Solo Female Travel in Morocco : Your Guide to a Safe and Memorable Trip

"I had no idea I was so strong." That was the first thought that crossed my mind as I watched the sunset over the dunes of Merzouga, after five days of traveling solo in Morocco as a woman.

Between the persistent stares in Marrakech's medina and the epic negotiations to avoid paying double rates, this solo trip confronted me with my deepest fears. Harassment, insecurity, difficulty navigating such a different local culture. Every situation taught me something about myself.

From the enchanting blue of Chefchaouen to the bustling alleys of Jemaa el Fna square, through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas, Morocco reveals its beauty to women who dare to take the leap. If you're still hesitating, feeling nervous and having a thousand questions in your head, let me share my unfiltered experience: real advice, encounters with other female travelers, unforgettable destinations and above all, how to transform your apprehensions into a life-changing journey.

Table of Contents

My safety tips for women traveling solo in Morocco
Best places for solo female travel in Morocco
Itinerary for a Morocco trip: 7 days, 10 days, 15 days
Off-the-beaten-path places to explore in Morocco
When to visit Morocco to make the most of your trip
How to properly prepare for your Morocco trip
Tips for your first solo trip to Morocco

My Safety Tips for Women Traveling Solo in Morocco

When I announced to my grandmother that I was going to travel alone to Morocco, she nearly choked on her coffee: "A woman alone in Morocco? Have you lost your mind?". Ah, those infamous apprehensions fueled by stereotypes about travel in North Africa.

Let me reassure you with concrete facts: I've explored Morocco several times solo, and contrary to popular belief, it's not only doable but absolutely wonderful! Of course, you need to stay cautious, but nothing insurmountable. If you want more detailed information, I've written another article dedicated to safety in Morocco that will answer all your questions.

Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Overall yes, Morocco is quite safe for us women. I've returned several times without encountering any major problems. Sure, it's not Switzerland in terms of tranquility, but it's far from the hell that's sometimes portrayed. There are many police officers, and the authorities truly protect tourists.

Between Hospitality and Constant Solicitations

I discovered incredible generosity: spontaneous invitations for tea, passionate merchants... But it's a reality, there are many men who are very pushy with solo female travelers. As soon as you step foot on the street, you get a lot of attention: stares, calls, "gazelle", constant invitations... it's non-stop.

My best advice: don't react. Ignore politely. Be very careful and especially firm when you're approached. Don't forget to smile and be polite to prevent things from escalating.

Essential Safety Rules

Absolutely avoid carrying valuable items with you: there are quite a few pickpockets in the souks. Keep everything in your hotel's safe. Also remember to dress appropriately, as dress code is very important.

A super useful tip: chat regularly with your riad manager. Tell him where you're going during the day to gather local advice and for safety.

Don't accept all invitations, even if they seem nice. Trust your intuition. If you don't feel right about it, politely decline.

Useful Apps and Contacts for Safety

Keep 19 (emergencies) and 15 (tourist police) in your contacts.

Download Maps.me to navigate offline, share your location via WhatsApp with your loved ones.

Uber and Careem are your allies for transportation.

And of course, join the Nomadsister community to meet other female travelers to share your adventures with.

Best Places for Solo Female Travel in Morocco

Now, let's talk business: choosing your destinations in Morocco is terribly subjective. There are the must-sees found in all guides, but sometimes the most beautiful experiences are hidden in less obvious places.

Marrakech: Traditions, Colors and Vibrant Life

The red city, impossible to miss. I love getting lost in the maze of souks, admiring the millennial architecture of Marrakech's medina, and sipping tea on a terrace with panoramic views. The modern neighborhoods of Gueliz and Hivernage make an excellent starting point for your solo trip. And definitely don't miss Jemaa el Fna square, it's absolutely magnificent.

My favorite spot: Riad La Maison Arabe where I experienced the most relaxing hammam of my entire life!

Fes: Immersion in the Most Authentic Medina

Fes is MY absolute favorite city for a first solo trip. More authentic than its sister Marrakech, less touristy too, it offers total immersion in today's real Morocco. Its medina is a fascinating labyrinth where I spent hours watching artisans perpetuate ancestral gestures.

My favorite spot: Moulay Abdellah's leather workshop where I learned traditional tanning techniques: an unforgettable sensory experience.

Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of the Rif

This small town perched in the Rif mountains is a true haven of peace. I systematically go there to recharge after the excitement of Marrakech. The blue-painted streets, relaxed atmosphere and ambient safety: it's paradise for a woman traveling solo.

