I was comfortable with as a 17 year old. I covered up the whole time in accordance with customs but it did not matter. However, I also felt a pull to Morocco. Even though it was exhausting being there, I had also said to myself when finally leaving to return to Spain “I’ll come back here when I’m an older woman.” The men leave the older women alone.

I have not returned yet but I often wondered if it’s easier to travel through Morocco now, given how much smaller the world is with internet (I was a SPECTACLE there being 5’9 and blond) – your blog has informed me that it indeed is not any easier for young women! One trick is to wear a gold band on your wedding finger — men in such countries tend to respect married women a bit more.

Lauren, I have a niece who has been invited to Morocco by a man she met in Maine while he was there. She is 21 and named Lauren! She ha bought a one way ticket why I don’t know i live far away. Her grandmother is petrified and her Mother is in denial. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I did forward you blog to them. Thanks Fred.

Hi Fred. This really isn’t my area of expertise and I’m afraid I can’t offer any kind of meaningful advice.

Thanks for all your tips. I will be traveling from Spain to Chefchaouen. I’m staying only two days, would you be able to recommend a place to stay and a safe way to travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

Hi Paola, I went with a shared taxi between Tangier and Chefchaouen. It didn’t feel hugely safe but I couldn’t find any other alternative.

Hi Lauren, I’m surprised to hear of your dreadful experience with Morocco. I travelled to Morocco a few weeks ago alone and found my experience to be lovely!! Although I had only travelled to Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. I had one encounter with a man who was making jokes (mind you, he was hilarious!). I do plan to go back to Morocco next year. I believe you had a rougher experience because you’re white. Now don’t take me wrong but the men there target women of lighter skin color because it’s easier to identify them as foreigners. If you ever do plan to go back to Morocco, feel free to contact me for travel advice!

I’m so happy to hear that, Sarah! It just goes to show that everyone has different experiences and you can’t judge a country based on what one person tells you :-)

Morocco looks interesting! A lot of mystery places to visit. I’m hoping I could go there before the end of the year. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome!

hello karen I am Moroccan and I live in Marrakech I’m really sorry for your trip to Morocco but next time if you come you’ll change your opinion and if you need advice I’m here to help you

Thanks, Rachid!

Wow…firstly i was mesmerised by your story.sad yet exciting. A true good hearted human. Not to mention beautiful. I was almost in tears and my heart in my throat..yet then dropped wright down when you started mentioning the positive side.. I was also in morocco in 2014 3 of us 2 male 1 female.. one night was walking back to the hotel from new town after having gone for a meal. When we walked past these two guys dressed in long gowns stood infront of the fire in the middle of the road as it was december and quite chilly at night. As we walked past one of them shouted ” excuse me pakistani” we ignored them and carried on walking. As we walked further down they started shouting ” chappati” to be fair i wanted to just go over and knock their lights out. But my 2 companions stopped me. And believe it or i thank them for it. And i wasnt even white lol. And hoing back in july 2015. Its the most amazing place on the planet. To be fair you get hassle where ever you go these days wether be it abroad or in country..maybe not as extreme but its their…unfortunstley.. But i hope you will defo visit again some day. All the best. Loved your article. The best i have ever read period.

Haha, thanks! :-D

I think many solo travellers come away from Morocco with conflicting feelings. Travelling alone, you becoming a much softer target in many different ways. Mostly people just want to get some money out of you. Physically, it’s a safe country, although a guy did pull a gun on me (a joke? maybe just crazy) but you need to be on your guard during all interactions with strangers, which is a shame. After a month, I realise I only hung out with maybe three Moroccans that weren’t trying to get money out of me, otherwise all conversations swiftly led to some kind of proposition. The worst is how they imitate friendliness and play on your tendency to want to be polite (after a while that disappears completely). Also travelling independently is a real hassle as grand taxi drivers and people on the bus will phone their friends to let them know there’s a foreigner onboard. Where ever you’re going they’ll know you’re coming and be ready with this piece of junk or that unwanted service. (You know the taxi driver is involved, when he doesn’t mind you not paying for a 2 hour journey)

As for Saharan tour guides, mine also offered me unwanted attention; rubbing my nipples, trying to lick me, pressing his penis into me during an unsolicited and unwanted massage and then finally exposing himself fully during an aroused state. Kind of changed the ambience of my only night in the desert. My feeling is that it’s a kind of prostitution. Because he lived mainly from tips, he must have thought sexual favours would help earn him a more generous tip. Perhaps other tourists have taken advantage of this before.

Overall Morocco is a poor country that has experienced mass tourism, but most locals are yet to see any of the benefits themselves. The nearness of wealth has corrupted many desperate people, who now only view foreigners as sources of money. After indulging one guy and buying him dinner in Marrakech, I asked why this was and he said it’s just like this in poor countries. But that’s not the whole story. There are countries were the standard of living and opportunities are much worse than Morocco, yet the behaviour towards travellers is completely different. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I got Morocco out of my system now.

Thanks for the insightful comment, Sunra. Sorry to hear you had such a negative experience. It’s true, though, you really do have to be on your guard with every single local you meet. I had one positive interaction with a guy in my month in the country.

I spent 6 weeks in Morocco on a group expedition when I was 18. I’ve recently made the decision to return this summer in July. You do get hassle from men. In my experience, if you avoid eye contact and conversations with strangers, it is relatively safe.

Agree with you, Amy!

You are always welcome to Morocco :)

Your comments:

1) Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals.

2) There is no excuse for the man who threw a rock at the back of my head in Tangier, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been giving off a hostile vibe and storming away from him in rage and frustration.

are putting the blame on you, when the blame rests solely with the abusive men.

There is no excuse for harassment & abuse and the men alone are responsible for their deplorable actions.

I will definitely never be going to Morocco, given the strong misogyny there, which is a part of their culture. No picturesque scenery or historical site is worth it.

Yes, but I’m also offering advice for women who are going to be visiting Morocco soon. So if I can recommend they behave differently in the hope that it will reduce some of the harassment, I’m going to do so.

Hi! so I am considering traveling to Morocco and visiting some of the places you’ve visited there, and i would like to know what hostels you stayed at? Thank you for sharing your experience :D

The ones I would recommend are Riad Baraka in Chefchauen and Hotel Continental in Tangier! The one I stayed at in Marrakech has closed down, and I didn’t like the one in Essaouira.

hi Lauren JOY IT. i love all your trip and travel so take easy in any case, the Moroccan people is always kind and lovely. for never mind it’s life ;)

If you had gone about your travel in Muslim type of clothing,,,like a hijab and abayya, do you think the men would have left you alone? Or if your face had looked less western, do you think it might have made any difference? I am just curious.

I’m tempted to say yes, but many of the comments in this post have said that the local women struggle with this harassment, too. It’s hard to know.

Sorry to hear about some of your unpleasant encounters in Morocco. I spent about 10 days in winter last December and 1 week of it was solo travelling around the country. I visited all the places you had been except Chefchaouen ( would die to go back to Morocco and visit it!!)

As a solo female pounding the streets ( even locals in Asilah and Tangier), you will never be free of catcalls and advances from men.

My trick: I wore a dark scarf which was wrapped around my head and dark shades. Walk with a purpose even if you do not know where the heck you are. Check your maps discreetly at a safe place. I also would pretend to cough violently every time some extra dodgy approached me because who would want to strike up a conversation with a sickly, TB-esque female and catch a virus? Works like a charm. Helps that it was winter cos I could cover up and bundle up in my jackets/coat and hide extra precautions/ cash in my boots etc.

I did not dare to whip out my phone and pretend to have a conversation that much because phone-snatchings can be quite common ( did this trick in Turkey when I was travelling solo as well when I was wary and weary of the myriad advances from males but in Turkey, everyone on the street was glued to their phones…)

Harassment and one night stand pick-ups in trains from Moroccan air stewards aside, I get to meet various people in Morocco and had amazing experiences with them. I befriended the locals who brought me around the souks in Tangier and had ‘Hashish’ aka morroccan weed (!) over barbequed fresh fish and conversations with locals in a riad in Fez, among a few.

There were kind souls from sojourn passengers to train conductors who would go out of their way to help what they deemed a ‘helpless’ damsel-in-distress, lugging around a huge luggage on trains to immigration officers at passport control ( at Algericas port, onward to Spain) who showed me their summer vacation pics in Marrakesh..

When travelling in this mystic land, keep your wits about you, converse with locals with a smile and sprinkle in some Arabic and you would leave the country, exhausted but awed.

I’d be back! ;) Maybe see you there! (non-solo travelling this time..)

Hi, Lauren,

This is gonna be a long one.

As a proud moroccan, I feel ashamed of your touching and yet indulgent feedback, as well as a great majority of the comments that gives a bad but just an sincere feedback. In a way, it shows you that the hijab “protection” of the local women, far from being a tradition or a religious requirement, is often a sad assurance for tranquility in the big towns. And even if it does constitute a strong social tabou, there are still guys that are so miserable that it is not a certain one. The ones you met seems very miserable though, even in the moroccan scale. But as poverty, as reckless drivers, as uncivism, it is a part of the trip, and every coin has two sides, it is also a land of generosity, of excitement, of surprises. Plus, I think that my country, along with tunisia, still the less challenging for a woman to discover alone the arabo muslim part of the world, with the bonus of the berber culture. And for my western friends who visited your way, alone and free, the best way in my opinion, it is always a real experience, in a sens that they learn something about themselves.

So, in order to help remaining in the “gentle and thrilling adventure” zone and avoid a lot of problem, let me give some advice for your next trip :

* the “if you the mountain won’t go to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain” rule. In morocco there are no indication, nor reliable live web information, people still the vector of information. So ask people that seems to you reliable and be very cautious, if not negative towards a miraculous help that comes from nowhere. But ask often, more often than in western it is fundamental. I do that myself, even if I think I haven’t miss one single road or significant town in morocco and that I am more local than locals. Every time I entered in a new zone, I take the temperature of the city in a local coffee, even in the Ketama triangle (which is definitely a no-go-zone) put my radar and find a good fellow. Of course most coffees are not an option for a girl, and you are not supposed to wear a moroccan radar equiped before your trip, but there are modern pubs and coffee where expatriate and group of girls are chilling where you can hit information (asking about your projects, where not to go) following your instinct and the level of language of your locutor (good english is a good indicator). French expatriates that works in local tourism are very reliable too, and have a deep knowledge of the country (sometimes better that the locals). Women are much more reliable than men too, and they are of course the most aware of the harrassers spots, even if they can be overcautious. Old artisans in the medina too. *Break the ice, smile, some simple arabic words in the conversation can help, even if your locutor understands english (more and more the case for the young generation), like choukran (thanks), labass (how are you), la choukran (no, thanks) *In case of emergency, ask for the touristic brigade rather than the ordinary policeman that can ask for a bribe. It is very efficient in marrakech fes and essaouira. In fact, it is common sense advices, and not risk free, but the moroccan nature, even between ourselves, is more helpful when it is gently asked and is not that helpful for someone who doesn’t. And those rules are for big cities, the berbers of the Atlas doesn’t follow this nature, they are respect and rightousness itself. You can feel very free and confident there, hospitaly is not a vain word there.

Lastely, the ones that told you that fes is not a spot must be jealous or ignorants, Fes is one of the two hearts of moroccan culture with marrakech. And as bonus of conoisseur, you must add ait bougmez valley (Azilal region) for trekking (one of the best kept secret of morocco) and the Dades/ Draa valley from ouerzazate for gorgeous landscapes (just before merzouga and the desert coming from marrakech). For spectacular beaches, go south, near sidi ifni. It really worth it and still not polluted by mass tourism like marrakech, Agadir, and recently essaouira. I think that this authenticity is what you liked in Chouaen, besides its others “specialities” that keeps people in a local and peaceful indica mood (very good quality in fez too). Marhaban bik fil maghrib, a lalla Lauren.

Wow! Thank you so much for all of the advice! Super helpful :-)

Yw. In fact I reacted before having a big picture of your blog and your adventure, as I find this article googling about tourism and women in morocco (as women rights are a concern regarding late ramadan news here) Now that I’ve read a part it, and it was a thrilling reading thanks to your storytelling talent, i feel a bit cocky with my assumptive piece of advices. You are an amazing person, and I wish you all the best keeping this outstanding project alive. Big respect and support to you, Lauren, I can’t wait to read more.

Ah, thank you so much for the kind words, Tariq! I really appreciate it! :-)

Thanks for writing this article! I am going to Morocco alone in November for 3 weeks (I wish I could stay longer, I have such a big to-see list!). I have traveled many times alone and know how to handle myself when men stare and try to grope, so I’m not as concerned about that (although I am expecting it to be extremely annoying and exhausting, like you said it was).

I’m wondering how you traveled around the country. I am thinking of renting a car, but I am not sure how easy roads and maps would be to navigate?

Hi Kristen,

I travelled through Morocco by bus, mostly. It was quite cheap and I never had any problems. The only exception was from Chefchaouen to Tangier, which I did by shared taxi. Was a little strange to share a taxi with four random strangers, but it was fine! :-) My friend Jodi wrote a post about driving in Morocco: http://www.legalnomads.com/2011/11/driving-in-morocco.html which made it sound a little nerve-wracking to me!

Thanks for the link! Her post was very helpful, I sent her a comment regarding it.

Let me know if you decide to travel to Morocco again in November! I am loosely looking for a travel buddy! :)

Great! :-) I won’t be heading back that soon, but hope you have a wonderful trip!

Wow this was super enlightening..and a little off putting I admit. I’ve backpacked the states and Europe on my own but now im a bit cautious of heading to Morocco solo. Having had the experience that you did would you recommend a tour? I’m normally anti-tours as you don’t get to to see anywhere near as much and its all limited to the tourist regions, however, if it is the safer option I may cave to it. Also, do you wish you had have seen Fes or are you still not shattered about missing it? And just in terms of walking with a large backpack, did you ever feel your safety was threatened at all?? Sorry for all the questions, hope you can help!

Thanks, Alisha :)

I’m not a huge tour fan, either, because I’m an introvert and like my own private time. However, in Morocco, I think taking a tour is a safer option, but I also think that not taking a tour is necessarily unsafe — you just need to know what to expect.

I don’t really feel like I missed much in Fes. I think I would have struggled there. If I was to return to Morocco and visit with my boyfriend, I’d likely head there again, as it does look interesting.

I never felt unsafe when walking with my backpack — it didn’t really change the levels of harassment or anything.

