Is Morocco Dangerous for Women: my tips for female travellers

So, is Morocco dangerous for women? This question has been on my mind since my four Moroccan adventures. I've explored this beautiful North African country sometimes alone, sometimes with a small group of girlfriends, and I must admit it's become one of my favorite destinations. But let's be honest: traveling to Africa as a woman raises legitimate safety concerns.

A trip to Morocco is truly a patchwork of emotions! From breathtaking moments to slightly tense situations... Unlike South Africa where I felt constant stress, Morocco surprised me with its richness and contrasts. Women traveling solo there face specific challenges, but with proper preparation and suitable travel insurance, the adventure is absolutely worth it.

In this article, I'm going to give you the unfiltered reality on the ground, separate fact from fiction with practical advice based on my experience and that of other female travelers I've met on roads around the world. My goal? To help you travel solo safely while fully enjoying this fascinating country. Because yes, women traveling alone can discover Morocco peacefully with the right information!

Table of Contents

Is Morocco dangerous for women: myth or reality?
Your essentials for traveling safely in Morocco
Transportation in Morocco and its dangers
Health and formalities: what you need to know before leaving
Testimonials: real experiences of women in Morocco

Is Morocco Dangerous for Women: Myth or Reality?

As soon as I mention my Moroccan getaways, it's always the same tune: "But weren't you scared?" or "It's super risky for a woman alone!" I totally get these concerns - they reflect a very widespread stereotype - but we need to set the record straight.

The real truth? Morocco does present some specific dangers when you're a woman, but no more than certain European capitals I've visited. Personally, I felt more unsafe in certain Parisian neighborhoods than in Marrakech or Fez on a Friday night! The real issue in Morocco is street harassment, not violent crime.

For my first Moroccan experience, I was terrified because of everything I'd read online. Because of that, I almost missed absolutely magical experiences. Now that I've explored the country from the Rif to the Sahara, I can tell you: the reality is infinitely more nuanced than what some sensationalist media would have us believe.

What Global Rankings Reveal

Famous international rankings tend to give Morocco a hard time regarding women's safety.

But here's the catch: I've noticed these studies often rely on very general criteria that don't necessarily match our reality as tourists. For example, they include data on gender equality in Moroccan society overall, which drags the ranking down but doesn't directly concern your safety as a female traveler.

Here are the figures so you have an idea:

In the Global Peace Index 2024 (which analyzes a country's general security rate), Morocco ranks 78th out of 163 countries
In the Women Safety Index 2023/2024 (which analyzes the women-specific security rate of a country), Morocco ranks 114th out of 177 countries
In the Travel Risk Map (which analyzes whether countries are safe for travelers), Morocco is assessed with medium risk

Yes, these rates are high and Morocco is ranked rather poorly, but I prefer to trust my experience and that of many female travelers rather than these statistics that are sometimes disconnected from our daily reality as tourists. Whatever the statistics say, traveling alone as a woman in Morocco remains one of the safest solo travel in Africa.

The Real Risks for Women in Morocco

Let's be frank: what are the real pitfalls I've identified throughout my stays? At the forefront: street harassment in various forms, plus some scam attempts that specifically target female tourists.

Harassment mainly translates to comments, whistling, or somewhat heavy-handed approach attempts. It's almost never violence. I experienced this in Marrakech's medina, but also near downtown Casablanca. That said, I never felt any concrete physical threat and trust me, I have a pretty well-developed radar on this point!

Violent crime remains extremely rare in tourist areas. I encountered more pickpockets in crowded souks than assaults. In the evening, certain neighborhoods do become less welcoming, but that's true for all major cities worldwide, right?

Street Harassment: How to Decode and React

Moroccan harassment - I've learned to decipher its codes. You'll always receive comments about your appearance, ultra-insistent invitations for tea or a shop visit, and the famous street "following."

My tested and approved anti-creep techniques:

Ignore completely and continue with a determined pace
Respond firmly "La, shukran" (No, thank you in Arabic)
Head toward a busy place (café, hotel, shop)
Play the urgent phone call act
In case of serious trouble: 19 (police) or 177 (royal gendarmerie)

In Fez, I tested the fake phone call when a guy was tailing me. Immediate effect: he vanished! This trick works brilliantly because it shows you're not an isolated target.

