Is Morocco Safe? A Local Family's Honest Guide
By the Morocco Calling family · · 5 min read
"Is Morocco safe?" is a fair question to ask before any trip. Morocco welcomes millions of international visitors every year, and the vast majority of them travel without any problem. As a local family that has been welcoming travellers for more than 10 years, here is our honest advice to help you feel relaxed and enjoy the country.
The honest answer
Morocco is generally a welcoming and safe destination for travellers. Serious incidents involving tourists are rare. The most common annoyances are the same as in many busy tourist places: insistent sellers, unofficial guides and the occasional pickpocket in crowded areas. A little preparation makes a big difference.
Before you travel, always check the latest travel advice from your own government, such as the US State Department, the UK Foreign Office, Global Affairs Canada or Smartraveller in Australia.
In the medinas and souks
- Unofficial guides: someone may offer to show you the way or tell you a street is closed. A polite "no, thank you" and walking on is enough. If you want a guide, ask your riad or your agency to book a licensed one.
- Shopping: bargaining is normal and part of the fun. Only buy if you want to, and do not feel obliged after a mint tea.
- Your belongings: keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or a cross-body bag in crowded places such as Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Getting lost: it happens to everyone in the Fes medina. An offline map on your phone helps a lot.
Women travellers
Many women travel in Morocco, alone or with friends, and have a wonderful time. Some may receive comments or attention in the streets, which is annoying but usually harmless: ignoring it and walking on confidently works best. Dressing with shoulders and knees covered helps you blend in (see what to wear in Morocco), and travelling with a private driver makes long journeys much easier.
On the road and in the desert
Roads in Morocco can be long and winding, especially in the Atlas. Travelling with an experienced local driver is the most comfortable and safest way to cross the country. In the Sahara, always go to the dunes with a recognised camp and a local guide, never alone.
Health tips
- Drink bottled water and carry some with you on long drives.
- Protect yourself from the sun: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Take comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Travelling with us
When you travel with Morocco Calling you have your own English-speaking driver from the first to the last day, and our family is reachable on WhatsApp throughout your trip. If anything happens, or you simply have a question, we are a message away.
Read more about our family, browse our private tours or contact us with any question.