About a month ago I was researching about Morocco as I was planning to travel there by myself and I came across your blog. Your blog and other comments in it almost made me cancel my plans to go to Morocco but luckily I didn´t. I had the best time of my life. The people there were so friendly. I think to say that it was “constant abuse and harasment” is a little bit too much. I mean yes, if you feel abused everytime someone wants to talk to you or tells you that you´re beautiful then I´m sure you´re going to have an awful time. If you´re open minded and kind then you´re going to experience it in a whole different way. Most of the people who want to talk to you they are only curious about where you come from, if it´s your first time in Morocco/if you like it in Morocco and just want to tell you “Welcome to Morocco!”. Of course you cannot stop and talk to everybody who wants to talk to you and you shouldn´t. But stay friendly. A lot of the times I just walked along like I was lost in my own mind (which I probably was) or if people were trying to stop me to sell something would say “I´m sorry, I have to be somewhere” and rushed away. The only time when I felt anxious was after a night in the overnight train because I was so tired that anyone who tried to talk to me annoyed me. But other than that I had an amazing time and the people were so friendly and generous. And also I´m a 23-year-old petite scandinavian girl with long blonde hair.

Hi Jenna. Happy to hear you had an amazing time in Morocco! It’s good to have some positive experiences outweigh the negative here :-)

Sorry to hear about the hassle you experienced. I have been to Morocco 6 times, twice as a child with my parents then four times by myself as a young adult (my last visit was in 2002). The Sahara was a glorious experience, one of the finest I’ve ever had traveling the world. My desert trekking started from Ouarzazate, and involved camping under the stars; absolutely fabulous. Most of my time in Morocco was spent in the Rif, mostly around Chefchaouen, which to this day remains one of my favorite places in the world. Yes, the vibe there is definitely different from the rest of the country. Locals are friendly, helpful and quite delightful to hang out with. Yes, a lot of them are still trying to make a living, but I would never call it harassment, especially when compared to cities like Marrakech or Tangers. One thing though, and I suppose that applies to all travelers (particularly to women), I personally reckon a lot of tension and bad experiences can be avoided by taking the type of harassment you wrote about with a touch of humor and good spirit. Keeping your head down and ignoring locals (particularly the rude, abusive kind) only invites more frustration, which eventually will turn into abuse. Like one of the lady posters already mentioned above, keeping positive, light and playful goes a long way into avoiding unfortunate bouts. No matter how awful some of these guys might be, most of them simply won’t respond abusively to somebody who’s easy going yet politely refuses advances. Perhaps that can help you enjoy a better experience on your next visit, which I have no doubt you’ll eventually have considering your obvious enjoyment of Moroccan glory. Mezian bizef!

Thanks, Philippe! I so appreciate you sharing your advice with my readers :-)

Hey,I’ve had some weird experiences in marroco that have really made me feel emotionally hurt cause they seemed so heartless. Any marrocan I tell this too tells me exactly what I read here,that there are good and bad people everywhere.I’ve been all over and this here is not normal.I would like to meet some of these wonderful people but now I m over it,I don’t trust anyone here.real sad,I’d say if you travel here don’t expect anything normal.

While it’s true there are good and bad people everywhere — you can’t claim every single Moroccan is trying to take advantage of you — it does seem to be a bit more in your face than in other countries.

Hello! I am a university student studying abroad right now in Spain, and I reaaaaaaally want to go to Morocco. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to go and I found a tour through my study center here in spain which includes all meals, hotels, transportation, etc. It goes to Rabat, Meknes, Midelt, Assilah and Merzouga (in the Sahara Desert), with one night in the desert. I have been in Spain for 3 months, but all of the weekend trips I’ve taken have been with other people, so technically I wouldn’t say I’ve ever traveled solo other than exploring the city I live in now. I would be with a group of other students though and I assume I would stay with the tour group at all times. Do you think this is an okay idea? Do you have any specific advice. It’s just so frustrating, I want to sign up for it so badly but all of my friends have told me traveling to morocco alone is a bad idea. Part of me wants to be all Eleanor Roosevelt and “do something everyday that scares you” but then another part of me is like be logical sophia! Anyways thanks for posting this! advice would be lovely.

I think travelling through Morocco as part of a tour is a great idea! You’ll likely be around people for your whole stay, which will help minimise hassle. I don’t see any problem with you going! :-)

Yes, unfortunately you’re right. I’m moroccan and I advise that any female foreigner come in a couple or in a group, it’s far better than coming alone in terms of safety. Concerning sexual harassment, it’s an issue in our country because even Moroccan girls are sexually harassed everyday, it’s not only restricted to foreigners. Lauren, I’m sure that if you didn’t visit alone, your experience would have been better and you would have enjoyed your stay. You’re not obliged to as a tourist of course, but in Morocco UNFORTUNATELY it’s like that. I hope you visit again and your previous experience doesn’t affect you negatively.

Thanks for your comment, Hatim! I hope to visit Morocco again soon — this time with my boyfriend in tow! :-)

thank you very much for this post! I have been travelling on my own for a month now (in Europe) and was very much looking forward to Marocco. After arriving in Tangier today that feeling quickly changed. I was wearing a knee long skirt and decided to take a what I thought would be a nice walk down to the beach. Numerous man walked up to me, some sat down close to me at the beach, looking at me, and I could not walk five meters without somebody making comments or cat calling me. Never on my travels have I felt that uncomfortable. Your Post and the comments were very helpfull – I am definitely planning on spending more time in Chefchaouen now!

Hi Marlene,

Sorry to hear about all the hassle you’ve been receiving. It can be so overwhelming, even if you are expecting it. I’d definitely recommend Chefchaouen as an escape from it all :-)

it is unfortunate that this still happens, but if you are travelling alone as a female especially if you are young and beautiful you will sure be a magnet for unwanted advances from guys starting from your own tour guide. To avoid getting this from of harassment from your guide. Ask him directly if he is a good Muslim you can trust if says yes. Then tell him touching a stranger woman who is not his wife, sister or mother is forbidden in Islam. Or Just ask him in a stern mode that his advances are not welcome and he should remain professional. wearing a marriage looking ring will do the job. Tell him you have a boy friend or married. You will be left alone most of the time unless you are displaying a provocative flesh in a macho culture.

Thanks, Nechalus. I’d probably recommend not saying that to your guide unless he does anything untoward first.

I’m sorry to hear that you had some bad experience in my country. Actually, what you experienced is the daily life of moroccan girls. Everyday going to school or work, or hanging out with friends, girls get harassed in the streets. This is a hot subject in Morocco. When we discuss this in social media, guys say that it’s the girls fault to wear “provoking” clothes!! The thing is, some girls wearing Hijab (covered from head to toe) are experiencing this! I don’t understand and I can’t see any solution to this.

Yeah, it’s tricky, isn’t it? And sad. I know that I was covered up as much as I could (without a headscarf, though), and I still experienced hassle.

Great article and advices for Morocco.

Hi Lauren! I’m loving you trip reports to Morocco as I am currently planning a trip in August. Would you mind telling me what month did you visit? I also want to do the Sahara desert trip just hoping it’s not unbearably hot that time of year.

I visited in June and if anything, it was too cold! It’s freezing at night, and by the time you get to the desert, the sun is setting so the temperatures are much cooler.

Great article! I’m looking to go to Morocco with my girfriend for 7 days and am looking for an itinerary that fits everything we want to do but we cant seem to find a tour that does it all. We want to go to Chefchaouen, Marrakech and the Sahara, for a total of 7 days. It seems like you did Marrakeh and Chefchaouen on your own, and then did a tour to the Sahara? And how did you get to Chefchaouen, it seems out of the way. If you could give me any tips to help on the 7 day itinerary, that would be great! Thank you!

Yep, I did everything independently apart from my trip to the Sahara Desert. I got to Chefchaouen from Casablanca. You can also get there easily from Fes or Tangier. But yeah, a bit of a pain from Marrakech. Might be worth flying to Tangier and then taking a bus to Chefchaouen. Or going to Essaouira instead, which is a cool hippie beach town.

Hey Lauren It’s really sad how SOME Moroccan people treated you. I am Moroccan and this is the first time I heard something like this about Moroccans. Because I live here and I know they’re very welcoming people specially toward strangers! All I can say is that you weren’t lucky and may be you visited the wrong places. Of course they are some bad places in some cities there are some rude people even toward locals. If you have the chance to visit Morocco again go the south-est, where Berbers live. You will meet wonderful people in there and enjoy stunning paysages. I am sure you will change your thinking about Morocco.

Yeah, I’ve definitely found that the hassle is worse in the more touristy parts of the country (and most countries really, I guess). Would love to return to Morocco soon!

i think that maybe a lot of tourists mm sorry travellers! should do some personal work on their selves instead of being paranoiaK of everyone walking behind using the same sidewalk!

If literally every person who approaches you on a sidewalk in a country mumbles something inappropriate about your breasts, attempts to scam you, follows you to your accommodation, or throws rocks at your head, what other conclusion should you come to?

Bonjour Lauren,

I am really so sorry that men didn’t treat you very well in Morocco, my country. I think what you said is really true: the country is beautiful but some men behave very childish. Anyway, I have been welcoming foreign female friends and yes if I was not by their side, I am sure things will get little bit awkward for them.

However, I do have a question: have you experienced the traditional Moroccan Hammam ( similar to the Turkish bath).

I have not!

Thanks Lauren for sharing you awesome story! And yes there are a some great places to visit in Morocco. And I love Moto desert adventure in Morocco beaches and Atlas mountain adventure in also a great thing if you would like to do it in Morocco.

I would love to spend more time in the Atlas mountains in the future :-)

Is anyone planning to visit in April 2016? Or know of a forum where us solo ladies can chat and coordinate stays so we have safety in numbers?

Maybe check the Lonely Planet Thorntree forums?

Thank you so much for this post. I was considering going but now I know not too. I’m a firecracker and avid feminist. I would get in a violent bloody mess fast. Your honesty is well received, and I really can’t believe you calmly made it through abuse like that. I’m glad you were able to still experience the beauty that I’m sure is there.

You’re welcome, Christina! :-)

Your blog was definitely insightful. Maybe travelling to Morocco in a small group of 2 to 3 might help me instead of travelling solo.

I think you’d be likely to receive less hassle as a group — or, at least, the harassment wouldn’t be quite so intimidating if you had other people around and looking out for each other!

Thanks Lauren for sharing. I’m since 2 days in Marrakesch and must say I was not expecting it will be so bad. I’m 40 years old, dark hair. Everything is beautiful in Marrakesch apart from some of those guys. Catcalls is not a problem but only yesteray 3 guys regularly followed me. i must say it is a challenge because not all are bad, some are really nice and want to help. Unsual habits. I will be one week more in Marrakesch and have to learn how to live here.

So sorry to hear you’ve been struggling, Joanna — especially with men following you. That’s scary and not okay. It’s tough, though, right? Because you want to meet the locals and experience a different culture, but you don’t know who you can trust and who is taking advantage. I hope the rest of your trip goes better.

Hi, I’m originally from Morocco but I live in North America. I go back to Morocco every year. I adore this country but this is a nightmare for me to travel there as a woman. I am an experienced traveller…have been to India and other third world countries. As a woman, Morocco is the worst. I had panic attacks, had to start fights in the streets and usually can’t wait to go back to America. Men are constantly following me, cars as well, slowing down as I walk in the streets, taxi drivers commenting on my looks or my behaviour (lets say I’m in the text with my mom). I did learn a few strategies to make the experience less traumatic: go out with an elder, wear sunglasses, walk fast and be focused. I always dress in a very modest way. The worst ever was in the souk in Fes. As I was entering the souk, it seems like every man was greeting me and asking me I was doing , in french or arabic “Hello, glory of God, How are you?” (Salut, Tbarkallah, ca va?”). I had been walking for like 5 minutes, and after greeting number 55, I started being grumpy and my eyes turned dark. One guy asked me why I was mad and I shouted “Fuck You!!!”. Not the best reaction, but please understand that prior to the souk I had several are following me, some slowing down and asking me to get inside…so being seductively greeted by all these men in the souk was the last drop. I know it sounds surrealistic but it’s true. Anyway, the man I did insult got really offended and it kind of got dangerous for me…I escaped thanks to a woman who took me under her protection. In tangiers, when I am being harassed on the big Boulevard where there are many soldiers for security reasons “Stop it or I will denounce you to the police right now!”. This is not how I want to spend my holiday!! India is easier to deal with for me. Men look a lot at you (touch you sometimes) but in Morocco they feel like you should also talk to them. Hundreds of men very day. from a Moroccan who adore her country but there is some serious problem there.

Thank you so much for offering your advice, Alia! It sounds like our experiences were similar: it’s a beautiful country but the level of harassment is insane. I haven’t been to India yet, but I agree with your observation that Moroccan men often expect you to talk to them and follow you until you get mad.

I am sorry about your bad experiences in Morocco. I am a blue-eyed blonde American who lived in Morocco for 8 years. The first two years I had no car so walked or took public transportation everywhere. Yes, there was verbal abuse. But I did learn a thing or two about how to handle the situation. 1. Walk like you know where you are going. 2. Don’t take any shit from anyone. This may mean a detour. 3. Learn a few choice phrases in Arabic such as “Are your sisters as stupid as you?”, “Did your mother get roasted for Eid last year?” etc. 4. Know that Moroccan girls get harassed too. 5. Call them on it – “Yella, Daba, Henaya” (Let’s go, right here, right now” to any offers of sex will usually send them scurrying in embarrassment. 6. Ask any nearby shopkeeper for help. They don’t want to lose business because of these louts. (And they probably know their entire family)

Amazing! Thank you so much for your tips, Kathy! That’ll help out my readers so much :-)

I’m in Marrakech right now and I can’t wait to leave tomorrow. I wish I would have read about your experience traveling solo before booking the flight. I wanted to love this country but the harassment is overwhelming and taints the entire experience of being here. Not to mention getting ripped off by every single taxi driver, shopkeeper in the souks, strangers following me trying to “help” for an outrageous fee. I value authenticity in my life and it’s heartbreaking being in a city where I can’t trust anyone. I felt the same in Istanbul last week as well- only there, the cat calling and stalking by local men lurking in tourist areas was even worse. I’m conflicted. I hiked the Ourika Valley yesterday with a small group and even on a cloudy day, the experience was liberating. Yet, it was tainted with frequent stops where everyone expected me to throw money at them for trinkets. It’s a different culture and I force myself to step back in these situations and think about how the country’s developing infrastructure, economy, and cultural views impact treatment of women travelers. It’s been frustrating being here and I spent yesterday afternoon crying in my room after a terrible experience in the souks. It feels good to vent. This trip is one of the biggest lessons for compassion I’ve experienced in my life. Working on forgiving and forgetting and moving on. I would not encourage other women traveling alone to come here. I hate to think that my experience would be different had I been with an organized group or traveling with men. It shouldn’t matter, but I feel that it does. Whew!

Thank you, Lauren, for this post. I am traveling to Morocco this summer with my daughter (she is 20). I expect the harassment, but was looking for some practical advice. Between your article and the many helpful comments, I feel a bit more prepared. I am still looking forward to it, especially Chefchouen. We are planning on seeing Casablanca, Fez, Meknes, Tangier and Chefchouen, and will perhaps be more flexible about how much time in each :).