My favorite spot: The viewpoint from the Spanish mosque at sunset, get ready to be amazed!

Essaouira: Atlantic Sweetness and Bohemian Spirit

Essaouira, my refuge city par excellence! The Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see, historic ramparts and relaxed atmosphere allow me to decompress. It's actually one of the safest and most welcoming cities in Morocco for us women traveling alone.

My favorite spot: The rooftop of L'Heure Bleue Palais where I enjoyed a perfect sunset.

Merzouga Desert: Adventure and Starry Nights

The Sahara Desert... what an incredible experience! I admit I hesitated a lot before going there alone, especially because of the isolation, sometimes overly masculine groups, and difficult conditions, but I'm so glad I took the leap. It's absolutely worth it! Choose your tour operator carefully, avoid unbalanced groups, pack your backpack and prepare to experience something unforgettable.

My favorite moment: That night camping under the stars, a moment of pure communion with the universe.

To be more immersed during your stay in Morocco, don't hesitate to use the NomadSister platform. You'll meet a community of lovely female hosts ready to open their doors to you around the world.

Itinerary for a Morocco Trip: 7 Days, 10 Days, 15 Days

Proposing a typical Morocco itinerary? That's like trying to summarize Victor Hugo in three words... Each region offers a completely different experience, from the mountainous north to the western Sahara. Here are my suggestions tested and approved in the field.

7-Day Trip

Days 1-2: Arrival in Marrakech, medina exploration
Day 3: Route to Essaouira (3h transport)
Days 4-5: Total relaxation in Essaouira, Atlantic Ocean baths
Days 6-7: Return to Marrakech, final shopping in the souks

10-Day Trip

Days 1-2: Marrakech and its famous Jemaa el Fna square
Days 3-4: Epic road trip to Chefchaouen (6h drive you won't regret)
Days 5-6: In-depth exploration of the blue pearl of the Rif
Days 7-8: Direction Fes (4h transport)
Days 9-10: Total immersion in Fes medina

15-Day Trip

Days 1-3: Marrakech and surroundings
Days 4-5: Draa Valley and mythical desert route
Days 6-7: Merzouga Desert, camping night
Days 8-9: Return through the verdant Middle Atlas
Days 10-11: Fes and local craftsmanship discovery
Days 12-13: Chefchaouen and Rif mountains
Days 14-15: Essaouira, Atlantic coast for decompression

Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Explore in Morocco

Let me tell you about my secret gems.

Aït-Ben-Haddou: this authentic kasbah took my breath away. Far from tourist buses, it's a real journey through time that awaits you.

Imlil in the High Atlas: this small Berber village is the perfect place to meet locals and discover their famous hospitality. I experienced extraordinary moments of exchange around a wood fire.

Asilah on the Atlantic coast: this artists' town with colorful walls completely charmed me with its authenticity and tranquility. It's the ideal place for a creative break away from the hustle and bustle of major tourist cities.

When to Visit Morocco to Make the Most of Your Trip

From my field experience, the best periods are April-May and September-November. You avoid summer crowds and crushing heat that can really spoil the fun. Temperatures range between 68-82°F (20-28°C), perfect for exploring medinas without suffocating.

In winter, it's ideal for discovering the Sahara Desert, but prepare for freezing nights that can drop below zero. The Atlas becomes impassable with snow, while coastal cities remain mild.

I strongly advise against July-August: it's too hot (over 104°F/40°C) and there are way too many tourists. Spring offers breathtaking landscapes with exceptional golden light for your photos.

How to Properly Prepare for Your Morocco Trip

Congratulations on your motivation! Going solo to Morocco indeed requires some preparation, but I'm going to give you all my ultra-precise tips to make your preparations easier. Between realistic budget, air transport, passport and other administrative formalities, don't worry, I'll give you all the tricks so you can leave with peace of mind.

What Budget to Plan for a Solo Trip to Morocco

Morocco adapts to all budgets, and that's what makes it such an accessible country for us female travelers.

Tight Budget ($40-60/day) Hostel dorms ($10-15), street food and small local restaurants ($8-12), bus or grand taxi transport ($5-15). Focus on free walks in medinas and intensive bargaining in souks to buy your souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Comfort Budget ($80-120/day) Authentic riads with private rooms ($40-60), traditional restaurants with terraces ($20-30), mix of train/taxi for your travels ($15-25). You can treat yourself to hammam, cooking classes and organized excursions without breaking the bank.

