Is Morocco safe? Is it ok for solo female travel?
After visiting Morocco twice in the last six months, I’ve put together all of my thoughts about Morocco safety in this article!
Generally, YES, I felt very safe in Morocco. But let’s go into all of its nuances and see what the overall consensus is!
Is Morocco safe?
I’ve been to Morocco twice now, once as a solo traveller for 24 hours and later with my mum for a week.
Morocco quickly became one of my favourite countries, completely exceeding my expectations.
Before I visited, I’d heard a lot of misconceptions about safety there – some people seem to assume Morocco is unsafe or challenging to navigate.
But that didn’t match my experience at all.
I felt completely safe throughout both trips, safer than walking around some cities in the UK like London or Exeter.
Moroccan cities felt calm and welcoming, and I was impressed by how friendly and helpful people were.
Of course, every traveller’s experience is different – the last thing I want to do is discount someone else’s negative experiences – but I think it’s important not to generalise about an entire country based on isolated incidents.
And, let’s look at the facts:
Crime rates in Morocco, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Marrakech and Tangier, are statistically lower than in many Western cities. (Source: Numbeo)
Most issues tourists encounter are petty crimes like pickpocketing or minor scams, which are easy to avoid with a bit of awareness.
Solo female travellers might get a bit of extra attention – but it’s usually not intimidating.
I walked through Tangier’s medina alone without a single hassle, and I felt completely at ease.
When I travelled with my mum, we walked around Marrakech in the evenings and didn’t have any issues at all.
If you’re mindful of your surroundings, respectful of the culture, and take basic precautions, Morocco is a fantastic destination.
Let’s delve a bit more into it!
Crime in Morocco
Crime in Morocco is generally low, especially compared to major Western cities.
Violent crime is rare, and most visitors experience little to no trouble during their trip.
That said, petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen, particularly in crowded areas such as Marrakech’s medinas or Fes’s alleyways (just as it can in most cities in the world).
I’d recommend wearing a cross-body bag with zip-up pockets. See my full list of things I packed for Morocco here.
One thing I noticed is that locals often look out for tourists (in a very good way).
When my mum and I wandered through the old town in Fes, a few people pointed us in the right direction without expecting anything in return. This made me feel even safer.
Scams in Morocco
Like in many tourist destinations, you’ll likely encounter a few scams in Morocco, but most are more about inconvenience than any real harm.
In places like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, some locals may approach you with offers of help or goods, and while many are genuine, some come with strings attached.
Here are a few common scams to watch out for:
- Fake guides: Someone might offer to show you around the medina, only to expect a hefty tip or steer you toward their friend’s shop.
- “Closed” attractions: You might be told a site is closed so they can guide you elsewhere – usually to a shop or another service. Always double-check with official signage or online sources (this happens all over the world, but again, I didn’t personally experience it in Morocco!).
- Photo or animal scams: In Jemaa el-Fnaa, performers might ask for payment after you’ve taken a photo or offer you an animal to hold for a fee. I don’t personally agree with the animal tourism, but do remember that this is how people make a living. I would only pay 10-20 dirhams for something like this.
- Overcharging: Some vendors or taxi drivers may inflate prices for tourists. Haggling is expected in markets.
If you don’t want assistance or a service, a simple “no, thank you” or “la shukran” in Arabic usually works.
Road safety in Morocco
The roads in Morocco vary in quality and chaotic-ness – outside of the cities, they’re quite chilled out, but in the cities, they can be a bit hectic! However, it was nothing on the chaos that was Cairo’s streets.
As a pedestrian, you need to stay alert, particularly when crossing streets in cities. Traffic can be unpredictable, and in Marrakech especially you may encounter a lot of motorcycles in the medina!
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend self-driving unless you’re very confident and have driven in similar places.
We did a few tours with Fes Day Tours and our drivers were excellent and very safe.
Moroccan trains, especially the high-speed Al Boraq line (the fastest train line in Africa) are reliable, safe and comfortable.
Solo female travellers in Morocco
Travelling solo in Morocco as a woman is certainly possible and safe – just be aware that there will be some cultural differences.
I spent 24 hours travelling solo and felt completely safe in Tangier. Here are some tips for having a safe and enjoyable time in the country (I use these pretty much wherever I travel as a solo female):
- Be friendly, but know when to walk away from a conversation if necessary.
- Dress modestly in loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees to blend in and respect local customs.
