Travelling to Morocco as a Solo Woman

Travelling to Morocco as a Solo Woman: My Journey & Best Tips

When I first decided to travel Morocco solo as a woman, excitement buzzed through me—but so did nerves. I pictured the labyrinthine medinas, the warm colors of Marrakech, and the nomadic silence of the Sahara. What I encountered was a country of breathtaking beauty, fierce hospitality, vibrant culture... and occasional challenges unique to a woman traveling alone.

Never Ending Footsteps and seasoned solo female travelers, I spent months planning—learning Darija phrases, choosing safe riads, and arming myself with cultural awareness. Over weeks in Marrakech, Fès, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and beyond, I found magic and resilience in every step.

Table of Contents

1. Why I Chose Morocco as a Solo Woman
2. Getting There & First Impressions
3. Safety: What You Need to Know
4. How to Dress Respectfully & Comfortably
5. Where to Stay: From Riads to Hostels
6. Getting Around: Transport Tips
7. Connecting with Locals & Other Women Travelers
8. Smart Money & Tech Tips
9. Cultural Etiquette & Boundaries
10. Things I Wish I’d Known
11. Best Experiences & Memories
12. Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth It

1. Why I Chose Morocco as a Solo Woman

Morocco had long called to me with its mosaic of cultures—Berber villages in the High Atlas, coastal breezes in Essaouira, the riot of spices and souks in Marrakech. And as I read stories by other women travelers—from Never Ending Footsteps and beyond—I realized: with preparation, solo travel there is not only doable, but transformative.

Others have shared how stepping alone across Morocco gave them freedom: navigating markets, learning local cooking, wandering the Sahara dunes—and gaining confidence every step of the way. I wanted that too: independence, awe, and the kind of stories that shift you.

2. Getting There & First Impressions

Landing in Marrakech late afternoon, I felt the warm air, heard cars honking, and was surrounded by taxi drivers. Thankfully, I’d pre‑booked hotel pickup—advisable for solo travelers to avoid the pushy crowds and confusion. The driver was waiting, wearing a hotel badge, and whisked me to my riad through busy Medina lanes.

Just like the blogger behind Never Ending Footsteps, I found the reality of Morocco to be more welcoming than I feared. Tourist police patrol key areas, and though pickpocketing and mild harassment can occur, many women report being helped, offered mint tea, or directed thoughtfully when they looked lost.

3. Safety: What You Need to Know

Street harassment can be common—especially in busy souks and medinas—not necessarily violent, but persistent: catcalling, unwanted attention, or following. Many women said avoiding eye contact, ignoring vendors, wearing sunglasses, and walking with purpose helped reduce that attention .

Several solo female travelers shared nuanced experiences:

“Cover your hair, legs and arms… I became invisible to most men and even the touts were less pushy.” Another warned: “They will take that as a tacit invitation… walk with confidence and don’t make eye contact.”

Yet harassment did not deter me. I prioritized:

• Stick to busy, well-lit areas at night—avoid wandering the medina alone after dark .
• Use official taxis or pre‑booked transport—don’t take unmarked cabs, especially at night .
• Find local allies—older Moroccan women (“khaltis”) often look out for solo travelers in markets or neighbourhoods .
• Trust your instincts—if a situation feels off, exit gracefully or seek help from nearby shops or hotel staff .
• Use official guides—look for guides with green lanyards, registered with local authorities; they help reduce harassment and provide safe passage through city maze .

4. How to Dress Respectfully & Comfortably

Blending respect with comfort was one of my biggest personal challenges. When I visited, I packed:

• Loose maxi skirts or linen pants covering knees
• Light blouses with sleeves to cover shoulders
• Scarf handy—for head cover, warmth, or sun shield
• Comfortable closed shoes or sandals for walking the souks

Most sources agree: dressing modestly means covering shoulders, knees, and cleavage—it doesn’t have to be traditional Islamic dress, but shows cultural respect and reduces unwanted attention, especially in smaller towns or non-touristy areas .

5. Where to Stay: From Riads to Hostels

I split nights between cozy riads and female-friendly hostels:

• Riads in medinas—family‑run guesthouses with central courtyards, staff at hand 24/7, secure entry. I chose places with lots of solo-female reviews and welcoming hosts .
• Women-only dorms or dedicated female hostels—perfect for fellow traveler connections and added peace of mind.
• Airbnb or guesthouse with verified hosts—ideal for privacy, especially if close to city centre and well-lit streets .

