Planning a Safe Solo Female Trip to Morocco
Prioritize staying in traditional riads located inside the medina walls and hire local, verified guides for navigating busy souks. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to minimize unwanted attention and always book your inter-city transport via private cars or first-class trains.
- Select your accommodation wisely. Book riads that have 24/7 reception and high ratings for location. Avoid staying in isolated areas or outside the city walls. A good riad acts as a sanctuary from the intensity of the streets.
- Arrange airport transfers in advance. Never rely on random taxis at the airport late at night. Email your riad 48 hours before arrival and have them send a driver to meet you at the arrivals gate with a sign.
- Master the art of 'ignore and walk'. Street harassment is common. If someone follows or catcalls you, do not engage, do not make eye contact, and keep walking with purpose. If you feel unsafe, walk into a shop or cafe and tell the owner you are being bothered.
- Dress for the culture. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Carrying a light linen scarf is essential; you can use it to cover your hair when entering religious sites or to shield yourself from the sun.
- Use verified transport. Stick to the ONCF train network for travel between cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes. Use 'Petit Taxis' for short city trips, but always insist that the driver turns on the meter before pulling away.
- Is it safe to walk alone at night?
- It is generally discouraged. Stick to well-lit main streets and rely on your riad or pre-booked drivers for late-night transport.
- Do I need to learn Arabic?
- No, but learning basic greetings in Arabic or French goes a long way. English is widely spoken in tourist hubs.