Is Morocco Safe? 7 Experts Give Us Their Best Travelling Tips

Elle

Rarely off the fashionable destination radar, Morocco is one of our favourite winter escapes – but how safe is it? We asked insiders to give us the lowdown.

I go to Morocco almost every year, and I love it. I have stayed in everything from five star hotels to traditional riads and mountain lodges, driven myself across the High Atlas mountains from Taroudant to Marrakech, galloped horses for a week through little mountain villages, and walked home long after midnight after partying in Marrakech’s numerous cool nightspots.

I’ve taken battered grande (communal) taxis out into the Palmeraie (the desert oasis about 10 miles from the medina), and rattled around town on a motorbike sidecar tour. I’ve pedalled mountain bikes up and down vertiginous stony mountain paths, trekked through the Atlas, haggled in the souks, and quad-biked through the desert.

And I have never had any problem, except for a few grazed knees and bruises from biking mishaps. It is a magical, culture-shock of a country less than four hours from London, and you should go.

But don’t take my word for it: here are some words of wisdom from long-time Moroccan residents:

Tamara Stewart-Wilson
Owner of luxury villa estate Ezzahra, Marrakech, which hosts regular pilates and yoga retreats

‘It is safe for women travellers in Morocco, but the same rules apply as anywhere else in the world. Be as vigilant as you would be in any town, city or countryside in any part of the world.

‘In Marrakech, they have tourist police to help anyone in need of it, and the guides have to be certified, all for the safety of the tourists.’

Dos and Don’ts

Do take a reliable guide if you are going anywhere remote.
Do be friendly with the locals, a smile goes a long way… tea and bartering is part of the culture and to be enjoyed. One of the lovely things about Morocco, is that it is a country where people have time and love to give it.
Don’t walk around with strappy spaghetti tops and very short shorts or skirts. Cover up a little: it is a Muslim country and respecting their religion is a courtesy.
There are no areas I wouldn’t go to at the right time of day, but don’t walk around alone at night – just like any city in the world.

Max Lawrence
Former shoot producer and marketing director of Les Deux Tours, Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco, safety in Morocco, safety,

‘Morocco is perfectly safe for tourists, as long as people use common sense. It has much lower rates of violent crime than the UK and a very high level of police surveillance. There are extremists here, as there are in Europe and the US, but there have been far more terrorist attacks in European cities than in Morocco in the past 10 years. The tragic murder of the two Scandinavian backpackers in the Atlas mountains last year has never happened before in Morocco and is unlikely to happen again, and they had made a very bad decision to camp out in the middle of nowhere.

‘In reality, the greatest danger in Morocco are the roads. Driving is fine but as a pedestrian, in Marrakech especially, you have to pay far more attention to the traffic flow, as careless drivers, carts, donkeys and mopeds make the whole experience far more chaotic than you are used to in the UK.’

Dos and Don’ts

Don’t accept lifts, don’t hitchhike, don’t accept invitations into private houses unless you know the person well.
Don’t expect traffic to stop when you put your foot on a zebra crossing
Don’t follow guides into carpet shops!
Don’t leave valuables lying around. Barcelona is far worse for theft but if you tempt people…
Do dress conservatively: you don’t have to go full burqa but if what you are wearing would attract attention in the UK, then it definitely will in Morocco.
Don’t wander around in the countryside or on beaches alone or after dark.

PURE Life Experience, the annual luxury travel show in Marrakech

‘We run the Pure travel show in Marrakech every year, with thousands of attendees, probably 50% of them women, and we’ve never had any safety issues. King Mohammed VI takes security very seriously, they are very thorough at the airport, and we’ve always felt confident that we’re in good hands.

‘As a woman I’ve always felt very welcome by Moroccans, although I am respectful of their culture, so when out of my hotel I cover up more than when in Europe.’

Dos and Don’ts

In Marrakech do make sure that you get into the right kind of taxi – the petits taxis can’t take you out of the town centre, and they have been known to drop people off by the side of the road if where you’re going is out of their remit.
Do have the correct change to pay for a taxi, as negotiating a price can be fairly painful.
Don’t walk around the medina late at night.

Steph Millington
Intrepid Travel, adventure travel specialists

‘Morocco is increasingly popular every year and 70% of the travellers we send there are women. We advise them to dress more conservatively than they would at home, respect local customs and cultures, avoid isolated areas and travelling alone on public transport. If you’re a female first-timer, travelling in a group is the best way to see the country.’

Dos and Don’ts

Do take a hotel card with you when going out, so you know the address and contact numbers.
If you’re trekking, use a local, licensed tour guide and stay in approved trekking areas.

Emily Wilson
Shoot producer and owner of luxury Moroccan house rental, Castles in the Sand

‘Although I have travelled alone all over Morocco, I can mainly speak for Essaouira, as it is my home. There are no issues with safety here but you have to be sensible and not invite trouble by getting in with the wrong crowd’

Dos and Don’ts

Do respect the culture and don’t expose too much flesh, especially in villages where there is no tourism.
Do try to explore: country souks are a fantastic eye opener: the best food is always home cooked, and by renting a house you can experience far better food than in any restaurant.

Ingrid Asoni
Founder & CEO, Consciously Connected Travel

How safe is Morocco
EDWIN REMSBERG

‘Morocco is extremely safe and the people have great respect for female tourists. Travellers have to be culturally aware and understand that there is a time and place for everything. Marrakech may have some of the best parties and nightlife but it also grounds itself in tradition.

‘Morocco has made great effort to put tourists and their safety first: tour guides need to pass rigorous exams and taxi drivers need certification, both to ensure safety.

‘Moroccan people are warm and kind and welcome you like one of the family, so you are bound to be invited in for traditional mint tea at some point, so just enjoy it. Morocco has a magical way of luring you into unexpected adventures. Be receptive, and you will meet incredible people and have the best experiences.’

Dos and Don’ts

Do be culturally aware and respect the customs and practices.
Do dress modestly in the medina, as it is more traditional .
Don’t Instagram people – they aren’t zoo animals!

James Wix
Owner of Le Farnatchi, Marrakech, which has 10 luxury bedrooms, a roof terrace, a spa and possibly the best restaurant in town, Le Trou au Mur

Marrakech, Morocco hotels, how safe is Morocco, safety
ELAN FLEISHER

‘Having lived in Marrakech for almost 10 years with my wife, I have always found Morocco to be extremely safe. I’ve travelled fairly extensively throughout the country and the hospitality and kindness of the people is something that really sets Morocco apart. Le Farnatchi is in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, and we see plenty of solo female travellers, who only have good things to say about their experiences here.

‘Tourism is such a valuable resource the government has heightened security, with police forces in place, and regular patrols in the medina, specifically to safeguard tourists.’

Dos and Don’ts