Luxury Budget ($200+/day) Prestigious riads or 5-star hotels ($150+), gourmet restaurants ($50+), private driver ($80/day). Spa, VIP desert excursions with luxury camping, and unlimited shopping in the kingdom's most beautiful souks.

Little bonus tip: keep some budget margin, even if you manage to negotiate like a pro, you'll inevitably fall for way too many artisanal creations in the souks.

Getting Around Morocco: All Transportation Options to Know

The ONCF train remains my favorite for connecting major cities like Marrakech, Fes or Casablanca. Punctual, comfortable and secure, it's perfect for a woman traveling alone. Book your first-class tickets for more peace of mind.

CTM buses are reliable for traveling along the Atlantic coast to Essaouira or Agadir. Shared grand taxis are economical but sometimes packed to capacity. For more freedom, car rental allows you to explore at your own pace, even if Moroccan driving requires strong nerves.

BlaBlaCar ridesharing has become my favorite for meeting people along the way and sharing costs. Simply avoid little taxis once night falls, prefer apps like Uber or Careem.

Documents and Formalities to Know Before Departure

Personally, for a 1-month stay, it was very easy. For European women, no visa is required for trips under 90 days, you only need a passport valid until the end of your stay. Another small surprising formality for us Europeans is the obligation to show your return tickets upon arrival to get authorization to stay in Morocco.

If you're coming from other places, I recommend checking directly on the official Moroccan government website which will detail everything you need to embark on your solo adventure.

Travel insurance is really recommended. I needed medical care in Marrakech and blessed my foresight. No vaccines are mandatory, but check your standard boosters. Don't forget your international bank card, essential for withdrawing dirhams on-site.

How to Find Affordable and Secure Accommodation

Youth hostels remain perfect for meeting other solo female travelers like you and sharing tips and good deals. The atmosphere is always warm and reassuring to start your Moroccan adventure.

Riads are my absolute favorite. Authentic, generally very secure with their private courtyards, they offer total immersion in traditional architecture. Owners often provide excellent local advice.

Classic hotels remain practical but often soulless. Airbnb can be great but watch out for overly isolated neighborhoods. Couchsurfing offers extraordinary immersion, but carefully check profiles and trust your instincts.

Of course, absolutely use the NomadSister platform for accommodation. You completely eliminate lodging costs while meeting other female travelers who will share their best experiences and advice with you!

Best Activities to Do Alone in Morocco

Cooking classes allowed me to finally learn how to make the perfect tagine. It's an excellent way to meet locals in a friendly atmosphere (while enjoying delicious food). Craft workshops like pottery, weaving or leatherwork let you bring back unique souvenirs.

Atlas hiking trips offer breathtaking landscapes, always accompanied by a trusted local guide for your safety. The traditional hammam guarantees absolute relaxation after those long hiking days.

Shopping in the souks remains my admitted guilty pleasure! Sahara desert excursions are absolutely unforgettable. Beach yoga in Essaouira rejuvenates body and spirit. Visits to argan cooperatives combine solidarity economy with authentic encounters with Berber women.

Tips for Your First Solo Trip to Morocco

Your apprehensions are perfectly normal. I had exactly the same ones before my first departure. That little knot in your stomach and those questions that keep spinning. Let me give you some concrete keys to transform your fears into excitement and fully enjoy this adventure that will change your life.

Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel

Start with small solo outings in your own city, then weekends. Inform your loved ones of your detailed itinerary, it reassures them and secures you. Join Facebook groups of female travelers to Morocco to exchange advice and testimonials. Absolutely trust your instincts: if something feels off, get away without hesitation.

I discovered my true inner strength by traveling alone. Remember this truth: thousands of women accomplish this first trip every year without any problems. You can do it too.

How to Meet People While Solo Traveling

Don't worry, you'll have no trouble creating connections! Riads with their shared courtyards and hostels naturally create opportunities to meet other female travelers. I discovered that signing up for cooking classes or joining organized excursions is magical for meeting wonderful people. Moroccans always want to chat over tea, so head to cafes when you feel like meeting people.

Stay open while keeping your independence. That's exactly it, the beauty of solo travel!

So, ready to take the leap? Morocco awaits you with its colors, scents and unforgettable encounters. You'll return transformed, stronger and more confident. And believe me, after this first solo adventure, you'll only want one thing: to set off exploring other horizons. Go for it, the adventure starts now!

ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Romane

Traveler

11 Juin 2025

The editorial team:

Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!

Who are we?