Solo Travel in Morocco: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
So you’re thinking about travelling solo to Morocco. But you don’t know where to start, what to do or if you should travel independently in the first place! It’s a lot to wrap your head around.
But don’t panic! I’m here to help, with 10+ years of experience travelling solo around Morocco. I’ve travelled from the north to the south, and from the Sahara Desert to the Atlantic Ocean, staying in big cities, tiny towns and remote communities.
I know it can be overwhelming planning a solo trip to Morocco and I understand if you’re unsure whether it’s a good idea in the first place.
Being nervous or feeling uncertain is completely normal. But I don’t think it should stop you from embarking on what might end up being the adventure of a lifetime.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you a realistic overview of what solo travel in Morocco is actually like. I’ll share insider tips on how to prepare and travel safely, all while having a stress-free, fun-filled trip.
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Is Morocco a Good Destination for Solo Travellers?
Personally, I think Morocco is a great destination for solo travellers, particularly if you have a bit of experience under your belt. Morocco is not difficult in the sense of danger or inaccessibility, but it can be intense.
In the big cities and medinas, there can be lots of people vying for your attention. And culturally, it’s probably different from what you are used to back home.
Unless you speak Arabic or French, there might be a bit of a language barrier to overcome. However, this is becoming less of an obstacle as more Moroccans take up English as a second (or third or fourth!) language.
For solo travellers who enjoy cultural immersion, incredible landscapes and human connection, Morocco can be deeply rewarding.
There’s an efficient, reliable and comfortable network of buses and trains that access most corners of the country. So there’s no need to rely on private drivers and guided tours to get around (if you don’t want to).
Plus, there are plenty of laidback spots in Morocco where you can relax for a few days if you need a break from the intensity. The surf town of Taghazout, the mountain village of Imlil and ever-enchanting Chefchaouen are great places to enjoy a breather and connect with like-minded solo travellers.
But having said all of that, I think Morocco is not always “easy”. It does offer up some challenges, particularly for those who are new to solo travelling.
However, I’m a firm believer that obstacles like these are growth opportunities. In the long run, they give you the confidence to explore further afield as a solo traveller. I’ll outline a few below.
What It’s Really Like to Travel Alone in Morocco
Solo travel in Morocco is social by default. I can almost guarantee you will be approached by locals and spoken to – sometimes out of friendliness, sometimes curiosity and sometimes sales‑driven interest.
In the worst-case scenarios, it’s to ensnare you in a scam. You can learn about some of the most common ones here and how to avoid them.
This attention can feel overwhelming at first, especially in cities like Marrakech and Fes, where tourism is a big business. Everyone is just trying to support their families and seize the opportunities given to them. The scammers are just a few “bad apples”.
For solo female travellers, being spoken to by men in the street can feel intimidating, particularly when it errs on the side of catcalling. In these situations, the best response is to do nothing – simply walk on by. I’ve only experienced it in big cities – it’s much rarer outside of the urban sprawl.
Yes, being approached on the street can be uncomfortable. But I assure you that it does become easier once you gain a bit of confidence, set boundaries and shift your mindset.
Rather than going on the defensive when someone talks to you or interpreting it as a threat, try and be open-minded about their intentions.
Moroccans (usually) respond really well to humour. So even if you don’t want to buy what they are selling or you don’t want to follow them to an obscure museum that’s only open one day of the year (yes, this is a line that has been used on me), take the opportunity to joke and connect on a human level.
And if you don’t want to be hassled or talked to while walking through the medina, wear a set of headphones. You don’t have to play music if you want to listen to the sounds around you. Having headphones on just makes it far easier to ignore people when you don’t want to engage.
Safety for Solo Travellers in Morocco
Morocco is generally safe, including for solo travellers, and I’ve detailed lots of the issues to be aware of in my detailed article here. But to keep things in perspective, remember that in Morocco:
- Violent crime against tourists is rare
- Petty theft does occur in busy areas
- Harassment is more common than actual danger
There are lots of easy things you can do as a solo traveller to reduce the chance of encountering issues during your trip. Most of these are applicable in any travel destination – it’s just common sense.
- Dress modestly, especially in cities and rural areas (this applies to both men and women).
- Avoid following unsolicited guides anywhere at anytime.
- Plan to arrive during daylight hours when possible, so you aren’t looking for hotels/riads in the dark.
- Keep valuables secured, particularly in busy tourist areas like Djemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech).
- Trust your instincts – never put yourself in uncomfortable situations just to be polite.