I am so sorry to hear about the bad experiences from people. It does worry me a bit – I will be protective of my daughter even though I am sure she can handle herself!

Thank you again for your balanced post!

A lot of young Moroccan men are sexually frustrated, when they see a foreign women traveling alone for most of them it’s an opportunity to have sex without problem, it’s sad but it’s true. I advice you to find local friends during your visits ;)

Yeah, it’s sad and true and disgusting.

Hi lauren, i wanted your oppinion. Im planning on going to morocco with a couple friends but we are doing a fully escorted tour with a group of people and a guide. Im feeling extremely nervous reading all the stories about how the men are with women all the harrasment and also all the current terroist threats . Im a bit of a worry wart and feeling nervous i dont know ifbi should go but i want to edperience this country and i dont want to regret not going. So given the fact that i eould be with a group tour the whole time do you think ill be ok in morocco in regards to all the harrasment etc?

I find it very appalling about what happened to you. But what I find even more appalling is the self induced victim blaming in your post. You seriously blame your negative attitude and think it is the reason why these men treated you like this? That’s disgusting.

Arab culture is to cat call and harrass any woman who they think deserves it. It’s a machismo culture that uses women and this harassment as a way to feel good about themselves. Take it from a European woman of North African decent. I get harassed by them in Europe and when I go back to North Africa.

You’re a fool to have travelled there alone and should feel very cautious about advising any other solo female traveller to repeat your mistake. One wrong move with these men and you can be seriously traumatised or risk bodily harm, even rape and murder.

Please don’t go to North Africa unless you are with a man or in a group. It’s simply not safe!

But here’s the thing: I didn’t experience harassment when I had a positive attitude; I only did when I was feeling negative and stressed. So, what else can I deduce from that? I wrote this post to offer advice to women who want to travel to Morocco alone — if they go, that’s what I recommend doing because that’s what minimised the harassment for me. But thanks for calling my article disgusting.

And the comments on this post are full of women who went to Morocco alone and had an amazing time without any harassment. Was it a mistake for them to visit as well? If female travellers from other countries were seriously being raped and murdered all of the time in Morocco, it would be publicised. It seems to happen far more in Thailand, for example, where nobody is telling people not to visit.

Hey Lauren i’m a 19 year old Moroccan currently living in Turkey , on nights such as these where i miss home i log into the net and look at pics but tonight i ended up here and many similar websites before this one but i decided to leave a reply on this one so here it goes . First of all i would like to sincerely apologize for the amount of sexual harassment and cat calling you suffered as well as the rock throwing incident my jaw literally dropped when i read that ,never heard that one before i would like to think that man was crazy or something , now let me explain a few things in Morocco anything below the city of Tetouan (my home town) and surrounding small towns is considered south of the country although some are in the middle of the country like Rabat or Casablanca and that is due to the huge difference in our accents , northern Moroccn’s such as my self are kinda considered racist towards the ” southern ” Moroccans because we find them a bit ” savage ” and not as polite or respecting as us . Now that may sound arrogant of us but it’s the truth , the proof is the difference you had in your travel between all the cities and Chefchaouen or Chaouen as some call it with the teenager helping you and all and i’m sure you’ve sensed a much warmer aura from the locals than the other cities . Northern cities are much better for tourist when it comes to feeling safe and the harassment level significantly drops (i’m not saying it doesnt exist but it’s very rare ) however there isnt as much to see in the “north” as much as there is in the “south” except for Chefchaouen. MY city Tetouan is 60 km away from Chefchaouen , it’s not as beautiful i admit but it’s bigger and it has it’s own uniqueness in my opinion i wish you visited there as you could have left Chef for one day in the morning and come back in the evening but oh well . Tangier is the only exception here as it is the biggest city in the north ,the crime rates are higher there and the city is much more populated than the small chefchaouen so it’s obvious that the harassment level is higher than the blue city although less than Marrakesh or fes it is none the less there and very frustrating and sad . I’m not much of a writer but i hope you get to read this and i wanna tell you and everyone who might read this comment that whether i like or not Morocco is still an evolving country and half of our people are uneducated and mostly driven by their ignorance and greed which eventually results in your bad stay in our country and that saddens me so much but i hope that you look at the good people and not the greedy taxi drivers or the scammers and ask of you not to judge us all by the worst of us (although they are like half of us :p ) Once again i sincerely apologize to every person who had a bad experience in my country and i hope you get a better one in the future if you hadnt already gave up on it .

Great post! Your photos are fantastic! I did my first few days in Morocco alone as a solo femaie and then met up with my boyfriend for the rest of the trip. I have to say my experience as a solo female was vastly different than when I was with a man. I never felt threatened when I was alone, but the comments and hassle I received was frustrating and made it difficult to enjoy myself. That being said, I would not let this discourage anyone from doing this trip alone. There are plenty of group tours where you can meet people to travel with and still have an amazing time!

every corner in the world has its smugglers not only Morocco . I am from morocco exactly mountains of atlas. yet, the thing that is worth to mention . wherever you go you will find some difficulties with the natives because of the crush of culture and thought . reader travelers mustn’t fall in that process of generalization which claim that all Moroccan are the same . no , the thing that I want to say I myself when I go to visit some cities in the north or south of Morocco I sense something strange from the native. Given the fact that , I have different cultural background or they see me as a stranger. anyhow you made what I have not myself . you visited the major cities. I am a quiet wildling , i like the passion of mountains . if you visit again we may have a cafe or a drink that you couldn’t afford for your first journey.

No, it’s true, all Moroccans are not the same. But it’s also true that you’ll have to deal with more harassment in Morocco than in many other countries.

Today is my first full day in Marrakech, second night. So far, I fully agree with your experience on attire and frame of mind. Last night, I wore long black pants, a tshirt with a high neck, and a long-sleeved dress type top, and a scarf. All was good, I was only spoken to by the men in the square who were trying to sell me food, and although annoying and relentless, it wasn’t bad and I was out by myself until past midnight.

Today, I wore a long dress, but it didn’t cover my ankles, and a long sleeved shirt over it, with the sleeves rolled up and open because my dress had a high neck. No scarf. For the most part, I was left alone, but was noticed a lot more and men did attempt to talk to me but I just ignored them. It wasn’t until I took out my phone to snap a few pictures of the sunset over the main mosque that this crazy guy yelled at me and chased me for a while. I didn’t handle it well. After he yelled the first time, I ignored him but he continued to come after me and in a threatening way so I spoke to him firmly asking what was happening. He yelled and said in broken English that I couldn’t take pictures of the mosque and something about my country — guessing an infidel shouldn’t take a picture of a mosque. It’s Ramadan and as I made my way back to my riad at around 6 or 7, people were starting to eat and the streets were empty except for lots of men. I was harassed for a good 10 blocks, one after another wanting to talk and when I didn’t, they called me whore in several languages and also a motherfucker.

Now, totally agree that there are very nice men also. Just today, I encountered about 5 super helpful men. One at a restaurant, so yes, he was a bit obliged but it wasn’t a touristy restaurant and he went out of his way to make sure I was ok and knew how to get back to my riad. Another was a guy working at a tea/herbs place off the quarter and in a mostly local traffic street. Some others young guys just coming out of a mosque. And another who helped me find my way in the maze where my riad is, expecting nothing in return except a thank you to which he also thanked me. Last night also a guy in the riad neighborhood (instructed by a woman I approached) took me out of the maze to show me the correct path to my riad.

Some accept a “no” with gentleness but the majority are rude and just awful. I’ve traveled throughout the world and I almost came to tears today because I’m here of my own choosing with my own hard earned money. I have encountered looks and discomfort in Malaysia )Pennan) and Luang Prabang Laos (they were just rude). And I’ve cried on the streets feeling helpless in Honduras as I was harassed day in and day out, just for being a woman. Just my experience.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with my readers, Ale! It’s such a complicated country to visit, isn’t it? Full of moments of beauty that are usually followed with frustration and horror. I hope the rest of your time in the country goes well :-)

Hey Lauren, sorry to hear about your bad experience with Moroccan men. I spent a year in Morocco and travelled around a bit solo as well as with a group of friends. It is obviously a better idea to travel with friends or a male companion, however a female solo traveller can be safe even alone I think. I once shared a taxi with a woman and 3 other men out of which one harassed me (touched my leg and kept trying to talk to me). At first I told him I wasn’t interested in a polite way but he wouldn’t listen. Then I told him firmly and he still wouldn’t listen. Other passengers didn’t hear anything at first but when they noticed they told him off and later the driver told him to get out of the car. My time in Morocco, however, was great apart from this incident. I tried to always interact with women rather than men, which is a cultural norm in Muslim countries anyway (outside of the home and family, women talk to women and men talk to men and then not much can go wrong). I lived in Fes for a year and didn’t have much trouble with men there and if the harassment and cat calling ever got bad, I would put on a hijab and pretend I was Muslim and that made a huge difference in the way men in the street behaved towards me. I speak Arabic and know a lot about Islam so it worked and no guy dared to say anything stupid to me, the way they approach Muslim women is completely different from the way they approach Westerners wearing “Western” clothes. They may try asking you if you are Muslim and how long you’ve been Muslim or why you converted or why you like Islam, etc., but otherwise they’ll behave nicely, or at least they all did with me. So wearing long clothes and a hijab definitely helps. Also, another piece of advice if you’re a woman and you’re travelling solo – try to always take a taxi with other (preferably LOCAL) women, whether it’s in a city or intercity and chat with them a little before you get in. If there’s a problem they’ll stand up for you and help you, whereas with men you can’t always be sure. I once took a taxi with an English friend of mine (female) and the driver locked us in the car and wouldn’t unlock the door (from the inside) until we paid him the money he asked for, of course he totally overcharged us. After an argument with him we paid him and he let us out, there was no other way to deal with that situation and there was no one around to help us so we did what seemed the safest. Also, another taxi story – my parents came to visit and we took a taxi to somewhere in Casablanca and although I was the only one in our group who spoke any Arabic at all, the taxi driver pretended not to hear me and wouldn’t talk to me or reply. Only when my father tried talking to him in simple English he would reply or when my father repeated after me in Arabic. That was ridiculous and nothing similar ever happened to me after that but that’s just another example of how some people just wouldn’t talk to the opposite sex even in such ‘innocent’ context. As for places to visit, I definitely recommend the old medina in Fes (don’t let the few annoying locals to overcharge you though and if you’re not interested in seeing or buying their stuff make it clear to them but in a polite way if possible :)), Meknes, Ifran, Sefrou waterfall and the towns in the South, but I hadn’t visited any and regret it. I’ve been to Casa and Rabat, but those left no impression on me at all. And I didn’t exactly like Marrakech as it was very touristy and overcrowded and the men were too persistent and I got hissed at a lot but I just ignored that. So I wouldn’t go there again. Actually, if I do go again, and I’d love to, I’ll probably avoid most large cities and will visit the countryside, mountains and small villages or towns. And Chefchaouen, it looks beautiful. Whoever is reading this, I hope you will have a safe and enjoyable trip :)

Thank you so much for the amazing and helpful comment, Roonie! I so appreciate it! :-)

Thank you for your post. As a Moroccan male and an owner of a tour company, i would like to post some advice here: – Morocco is a male dominated society, especially in rural areas outside the main cities. – Ladies wishing to travel alone there are encouraged to dress moderately to avoid attention. – Avoid eye contact and smiling at males in the streets, it could be mis interpreted. – When traveling to the Sahara desert, choose to go in a group tour – When in the Sahara desert, you need to be firm with restaurants and desert camp staff, as well as local guides and camel drivers. Your kindness and smiling at their face all the time might be also mis interpreted. Luckily, last 10 years has known a big drop of numbers of female tourists and local ladies harassed in the streets, but we hear of a few minor incidents every now and then. As a tour company owner, i always advise my female clients traveling alone as above and thank God none ever had an issue. I also insist on my local suppliers in the Sahara desert that if any of my female clients ever complains about their staff, i will press charges against them, and this worked well.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi, How did you move between cities? did you have a car or your took the train. Is it safe to travel without a car?

Thank you, Lopes

Hi Lopes! I travelled by bus between cities, and took a shared taxi from Chefchaouen to Tangier. I personally wouldn’t recommend driving in Morocco, because the drivers are, um, very aggressive!

“Perhaps I was just so frustrated that I was giving off negative vibes that were angering the locals.”

I find this statement of yours very disturbing. At no time does any human have the right to heckle, grope or cause mental, emotional or bodily harm to your person no matter your locale on this planet. That fact that you said that gives you a victim mentality. That is very dangerous mental aspect to take on as it can and will mold future events in your life. “Re-path” that thinking pattern into one of security for your own protection.

No, here’s the thing: I’m not sitting down and writing a diary of my experiences here. I’m writing a guide for women who want to travel to Morocco, letting them know what to expect, and offering tips for how they can avoid having such a stressful experience. Yes, of COURSE, it’s awful that the men behave in this way, but that’s not going to be any different when my readers visit. So if my negative vibes could have been increasing the amount of hostility I received, and that plastering a smile on my face may have helped ease it, I am going to share that with the people reading this post, because I want their journey to be as hassle-free as possible. Me going off on a rant about how their behaviour is unacceptable isn’t going to help with that; me offering tips on what I thought contributed to the increasing aggression I experienced the longer I was in the country will.

I don’t have a victim mentality and I don’t appreciate your condescension either.

Morocco is still a very conservative country and most women walk around with their hair covered. This is a message to visitors that skimpy tops, shorts and revealing clothing are not appreciated by the locals. Dress modestly with legs and arms covered and you’ll avoid the wrong kind of attention. It is also helpful to carry a scarf – essential for visiting a mosque, but also worn Berber-style it helps you blend in and avoidunwanted attention. In Morocco the focus is on the family and women are expected to have husbands and children. Many Moroccan men equate women travelling alone with loose morals. It is extremely rare for the harassment to be violent, an inappropriate touch at worst, but the tongue clicks and hisses can be upsetting to some. They also back down quickly if you have a few choice words. If you’d like to avoid being an object of curiosity, get a husband and kids- fake ones. Wear a cheap wedding band and carry a photo of your “husband” and “children”. Many women travellers say wearing sunglasses helps avoid eye contact with the leering men.

If you think you are being hassled walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for help. If you find you have been groped or are receiving unwanted persistent attention make a fuss and show your disgust, locals (especially women) will come to your aid.

I dressed with my arms and legs covered and I didn’t get to avoid all the attention.

You must be very beautiful.

Not really. 95% of the women I know who have travelled to Morocco experience some form of harassment. Blame the men rather than trying to blame the victims for however they look.

