In the 1960’s and 70’s Morocco was part of the infamous “hippie trail.” Backpackers and travelers of all nationalities and types crisscrossed the cities, mountains, and coastal hideaways. More than a handful set out alone. Today, as people make travel an integral part of their life, Morocco has grown as a popular destination – certainly thanks to the tales of earlier travelers. If you are considering giving solo travel in Morocco a try, we’ve put together some tidbits and advice to help you plan and stay safe.
Leave Your Travel Plans with Someone
Although Morocco is a super safe country, when traveling alone or with others it’s always a good idea to leave your travel plans with someone at home. You also should register with the diplomatic mission of your country in Morocco. If you don’t have plans that are set in stone, check-in every few days to update someone on where you are going. Also consider having a plan in place as to what should happen if you don’t get in touch within a certain amount of time. This is even more important if you plan to do any trekking, climbing or other adventure activities that may have you “off the grid” for a period of time. Having an emergency plan in place could mean the difference between life and death were you to be trapped in a dangerous situation.
Easy on the Alcohol
When you’re alone or with strangers, it’s a good idea to keep your alcohol consumption in check. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few drinks but make sure you are able to know what is happening around you. The same holds true if you decide to try some of Morocco’s other “natural” products like kif. You should be aware it is illegal in Morocco. For more information on this you can read our full post on kif in the Rif.
Be Aware of Single Supplements
In reality, there are no ‘single supplements’ or room reductions for single occupants in most riads in Morocco. So, don’t be surprised if while inquiring about prices at guesthouses or hotels you are given the same rate as double occupancy. To get around this, you can look for a few of the cheaper establishments who may partially cater to those attempting solo travel in Morocco.
Don’t Go Alone
There are some things that you really shouldn’t do alone. Trekking in the mountains is one of those things. You should always take a licensed and skilled guide with you. The weather and terrain can change very quickly and if you aren’t familiar with it you could be in serious trouble. If you plan to go rock climbing or into the Sahara Desert you also should be with a guide. These recommendations aren’t meant to deter you from your experience, they are safety precautions you need to take. Medical facilities in remote areas are few and far between. The last thing you want is to end up hurt and alone.
Tips for Female Solo Travel in Morocco
There are tons of great articles out there about traveling solo as a woman, such as these 8 tips on being a solo female traveler. However, female solo travelers often have many questions specifically about visiting Morocco. Questions can range from how safe will I be to what should I wear and anything and everything in between. Many are unsure what it will be like to be in a Muslim country as a single woman. While there are some things to take into consideration, a female traveling alone in Morocco is possible. We’ve got some more advice on solo travel tips as well that might come in helpful for both solo female and male travelers alike. Also, to avoid social faux pas, check out our article on culture and etiquette that should help put you ahead of the game for your visit.
What should I wear?
This is the first question nearly all women who plan to visit Morocco ask. The truth is you will find a very wide range of clothing choices. You will see women who are fully veiled as well as women in skin-tight jeans and tank tops. It can be confusing. In most cases, you can wear whatever you would like in Morocco, but you will be more comfortable if you dress modestly.
Dealing with verbal harassment
Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues women report having is with young men verbally harassing them. This can be in the form of lewd comments, cat calling, to direct propositions. The best way to deal with this is to completely ignore them. If you feel threatened, you should immediately alert the police. If you are in a public place with others around and you feel safe, confront the person. Often times this is enough to put them off and see you’re not interested.
If you really do want to visit Morocco, don’t have (or want) a travel partner, but would prefer to have help along the way it’s worth considering a tour. There are dozens of group tours available with set routes that you can join. You also might consider booking a private tour to have exactly the experience you want with the help and support you prefer. While this may cost more than doing it yourself it will save you a lot of time and headaches making sure everything is right.
Hopefully these tips will help you have a happy, solo trip to Morocco!
If you’d like more information about booking an amazing excursion in Morocco, give us a shout. We can be of great help. Whether you want to sand board in the Sahara or spend your days in the spa we will make your dream trip happen. Get in touch with us today to start planning.