Crime and Theft: Sensitive Areas

The most common thefts are clearly pickpockets in crowded transport and markets. I almost had my phone stolen on a bus in Rabat, but my legendary vigilance paid off.

The areas I now avoid like the plague:

Deserted medina alleys after nightfall
Isolated beaches, particularly in Agadir and Essaouira
Certain Casablanca neighborhoods like Sidi Moumen in the evening
Bus stations during rush hours

My golden advice: avoid flashy jewelry and keep your bag securely closed in front of you in crowds. In Marrakech, I learned the art of navigating the medina while avoiding poorly lit dead ends.

Morocco Scams Targeting Female Tourists

The most common scams definitely target women traveling for tourism. The crown goes to the "fake guide" who approaches you with a smile only to end up dragging you around shops where he pockets his commission.

I fell for it in Chefchaouen. A charmer offered to show me "the most beautiful secret viewpoints." Result: three hours wasted being dragged around carpet shops! My magic formula today: "I already have a guide, thanks!" even when it's complete nonsense.

Other classic traps to avoid:

The "free" henna session (which becomes paid in the end)
The merchant who "gives you a special girlfriend price" after following you
The taxi without a meter that triples the fare at the end

My mantra: always set the price before any service and never hesitate to say no firmly.

Your Essentials for Peaceful Travel in Morocco

Now, let's focus on the positive! With the right precautions, Morocco transforms into an enriching and secure adventure. I'm going to reveal all my little secrets for fully enjoying this extraordinary country.

Preparation is THE key to success. My personal checklist has grown through my mistakes, and trust me, it's saved me a heap of trouble since.

How to Dress in Morocco

The clothing question is really something serious. I learned the hard way that a low-cut tank top in Marrakech attracts all eyes, and not necessarily the good ones. Now, I adapt my wardrobe according to regions and local atmosphere.

In tourist cities like Marrakech or Agadir, you can get away with short sleeves and light pants. However, in rural or more conservative areas, I favor long sleeves and covering pants.

My clothing list by location:

Medinas and souks: light long-sleeved shirt, flowing pants, scarf to cover shoulders if needed Tourist beaches: swimsuit is perfectly acceptable, but always bring a sarong for getting around Atlas and villages: well-covering clothes, closed shoes, light sweater for cool evenings

I always bring a light scarf: it's my miracle accessory that gets me out of trouble in 90% of delicate situations!

Behaviors to Adopt: Your Golden Rules

My code of conduct on the ground:

Avoid prolonged eye contact with men, especially on the street. It can be misinterpreted: lesson learned the hard way on my first trip!

In transport, favor seats near other women or families. On long-distance buses, I always request an aisle seat to avoid being trapped.

Useful phrases I use constantly (practice pronouncing them beforehand):

"Baslama" (goodbye) to cut things short
"Mafhamtsh" (I don't understand) to play ignorant
"Bghit ghir ntmasha" (I just want to walk around) for pseudo-guides

Apps and Useful Numbers for Your Safety

Apps that literally saved me:

Maps.me: works offline, essential in medina mazes
Google Translate: to defuse tense situations
Citymapper: for urban transport
NomadSister: to meet other female travelers to share your adventures with

Emergency numbers to save immediately:

Police: 19
Royal Gendarmerie: 177
Medical emergencies: 15
Fire department: 15

I created an "SOS Morocco" contact with all these numbers. Fortunately, I've never had to use them, but it's reassuring!

Transportation in Morocco and Its Dangers

Getting around Morocco when you're a woman alone isn't so simple. After my four trips and some memorable troubles, I've developed my own strategy for navigating this country peacefully. Between crowded transport, rather... creative local driving, and some tricky situations I've experienced, there are certain rules I now apply scrupulously.

What Transportation to Use When You're a Woman Alone in Morocco

My favorite transport is without a doubt first-class train! Comfortable, punctual and secure, it's my absolute favorite for connecting major cities.