Hey my name’s Abdelbar a 27 years old moroccan guy born in city called Mohammedia, it’s small city located between Rabat the capital and The biggest city Casablanca but my origin came from a village of the northern morocco which is 24 km from Chefchaouen, there where they produce Cannabis ” weed “. I am sorry that you have experienced such bad as harassment in our country but as you see it happens in bigger cities such Marrakech and Casablanca, what i can tell you that even moroccan girls get to face that more than you do. So men are attracted to sexy women and can’t not comment. Me Abdelbar i wish you good and safe trip to Morocco with nice moments.

Hi lauren, I’m in love with your article, I am from morocco, Casablanca but I’m living in japan now. Every words you said about the harassment I can feel it and it brought me a lot of memories, in behalf of all I’m sorry for that, its the worst feeling ever, I love me country but I couldn’t stay there because of this, it was the first reason that mad me leave it. I just want to advise any women going to morocco, if you will go to the north of morocco, it is all good, no one will talk to you people are very nice and well educated. if you will go to Casablanca or any where south, I would prefer that you either go with a group or with some MALE friend, it will be much fun and safer. after all it is a good country have fun

Hello Lauren, As a native Moroccan woman I feel sad and embarrased you had such negative experiences. Travelling as a woman takes guts, thick skin and is never that easy. Myself I travelled around a lot and experienced weird things even in “safe” Western countries; being groped and stalked by Italians, sexually harrased by French policemen and being robbed of 500 pounds by a young native Britt in London, because I didnt take extra precautions believing that all Westeners are honest people. Its a shame that Marrakech has attracted all sorts of opportunist that want to make a quick buck off of tourists and whose daily job it is to engage with tourists. Also the harrassement of women is an issue that needs to be dealt with because as your story shows it detremental to your freedom as a human being. This article might be helpful for travelling females. With advise on countries to avoid http://www.internationalwomenstravelcenter.com/479/

great post dear! thanks for sharing with us and keep it up.

What company did you go out in the Sahara desert with? How much did it cost? Was it worth it?

I booked it through my hostel — it cost $70 for two nights.

A couple of friends (all female) and I are thinking of a short trip to Morocco in November. We are really keen to do some exploring of cities, trekking and visit the sahara. How easy is it to find guides/trips for things if you don’t book anything in advance? We quite like winging it…!

Any advice would be really helpful

I think it would be fine. Guesthouse owners are super-helpful, so they’ll be able to recommend guides and stuff if you ask. And in the main cities, there are lots of options for hiring people.

Omg thank you, that’s exactly what I needed to read. I am currently in the south of spain and wondering if I am going to Morroco for a few weeks as a solo female traveller so your article really help me to understand what it is like. (Still not sure what’s my decision though haha)

Glad you found it helpful, Caroline! :-) Hope you have a great trip if you do decide to go.

Hi it is interesting to read this. I travelled to Essaouirra a few years ago with a friend and at first it was great but then a few days in increasingly sexual comments, being followed, shouted at, abuse at our (absent) mothers etc made it very wearing and left us with a bad memory. There were so many nice people too but of course you end up being distant with them because you don’t know who is going to be aggressive etc. I was thinking of visiting Marrakech in January with another female but now I am not sure. I can negotiate it but sexual harassment is scary and makes me angry.

I understand you well. I had the same experience in Israel. Actually I was happy and enjoying my holiday. But after that harassment it just ruined the rest. And even if the country is beautiful, I don’t like to think back. I think you have the same, or? Are you going to travel to some Muslim countries yet? Me definitely not till I’m young and attractive.

Wish you a lot of beautiful experiences and safe journies.

thank you for sharing your experiences here! I grew up in tangier, Morocco. I’m half moroccan half german but definetly looking more german and I really understand you. Even if i grew up there and even knowing the language it’s hard for me to go out alone. Travelleing completly alone in such countries is always a risk!

But I loved it when you said that even after the negative things that happened to you you loved the Country because it definetly is!

Maybe next time you should come back again with a Group. I reccoment you to definetly visit Tangier again and Asilah, a small Hippie town next to it, to probably go down to Taghatout a small Hippie-Surfer spot where you can find your Piece.

I apologize for that it is really a shame to read that and so sad that there are really still People like this in our world and pollute such a beautiful Piece of earth.

I’m happy to found your blog. I’m an experienced traveller, have been to places mostly with someone else, though. Those places I’ve travelled alone to, I loved the most, relying on myself alone is a challenge.

I was thinking about returning to Morocco where I had travelled with my ex boyfriend. In Morocco especially Marrakesh Medina was a miracle for me, had no sexual harm, assault, perhaps with a man beside me I was not a target. We travelled to Casablanca and Marrakesh as we found local people friendy and helpful, even in Marrakech, motorbikes were annoying, though, got lost in the souk was tough, and those guys alway around who wanted to help us find the way back to the accomodation when they saw us lost was tough as well, especially when we did not pay and made them angry.

Before venturing into a new solo adventure, I wanted to read about how it was to travel to Morocco as a solo woman. Reading your blog was helpful and I still hope I can make it. Whenever traveling to Morocco solo, I would return to known places first to gain self-confidence. I had a couple of nice hosts in Morocco as well and I was happy they were all Europeans living in Morocco. I would definitely return to them to feel safe. Traveling to Morocco as European I had fears even with a man beside me. There was a point when my stress was so high that I cried.

Thank you for sharing your experience, I still plan to explore Morocco solo.

Hi Lauren, I often wonder that how come these scammers have free hand? What are they upto? Are local cops only acting as a mute spectator? I am glad that your hardwork will sensitise travellers like me who will be more careful in future as well

Which scammers?

“At one point, he offered to take me into the Atlas Mountains to camp after the tour, telling me I’d love the stars and the friendly Berber people.”

Two of my female friends did actually have this happen to them on a trip to the Atlas mountains. They naively agreed to go with their guide for a walk from their camp to look at the stars. Where he and his friend aggressively tried to “persuade” them to have sex. Luckily one of their male friends in the tour group had come up to see what the noise was about, and situation over as quickly as it started.

Sounds like you were quite wise to be wary of this guy. It’s a shame having to constantly be mistrustful of people, but that’s kind of how I felt in Morocco too.

Oh wow, thanks for sharing that, Bina. That’s awful.

Did you take a cab to the blue city? If so was it expensive? I plan on going to Morocco in january (solo) and just trying to pick up a few tips. I’m sorry all this happened to you and I hope for these men sake that they leave me alone because being from NYC I am a pro at getting rid of annoying street venders and ridiculous men!

Yep, I took a shared taxi from Tangier.

Thanks so much for this article!! I love the honesty. Did you speak French or Arabic before you got there? Have you ended up going back yet? I may be going for a few months to volunteer, I am still researching and haven’t completely decided yet. However, I would be staying with a host family for my entire time there, which includes meals and transportation. Do you think this kind of lifestyle could lessen the harassment /discomforts? I am still a solo female traveler, but I would think that having a family to come back to every day would give me a support system. I have one more question- was the harassment the only safety concern you had while in Morocco? I am a bit wary given the increase in terrorism scares, to be honest.

I didn’t speak any French or Arabic, and I haven’t returned to Morocco yet, but hopefully will later this year. I think staying with a host family could definitely help minimise the harassment — I have a friend who did just that and had a wonderful time.

Yeah, my only fears were harassment. As far as I’m aware, there haven’t even been any terrorist attacks in Morocco in recent years. Would you still visit France? There’s most likely a much higher risk there than in Morocco. I always remind myself that even if I was ever unfortunate enough to be in a place when a terrorist attack took place, the changes of it being in the exact same place at the same time as me is so, so, so, so low.

I am Moroccan and my sincere apologies on behalf of all real Moroccan men who value women, but those dirty minded freaks that your destiny, unfortunately, makes you encounter them are a simple minority that distorts the beautiful image of the country and its warm-hearted citizens. I am personally convinced that change will take place but it is just a matter of time.

Many thanks for imparting your Moroccan experience with us and I do really hope not be hindered from visiting our country in the future.

Dear Lauren, I really hope you would be my Guest next time you would come to Morocco, I’m owner and manager of my little Guesthouse with only 4 rooms located in Bhalil a village 24 km close to Fez.

I have hosted several young women as a single traveler, Sarah is one of them, rad her TripAdvisor review and read also the other reviews in TripAdvisor, you will understand that my Guesthouse and staff is very normal and fully respecting individuals.

Sarah stayed at our House in a village 24 km close to Fez, see how a single women was happy at our Guesthouse and village in Bhalil Morocco, then read more reviews about Dar Kamal Chaoui in TripAdvisor. you will enjoy your next trip to Bhalil Morocco.

“Beautiful place in the mountains for a single traveler, close to Fez!”

I stayed at this guest house after a long trip to Morocco for rest and relaxation. I sure got exactly that! The guest house itself is so lovely! It has wonderful decorations, beautiful rooms with a comfy bed and warm shower, lastly a really nice terrace to sit on and enjoy the view. The city is small and slow moving, which was a great change from Fez and Marrakesh. The staff at the guest house is wonderful! Kamal was a great host, always helpful and we had some wonderful conversations about many things I was curious about in Morocco. Naima makes great food and is so kind! Two nights I was there we had a guest, Rita and it was so interesting for me to get to know a young girl and learn what she does for fun and about her family. Latef is a great carpenter and makes some of the coolest wood carvings I saw in Morocco. As you can tell, I made some great friends and truly felt like family. I would recommend this guest house to anyone and everyone who comes to Morocco! I would even suggest it if you are visiting Fes, as Bhalil is close and the guesthouse is exceptional. Thank you for the hospitality!

I’ve enjoyed reading all these comments here about Morocco. No one mentioned any experiences in Agadir which I understand is a popular beach city there. I’ve met a young man from there who I met on a language web site called Speaky (speaky.com). We’ve become friends. He and his family run a BnB there which he has invited me to visit.

I am 72 years of age, married & speak Spanish fluently & some French. I’m sure that he would accompany me while in that city. Would I have to worry about this male harassment considering my circumstances?

If you were with a local guy while you were out and about, you’d definitely manage to avoid the vast majority of the harassment. I hope you have a wonderful time in Agadir!

I’m going to Morocco soon, well hopefully soon. My wife and I are planning a trip for May/June . I’m always interested in the female solo traveler perspective. I’ve heard some stories about Morocco that didn’t sound so pleasant and wanted to see what others experiences were. Yours sounds like a roller coaster of ups and downs. Hoping traveling as a couple will be a lot better for us. Appreciate your insight. Cheers,

I hope it ends up being a lovely trip for you both, Mark-Anthony!

I travelled from Marrakesh to Fez and back.

Fez the taxi drivers were wanking in front of me.

A pack of men in the Market cornered me.

I gave up my ambition of being at the sacred music festival.

I was shouted at and sworn at in many towns travelling off the beaten track.

Marrakesh I could handle.

Its sad but I have encounter so many women with the same tail.

Ugh. I’m so sorry to hear you had to go through that.

Hi Lauren, I just love your blog. Thank you so much for all your honesty. I also loved your book! I am about to book a trip to Morocco and definitely don’t want to travel alone even though I’m a seasoned traveler. I am trying to decide between a group tour (Intrepid which I used in India and loved) and hiring a one on one private guide for the entire two weeks. I generally like to travel independently but for some reason the thought of being one on one with a guide makes me a little uneasy. Do you think in a case like this it’s best to go with the tour for company? My only concern is would it be aqkward to be alone with a guide 24/7 for two weeks…I’ve never traveled like that before. Thanks for any feedback!

I would personally go for the group tour option, because I’ve heard of guides being pretty creepy with solo female travellers, so I’d prefer to have more people around me.

I’m an older woman and my husband and I have been to Marrakech three times and Fez twice. We got badly harrased in Fez on our last trip but otherwise it was fine. I got separated in the souk in Marrakech and nobody pestered me, but the men on the stalls guessed what had happened. When I moved on (as somebody said my husband had gone ‘that way’) I then got harrased by a female beggar who said ‘well, what DO you want?’ and I just said ‘my husband’. At that point a young man, about 18, got me some water (I had no phone on me, no cash and no water) and he spent two hours trying to help me find our riad. Once we got back I was unable to take him in for tea as the manager said I had no chaperone (why the hell couldn’t he have chaperoned?) Anyway my husband and I walked back through the souk and found the young man the next day and my husband gave him a healthy tip. He was overwhelmed and gave us both a big hug (old enough to be his parents, maybe even his grandparents!) i will always treasure that memory. Oh, on our final trip to Fez the manageress of the riad went out of her way to help me get a carpet bag made. I bought the rug at a supermarket but she helped me get the fastenings and lining etc from the souk. She knew of a craft school where they were thrilled to make their first carpet bag. Who knew that they were unheard of? Lots of kilims turned into bags, but not an actual rug. Sadly I don’t think we can return to Morocco due to various health issues, but with five visits we can certainly say we know and love the place.

Thanks so much for providing a counterpoint, Lynne :-)

When in Rome do as the Romans. Now I am not saying throw a veil on; your attire shows you had not done your homework about Morocco. Certainly none of the hassle you went through is excusable, however your nonchalant attire is a guarantee for serious trouble. Travel is about going toward a new culture, about melting into it. Travellers who knock on the host country’s culture and tiptoe in, humbly, will have the a richer travel experience, and that goes for anywhere in the world.

What are you talking about? My nonchalant attire? The only parts of my skin I showed when in the cities was my face, so if you’re not suggesting I put a veil on, what are you suggesting??? I covered up from my neck to my wrists to my ankles with clothes while in Morocco, as I mentioned in the post. The only exception was the one day I spent in the Sahara Desert, because my tour guides assured me it was fine. Here’s a couple of quotes from my article:

“I wore long cotton pants down to my ankles, a t shirt with a high neck, a long-sleeved cotton shirt and a scarf. I kept everything loose and light so I didn’t get too hot during the day.”

“I suddenly had hassle from men in the street, too – grabbing me, trying to touch my breasts, telling me they liked my “American tits”, whispering in French in my ear and then calling me a slut and a whore when I walked away. I was completely covered up and couldn’t have worn any more layers at this point, beyond throwing a blanket over myself.”

Don’t be such a judgmental and condescending asshole, and maybe try actually reading my post next time.

Hi Lauren! Thanks a lot for the information.

I am planning to travel solo to Morocco during october. If I understood well, you recommend visiting Chefchaouen, Marrakech and the Sahara to feel a bit safer?

Thanks a lot!

Lauren I think its really awesome and brave that you ventured Morocco solo! I did a trip to Morocco last year with my significant other with GAdventures because I honestly didn’t think I could have handled the crowd, congestion and winding roads on my own. It makes me sad to read about your not so pleasant experiences at the same time creating that awareness for other female travelers is invaluable.

