Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Honest Experience
If you’ve been dreaming of Morocco but are wondering “Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers?”—you’re not alone. I asked myself that question before finally booking my flight, and now that I’ve spent two weeks solo in Morocco, I can confidently say: yes, Morocco is safe for solo female travelers—with a few important things to know ahead of time.
I traveled through Marrakech, Essaouira, the Sahara Desert, Fes, and Chefchaouen on my own, and I’m here to give you the real talk on safety, the experiences that shaped my view, and the tips I swear by to stay safe and confident while solo.
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Where I Went in Morocco (Solo!)
Here’s my two-week Morocco itinerary as a solo female traveler:
- Marrakech: 3 days in the vibrant, buzzing red city
- Essaouira: 2 days on the calm, coastal Atlantic
- Sahara Desert (via Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou): 3 days, including a luxury camp experience
- Fes: 2 days in one of Morocco’s most historic and complex cities
- Chefchaouen: 2 days in the photogenic Blue City
And I would absolutely do it all again—solo or not.
Where I Felt the Most Safe
Honestly? Everywhere except for Fes. And even in Fes, I wasn’t unsafe, I just felt more on edge.
Let’s break it down.
Marrakech
Marrakech was one of the easiest cities to feel comfortable in once I got my bearings. The medina is chaotic, but once you learn how to navigate from your riad to Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square), it becomes your anchor. I studied walking routes in advance and limited phone use to avoid standing out. Everyone was friendly, the food was amazing, and I never felt unsafe—even at night.
Essaouira
Essaouira is an absolute vibe. Slower pace, ocean breeze, chilled locals. It felt like a breath of fresh air after the hustle of Marrakech. I walked everywhere solo, including the beach, and never once felt uncomfortable. Highly recommend for a peaceful solo stop.
The Sahara Desert
This was one of the core memories of my trip. I joined a 3-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes (this one right here), and I chose to upgrade to the luxury desert tour from Marrakech, which meant a private tent and bathroom. Honestly? Loved the comfort, but almost regretted it because most of the people I connected with on the tour stayed at the standard camp. If you’re traveling solo, consider staying where the group is—it makes it easier to share the experience and bond with others.
Still—riding camels through golden dunes, sandboarding at sunset, and zooming across the desert on a sunrise quad ride? Unreal. I felt completely safe, and the camels at this camp were treated well (very different from what I saw in Egypt).
Fes
This is where things got tricky. Fes is a literal maze, built that way on purpose to confuse outsiders and protect from invasion. That’s still kind of the vibe today. I was wandering solo, phone out, suitcase in tow, very clearly lost—and I stuck out like a sore thumb.
Locals—both adults and kids—approached me to offer directions. Some were genuinely helpful. But many were trying to lure me down alleys to ask for money, which can feel super uncomfortable when you’re alone. Not necessarily dangerous, but definitely unsettling.
Once I took a walking tour, everything changed. I learned how to navigate, felt way more confident, and had no issues walking solo at night after that.
Chefchaouen
Dreamy, safe, photogenic. Chefchaouen is one of the most peaceful places I visited. I wandered the blue-painted streets, visited waterfalls, and chilled in cafes alone without a second thought.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Morocco
If you want to feel safe and confident while traveling alone in Morocco, these are the habits and strategies that helped me:
Know before you go
- Learn your route ahead of time: Study how to get to your riad before arriving in a new city.
- Use Google Maps sparingly: It’s not always accurate, especially in Fes. Try to memorize streets or follow landmarks.
- Book a walking tour or food tour early on in your time so that you learn tips on how to navigate through the medinas.
Blend in as much as possible
- Keep your phone away while walking: Looking lost is a magnet for unwanted attention.
- Avoid pulling luggage through the medina: This screams “tourist.” Try to arrive early and arrange a pickup from your riad.
- Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees to respect local customs and avoid standing out. A loose maxi dress or long pants and a linen shirt go a long way. Check out my essential packing list for Morocco here.
Be street smart
- Don’t follow strangers for directions unless you’re totally confident it’s safe. Instead, ask a shop owner or go inside a café.
- Walk with purpose: Even when you’re unsure, act like you know where you’re going.
So… Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, it is—but you have to be aware.
For most of my trip, I felt completely safe. The people I met were kind, welcoming, and genuinely wanted to share their culture with me. But like anywhere in the world, especially in busy touristy areas, there are scams and uncomfortable moments. With a few smart habits, it’s easy to navigate them.
And honestly? The beauty of Morocco far outweighs the challenges. From riding quads over Saharan dunes to watching the sun set over a blue city, it’s a destination that’ll change you—in the best way.
Would I go back as a solo female traveler? Absolutely. In a heartbeat.
Final Thoughts
Morocco might feel intimidating at first glance, but don’t let fear stop you from experiencing one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. As a solo female traveler, you’re capable, you’re smart, and with a little prep—you’ll thrive.
Got questions or want help planning your Morocco trip? Reach out—happy to share more tips!
