Is Morocco Safe for Female Travelers?

Is Morocco Safe for Female Travelers?

Is Morocco Safe for Female Travelers? Let me begin by expressing that I adore Morocco wholeheartedly. This North African nation ought to be on your travel wish list, with its busy metropolitan marketplaces and attractive tiny villages of the Atlas Mountains.

Having said that, I frequently get the question of whether women can travel safely in Morocco. It’s a straightforward yes. I traversed the entire nation without ever feeling unsafe. But there is much more to safety and solitary female travel than that, and much of it has to do with cultural differences.

If you haven’t encountered anything like Moroccan culture before, it could take some getting used to.

Here are my recommendations for safe female travel in Morocco.

Simply put, YES! For female tourists, Morocco is a safe place to go. My greatest recommendation is to exercise caution when traveling to any location. Pickpockets and scams are the primary crimes you need to be on the lookout for.

You’ll need to be a little more on guard as a woman traveling in Morocco because the unwanted attention from guys can grow old.

I also get asked frequently if Americans are safe traveling to Morocco. I never felt threatened or discriminated against in the nation because of my nationality.

Although it’s unusual, harassment and minor crimes can still happen to you. You’ll be able to stay trouble-free if you use common sense, your best judgment, and the safety advice for Morocco I’ve included below.

In Morocco, establish boundaries

As soon as you hit the streets, a few men will probably start to pay attention to you. The unwelcome attention, whether it comes from shopkeepers wanting to make a sale or bystanders hoping to elicit a response from you, rapidly becomes tiresome.

The most uncomfortable aspect of a trip to Morocco, in my opinion—based on both personal experience and criticism from friends—is receiving unwanted attention from men. I didn’t feel unsafe; rather, all the attention and teasing made me feel quite uneasy. I’ll be honest about it.

Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still a problem for Moroccan women living nearby.

I discovered that in crowded places, covering my head made it easier to deal with. I would keep pace with other tourists, particularly men. It may sound absurd, but the cat-calling stopped entirely when my companion Jessica and I followed a group of male visitors.

Ignore it, is the greatest advise I can give you. Get used to having people’s words go in one ear and out the other by not feeling like you have to answer to everyone who speaks to you.

Male harassment can become debilitating, but if you allow yourself to become upset, it will only become worse. I often felt tempted to yell back at the males with similar profanity. But be aware that it’s not worthwhile. Morocco is a unique nation with unique laws, and regrettably, the law isn’t always fair or in our favor.

Again, I didn’t feel frightened in Morocco, but the leering occasionally made me uneasy. You’ll discover that it gets easier to ignore as long as you don’t stop and talk to every man who looks your way on the street.

In Morocco, dress appropriately.

Finding appropriate clothing to wear in Morocco is a major concern. In the end, people will notice you more if you wear less.

The fact that it can get very hot in the country adds complexity to this problem. In the Sahara Desert, summertime temperatures can reach 100 degrees, making staying cool an essential.

The greatest choices for you are light, full-coverage outfits. Think maxi skirts and scarves! For ideas on cozy attire for conservative locations, be sure to read my essay on what to wear in Morocco as a female tourist before you arrive.

Traveling Alone in Morocco as a Woman

Of course, you are all aware of how empowering I find traveling alone to be. There are so many amazing places that are ideal for solo travel.

So, is it risk-free to go alone to Morocco? I agree, however I also believe that traveling to Morocco is best done with friends. I wouldn’t say you need a partner to enjoy yourself, but being among other people will help you avoid unwanted attention (especially those of the male variety).

Even female travelers who wear fake wedding rings to deter males have been reported.

My experience has shown me that the neighborhood guys began to approach me before I was close enough for them to see my fingers.

You and your girlfriends can have a blast in Morocco. My friend Fatima and I traveled together. Even though it was occasionally annoying for us to go around together, we felt much more overwhelmed the few times we entered the city on our own. You will feel less singled out by catcallers if you are traveling with a group.

If you really wish to see Morocco alone, think about signing up for a scheduled tour. All around Morocco, there are fantastic possibilities that are worth exploring. Otherwise, develop a thick skin and employ common sense at all times!

If you really wish to see Morocco alone, think about signing up for a scheduled tour. Even better, I will be leading my own TBA Escapes all-female tour there! To be safe, develop a thick skin and always exercise common sense if you still want to go to Morocco alone.

Learn about Moroccan culture

It’s always polite to research the culture before you go, whether you’re going to China, Brazil, or Morocco, for instance. When you are unfamiliar with the local traditions, it is simple to make a mistake.

Morocco is a country with a large Muslim population, thus ladies dress fairly modestly (although you’ll find all kinds of fashion in tourist hotspots like Marrakech).

In many Moroccan cities, it is widely held that only prostitutes smoke or drink in public. The majority of local women also avoid doing either of these things. Storefronts are typically men-only hangouts, and you rarely see women out alone.

It is also important to note that some mosques are restricted to Muslims alone. But some are accessible to tourists. Remember that in order to enter, you must have clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Be Wary of Scams in Morocco

Scams are one of the main things you should be on the lookout for in Morocco. In both Marrakech and Fes, you may encounter people attempting to get you into their establishments.

Usually, it begins with someone in the neighborhood inviting you over for tea or asking you to read or send a letter to their cousin. Don’t be fooled by it!

It’s a ruse to entice you into the store, where they may manipulate you until you finally buy something. Since the vendors are persistent, it is best to simply politely decline their offers, say nothing at all, and leave. Don’t be concerned about offending anyone’s sentiments.

Advice on How to Stay Safe in Morocco

Avoid Wandering Alone in Alleys: The best way to keep safe in Morocco frequently is sticking close to the throng. Thieves frequently hang out in the calm back alleys.

Keep in mind that locals are better at knowing the streets than you are. You could easily enter a dangerous position by going down an alley that ends in a dead end.

In spite of this, the majority of thieves congregate in the busiest tourist destinations. Keep your possessions in sight and pay attention to your surroundings since they are searching for an easy opportunity.

Leave Your Valuables at the Hotel or Riad: Morocco is not the place to flaunt your wealth. It will just draw more attention. So leave your showy designer bags and jewelry at home. Remember to put your passport in the hotel room safe as well (this is true for almost every trip destination!).

Avoid Looking Lost: While exploring a city, you should avoid appearing lost, regardless of where you are in the globe. You’ll be recognized by scammers right immediately! Make sure the maps are preloaded on your phone if you need to consult it for directions, and try to use it as covertly as you can.

As much as you can, try to memorize it so you won’t have to keep looking down.

You should always move forward while walking with intention. It will assist you in blending in and avoiding coming off as a damsel in need.

Avoid Wandering Alone in Morocco at Night: If you must, make sure you’re in a company and trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, take a taxi to your hotel or other location instead and arrive there safely.