Thank you so much, Michelle! Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Morocco :-)

Sorry for the experience. Its quite shameful on mankind that in the 21st Century, women still have to stay on their guard because of the men. Apart from that, Morocco is indeed the place to be. It looks so awesome, a mixpot of the ancient and the modern sitting bang in the middle of the Sahara. I would definitely love to go there.

Hopefully things will change in the future. I’m planning on heading back next year, actually, to see if it’s changed in any way since my last visit, back in 2012!

I’m planning to visit Morocco next year, and stumbled upon your blog. First of all, I’d like to thank you for sharing your experience. And the way you manage to maintain your positivity even after all the unpleasantness you went through–I find it so inspiring. I’m still a bit nervous about going there alone as a female traveler, but your story really gives me courage. So, thanks again :)

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful and trouble-free trip to Morocco :-)

It’s hard to believe what you have gone through Lauren. Those kinds of jerks are all over the places. They need to be taught about basic etiquettes at least. But I appreciate your great patience. You moved on with a positive mindset. I learnt one thing from your experience that every individual should have minimum awareness before traveling to a new destination. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lauren.

Thanks for the kind comment, James!

Thanks for sharing your story and I’m so sorry for what you had to go through, especially this throwing the rock situation, that is truly appalling. I wanted to add on here as well for anyone else considering, especially a solo female traveler. I just returned tonight to the US and cut my trip short 10 days, because of all of the harassment, cheating I was experiencing and getting robbed.

I am an extremely savvy traveler, have traveled solo throughout Asia, Europe, South America and lived in South America and Mexico and while I’ve had incidents like my phone being stolen right from my backpack and being catcalled and even had men pull their pants down in front of me, nothing has been like the terror in the medinas and scam artists of Morocco.

In my Riad in Fes, Dar Elgahlia, the hotel stole a $100 bill out of my wallet, I know this because my wallet had been clearly tampered with in my suitcase. The manager at the hotel also told me he’d help me by getting me an overnight bus ticket to the desert, and after I paid him and later looked at the ticket, he’d given me a used ticket from the day before. This same Riad also turned away my tour guide without telling me, so that I would use a tour guide through them and they would get a cut. The snakes in Morocco are not just on the street, after this I felt I could not trust even my hotels.

I went in late December so was extremely covered up, hair tied back and sunglasses, no make up, essentially trying to look as unappealing everyday. I did not look or smile at anyone, and the catcalls didn’t annoy me as much because I’m used to that, but it was the aggression in people grabbing at me, following me and lying to my face to lead me astray. In Marrakech I was harassed by women, grabbing at me to do henna as I was walking and held my hand drawing on me walking with me, even though I dislike henna and told her no, and didn’t have money on me (which I did not) and she would not leave or stop, then demanded money and caused a big scene. I was also led astray by a man who spoke perfect English telling me he’d lead me to NOMAD restaurant and told me this big story about how his Berber family from the Atlas Mountains goes there to learn to cook, only to then drop me off at a spice shop which was on the complete opposite side of the restaurant so I could buy things. I was also followed by multiple men, saying “you’re going the wrong way.. your Riad is this way… you’re so beautiful let me take you to where the beautiful women go.”

I even went to the police station to report Dar El Ghalia at the request of Booking.com (whom I booked the Riad through) and was escorted by a trustworthy nice young Moroccan, but even after being with him for a couple of hours, he tried to make advances, touching my leg and trying to hold my hand, and asking about my sex life and preferences.

I have very thick skin and get over things quickly, but this place had me in anxiety and on the verge of tears daily. It made me so disheartened because Morocco had been on the top of my list since I was 15, and to feel like I have to be escorted around is just sad. But, that is the culture and I do recommend still going just with a sensible private guide who knows the language and people, a very protective and aware man or a tour group. I have to give it time but I will go back and visit the desert, Essaouira and beach towns but with a man and a guide.

Ugh, I’m so, so sorry to hear about your experiences, Natalie. It’s so terrible that you were treated that way. Morocco’s a tough country to travel through as a solo woman, so I’m not surprised to hear you also cut your trip short. Thanks for sharing your experiences here, so that other women can have a good idea of what to expect when they visit.

Simply gorgeous! Such a beautiful place, even though you have to always have an eye open, but totally worth it.

Thanks for sharing! I loved the pictures!

Thanks, Pedro!

I learned a lot from your post. I love the pictures! What a great place to travel. I love Morocco!

I’m a solo female going to Morocco for a week and a half at the end of this month for holidays. I will be arriving in Marrakech, then wanting to visit the Sahara and if there is is time, Essaoira. Can you please suggest accommodation for me in Marrakech? Safe tours to the Sahara? and accommodation in coastal town such as Essaoira? Also, do you know of any female meet groups there ? Thanks, Gillian

Just got back from Morocco on Sunday having cut my trip for a few days due to the people I met there. I am a guy and pretty big actually but I really disliked their attitude and had to keep my temper in control due to the fact that I was thousands of miles away from home. I posted my thoughts about Morocco on my blog since I think that people should be aware of everything before they visit a new country! Personally regardless of how many good stories I hear I would never recommend Morocco for a single girl traveller!

It’s always good to receive other perspectives, so thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Stefan. I’m sorry to hear you ended up cutting your trip short! It sure is a challenging country to travel through.

You were brave to go alone but these kind of trips feels better with friends.

The sexual harassment we faced in Morocco was the worst anywhere by a long way. The worst place was the Marrakesh Bazaar. It was so crowded and men would grab us and making hissing noises. All the girls in our group had to cross their arms over their chests (to stop the grabbing) as we tried to get out of there. It was a horrible nightmare.

I’m so sorry to hear that, Tamara.

Oh boy. Morocco Desert Tours, your response displays such an inappropriate view of women in the modern world. But I thank you for it, so I and other female travellers can avoid using your tour. I’m going to Morocco in a few months and I wouldn’t trust anyone with such a misogynist view of women to take me to the desert. Thanks again for your making me aware of your views.

Hi As a 57 year old potential solo traveller to Morocco. Do you think my age would provide protection from male harassment?

I am likely heading to Morocco for a few weeks this summer. Regarding your age…. sadly there are lots of poor desperate shameless Moroccan men that consider anything foreign fair game in pursuit of getting of Moroccan. Descent Moroccan men you are less likely to encounter as they usually actually are in school, have jobs or have families to take care of. Better quality Moroccan men do exist … but they are not as likely to be encountered as they are not the looser that are harassing women as a profession. Local women also have issues with regular aggressive sexual harassment in Morocco. The story in Tangier really angered me as it reminded me of an experience I had in Istanbul.

I want to encourage women to be upfront about their experiences and stop describing these situations as “attention”…. this is outright sexual harassment and it should not be sugar coated. Morocco has huge problems with sexual harassment. It is does not only happen to tourist is it a common problem for local women. As a tourist dealing with that is a temporary fear, but imagine how crippling and scary it would be to have to deal with that on a daily basis?

no…..not really the young guys like old women to…they even marry them mainly for there money wait for them to die…so many there all scammer keep away from Moroccan men…

I am currently in the middle of our Morocco trip with my wife and I definately see all the harassment on a daily basis towards females which would be unacceptable in my country. The constant leering and touts at my fully covered wife even though she is by my side is concerning, I can’t imagine what it would be like as a solo female traveller. Not sure if it is a lack of self control or education or both. Makes me sad that females have to put up with this rubbish in a daily basis. Not really sure how a country can progress as a whole with these attitudes towards half their population.

Marrakech was a great place and had a great desert experience. We booked to join a group tour of about 15 people through ‘Marrakech desert expeditions’ but ‘Miftah tours’ actually operate the tour. Driver was great and none of the solo female travellers got harassed from we saw or heard.

Currently in Casablanca and honestly, don’t bother with this place if you are tight on time. The Mosque is incredible but that’s it. Might be good if you live there and have time to explore as others have mentioned but give it a miss as a tourist here for a couple of days. I reckon the harassment was on par with my time in New Delhi.

Like most people said, amazing country and everyone has different experiences. There are mostly nice people as others have said but the lack of respect towards females was definitely a downer.

good and bad in every country ….but so many bad in morocco yes don’t make eye contact helps…as if they think there the best looking things since sliced bread…full of themselves..you have to understand them .girls meaning you whoever reads this they think all tourist women are easy..there looking for a way out..and some are even married and still scamming many are married and still having there women on the side the wives don’t want that but what can they do? cant go back to there families no welfare for abused or single women with children ..morocan men in my experience of Arabic countries are the worst..lieing cheaters..and so full on with the compliments I have seen so many older women marrying younger men as if …it wont last it never does they want kids and they want your country citizenship where ever your from so they can look good when they go back..they seem caring they seem everything just believe me there either born this way or been doing there scams since childhood..i believe they love there mothers that’s all..they don’t respect women at all..i think they think women are just a vessel for things they want.and muslim country I will eat my hat..Bull crap the most unmuslim country I have come across…even at ramadam a lot sleep most of the day and up all night just change there sleep patterns..not so hard..alcohol never seen so much a lot a drinkers..and hash..they all do it most of them..hey guys its a drug and addictive and not islam I wonder if they know that…I could go on and on..I have lived there..i have Moroccan children I know a lot have lived there to..any info you need don’t mind telling..

Wow, I’m rather disappointed with most of the feedback. I am a 64 yr old woman and I will be going to Portugal next year and since I will then be retired, I thought of just flying to Morocco and spending a couple of days in Marrakesh at the Sofitel hotel there, now I’m not so sure?? Thoughts?

I spent 2 weeks in Morocco last year as solo female traveller in my 40s, this country is the worst I have been to so far. Catcalled, followed, groped, harassed… it was relentless. And yes, I dressed modestly. The landscapes were gorgeous, especially in the Atlas mountains, but I could not enjoy a single day of my holiday because I was constantly dodging unwanted attention, looking over my shoulder and I never felt like I could have a genuine interaction with the locals. Everybody wanted something, and men clearly felt entitled to my money and my body. When talking to me, a lot would just stare straight at my boobs!

I will not go back to Morocco. When I am on holiday, I want to relax and enjoy myself, and I find it deeply unpleasant to have to be on my guard every time I step out in the street. I will also think twice before going to another conservative muslim country, since women clearly enjoy a much lesser status than men in those very patriarcal societies. When you invest time and thousands in a trip, you want a positive experience, not fight every step of the way and come back more stressed than when you left!

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

I’m a 20 year old student about to embark on a 3 week trip to Tétouan for Arabic classes. I grew up in France and speak fluent French, and am learning Arabic in college, but I’m still nervous. I’ve never really travelled alone before, and as you described, Morocco is a daunting place to start. I did go to Rabat once but it was with my mother, and any harassment we did get was never unbearable. Do you think the season makes a difference? I’ll be traveling in January, which I assume is a relatively tourist-free time of year. I’m wondering if that means there will also be less harassment.

Any other travel advice would also be appreciated! Thanks xx

Lauren, I was just there in Morocco in October at all the places you visited for two weeks. As a male foreigner with my wife, we did get harassed to buy this or that. This occurred in the Medinas. We travelled with a tour group. However, we travelled independently on our own at midday and at night. I did get asked frequently about my origin as I was compared to a Moroccan actor. I took it all with a pleasant attitude and smiled. More importantly, we ignored unwanted remarks, sales, and offers with a preoccupied look for elsewhere and walked with a predestination in mind. We enjoyed the independent walks in Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes, Casablanca, Fes, and Essaquira. We also enjoyed a night in the Sahara Desert. We loved it and hope others will as well. I offered my advice as I have researched countries for advice. I often follow female solo travelers’ advice in visiting countries. My advice to female travelers is to blend in with the cultural norms and try to use a pleasant and friendly attitude. Be aware and astute. Morocco is worth visiting.

I’ve been stuck in morocco now 16 months yes I get bugged all the time and I really don’t care i learn how to tell them to fuck off and show them im not scared of them women as well try for harass me and I say them thanks I don’t let small things stress me out but honestly learning to swear in there language is best when your travel solo I read how if you ignore them they get mad ! I try same thing but in the end I’m say kawd meaning fuck off and they be shocked they swear back at you but this gives you the opportunity to walk away don’t let them think they are better then women we all come from the same place and for this we is all equal remember this !

I had a very similar experience in Morocco and I would never, not ever, go back. I haven’t experienced anything remotely similar anywhere else.

I’m so sorry to hear that, Kiki.

Heey, wow it’s almost sad to read these comments.. I’m sorry for all of you who felt that way.

I travelled there (solo) four years ago, and I’m going back (solo) next week. I’m so excited! I’m 1.74, blonde, light skin. I’m used to getting some attention on holidays. And I did, but albeit for one weird dude, never in an disrespectful way. But my Morocco experience has been soooooo different! There were 2 scams (the guy bringing me to the hotel) which I obviously refused to pay, and a woman with henna (too bad, I fell for that). Other than that, I was actually really really lovely!

I have a very long I-could-have-ended-up-in-human-trafficking-but-it-turned-out-amazing story, but I’m too lazy to type it out. Some guys gave me compliments, in the most respectful way ever. I got free food (and plates) from a restaurant because the man really wanted me to try out their desserts, which I later shared with the homeless people, had friendly people showing me the way, helping me out, help me get better prices at lunchplaces, found some roaming camels to cuddle..

For all the ladies traveling alone: go during Ramadan. I am not sure if that had something to do with it, but I fell in love with both the country and it’s people.

There are some horrific experiences shared here. I went with my wife back in 2008 and didn’t really experience any of the horror stories most people have seemed to encounter.

We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights (always inside the Medinas) but never felt threatened or even harassed more so than your basic sales pitches by street vendors.

Word of advice have a local show you around and never wander aimlessly. If you look like you’re lost you will be approached. Have a destination in mind and go with a local and you’ll be fine.

its exactly 1 year -i visited my best ever trip to morocco i am a male solo traveller and after going through your article i almost decided to cancel travelling to my dream deatination of morocco- and i had send you the email to get some advice -and your reply was very encouraging and it drove me to go ahead with my plan and i had a wonderful trip of life time -the people were very nice -you have to be little careful specially in fez your advice was that as a male and from india we are supposed to be always vigilant in our own place so nothing to worry and i should go ahead with the wonderful trip of moroccco

Yay! I’m so happy to hear you had a great trip, Zoher!

I’m sorry you had a tough experience in Morocco. I lived in Fez a few years back and loved it, but also had some tough experiences. The harassment in my experience was worse during the high tourist season and way more chill otherwise. I’m also sad to hear you missed Fez because it is lovely there and has a calmer vibe than some of the other big cities.

Ah, interesting! Most people told me that Fez is the worst city for harassment, so it’s great to hear you had the opposite experience.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

My Free Range Family

Destinations , Morocco · Last Updated: March 5, 2024

Morocco Itinerary for 14 Days: The First Timer’s Complete Guide!

This is the itinerary to 14 days in Morocco that you’ve been looking for – ALL the best sights and highlights for a 2 week adventure. Hold on tight… it’s going to be a fun ride!