Cultural Awareness
Morocco is culturally conservative (compared to many Western nations), but also incredibly hospitable. What does this mean? If you show respect to their customs and cultural traditions, the welcome you receive will be tenfold.
The hospitality I have received in Morocco is like nowhere else in the world – strangers have invited me into their homes to eat on multiple occasions and I’ve lost count of the people who have gone out of their way to provide directions.
But I know from experience this is only because I behave as a guest in their country and not with the entitlement that some travellers (unfortunately) display.
In Morocco, it’s important to know that:
- Greetings matter – always take the time to say “salaam alaikum” and ask how someone is before launching into the question you have for them.
- Friday is a religious day – some businesses close at midday so the owners can attend prayers at the mosque.
- Public affection between couples is frowned upon, but kisses on the cheek between friends of the same gender is the norm.
- Photographing people without their consent is considered disrespectful – always ask first.
- Alcohol is available at some restaurants and in bottle shops (these can be difficult to find), but it’s not widely consumed by locals.
Understanding these cultural basics in Morocco can help you to navigate lots of situations without causing friction. By acknowledging and respecting them, you’ll also connect more readily with locals, who are more likely to welcome you with open arms.
Getting Around Morocco Solo
In my experience, Morocco is one of the easiest countries in North Africa to travel independently.
There’s an efficient network of trains in the north of the country, including Africa’s first high-speed train, Al Boraq. You can get from Tangier to Rabat in less than 1.5 hours and the trains connect as far south as Marrakech.
For destinations not served by train, there’s a bus going there. Buses in Morocco are generally comfortable and affordable, as well as being a safe option for solo travellers.
I’ve taken countless buses around Morocco independently and have never encountered any issues (except for a tourist who couldn’t stop vomiting…poor thing!)
Main transport options in Morocco for solo travellers:
- Trains (ONCF): Reliable, comfortable, best for major cities in Morocco’s north
- Buses (CTM & Supratours): Good coverage across the country, affordable and safe
- Grand taxis: Shared or private between towns not served by buses
- Petite taxis: City transport (usually metered) – good for travel to and from bus/train stations
- Car hire: Useful for rural areas and relatively affordable (even for solo travellers)
If it’s your first time travelling solo to Morocco, I would suggest sticking to buses and trains or doing a guided tour. You could also do a mix of all three – use buses and trains between the big cities, then opt for a guided tour to the Sahara Desert or the Atlas Mountains.
Top tip:
It’s important to be aware that Moroccan bus and train stations are rarely in the city centre. You will likely need to walk or take a petit taxi to get to your accommodation.
This can be a little daunting at first, as not all drivers use their meters…and even then, some tamper with them to get a bigger fare.
I’ve outlined lots of these issues and how to avoid them in my detailed article here. Basically, try and agree on a price before you depart or ask for a ballpark figure if the driver is using the meter. If he doesn’t want to give you an answer, look for another taxi.
Alternatively, you can find other solo travellers on your bus/train and approach them to see if they want to share the journey. Chances are, you’re probably heading in the same direction!
Where to Go as a First‑Time Solo Traveller in Morocco
Where you should visit in Morocco is highly subjective – what appeals to one traveller might not be of interest to the next. But generally speaking, I would suggest balancing some time in the cities with coastal, mountain and/or desert locations.
I’ve outlined what I think are some of the best Moroccan cities for solo travellers in my detailed article here. Marrakech and Fes are both incredibly popular for their historic medinas, while whitewashed Essaouira never fails to enchant with its creative spirit.
The Moroccan capital, Rabat, is another good option – it’s far more relaxed than Casablanca, despite being just an hour away by train. You can easily do a half or full-day trip to Casa if you want to see the Hassan II Mosque (which is incredible and you should definitely visit!)
If you love being by the coast, then Taghazout has a really youthful vibe – most of the tourism here centres around surfing. Half an hour down the coast is the modern beach resort of Agadir – head here if an all-inclusive stay at a beachfront resort is more your thing.
Inland, it’s hard to beat a multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert – these are easy and affordable to arrange from either Marrakech or Fes. You can also travel between the two cities via the Sahara, either independently or as part of a guided tour.
If you’re travelling to the Sahara from Marrakech, you’ll probably stop to explore the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou (a film setting for “Game of Thrones”) and the spectacular gorges of Dades and Todra.
Tours from Fes to the Sahara often include a stop in the Swiss-inspired town of Ifrane, the palm-studded Ziz Valley and to see the endangered Barbary macaques of Azrou.
