Exploring Morocco Solo: A Guide To Adventuring Safely

Morocco is a beautiful country with amazing things to do, see, and eat. However, it may not be the best place for your first solo trip. It is a patriarchal society, and you may find the lack of local women on the streets or in cafes a little off-putting. You may also attract the unwanted attention of local men – though generally harmless, the stares, catcalls, questions and propositions can become tiresome.

- It’s Really Easy to Travel Around Morocco. Morocco has a great train and bus system that can easily get you from one city to another.

- You Need to Exchange Money Inside Morocco. It’s extremely difficult to access Moroccan Dirham (MAD) outside of Morocco.

- The Food is Delicious. Trying new food is one of the best parts of travel, and you don’t want to miss out on it in Morocco!

- You’ll Probably Get Some Extra Attention. Oftentimes, it’s just people noticing you’re alone and hoping they can “help” you in whatever you need and be tipped.

- Never Look Lost. Keep your map in your bag or pocket and walk like you know exactly where you’re going.

- Internet Safety is Key. Just like any country in the world, on a solo trip to Morocco you’re going to be relying on public wifi to access the internet. The only way to be internet safe when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

- Be Prepared to Haggle. You’ll need to haggle when purchasing souvenirs and if you take a taxi somewhere.

- Be Aware of Local Scams. Just like anywhere else in the world, there are local scams you need to be aware of during a solo trip to Morocco.

- You Can’t Enter Mosques Unless You’re Muslim. Unless you’re Muslim, you’re not allowed to tour the mosques.

How to dress in Morocco

When travelling in Morocco, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and most local women dress conservatively, usually wearing a hijab or other kind of headscarf. While female tourists are not required to cover their heads, it is recommended to cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Loose, flowy clothing is ideal, and will also help protect you from the sun.

Clothing Recommendations for Women

• Long, loose trousers
• Maxi skirts
• Tunic dress
• Leggings
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Cardigan
• Light scarf
• Sun hat
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sandals

Clothing Recommendations for Men

• Collared shirts
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes

How to get around Morocco

Morocco has a far-reaching network of public transport, making it easy to get around the country. The best ways to travel across Morocco are by train, bus, or taxi. Here is a breakdown of each mode of transportation:

Trains

The national rail service, ONCF, has two main lines that link most of Morocco's major cities, including Tangier, Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat. The trains are generally comfortable and budget-friendly, but delays can sometimes occur. First-class and second-class ticket options are available, with first-class offering larger seats and more space. Some trains also offer sleeping compartments for overnight journeys.

Buses

Buses are a wallet-friendly way to travel across Morocco. The two major national bus companies, CTM and Supratours, offer reliable and comfortable services, with extra legroom and Wi-Fi available on some buses. Buses are a good option for travelling to more remote areas that trains don't reach. However, it is important to note that bus journeys can be significantly longer than the same trip by train or plane.

Taxis

Taxis are a popular form of transportation in Morocco, especially within cities. There are two types of taxis: petits taxis, which are small, metered taxis for travelling within city limits, and grands taxis, which are shared taxis for longer journeys between cities. Petits taxis are cheap and plentiful, while grands taxis are usually old Mercedes sedans that carry six passengers and leave when the taxi is full.

Flights

Domestic flights within Morocco are operated by Royal Air Maroc and can save a lot of time when travelling long distances. For example, a flight from Casablanca to Laayoune takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, compared to a 19-hour bus journey. However, flights can be relatively expensive compared to other modes of transportation.

Other Options

Other options for getting around Morocco include renting a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, or joining a guided tour. Driving in Morocco can be challenging due to aggressive driving practices and a lack of road safety awareness. Guided tours can be a great option for those who want a more relaxed and planned travel experience.