Morocco is a big country, with so many corners to see, but this itinerary to 14 days is a winner. So keep it close, and click through to the city guides for the full details on each destination. If you need options or add-ons, skip through to the end for our BONUS 14 days in Morocco loop itinerary and other awesome suggestions.

ALSO: Don’t miss posts for –

• 1 month Morocco itinerary
• 8 day beach and surf itinerary
• 10 day desert, valley and mountain itinerary
• 12 day city and mountain medina itinerary

Yes, we know our Morocco itineraries! This is because we slow travelled Morocco from top to bottom for 3 months. As a result, we came to know the country extensively, visiting all the best sights of Morocco and uncovering some of the best hidden gems.

This itinerary goes into a great deal of depth, with seperate destination guides to our favourite locations. So be sure to dig deep, in order to unravel the best itinerary for 14 days in Morocco for your holiday. Everything has been carefully pieced together a complete travel guide to Morocco if you will.

Click the links for the best places to stay in each destination. Read our recommendations on how to get to each destination and browse our maps to better understand the lay of the land.

💥 IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DO IT ALONE! – Below we recommend our preferred 14 day guided tour options with three different operators. Choose between private or group, budget friendly, local or international.

This is an ultimate first-timers itinerary to Morocco… so on your marks… get ready… be steady… & go!!!

Table of Contents

Best Morocco Itinerary Map for 14 Days

On the map below you can see that this journey starts in Tangier and finishes in Marrakech . Therefore this 2 week itinerary is great for travellers who want to start and finish in different locations. Internal flights within Morocco are cheap, so a short flight back to Tangier could also close or complete this itinerary.

See our Morocco Itinerary for more details on taking internal flights and everything you should know about the different options for transport. The guide in mention, also provides a summary of all of the destinations and regions listed below in our itinerary. Therefore it’s a really good overview and travel guide for planning your epic Morocco vacation. (Also linked below)

Read: Our Morocco Itinerary Master List

* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Recommended Guided Tours of Morocco

Before we dig deeper on our 14 day itinerary of Morocco, I am going to take a punt and say some of you might prefer a guided tour. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax knowing that your travel is all taken care of, particularly in a new destination such as Morocco. So take the trouble out of organising your own 14 day tour and have one organised for you. Here I share three of my preferred guided tour options.

Browse the following travel tour operators. Choose between private and group tours, local knowledge or international tours, budget versus more expensive –

Choose Local with Morocco Travel

Get in touch with Mimoun from Morocco Travel. He is super helpful, very friendly and operates one of the most professional local tour groups we have experienced. These private tours of Morocco come at a great price, and provide total flexibility. Click here to find out more about the 14 day tour with Morocco Travel .

Book Small Group tours with Intrepid Travel

Check out these two 14 day options with Intrepid Travel – the Premium Morocco in Depth or the Best of Morocco . When booking via the TourHub website you can get a further signup discount. This adds an extra discount to your booking when compared to bookings made through the Intrepid Travel website.

Alternative Tour – G Adventures

I also like the 15 day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech with G Adventures. Click for their Highlights of Morocco tour to find out more!

Itinerary Overview & Where to Stay

Right, getting back to organising your own 14 day itinerary! Lets start shall we 💃

One of the best resources you’ll find here in our itinerary for 14 days in Morocco are our links on where to stay. When planning itineraries finding the best accommodation always takes the most time am I right?!

Well you can be sure that each of these hotels are in excellent locations and they come with super reviews. Where possible I have tried to find the quintessential riad stay, which are my favourite type of Moroccan hotels. In addition, they are priced within the mid-range budget … so won’t break the bank on a 2 week holiday.

14 Days in Morocco Itinerary Details

On to the nitty gritty. If we were visiting Morocco for 14 days, this is exactly how our itinerary would look.

Starting in the north the journey begins south through the Rif Mountains to the iconic mountain village of Chefchaouen. This was a must for me, and I’m so glad we visited, but many travellers miss out given it’s location in the far north.

The incredible Fes Medina is one you will have heard of also, and a Medina we loved. Continuing on south to the Sahara desert, experience the sand dunes and a Berber camp. Following this, you turn to the west and begin the journey through Kasbah country. Such breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys.

Finally, you arrive in the famous red city of Marrakech where you have a decision to make. Maintain your course west towards the Atlantic ocean and coastal Medina of Essaouira. Alternatively book a tour with Trek Atlas to the Atlas Mountains, for two nights in the village of Aroumd and trekking on the tallest mountain in North Africa.

SO MUCH GOOD STUFF! I’m excited for you just thinking about it. Read on for the nuts and bolts!

Tangier: Days 1 – 2

Kick starting your trip through Morocco in Tangier. The Kasbah and Medina of Tangier are a gentle start to the journey. In other words, it’s a lot more easy to navigate, and lot less easy to get lost or overwhelmed. If you stay two nights you could also take a day trip out to Cape Spartel to see the lighthouse and Atlantic beaches.

🚀 Getting There: Okay, there are two main ways to arrive in Tangier, this is by ferry or flight.

Let’s first look at the ferry. Crossing from Spain on the FRS Iberia ferry into Port de Tangier Ville is easy. We did this a few years ago, when taking a day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, Spain . This is a good option if you’re combining your Morocco itinerary with a south Spain itinerary .

Your second option is to fly into Tangier. There is an international terminal, which will suit travellers arriving from Europe. However, for visitors coming from the United States or Asia, then Casablanca or Marrakech will be a better itinerary starting point. In which case, you could travel this itinerary in reverse with an internal flight from Tangier back to your starting point.

But also check out our Morocco itinerary , for a more detailed guide on how to take the ferry or how to fly into Morocco, particularly, if you’re coming from further afield.

💎 Where to Stay: Kasbah Rose is a super little mid-range option for couples and families. Once again we have more options in our guide below.

⚡️ Things to do in Tangier:

• The Grand Socco and Cinema Rif
• Saint Andrew’s Church
• The Kasbah – where you’ll find the Ibn Batutta Museum, Kasbah Museum & Contemporary Art Museum
• The Phoenician Tombs
• Take a glass or two of mint tea at Cafe Hafa
• Go shopping in the Medina!
• Take a day trip to Cape Spartel and Hercules Cave

Read: Top Things to Do in Tangier

Chefchaouen: Days 2 – 4

I’ve already mentioned Chefchaouen above. This is the blue village in the Rif Mountains, where streets, walls, doors and basically everything in sight is painted blue. It’s an Instagrammers mecca.

But I’ll let you in on a little tip. Most people visit Chefchaouen for a night only. However I would give it two, especially if you’re there in and around the summer months. Then if you do, take a day trip to Akchour and God’s Bridge. Swim in the cool clear water of the river, drink fresh orange juice and eat a piping hot tagine.

This was one of our favourite off the beaten track destinations in Morocco. And after the flurry of tourists in Chefchaouen all trying to get the perfect blue tinted photos, you’ll welcome the day trip into the mountains. On the way you’ll cruise past the endless fields of marijuana plants growing on the roadside.

🚀 Getting There: From Tangier jump on the CTM bus , booking your tickets online a day or two in advance. Travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

💎 Where to Stay: Riad La Santa but read our post below for more accommodation options.

⚡️ Things to do in Chefchaouen:

• We suggest a relaxing day exploring the blue streets of the medina
• Walk to the Spanish Monastery in the afternoon to catch the late afternoon light and sunset
• A day trip to God’s Bridge in the Rif Mountains is definitely worth your time

Read: Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen

Fes: Days 4 – 6

My first impression of Fes was seriously influenced by everyones comments ahead of our visit. It’s impossible not to get lost in the Medina they said. To be honest these messages put the fear into me!

Yes it’s big, yes it’s a maze, but it is very manageable and we had fun putting together our self-guided tour and map for Fes – linked below.

The history, the culture and the riads of Fes are all a big wow for me. I loved negotiating our way around the Chouara Tannery and walking alongside the leather vats and chatting to the locals. Also I thoroughly recommend finding the time for a Moroccan cooking lesson while you’re in town!

Consider also a tour to Meknes, Moulay and Volubilis to see the old Capital city, the holiest city and surprisingly Morocco’s very own Roman ruins!

🚀 Getting There: The bus from Chefchaouen to Fes is best made with CTM again. Travel time is just over 4 hours.

💎 Where to Stay: Dar Seffarine is my first choice, but see our guide to Fes for a second option.

⚡️ Things to do in Merzouga:

• Bab Boujloud or the Blue Gate
• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Place Nejjarine and the Carpenters Souk
• Nejjarine Museum & Fondouk
• The Henna Souq
• Zawiya or Mausoleum of Moulay Idris
• Al Attarine Madrasa
• Al Qaraiyyin University and Mosque
• Chouara Tannery
• Day Trip to Meknes and Volubilis
• Marinid Tombs

Read: Two days in Fes and Self-guided Walking Tour

tours from fes to Marrakech

Unless you’re self-driving Morocco, there is an easier way of carrying out the following steps in our itinerary. That is to take a multiple 2 or 3 day guided tour. And don’t worry, it’s not cheating. In fact many visitors to Morocco connect Fes and Marrakech with a guided tour.

We have picked some of the best tours on Get Your Guide and Viator for you to browse. They basically just take the stress out of connecting to the small villages with public transport. The only thing to note is that they don’t visit Todra Gorge or Roses Valley.

The first tour from Fes to Marrakech, is listed with Get Your Guide.

Alternatively, these guided tours on Viator also start in Fes and end in Marrakech. They are highly reviewed and all come with the Viator Badge of Excellence.

Merzouga: Days 6 – 7

Welcome to the Sahara… the mighty Erg Chebbi dunes of Morocco. You could spend one or two days here. Though one day may be enough, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.

Travel in morocco for many people is one of the best opportunities to experience sand dunes and the desert. We’ve lived in the Middle East for many years. Therefore, it’s only natural that we’ve become familiar with desert landscapes. And the Moroccan desert is no less majestic than the Wahiba Sands of Oman, or the Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi. So if given the chance, you have to experience the desert just once in your life.

And a night in the desert in Morocco is particularly special. This is because most experiences include a night stay in a Berber camp. And throughout the evening you’ll eat local food and listen to beautiful local music. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

🚀 Getting There: From Fes it’s a long journey into the Sahara desert. Travel time from Fes to Merzouga is more than 7 hours one way and is best made with SupraTours .

💎 Where to Stay: Merzouga Sahara Luxury Camp is one of the best rated places to stay for location they score a 9.8 on Booking.com. What’s more, both dinner and breakfast are included in the accommodation price.

• Camp under the stars in a traditional berber style tent
• Make music around an evening fire

🐪 Special Note: Many visitors to Morocco want to experience a camel ride. In all honesty, this is not something we chose to do and therefore I can’t comment. There is much discussion online regarding the ethics around the use of animals in tourism. Therefore we urge you to do your homework before booking a camel ride.

Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou: Days 7 – 8

🚀 Getting There: If you are going by public transport – we recommend a night in Ouarzazate before spending the night in the Todra Gorge. If you’re self driving you can do it the other way around. This is because public transport through the gorges is a little less easy.

As such, if you are travelling by public transport, SupraTours (7½ hours) from Merzouga to Ouarzazate is your best option.

💎 Where to Stay: Stay the night in Ouarzazate, or book a nights accommodation in Ait Ben Haddou.

Ait Ben Haddou – Kasbah El Hajja is one of the only places to stay in the middle of the kasbah. And so this would be our recommendation – an experience like no other.

Ouarzazate – Dar Kamar is located in the heart of the Kasbah Taourirt and very non-touristy. The kasbah is beautiful and rustic, a photographers dream!

🚕 In the afternoon, visit Ait Ben Haddou by taxi or car. Walk around the ancient kasbah, take a mint tea, talk to the locals. We recommend you visit the local artisan gallery, and a late afternoon bite to eat from one of the kasbah’s terraces.

⚡️ things to do in Ouarzazate:

• Explore the Kasbah Taourirt of Ouarzazate
• Visit the film studios of Atlas Film Studios

Todra Gorge & Roses Valley: Days 8 – 9

If you don’t mind getting a little intrepid for a day, then don’t go past Todra Gorge or Roses Valley (Bou Tharar).

You may not have considered Morocco well known for valleys and gorges. But the natural beauty of the mountains and gorges is truly one of our favourite parts of Morocco. They are also less frequently visited and as a result one of the truest experiences of this gorgeous country. The people are friendly, humble and so very welcoming.

🚀 Getting There: As above, if you are relying on public transport then you will be visiting Todra Gorge after spending a night in Ouarzazate. In which case, you’ll need to arrange a taxi or jump on a collective taxi from Ouarzazate. This is very easily done from the city and won’t cost a fortune. Travel time to Roses Valley is 2 hours; to Todra Gorge is 2½ hours.

💎 Where to Stay: As the closer location, Roses Valley will be a more economical choice in terms of taxi fare – Kasbah Chems is a superb option with a true feeling of being off the beaten track. Trust me, you’ll want to stay longer!

Todra Gorge – The beautiful family run Dar Tawira is a great option and good value for money. It’s a short 10 minute walk to the Todra Gorge and they are rated as a superb guest house on Booking.com.

⚡️ Things to do in Roses Valley and Todra Gorge:

• Take a local guided walking tour. They will show you the best of the area and take you to the best places to eat.
• Relax, drink mint tea and go with the flow!
• If you need a local guide in Bou Tharar, let us know and we can connect you with our friend Mohammed.

Marrakech: Days 9 – 11

Next, you’re in Marrakech, one of my favourite cities and Medinas in Morocco. Some love it, others don’t, but by now you’ll be familiar with Moroccan Medinas and should be able to take it all in your stride.

I strongly recommend you arm yourself with our Marrakech guide below. We visited Marrakech multiple times. And photographed and recorded it all to help other travellers experience the best from this hectic and colourful city.

From the madrasas and palaces to the gardens, the hammams and the street food. Marrakech is so much fun!!

Following your stay in Marrakech you have the option to head to the coast to Essaouira, or the Atlas Mountains.

🚀 Getting There: From Roses Valley (Bou Tharar) or Todra Gorge you can take a taxi back to Ouarzazate and connect with the CTM bus back to Marrakech. Or take a taxi to Elkelaa Mgouna (Kalaat M’Gouna), which will be closer, followed by a 6 hour SupraTours bus to Marrakech.

💎 Where to Stay: Midrange – Riad Tizwa Marrakech

We do recommend 8 beautiful riads to book for a Marrakech stay, from budget and midrange through to luxury. So read our post below for full recommendations and photos.