I always requested airport pickups and shared my itinerary with my hostel/riad—and they usually texted good advice on where to walk, what to avoid, and trusted local guides I could contact .

6. Getting Around: Transport Tips

Travel between cities and towns felt secure thanks to regulated public transport:

• CTM and Supratours buses—comfortable, safe, and bookable online in advance .
• ONCF trains—efficient and reliable between major centers like Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fès .
• Petit taxis in cities—only board with meter running or agree fare in advance. Avoid negotiating at night alone .
• Grand taxis for inter‑town travel—but share only with trusted sources, avoid night travel solo .
• Private drivers or small women-only tours—I joined a women-friendly day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira via reputable operators, offering both comfort and safety .

7. Connecting with Locals & Other Women Travelers

One of Morocco’s best gifts to me was the friendships formed:

• Cooking classes in riads led by local women—learning tagine, couscous, and tea, all while forming real connections .
• Henna workshops with female artists—quiet, immersive, and safe .
• Joining female traveler forums and Instagram groups—before I left, I connected with others and met up for tea or shared advice .
• Finding community in hostels—lots of solo women backpackers meant shared tips, laughter, and walking buddies .

8. Smart Money & Tech Tips

• Moroccan dirham is cash-based—most shops don’t accept cards. I withdrew from bank ATMs at airports (always decline conversion offers) .
• Don’t flaunt cash—keep small bills hidden and split money between spaces in your bag or money belt .
• Buy a local SIM—I used an inwi plan for data, especially important in medinas for maps and taxi calls. eSIMs are an option, but coverage can drop in mountains .

9. Cultural Etiquette & Boundaries

Respecting Morocco’s culture helped me feel safer and more at ease:

• Avoid public displays of affection—not common and sometimes frowned on in conservative areas .
• Be cautious about entering homes—Moroccan men rarely invite lone women inside, especially rural communities .
• Understand body language—locals are polite but reserved. I learned to say a firm “La, shukran” (“no, thank you”) in Arabic to politely decline offers .
• Use community apps—download apps like Manchoufouch or Finemchi to check or review establishments for female-friendliness .

10. Things I Wish I’d Known

Looking back, here’s what I’d tell my past self:

1. Bring your own feminine hygiene essentials—tampons aren’t easy to find or discreet in rural shops .
2. Pack a small travel scarf—not for religion, but for sun, culture cover, or as buffer when vendors crowd you.
3. Learn basic Darija: yes/no, “shukran”, “la” and safety phrases—locals respond warmly when they hear you trying—even a little goes a long way .
4. Check official guide credentials (green lanyards)—some guides have shop commissions and funnel tourists into overpriced stores—find trustworthy referrals instead .

11. Best Experiences & Memories

Some highlights that made me glad I pushed past the hard moments:

• Watching the sunrise over the Sahara from a camel’s back, and sharing tea with Berber hosts under endless sky.
• Cooking tagine with a Moroccan woman in Fès, laughing over spices, and then eating our meal in candlelit riad courtyard.
• Wandering the blue alleys of Chefchaouen—feeling safe, creative, and full of peace.
• Taking a hammam and massage ritual in Marrakech—a quiet reset after days in the souks.
• Meeting fellow female travelers in Essaouira over sunset fish dinners and swapping itinerary tips.

12. Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth It

Yes, Morocco challenged me. Street harassment in medinas, language bumps, and navigating cultural nuances could feel overwhelming. But it also showed me my own strength: I learned to say no in Arabic, to negotiate confidently, to walk with purpose even when I felt watched.

Travelling as a solo woman in Morocco is not about pretending you’re invisible—it’s about being prepared, respectful, assertive, and open-hearted. It’s about connecting with welcoming hosts, breathing in the Atlas mountain air, and realizing you can carry your own weight beautifully.

In the end, you’ll return home with more than photos—you’ll carry stories of resilience, of steam and spices, of tented nights under Saharan stars, and of knowing you did it on your own terms.

To any woman reading this: I hope the city of Marrakech welcomes you gently, that the desert remakes you, and that every experience—good, difficult, or unplanned—adds to your own powerful journey.