How to stay safe in Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. However, as with any country, there are some safety precautions you should take when visiting. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during your trip to Morocco:

• Dress modestly: Morocco is a Muslim country, and it is important to respect the local culture and customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and try to cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your valuables close to you and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in busy areas like souks and medinas.
• Haggle confidently: Haggling is a common practice in Morocco, especially in markets and when taking taxis. Be confident and firm when negotiating prices to avoid being overcharged.
• Stay in well-lit areas: Avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit or quiet areas. Stick to busy streets and well-lit paths, and consider travelling in groups or with a guide if possible.
• Be cautious of scams: Be aware of common scams, such as inflated prices for camel rides or fake goods being sold as authentic. Trust your instincts and walk away if something feels wrong.
• Use licensed guides: When visiting medinas or other complex areas, consider hiring a licensed local guide to help you navigate and avoid getting lost.
• Stay connected: Install a VPN on your devices to protect your online information when using public Wi-Fi. Keep your devices charged and carry a power bank if needed.
• Research in advance: Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws before your trip. Know the emergency numbers and have a basic understanding of the language or carry a translation app/book.
• Be mindful of your food and water intake: Drink only bottled water and be cautious of street food. Eat at reputable restaurants or stalls with high hygiene standards to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Stay informed: Stay up to date with news and local advisories. Check government websites for any travel warnings or alerts before your trip.
• Get travel insurance: Invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items.

How to eat in Morocco

Morocco is known for its delicious cuisine, so eating is a big part of travelling there. Here is some advice on how to eat in Morocco:

Where to Eat

Morocco has an abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars. Many riads and hotels have their own restaurants, which is ideal for solo travellers who prefer not to wander too far for dinner.

What to Eat

Moroccan cuisine is laced with flavour and infused with aromatic spices. From the country's frenetic souks to its restaurants and street food stalls, you'll find tasty tagines (stews), zaalouk (aubergine salads) and maakouda (crispy potato fritters).

Food Safety

It is advised to avoid drinking tap water in Morocco, and instead opt for bottled water to avoid any potential gastrointestinal distress. It is also recommended to wash your hands before eating, and to be cautious when it comes to salads and raw fruits and vegetables. It is advised to peel these yourself, or to wash them with bottled water.

Dining Alone

Dining alone is common in Morocco, and many solo travellers report feeling safe in the country. However, it is advised to remain vigilant in busy souks and medinas, where pickpocketing is common.

Food Tours

If you want to sample a variety of Moroccan dishes and feel unsure about dining alone, you could consider joining a food tour. This is also a great way to meet other travellers.

Special Dietary Requirements

If you have any special dietary requirements, it is a good idea to learn some key phrases in Arabic to help you communicate this to restaurant staff. For example, "I am vegetarian/vegan" in Arabic is "Ana nabati/nakel beytia".

Restaurant Recommendations

• Jemaa el Fna Night Market in Marrakech is a must-visit. By day, it is sparse with just a few produce vendors, but by night it comes alive with henna artists, performers and street food vendors.
• For a fine dining experience, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, which is home to an iconic house and garden designed by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s.
• For a traditional Moroccan dining experience, consider staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan guest house known for its courtyard garden. Many riads offer in-house dining, cooking classes and Moroccan mint tea ceremonies.

How to haggle in Morocco

Morocco is a haggler's paradise. In fact, it's expected. So, if you're planning on shopping in Morocco, you need to haggle. Here's how:

• Everything is negotiable. That taxi fare from the airport? Negotiable. Your breakfast? Negotiable. That expensive rug? Negotiable. Those cheap refrigerator magnets? Negotiable.
• Start low. Offer somewhere south of 50% of the asking price, and don't go above 70-75% of the original price.
• Don't be put off by shows of emotion. The merchants of the souks are hardened salespeople. Sellers may feign offence, rage and sorrow, but those are crocodile tears. You're dealing with actors of the highest order here. You're not going to hurt anyone's feelings by sticking to a low price or walking away.
• Don't lose your cool. This isn't the seller's first rodeo, and the only way to get a decent deal is to pretend like it isn't yours either. No matter how sickly sweet or vicious the seller turns when you say no to an asking price, keep your poker face on.
• Bundle items for a group rate. A single, eye-catching item may attract you to a shop, but as you argue down the price, it's a good strategy to silently scan the shop for other items you favour. In a pinch, you can bundle items together and try to get a discount on the bunch.
• Keep your eye on the prize. Don't let the vendor distract you with items you don't need. Just because he'll throw in a pair of shoes doesn't mean you should overpay for that basket.
• Walk away. If the seller won't budge far enough on the price, walk away. It may seem like you've wasted time, but walking away can actually lay the groundwork for future deals if you return to the same shop later in the week.
• If you reach a true impasse with a merchant, walk away for real. There are other fish in the souk.

Frequently asked questions