⚡️ Things to Do in Marrakech:

• Place Djemaa el-Fna by Day
• Place Djemaa el-Fna by night
• Ben Youssef Madrasa or Ibn Youssef School
• Jardin Majorelle
• Le Jardin Secret – The Secret Garden
• Bahia Palace
• El Badi Palace

Read: 3 Days in Marrakech

Option 1 Essaouira: Days 11 – 13 or…

Next you are faced with the tricky dilemma of deciding whether to go to Essaouira or the Atlas Mountains. And it’s not an easy choice to make. I guess you need to ask yourself if you prefer beach and more shopping or hiking and mountain villages.

Essaouira… (sigh) so many words I have written and shared on this special little place. It’s not on everyones list of highlights but it is on mine. It’s just such a beautiful pace after busy Marrakech, but at the same time there is plenty to see and do.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Essaouira is going to be the place you’ll get a tan. It’s not that kind of beach, but there is definitely a charm to it and a friendliness that you’ll love.

🚀 Getting There: Given that we spent SO much time in Essaouira, I wrote a dedicated guide on getting from Marrakech to Essaouira . It explains everything you need to know, and is helpful in terms of understanding how public transport generally works in Morocco. The travel time by bus is about 3 hours.

💎 Where to Stay: We stayed in Ryad Watier , which I wrote a full review on. But also check my post on the 8 best riads to stay at in Essaouira for more inspiration.

⚡️ Things to Do in essaouira

• Walk the long stretches of beach on foot or go horse riding with Yassine Cavalier Stables
• Visit Sidi Kaouki surf beach or take a surf lesson on the main beach in Essaouira
• Take a day trip to Ida Ougourd Markets to see the locals trading
• Enjoy shopping in the medina and walk the ramparts
• Try some of the best street food in Morocco or watch the sunset from a rooftop terrace

Read: Travel Guide to Essaouira

Option 2 Atlas Mountains: Days 11 – 13

Option number two for your final couple of days in Morocco. Does your preference steer you towards the mountains and valleys of the Atlas. Perhaps a little hiking and trekking for your final Moroccan experience.

If this is the case, we recommend booking this trip with our friend Ahmed. It’s relevant to note here, that we are not an affiliate and do not receive any commission should you choose to book this tour.

Note : Hiking without a guide in the Atlas Mountains is not permitted.

🚀 Getting There: From Marrakech transport will be arranged if you choose to book with Trek Atlas. Otherwise you can take a collective taxi to Asni, followed by a taxi to Imlil. Travel time from Marrakech to Imlil is 1 hour 30 minutes.

💎 Where to Stay: As part of the tour with Trek Atlas, you’ll stay in a guesthouse in the small Berber village of Aroumd.

⚡️ Things to do in Aroumd and the Atlas Mountains:

• Take lunch beside the river in Imlil and walk the track to Aroumd
• Stroll around the non-touristy village of Aroumd and chat to the friendly locals
• Go hiking, swim in the rivers and waterholes
• Drink a freshly squeezed orange juice while admiring an incredible mountain view
• Enjoy the valleys, rivers or challenge yourself with a summit to Mount Toubkal

Read: Atlas Mountain Tours with Trek Atlas

Adjusting the 14 Day Itinerary of Morocco

After listing the two main options above for our first itinerary – adding beach time in Essaouira or trekking time in the Atlas Mountains – you have one other itinerary to consider.

BONUS Loop Itinerary to 14 Days in Morocco

Enter the Loop Itinerary for 14 days in Morocco!

The significant difference, is that both Tangier and Chefchaouen are removed from the itinerary. However, Casablanca makes it onto the list, as well as Essaouira and Atlas Mountains both find a sneaky spot.

With this itinerary, you could essentially start and finish in Marrakech, or Casablanca. However our preference would be to fly into Casablanca and finish in Casablanca. That way finishing up the itinerary with the chilled vibes of Essaouira.

Casablanca is the Capital and provides a completely different perspective into Moroccan life. We share a list on our Northern Morocco itinerary of things to do and see in Casablanca.

From Casablanca to Fes, jump on the fast train. This is an easy journey, less than 4 hours. Book tickets online in advance directly on the ONCF website . Then for the final leg, connect between Essaouira to Casablanca via the CTM bus. Travel time is 5 hours 40 minutes.

More Morocco Itineraries

As we mentioned above we have 4 other travel itineraries for Morocco. What are you waiting for, go take a look! Or jump to our master Morocco Itinerary and travel guide, and get planning your epic Morocco holiday.

• 8 days – Atlantic Coast of Morocco Itinerary – Surf and Beaches
• 10 days – Central Morocco Itinerary – Sahara, Mountains and Valleys
• 12 days – North Morocco Itinerary – Cities and Mountain Medinas
• 1 month – Road Trip & Itinerary of Morocco

Don’t forget to save or bookmark this itinerary to 14 days in Morocco for later!

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

You’ll Also Love

August 23, 2023 at 4:47 pm

Great info!

August 25, 2023 at 7:19 am

Thanks so much!

October 4, 2023 at 6:53 pm

Luved reading your piece! Thank u so much – it’s extremely helpful!

October 10, 2023 at 11:16 pm

Thanks Tas, I’m glad to hear it has been helpful 🙂

October 18, 2023 at 5:52 pm

Very nice and informative read. Out of interest, did you drive around Morrorco? And if so, are all the destinations suitable for a standard hire car?

November 20, 2023 at 10:50 pm

Thanks for your message Brad… we didn’t drive around Morocco, but this was purely because we were staying for 3 months and relying on public transport as a more affordable long term option. In saying that, we have many travel friends who have toured Morocco by both car and campervan. And from our experience seeing much of the country I would have no hesitation in driving when we visit next time. I hope this helps 🙂

December 14, 2023 at 8:12 am

Love your blog so much!! I’m glad I found it.

We’re going to Morroco in Dec for 7 days only and I can’t seem to decide whether the Fes-marakech with sahara desert is worth the drive or will it be too much driving ? We plan on taking a tour but should we do from and back to Fez after seeing the Sahara or should we do fez- sahara- marakech ?

Our return is from Casablanca so have to get back there.

December 14, 2023 at 11:14 pm

Oh so many question marks with this itinerary Wafa 🙂 I personally think Casablanca – Fes – Sahara – Marrakech – Casablanca is a lot to fit in 7 days. In saying that, if you don’t plan to return to Morocco and you want to see it all, then perhaps you say what the heck and go for it! I would recommend that you get in touch with our contact Mimoun from Morocco Travel (click here). He can help you put together a realistic itinerary for a private guided tour. He is awesome help and won’t see you wrong!

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Morocco Travel Budget: What Does a Trip to Morocco Cost?

Morocco is, by and large, a very budget-friendly destination, and a Morocco travel budget can accommodate anything from very bare-bones backpacking (under $30/person/day) all the way up to extreme luxury (the sky’s the limit).

We didn’t find it difficult to keep to our overall Morocco travel budget, but there were definitely varying degrees of how inexpensive things were based on our US standards of value.

The Morocco trip costs outlined here represent our time spent backpacking Morocco on what we would consider a flashpacker budget. Basically, no to dorm rooms, (mostly) yes to a/c, and no to major luxuries.

We spent 12 full days in the country, averaging a total Morocco travel budget of $72.34/day for two people, or $36.17 per person, per day. This added up to a total cost of $868.00 for our nearly 2-week trip.

Our time spent backpacking Morocco took us to Marrakech, Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert (with various side stops along the way), Fes, Chefchaouen, and, briefly, Tinghir.

All prices for our trip to Morocco costs are listed in USD unless otherwise noted, and, as usual for our travel budget roundups, we don’t include the costs of entering or leaving the country here, as those expenses can vary so dramatically depending on your starting point.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Our General Impression of Travel Costs in Morocco

Transportation inside cities was very inexpensive: we paid $1.50 for most cab rides, with a maximum cost of $3.00. As far as cab rides go, those are some of the least painful that I’ve ever experienced.

Long-distance taxis, though, were another matter: we ended up forking over $60.00 for a taxi from Tinghir to Fez.

Restaurant food was generally 25-50% of what we pay in the US, with the exception being tourist-driven restaurants without any competition nearby to dilute the prices.

Orange juice was always worth the money in my opinion–4 dirham ($0.40 USD) for a fresh-squeezed glass always hit the spot.

Lodging was where we found that we had the most room to breathe: we spent $15-35/night for a riad, had private rooms everywhere, and private bathrooms, and included breakfast in all but the Blue City of Chefchaouen –but that was also the least expensive place that we stayed.

We didn’t have a chance to visit coastal destinations and explore the things to do in Essaouira , Oualidia, or Agadir on this trip, but hope to add them to our itinerary on our next trip and check out prices there, as well.

Our Lodging Costs in Morocco

Total: $258.00 for 9 nights, an average of $28.67/night..

We spent 11 nights total in Morocco, and the lodging for two of them is wrapped up in our 3 day/2 night desert tour. Our remaining 9 nights average out to $28.67/night.

We initially booked all of our lodgings online, and when we extended our stays in Fes and in the blue city of Chefchaouen , we handled that in cash (and received a nice discount each time for doing so).

Our riad in Marrakech was by far the most expensive–if we go back to Morocco, experience has taught us that we can find a far better rate.

Here’s where we stayed in Morocco!

Riad Ineslisa — This was an inexpensive riad in the medina, and the cost showed. While it was walking distance (about 15 minutes) to Jemma el-Fnaa, the room felt insecure.

Our room had only a very thin door with a simple lock and had airflow from the lobby.

This was both good since there was no air conditioning, and bad since there was very little privacy as far as noise goes. We wouldn’t stay here again.

Riad Malak — This was our favorite place that we stayed in Morocco! The riad was beautiful, the owner kind and helpful, and the breakfast amazing (so many pastries!). Best of all, it had air conditioning.

The riad is located in the heart of the medina, easy walking distance to most of the major sites. The only issue we had was a strong mildew smell in the bathroom, but, well–that wasn’t exactly rare in Morocco.

Chefchaouen

Vallparadis Pension Familiar — Cheap, clean, and very basic: this hostel was exactly what we were looking for. It is made up of all private rooms and is very quiet–exactly what we needed by the time we arrived in Chefchaouen.

The rooms and bathrooms (shared) were clean, and the location is walking distance from almost everything we needed (except the bus station). We wouldn’t mind returning here!

Our Transportation Costs in Morocco

Total: $127.50  .

The biggest expenses here were our airport transport ($35.00, higher than it could have been because we booked through our riad for ease), and our taxi from Tinghir to Fez.

Bus rides cost under $10.00 per person for long distances.

A Morocco road trip will likely raise your transportation prices a bit, but depending on what kind of trip you’re planning (for example, are you planning to travel to Morocco with kids ?), it might be worth it! We didn’t feel ready to take that on during our first trip to Morocco.

Our Restaurant Travel Budget for Morocco

Total: $152.50  .

The bulk of the meals listed in our Morocco travel budget are from restaurants–and yes, we were completely sick of it by the end.

The tagine and couscous were great, but after nearly two weeks in Morocco , I think I’ll be fine if I don’t see either for another five years.

Our Grocery Expenses in Morocco

Total: $59.00  .

By far, our biggest addition to our trip to Morocco cost in this category was water. It seems fairly inexpensive (most frequently we paid 36 dirham, or $3.60 USD, for 9 liters), but it adds up over time. If you go to the desert, be sure to stock up on water first: the prices rise the closer you get.

We also bought several rounds of snack food and treats, since we didn’t have access to a kitchen and sometimes needed to taste something familiar–Pringles, Oreos and Nestle candy bars were ubiquitous.

Our Tour + Excursion Expenses in Morocco

Total: $217.00  .

The vast majority of these Morocco costs was our 3 day/2 night tour to the Sahara Desert (which also included plenty of other sightseeing, like Game of Thrones film locations such as Ait Ben Haddou and some beautiful Atlas Mountain viewpoints), but it also includes our disastrous tannery visit, our time at Ben Youssef Madrasa, and a few other odds and ends.

Miscellaneous Morocco Travel Budget Costs

Total: $54.00  .

We had a lot of miscellaneous purchases that we needed to fit into our Morocco travel budget, including bathroom fees (most bathrooms have a fee and do not provide toilet paper) and a new pair of cheap sunglasses for both of us (definitely add sunglasses to your Morocco packing list !).

Most expensive (and most embarrassing) were the cash advance fees that we ended up paying on our credit card when our debit card refused to work in Morocco. We ended up working the issue out with our bank, but not before racking up some obnoxious fees.

Because of limited storage space, we did at least pass on all of the (tempting) souvenirs–but the price of those is definitely determined by how good you are at shopping in Morocco !

Overall, I’m very happy with how our Morocco travel budget worked out, given that we were working within the confines of a limited RTW trip budget at the time and needed to prioritize the length of our travels as well as the experiences we had during it.

If we were to return, we would be capable of completing our Morocco itinerary less expensively–but instead, what we would actually do is spend more.

In retrospect, I think that while our trip to Morocco cost exactly what we needed it to at the time, we would have enjoyed Morocco much more by increasing our travel budget by about 50% and enjoying a few more creature comforts.

While Morocco is a very budget-friendly place for backpackers, we’d personally splurge a bit more there if we had it to do all over again!

Don’t visit Morocco without travel insurance! We use and recommend Safety Wing for their competitive prices, ease of purchasing, and the clarity of their contracts. We didn’t include it on this Morocco travel budget because, similar to entering and exiting the country, the costs can vary widely for each trip. Be sure to research your needs before taking off!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

28 thoughts on “Morocco Travel Budget: What Does a Trip to Morocco Cost?”

I never knew Morroco was this cheap! Very cool

Absolutely! A budget traveler could do it much cheaper than this, but it wasn’t worth the trade off for us.

Wow, I thought that Morocco was very expensive so I turned down a trip to Morocco, but now I regret it so much!

Never too late! 🙂 It’s a fascinating country and well worth the trip, but definitely go in prepared–it’s not very relaxing!

Beautiful photos, you guys look like you had a real wonderful time! Morocco a great spot for camping, the landscape is magical. Appreciate you guys sharing your experience and expense break downs, articles like these helped me a lot before visiting any country!

Thanks so much, Agness! Morocco was definitely an unforgettable experience. 🙂

Great post! We find it very helpful! It’s great to know just how much things cost and what transportation and things are like when planning a trip somewhere.

That’s great to hear, Briana and Kyle! I hope you guys have a wonderful adventure in Morocco!

• Pingback: Wie viel kostet die Welt? – Die Länderübersicht für Dein Budget!

Hello together!

Sounds like an awsome trip!

My boyfriend and I are planning to travel in Morocco soon. Did you book the desert tour in advance? Do you have any recommendation?

Thank you in advance!

Safe travels! Cheers Alex

Hey Alex! I hope you guys have so much fun. No, we didn’t book the desert tour in advance, and I definitely don’t recommend that you do–the prices they charge to book in advance are insane! There are tons of companies eager to take you out there, you won’t have any trouble finding a company on the ground. I really recommend you read this post I wrote about our time in the Sahara–we learned so much about the process while we were out there and I put all the information right here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saharadesertmorocco/ It’s an absolutely magical experience–I hope you guys love it as much as we did!