In short, you will see a lot of Morocco along the way, not just the dunes of the Sahara Desert!
If hiking is more your thing, then travel from Marrakech into the Atlas Mountains. Imlil is a popular trekking base (from here, you can hike to North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal), as is nearby Ouirgane.
The blue-hued town of Chefchaouen is also a trekking base for hiking in the Rif Mountains, as well as being enchanting in its own right.
If you’re still not sure where to go or what to do on your first solo trip to Morocco, you can check out my recommended 10-day itinerary here. I’ve also created a guide dedicated to building your dream Morocco itinerary that’s completely tailored to your interests.
Accommodation Tips for Solo Travellers in Morocco
In Morocco’s big cities, you’ll find a handful of hostels, if that’s how you prefer to travel as a budget-conscious solo traveller. These are great places to meet like-minded individuals and find travel companions for part of your trip (or just for a day of sightseeing).
Outside of the big cities, hostels are in shorter supply, with the main exception being Taghazout. This surf town on the Atlantic coast is a backpacker’s heaven and there are lots and LOTS of hostels here, as well as surf camps with dorm-style accommodation.
Where you don’t find hostels, you’ll find affordable riads and guesthouses that are ideal for independent travellers watching their dirhams. Morocco also has a wide choice of luxury riads and hotels if that’s more your thing.
Many celebrate Moroccan craftsmanship and are really exquisite. If you can afford to splurge at least one night of your trip, I would highly recommend it!
Cheaper riads and guesthouses sometimes have communal kitchens if you want to self-cater. Most offer breakfast (included in rates) and optional dinners. Lunches can also be arranged on request, although most people are out sightseeing and exploring during the day.
In remote areas, hotels almost always have a half-board option (breakfast and dinner), as there aren’t independent restaurants to dine at. Check ahead of time and remember that most require you to order dinner early in the day. That way, they have time to shop for ingredients and prepare the meal.
When searching for solo traveller-friendly accommodation in Morocco, look for:
- Strong and positive reviews from solo travellers
- Central locations so you aren’t walking around low-lit areas after dark
- On‑site hosts who can assist with transport logistics and local insights
If you need inspiration, I’ve highlighted some of my favourite solo traveller-friendly stays in Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Rabat and Casablanca.
Sustainable & Ethical Travel Considerations
No matter which destinations you visit in Morocco and where you choose to stay, I would highly encourage you to do so with sustainability in mind. Solo travellers have a unique opportunity to travel more responsibly, as you (and only you) are the one making all the decisions!
If you want to travel sustainably in Morocco:
- Support local guides and cooperatives
- Avoid experiences/attractions that involve animal exploitation (learn more about animal ethics in Morocco)
- Reduce plastic usage (discover my top tips for achieving this)
- Buy handcrafted souvenirs directly from artisans (learn how to shop ethically in the souks)
- Choose locally owned accommodations
These choices may seem small, but they do add up and they can have a meaningful impact. This is particularly true in rural parts of Morocco that don’t have access to municipal waste/recycling initiatives and are restricted in terms of job opportunities.
I’m a big advocate for responsible travel and think solo travellers are well-positioned to make a difference and encourage those around them to do the same. You can learn more about being a sustainable traveller in Morocco here.
Biggest Beginner Mistake for Solo Travellers to Morocco
If I had to identify just one mistake that I think many first-time solo travellers to Morocco make, it’s packing too much into their itinerary. They want to see as much as possible, in the shortest space of time, and they end up burning out partway through.
Morocco can be intense at times and if you don’t plan rest days (or at least rest afternoons), the overwhelm can take hold.
When you schedule in a few hours of “downtime” at your hotel or riad, you give yourself a chance to recharge. And trust me, when you venture back out again, you’ll enjoy yourself much more.
In my experience, slow travel in Morocco is far more rewarding. It leads to more authentic and off-the-beaten-track experiences than rushing through all the country’s “highlights”.
Should You Travel to Morocco Solo?
I hope this article helped to address some of your concerns or uncertainties about travelling solo to Morocco. I think if you’re curious, open‑minded and willing to adapt, Morocco is an incredible destination to explore independently…even for beginners.
It’s a country that challenges assumptions and offers wonderful moments of warmth that linger long after you leave. With realistic expectations and a bit of preparation, solo travel in Morocco can not only be manageable but genuinely transformative.
I first arrived as a solo traveller in 2014 and ended up with a husband and loving relationship that’s still going strong today, despite coming from completely different cultural backgrounds. Morocco can surprise you that way!
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
