By: Ashley Blake
I first explored Morocco in 2009 with my Danish grandma, an avid traveler whose sense of curiosity about the world inspired me from a young age as I received coins and stamps from far off lands.
“Pick a place you want to go,” she told me. It was not long after college and I was a couple of years into my own work in the travel industry, jet setting from China to Spain to Germany. “Morocco,” I responded, without hesitation.
Through all of my Spanish language and history studies, I had long been fascinated by the Moorish influence on the Iberian peninsula, from the iconic horseshoe-shaped arches of ancient fortresses in southern Spain to Arab derived words like azucar and alfombra.
So we picked a tour, packed up our bags, and made our way across the ocean landing on the African continent on a rainy January day. Our travels were relatively standard – mosques and markets, 4-star hotels serving up Moroccan cuisine adjusted to the Western palate, and a typical bus route with other travelers mostly twice my age. This was the first group tour I’d ever attended, despite leading them myself. (Oh did I have lots to learn!)
Photo by Josh Telles
While I enjoyed the daily sightseeing and history lessons, what stood out most to me – aside from quality time with my grandma, who has since passed away – was the time spent exploring on my own.
In Marrakech, I meandered the labyrinth-like souks to stumble upon perhaps the best meal of my life at a vegetarian café where I ended up talking with a local couple for hours.
In Rabat, I connected with a group of college students while at a cyber café (back in the day when our email wasn’t on our phone!) and ended up with a night of music jamming and an English-Spanish-French-Arabic exchange along with a slew of new Facebook connections.
Somewhere in the Atlas Mountains I rebelled against the bland hotel lunch fare and opted for the sole menu offering at a tiny local restaurant: a kefta tagine with an egg cracked on top, and a huge slab of Moroccan round bread. It was heaven.
Since then, I have been back to Morocco multiple times leading small group tours and exploring the country on my own. Not the least of which includes a 2020 two-week trip that morphed into 3+ months in Marrakech as I waited out COVID-19 travel restrictions. Through my time doing solo travel in Morocco I’ve learned that solo female travel here can indeed be safe and there are specific ways you can be smart about it.
Here are my top 8 tips for female solo travel in Morocco:
1. Understand the gender landscape
Photo by Josh Telles
Morocco is a Muslim country and though it is more liberal than other Arab and Middle Eastern countries, it is still a very traditional society. Males and females have distinct roles and social preferences, which is why you’ll see men out at the coffee shops and not women – not because they’re not allowed, but because they generally prefer to get together with their girlfriends inside the home. In fact, Moroccan women are known to have some smashing house parties! Most Moroccan women stop working after marriage and the role of the mother and keeper of the home is highly valued. So to a local, the idea of an independently traveling female is quite a foreign concept.
2. Dress accordingly
Hijab, the general term for a headscarf, is not mandatory for women in Morocco. It is considered a symbol of modesty and privacy and reflects one’s religious beliefs. Moroccan women will generally wear a headscarf with varying levels of covering the whole face and hair or just partially so. You will sometimes see the niqab, which covers the mouth and you’ll less commonly see a burka, which covers the entire face.
Photo by Josh Telles
You as a foreign woman in Morocco are not required to dress in any particular fashion, though you’ll notice that Moroccan women dress quite conservatively. Flowy, modest, and not form-fitting is the key to better fit in and not receive unwanted attention that can detract from your experience in Morocco. Long skirts, draping tunics, and loose blouses are all good choices, paying attention not to show the décolletage, shoulders, or leg above the knee. Can you wear jeans and a t-shirt? Sure, though with the heat, fabrics such as cotton and linen are much more comfortable. What about yoga pants, shorts or spaghetti straps/tank tops? At your hotel or riad that’s fine, but out and about it’s likely to attract attention you don’t want.
3. Recognize that it’s not about you
Photo by Una Simone
This can be the hardest part for us Western women. It’s my body, shouldn’t I be able to dress in what’s comfortable for me? We’re used to our freedom to don that cute sundress or short shorts when it’s 90 degrees out. But it’s not about creative expression or rights here, it’s about respect. And in the Muslim faith, modesty is a form of respect. And furthermore, the perceived image of foreign women – though incredibly misguided by media images – can be that we’re loose and easy. So bear in mind, especially as a solo traveler in Morocco, that what is simply summer wear in your mind may be seen as provocative to a local.
4. Be aware at all times
Photo by Una Simone
This is just good travel advice in general, but be acutely aware of your surroundings as asolo traveler in Morocco. Notice if you’re being followed and know where you’re going (or look like you do, even if you’re lost). Moroccan riads (especially in the medina) can be incredibly difficult to navigate, so if you have trouble arrange for someone to guide you to your accommodations ahead of time (you can easily ask your hotel ahead of time). Don’t go on solo hikes or be alone in deserted places, dark alleys or out late at night. Always lock your door and don’t let people know (men especially) where you’re staying. If you feel uncertain or unsafe, let the manager at your riad or hotel know.
5. Be kind but not too friendly
A smile from a Western woman toward a Moroccan male stranger – while completely normal to us – can be seen as an invitation. It is not normal here for men and women out on the street to make eye contact. Unless you’re looking for a Moroccan marriage proposal it’s best to lower your gaze and avoid direct eye contact when not actually interacting with someone like a tour guide, vendor, shop keeper, or waiter. While it feels rude to us, it’s perfectly normal to ignore a male comment or advance and just keep walking. If approached, keep walking and you can put your hand on your heart and say la shukran, no thank you. If you are hassled, get out of the situation as quickly as possible and stay calm.
6. Protect your phone
Photo by Zephyr & Tide
Phone snatching is a thing in Morocco, particularly in the big cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier. Because our phones double as our cameras, be extra cautious when pulling it out to snap a shot. Avoid walking and texting or talking, which makes you an easy target for someone on foot or a motorbike. Consider a phone loop strap for peace of mind, and when not in use zip it up in your purse (which, by the way, you should always remember to hold on your front). A runner’s waist belt or this travel scarf is another great way to protect your phone and valuables while out and about.
7. Designate a key contact & register your travels
Photo by Josh Telles
For any solo travel, share your itinerary and timeline with a close friend, partner, or family member. Set a pace for when you’ll check-in, whether it be every evening, every other day, or once a week. Use a location app such as Find My Friends so that if need be you can be traced. Try to make a contact in Morocco such as a friend of a friend so that you have their info in case of an emergency. US Citizens can register your travel with the STEP program so that you will receive notifications of any safety alerts put out by the government. Also, find your country’s embassy in Morocco; most will be in the capital, Rabat.
8. Support women in Morocco
Photo by Josh Telles
One of the best ways to enhance your solo female travel experience in Morocco is to seek out other females! Morocco is known for its women’s cooperatives focused on products like textiles and argan oil, which you can visit in the Atlas Mountains. Find a female Moroccan tour guide to show you around the souks, chat with the gals preparing breakfast at your riad, or take a cooking class. There’s nothing like girl power in your travels!
While traveling to Morocco as a female solo traveler may sound intimidating, it’s certainly safe and doable. And I would add, well worth it as Morocco is an incredible country with amazing cuisine, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a warm sense of hospitality.
Still not sure you’re ready to explore Morocco on your own? Consider joining our small group Morocco trip!
MORE MOROCCO BLOGS FOR YOU
You can’t travel to Morocco without experiencing once of its most essential experiences, a visit to the souk, or the traditional Moroccan market. As a tourist, you likely won’t have the chance for repeat visits like a local. However, it’s a great way to observe the culture in play while also learning to navigate the souks for yourself. Here are our top tips for a successful Moroccan souk experience.