It’s great to see a breakdown of the costs. I’m so glad you mentioned the bathroom fees and toilet roll, I’ll try to remember to carry some in my bag at all times! I read on another blog that you aren’t supposed to drink the tap water but that you could fill water bottles up in restaurants and cafes – did you see anything like that? I saw you recommended not booking the desert tours in advance because it’s cheaper when you’re in Morocco – does that extend to all tours? We were planning a trip to the Atlas mountains, but will it be cheaper when we get there?

Hmm–I didn’t see anything like people filling up reusables at restaurants. If I had to guess, I would say it’s possible (most tourist restaurants will have purified water on hand), but you’ll undoubtedly be charged for it. We bought bottled water throughout Morocco, but if we were traveling there today we would use our Steripen to purify the tap water.

We didn’t look at any other tours, but yes, I would guess so–virtually everything was cheaper on the ground once we got to Morocco, by quite a large margin! Atlas Mountain tours are popular, there will be dozens of agencies selling them in major cities.

Hi there! This was insanely helpful in getting a concrete idea of how much basic things cost in comparison to USD. People say that when shopping in the souks the sellers usually price up the products triple what it actually costs. Were the prices that exorbitant in USD?

I’ve typically heard that it’s 4x–if it’s 3x now, maybe they’re getting more realistic! Lol. But yes, the initial prices are always ridiculous–feel free to quote WAY under that. We always followed the rule that we knew what we were willing to pay when we started (after all, the “worth” of something is simply what someone else is willing to pay for it), and we didn’t argue over less than $1.00 USD. If we got close, great, if not–there’s always the next place.

This is extremely helpful.

However, it looks like our trip (late December/ early January) will be in the busiest season based on what I’ve read around. I think we will opt to stay in nicer places in Fes and Chefchouhan rather than Marrakech because from my research so far Marrakech sounds the most expensive.

We are wondering whether we should skip the desert tour and go the other way and see Rabat and the coast.

Haven’t been to the coast or Rabat ourselves (though Essaouria looks lovely), so can’t compare… but we did really love the desert trip. Being out in the sahara at night is still one of our favorite travel memories to date!

We might end up doing both the desert tour and Rabat since we now have a return flight from Marrakech. Hopefully it is not too much running around.

Push comes to shove, you can always look into budget flights in the area. I know Ryanair does a lot in Fes and Marrakech, not sure about Rabat.

I think we will skip Rabat. Right now it’s looking like: 3 nights in Marrakech (try to do a day trip to Essaouria) 3 nights for the desert trip that will take us to Fes 4 nights in Fes (with a day trip or maybe squeeze in a night in Chefchouan) 2 nights in Marrakech It will be a bit of a journey from Fes to Marrakech, so we might break it up and do a quick visit to Casablanca and then get back on the train. Not sure if that’s a good idea as we will have to store our luggage somewhere.

Sounds like an amazing trip! You’ll be very tired at the end of it… which is often true of excellent journeys. 🙂

I’ve seen so numerous posts about Morocco in recent times I’ve been thriving to go! How is it for females wandering solo there?

I didn’t travel alone, but I have many friends who did! I won’t sugarcoat it: I traveled with a man, and Morocco is still home to the worst street harassment I have ever faced. My female friends who traveled alone had it even worse, and while they weren’t assaulted, there were some close calls.

I don’t want to dissuade you from going–Morocco truly is a rewarding country, and women regularly travel there alone–but it is definitely one to be cautious in. Bring the thickest skin you can manage, and don’t expect a peaceful trip. I recommend googling the Morocco posts from Eternal Arrival and Never Ending Footsteps to get an idea of what solo female travel in Morocco looks like behind the gorgeous photos. 🙂

Thank you for the information.

I’ll be heading to Morocco with a tour group in September and really looking forward to the trip.

You mentioned you had trouble using your debit cards, can you elaborate? Was it because the card did not have a chip? I know we can’t order money through out bank as it’s a close currency so I will need to withdraw once I am there. I’ve been wondering if I should take cash and exchange when I get there in case my debt card doesn’t work.

But at least with your information I can decide how much to budget for my trip.

Thanks again

Hi Claudia!

Essentially, not all ATMs would take our debit cards–in some cases we had to try several before finding one that worked. Our cards do have chips.

Personally, I would bring some USD or Euros to exchange if necessary (we usually carry a bit of just-in-case USD anyway). You probably won’t need it, but better safe than sorry. 🙂

Heading to Morocco next week – great post to assist with budget, and to get a heads up re possible issues with debit card. Were you using a regular debit card or a travel card? Again -thanks

Thanks Ann! We were using our regular debit card from Schwab, but we’ve used it in 40+ other countries and so far, Morocco is the only place we’ve had a major issue!

Thank you for information!

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Budget Tours & Trips to Morocco

Explore a varied offer of budget Morocco adventures that will take you through some of the most well known destinations such as Marrakesh and Ait Benhaddou. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Discover the best  budget trips  and budget tour operators  around the world with TourRadar!

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250+ budget morocco tour packages with 1,244 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Northern Morocco: Blue Cities & Bustling Marrakech

Would recommend one day in fez to do the old town only.

Essential Morocco

Excellent - I had the most amazing time on this tour and it would not have been the same without our guide Omar. The local guides were also fantastic, I feel like we got a really authentic experience. I will recommend this tour to all of my friends and family. Thank you so much!

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Climb Mt Toubkal

The trek was very well organized and our guide was outstanding. I really recommend this tour.

Imperial Cities

Overall an excellent tour that I am happy to have booked. The guide was friendly and had a thorough knowledge of the country as well as each site and explained everything well. Transport between sites was excellent with everything scheduled and organised well. Accommodation was okay although the food served in each hotel went beyond my expectations.

Morocco Encompassed - 15 Days

Our Nomadic Tours Morocco Encompassed 15 day tour with our guide Aissa was excellent. We hit all the major sights and varying terrains of Morocco.Our guide Aissa brought the history and culture to life. He was excellent, so knowledgeable and really made the trip so memorable.The entire trip was well organized thanks to Aissa and our driver Mustapha. A highlight was a overnight in the desert with sunset camel ride. Would highly recommend this tour!

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Morocco 9 Days Tour from Casablanca

Tour was overall good. We got really lucky since no one else signed up for our tour day (May 29) so we got a private tour (for the 4 of us) for the price of a small group tour - so that was great! Best parts were the really great experiences such as the camel ride in the Sahara; medinas in Fez and Marrakech, Blue city; mosque in Casablanca; the hamam stop in Fez (extra add on) and the cooking class in Marrakech (extra add on). The medinas were amazing - make sure you take lots of time in them. The tour guide, Amal, in the Fez medina was the best. Note that your driver is your driver and not really a tour guide, we expected him to be more of a guide but not really, so that was a bit of a disappointment. But he did a great job as a driver. A lot of driving for the 8-9 day tour, so be prepared for that. Places to stop for lunches during drives was very touristy and were done along with all the other tours companies, would have preferred more non-tourist places to eat. Also note that there are a lot of "co-op" stops for shopping. If you definitely do not want a carpet, ask to skip that stop all together, since they don't show you how the carpets are made, just pressure you to buy a carpet. Same with the 'herb' stop - pressure to buy but at least cheaper than carpets. The best co-op stops were: tile/pottery place in Fez and the Argan oil one in Atlas mountains. Hotels/Riads: for the standard (non upgraded accomodations tour): Hotel in Casablanca not very good; hotel in Chefchaouen was ok but a bit of a walk into the city; Riad in Fez was the best!; hotel in Atlas mountains ok; Riad in Marrakech was nice but try to get first floor bigger rooms. Overall, the experiences were the highlight of the trip. Comfort factor on the 'mid' side but still good. A/c in most places so that is good! Good price overall compared to other tours and looks like they stop at all the places that the other tours do so probably a price better deal on this tour. Although, I don't know where the other tours stop for hotels - didn't see any other tours at our hotels, but they were at all our experience stops and lunch places. Morocco is a very unique place and very interesting to experience! Note - no alcohol at all, so don't expect to drink! We did get one very secret bottle of wine at one of the restaurants in Marrakech. Ask Riad owners and Medina guides for restaurant recommendations in Fez and Marrakech. Weather was warm but not extreme for end of May -beginning of June.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Morocco on a Shoestring

I liked the tour overall, but there were too many shopping places we had to stop (stop too long).

Morocco: Luxury Imperial Cities - 10 Days

Our journey was nothing short of incredible, and it left us with a deep affection for both the country and its people. Khalil, our travel agent from Trek Desert Maroc , was a pleasure to work with and expertly organized the trip we had envisioned. His customer service was truly outstanding. However, the star of our trip was Ali, our driver. He was consistently punctual, eagerly shared insights about the country during our travels, and his friendliness and helpfulness were truly exceptional. Our experience with all the tour guides was equally enjoyable. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to visit Morocco again in the future.

Highlights of Morocco

Enjoyable trip but I would suggest that the travellers are given more opportunity to explore on their own and eat out in normal Moroccan places, not just places for tourists.

Morocco Encompassed Casablanca - 14 Days

I have nothing to complain about this trip. Everything was perfect. Rooms and the van were clean and comfortable. Nomadic arranged a reasonable itinerary. I would like to thank our guide Oulaid and driver Houssin who greatly contributed to making my trip perfect. They treated us like a family. I was really impressed by their friendliness, enthusiasm and kindness. The driver Houssin with excellent driving skills. The guide Oulaid was very professional, informative and knowledgeable. Thanks to him, I learned a lot about the history and culture of Morocco. Oulaid is the best guide for me in all the tours that i have ever taken. One thing is for sure I will recommend this tour of Nomadic to my friends.

Toubkal Climb

The whole experience was excellent. My only comment is that the quality of food served greatly exceeded my expectations and this could be a real selling point (compensation for the unavoidable basic accommodation in the remote mountain areas). I would recommend emphasising this more in your marketing.

• Overland Truck

Morocco All Aspects Tour

I have rated the trip as good but I must qualify in saying that it could have been a disaster. It all started before the trip even started. In order to avoid 22hrs of connecting flights and layoff, I have decided to stay an extra day so that I can catch a direct flight. I have asked Tour Rada to arrange for a hotel close the airport for 150CAD, When I received my voucher prior to the commencement of the trip I noticed there wasn't one for the extra night hotel. I asked Mr. Kahlil from the tour operator Morocco Discovery but received no voucher. I then called Tour Rada to ask them to confirm if Mr. Kahlil cannot make the arrangement, I want a refund of my 150CAD and make my own arrangement. It was then Mr. Kahlil came back with a note saying that he already has a confirmation at the Hetel Atlas Sky Airport. I told him I am OK with the selection and he returned with a note saying it is "all confirmed". As you would have guessed by now, there was no confirmation on record when I show up. Fortunately, the driver Mr Abder (I think his full name is Abderaman) stayed with me instead of just dropping me at the hotel entrance. He ended up prepaying for the hotel. Apparently, Mr. Kahlil has given Mr Abder some money to pay for unforeseen expenses. That is a clear indication that Mr. Kahlil know well in advance that there will be a lot of "unforeseen" events. According to the brochure, the tour will be accompany by a "Tour Leader" and "An Excellent Cook" who will be cooking us best Moroccan breakfast and dinner. I believe the original plan was for a group of 10. When no one except me and my wife show up, I can understand why there are no tour leader or cook. What I cannot understand is that there seemed to be very little planning considering that the tour is scheduled to run every two weeks all the way to Dec 2019. Every morning involve a fury of phone calls between the driver and his car rental agency (Mr Abder works for the car rental agency not Morocco Discovery) to find out where we will be staying that night. Because Mr Kahlil do not communicate directly with Mr Abder, there appears to be a large number of calls just to relate the negotiations back and forth. Some times new hotels provided to the driver days before were changed and he only find out because I was asking some questions that requires classification. It was like a new crisis every day. We only ended up staying in one of the hotels listed in the voucher. All other accommodations are last minute arrangements, many of which are not even paid directly by Morocco Discovery. Mr Abder has to paid with the "emergency fund". He was not just my driver, he is also my pro bono tour guide, my guardian angel without whom, the trip would have been a total disaster. In all fairness, I must give some credit to Mr Kahlil as there were a lot of mistakes but he more than made up for them in most cases. There were 5 nights where we were suppose to stay in camps but we ended up staying in cottages at camp sites of guest houses instead. At the end of the day, I seriously doubt if he makes any money out of the trip. This leads me to the advice I have for travelers who plan to take the tour based on this review. I gave the tour an overall good rating not because the tour is well planned. On the contrary, if it was not for the herculean effort of the driver, the tour could easily have been a disaster. It now turns out to be one of the most memorable trip we have ever taken so far due to the many challenges overcame all along the way. However, this is no warranty that the same outcome is awaiting the next traveler. Please take into consideration all the warning signs not just our outcome. When I book a tour, I always look for one that seemed to be good value but one I think the operator can earn a fair return as well, a win win combination. A badly run tour that consistently loose money will eventually run out of options and ended up hurting themselves as well as their customers and suppliers. There is no fun to be abandoned in the middle of a tour when an operator went bankrupt. Based on my experience with this tour, there are ample warning signs for you to consider with care. Good luck.

Morocco 11 Days Tour from Casablanca

Great trip, nice hotels and a friendly people of Morocco made it a pleasurable experience. I would prefer to visit more cultural sites and less stores catching you inside, without a clear passage out. We had a very professional driver and most of our guides were knowledgeable. Thank you for the trip.

Morocco One Life Adventures - 11 Day Tour Tour

It was a good adventure

One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge

What people love about budget tours in morocco.

The tour was really good and had a great group. Abdul our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the places we were and we definitely had a laugh with him! He also had some good recommendations for food. The accommodation we stayed in in each place were alright, some better than others but pretty good considering the price I paid for the tour. There were a couple of things on the itinerary that were mentioned that we would see or go to that we didn't, but there were a couple of those things that we sorted ourselves between us in the group. Would definitely recommend this tour if you want to see more of Morocco than just Marrakech.

Nicely planned itinerary exploring all the essential highlights of Morocco: beautiful nature, amazing culture and tasty food; and the pacing of the road trips was also very manageable. Our tour guide Mustapha is a true gem in this trip - he answered all our questions, taught us local languages, and even arranged a surprise birthday cake for me! Definitely a trip to remember :)

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Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (1320)
• For Couples (337)
• Young Adults (15)
• Seniors (357)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Günstige Reisen in Marokko
• Français: Circuits et voyages économiques en Maroc
• Español: Circuitos baratos por Marruecos
• Nederlands: Marokko Budget Reizen in Marokko