I avoid shared grand taxis like the plague where you end up squeezed against strangers.

CTM buses remain a decent option for long distances; I always choose a seat near the driver. For urban trips, I always favor official small taxis with meters.

I also recommend trying tourist horse-drawn carriages but only in town when there are people around.

Road Dangers in Morocco

Hold on tight! Moroccan driving is high-level sport. Traffic rules sometimes seem optional, especially in cities where scooters, bikes and pedestrians weave between cars. I've learned to keep my distance, anticipate impromptu direction changes and stay super vigilant at intersections.

In the Atlas mountains, winding roads require extreme caution. If you rent a car, absolutely avoid driving at night and always favor a local driver for long trips: they know the pitfalls!

Health and Formalities: What You Need to Know Before Leaving

Health preparation is non-negotiable! I skipped it on my first trip and paid dearly with a memorable gastroenteritis that kept me bedridden for three days. Needless to say, I learned my lesson!

Vaccines and Health Precautions in Morocco

No mandatory vaccines to enter Morocco from France, but some are highly recommended depending on your destinations. I opted for the hepatitis A vaccine after my digestive mishap.

On the Atlantic coast, hepatitis A remains recommended with particular attention to seafood.

In the Atlas, add typhoid fever and exclusively favor bottled water.

For the South and Sahara, think about meningitis in addition to hepatitis A, without forgetting reinforced sun protection.

I systematically consult a travel medicine specialist six weeks before departure. An investment in your health that's worth its weight in gold!

Travel Insurance: Why It's Essential

My travel insurance reimbursed me €800 in medical expenses during my stay in Essaouira. Without it, I would have had to pay everything out of pocket: emergency consultation, medications, the whole deal!

I always compare offers by favoring those that cover:

Medical expenses up to €100,000 minimum
Medical repatriation
Civil liability
24/7 assistance in English

Some insurances offer specific guarantees for women traveling alone, like assistance in case of assault. Personally, I think that's a significant plus!

To feel even more secure during your stay in Morocco, don't hesitate to use the NomadSister platform. You'll meet a community of experienced female travelers with whom you can share tips and tricks.

Real Experiences: What Women Actually Encounter in Morocco

To give you a complete picture, I've gathered testimonials from other female travelers. Their experiences confirm that you can discover Morocco peacefully with the right precautions.

Positive Experiences: When Everything Goes Well

Sarah, 32, traveled alone for two weeks: "I was amazed by Moroccan hospitality! In Chefchaouen, a family invited me to share their meal without asking for anything in return. These authentic moments more than compensate for the few inconveniences."

Marie, 28, travels regularly to Morocco for work: "The secret is attitude. I behave confidently, I greet people in Arabic, and it changes absolutely everything. Moroccans appreciate the effort and show you much more respect."

My most beautiful personal memories: Those moments of authentic exchange that warm the heart: tea shared with a Berber family in the Atlas, that passionate discussion with a craftswoman in Fez, or that improvised musical evening in Essaouira under the stars. These moments are clearly among the most beautiful of my life.

Challenging Situations: When Things Get Tricky

Laura, 26, recounts her time in Marrakech: "In the medina, I was followed by a group of young men for a good hour. They didn't touch me but continued to harass me despite my refusals. I ended up taking refuge in a riad where the staff helped me. It really made me uncomfortable, but I learned to better handle this type of situation."

Camille, 30, remembers Agadir: "One evening on the corniche, a man tried to force a kiss on me. I screamed and passersby intervened immediately. The incident ended well but it reminded me that you have to stay vigilant, especially in the evening. Since then, I avoid walking alone after 9 PM in tourist areas."

Morocco taught me that behind every challenge lie extraordinary human experiences. With a dose of common sense and solid preparation, it's a destination I recommend with my eyes closed to all women thirsting for adventure!

In conclusion, traveling to Morocco as a woman requires preparation and vigilance, but absolutely shouldn't frighten you. My final advice: Trust yourself, stay cautious without falling into paranoia, and let yourself be surprised by this absolutely fascinating country.

TRAVEL| ITINERARY

Romane

Traveler

15 Juin 2025

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