What Nobody Tells You About Solo Travel in Morocco
I'm going to be honest: my first two days in Morocco were a disaster. I landed in Marrakech at midnight, got into a heated argument with a taxi driver over the fare, got hopelessly lost in the medina, and was convinced I'd made a terrible mistake.
By day four, I was having dinner at a local family's home, had found a fixer who showed me the real city, and understood exactly why Morocco inspires such passionate devotion in travelers who get past its challenging surface.
"Morocco doesn't give itself easily. You have to earn it. But what you earn – the hospitality, the beauty, the moments of genuine connection – is worth every difficult moment along the way.
Safety: The Real Story
Is Morocco safe for solo travelers? Yes, but with qualifications. Petty theft is relatively rare. Violent crime against tourists is almost unheard of. The most common 'dangers' are aggressive touts, overcharging, and getting lost.
For women, the situation is more nuanced. Many solo female travelers report persistent harassment. It's rarely dangerous, but it can be exhausting.
- •Belongings - Keep valuables in a money belt under your clothes
- •Navigation - Use Google Maps offline – you will get lost
- •For Women - Women: A wedding ring reduces unwanted attention significantly
- •Touts - Never follow anyone who approaches you unsolicited
Getting Around: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Morocco's train system is excellent – clean, punctual, comfortable. First class is worth the small premium. CTM and Supratours buses are reliable for routes without trains.
Grand taxis are shared Mercedes sedans that run fixed routes. They leave when full (six passengers squeezed in). Faster than buses, more flexible with departure times.
Cultural Intelligence
The Art of Haggling
Haggling isn't just about price – it's a social ritual. When a shopkeeper quotes 500 dirhams, he doesn't expect you to pay that. He expects a conversation.
Start at 25-30% of asking price, expect to end around 40-50%. Never show too much interest. Walk away and come back.
- •Dress Code - Dress modestly – shows respect and reduces harassment
- •Tea Ritual - Accept tea when offered – refusing is rude
- •Dining - Eat with your right hand if sharing food
- •Photography - Ask before photographing people
"The shopkeeper who seemed like a hustler became my friend by the end of the conversation. Morocco rewards persistence and punishes cynicism.
City-by-City Guide
**Chefchaouen**: If Morocco intimidates you, start here. Small, navigable, tourist-friendly, stunning. Perfect for your first few days.
**Fez**: The world's largest car-free urban area. 9,400 alleyways, zero street signs. Hire an official guide for day one, get deliberately lost on day two.
**Essaouira**: Laid-back coastal town, ocean breezes, fresh seafood. Where Moroccans go to relax.
**Marrakech**: Save for when you've got experience. The most intense city I've visited. But beneath the chaos, it's magnificent.
The Sahara: Worth Every Hassle
If you can possibly make it work, spend a night in the Sahara. Yes, the tours are touristy. But none of that matters when you're sitting on a dune at sunset, watching the shadow line creep across an ocean of sand.
Book through your riad or reputable agency. Expect 700-1500 dirhams for a basic overnight trip.
The Real Morocco
The moments I treasure most aren't the famous sights. They're the small kindnesses. The shop owner who gave me directions and refused to sell me anything. The family in Fez who invited me to break fast with them.
Don't wait until you feel ready. You'll never feel completely ready for Morocco. Just go, stay alert, keep your sense of humor.
"Morocco doesn't owe you a good time. You have to meet it halfway, with patience, respect, and genuine curiosity. But when you do, it gives back tenfold.