- Stick to well-lit areas at night if walking alone and stay in reputable riads or hotels with good security.
- Consider using guides for sightseeing to feel more comfortable, learn about the culture, and avoid getting lost in complex areas like medinas.
Terrorism in Morocco
Terrorism does happen in Morocco but at similar rates to how it happens in the UK, France and Germany.
The Moroccan government takes security seriously, especially in locations frequented by visitors, such as Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen.
Food and water hygiene in Morocco
Morocco’s tap water is potable to locals – but many locals recommended I avoid it and stick to bottled water or use a filter water bottle. I always use a water-to-go bottle – take a look at it here.
I found most vendors cooked fresh dishes right in front of me, so was happy to eat from street food stalls. The food in Morocco was generally of a high quality.
Some travellers mention avoiding ice, but I didn’t have any problems with iced drinks in larger restaurants.
It’s worth checking if the ice is made from filtered water – this is common in tourist-friendly establishments.
Vaccinations for Morocco
Before visiting Morocco, check if you’re up to date on recommended vaccinations.
While many travellers visit without any additional immunisations, Fit For Travel recommends hepatitis A and typhoid.
I am consistently topped up with travel jabs anyway (par for the course with my job!) so already had recommended vaccinations.
Rabies is a low risk in Morocco, but if you plan to be in remote areas or interact with animals, maybe consider it. If you are bit or scratched by a dog or cat, you will need to get a rabies vaccine (if you’re already vaccinated, you still need boosters but the course of vaccines is less intensive).
That said I didn’t encounter aggressive stray animals during my visits.
Also, carry a basic medical kit with items like rehydration salts, hand sanitiser, and any prescription medications you need. Take a look at one here.
Health in Morocco
Healthcare in Morocco varies by location.
Major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat have private hospitals and clinics with good facilities and English-speaking staff.
Outside the main cities, healthcare facilities can be more limited – especially in rural areas.
Heat-related illnesses can also be a concern, particularly if you’re visiting in the summer or spending time in the desert.
Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take breaks in shaded areas.
For emergencies, have the contact details of your travel insurance and the nearest embassy or consulate on hand. Here are the details of the British embassy in Rabat.
Morocco’s pharmacies are well-stocked and can be a good resource for minor ailments. Pharmacists are often helpful and knowledgeable, and many medications are available over the counter. They might not speak English but usually speak French.
Whatever you do, DON’T travel to Morocco (or anywhere) without full travel insurance.
For single trips, I use SafetyWing. Take a look at them here.
English in Morocco
English is increasingly spoken in Morocco, especially in tourist areas and by younger generations.
In cities like Marrakech, Fes and Tangier, you’ll find that many locals working in hospitality, tours, and restaurants can communicate in English.
That said, French is the second most widely spoken language after Arabic, and it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases for everyday interactions.
In rural areas, where fewer people speak English, French is often your best option for communication.
During my trips, I found that English was sufficient in most tourist-friendly spots, but learning a few Arabic phrases like “shukran” (thank you) or “la shukran” (no, thank you) was useful and appreciated.
People are generally patient and willing to help, even if there’s a slight language barrier!
If you’re travelling off the beaten path, hiring a local guide can make communication much easier.
Natural Disasters in Morocco
Morocco is not highly prone to natural disasters, but occasional events do occur.
The 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains was a tragic and rare incident – earthquakes in Morocco are infrequent due to the region’s relatively low seismic activity.
Flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter.
General safety tips for Morocco
Here are some general tips to help you stay safe and enjoy your trip to Morocco:
- Stay alert to scams: In busy areas like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, scams like unsolicited guides or requests for tips are common. Be polite but firm in declining offers you don’t want.
- Keep valuables secure: Use a money belt or a cross-body bag with zippers to keep your belongings safe, especially in crowded markets.
- Dress modestly: Covering shoulders and knees is not just respectful of local customs but can also help you avoid unwanted attention.
- Avoid walking alone at night: While most cities are safe, it’s best to stick to well-lit areas or travel with a companion after dark.
- Use official services: Whether it’s a taxi, guide or accommodation, opt for licensed or highly rated options to avoid hassle.
- Carry small cash: Many services, including tipping, require small denominations – so keep change on hand.
- Stay hydrated and protected from the sun: The heat can be intense, especially in the summer months or desert areas. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water.
Take a look at the rest of my safety posts for North and West Africa!