Traveling to Morocco as a Woman: what you should know.

General Safety

Morocco, is it safe to travel?

Before setting off, I was a little apprehensive. As a first-time visiter to Morocco, traveling with my 18-month-old toddler, I wondered if the concerns I’d heard – about safety and cultural differences – would prove true. However, I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.

Throughout our 3-week trip, I never once felt unsafe. Moroccans truly are incredibly hospitable and eager to help, whether it was assisting with luggage or offering an extra bottle of water. Morocco was really a welcoming destination, although I must add, we only travelled during the day.

What to wear in Morocco as a Woman?

As a woman, travelling to Morocco, packing for the trip was probably the hardest. With temperatures soaring past 25°C (77°F), my usual shorts-and-tank combo felt out of place. I researched and decided to pack a mix of long and short outfits to adapt to the country’s diverse cultural norms and climates.

For most of the trip – destinations like Agadir, Essaouira, and Ouarzazate – my regular summer wardrobe was fine. I never felt uncomfortable in my shorts or judged because of my short-sleeved shirt. However, Marrakech was different. I opted in advance for long pants and long-sleeved shirts, which matched better the vibe of the city. And it looked like I wasn’t alone, as I saw most other tourist opted for a long, loose outfit as well.

Pro Tips:

• Always carry a lightweight long-sleeved shirt in case you feel the need to cover up. Or in case you need it to visit something.
• Pack warm clothes for the cooler nights, especially in the Atlas Mountains, the desert, or coastal areas where the wind can be biting.
• Be sure to bring a hat, as the midday heat can quickly result in a sunstroke.

Begging and tipping

Contrary to my expectations, begging wasn’t an issue. We weren’t harassed or pressured into giving money at any moment. Some parking attendants helped us park, and we tipped them with small coins, but it was never a must.

It’s worth noting that most transactions in Morocco are cash-based (except in Casablanca). Be prepared to have some cash on you at any time, as card payments are often not possible, or come with extra fees.

Is it safe to drive in Morocco?

The one aspect of Morocco that needs a little ‘getting used to’, it’s the truly chaotic traffic. Picture this: lanes are treated as mere suggestions, scooters weave between cars, most cars don’t seem to have blinkers, but honking seems to be a national sport. It reminded me of the madness of driving around Paris’s Arc de Triomphe – only all the time.

Surprisingly, despite the chaos, we had no car damage. However, we did receive two speeding fines, so watch your speed! Fines are sometimes negotiable, as one of ours mysteriously dropped from 300dH to 100dH after a bit of polite conversation.

Pro Tips:

• Be alert, especially in busy cities.
• Follow speed limits and keep an eye out for police checkpoints, as they are often stated right at the entrance of the town center.

Traveling with kids

Moroccans adore children, and our blonde-haired toddler drew smiles, waves and a lot of ‘ooh’s and aah’s’ everywhere we went. However, their enthusiasm sometimes extended to touching and kissing, which we found a little uncomfortable.

In terms of facilities, Morocco isn’t particularly child-friendly. High chairs were a rarity (we only found one in three weeks), as were changing tables in the toilets. The streets weren’t stroller-friendly, so bring a child-carrier rather then your stroller if you plan to travel around.

For food, we took precautions by avoiding tap water and shopping at small markets, opting instead for supermarket supplies. Local dishes like tajines and couscous were safe with plenty of vegetables to keep your kids healthy throughout the trip.