When to Join a Group Tour (and When to Stay Solo) in Morocco
I think there are three types of solo travellers. Those who want to travel completely independently, those who want to join a multi-day tour for the duration of their trip and those who want to combine both.
I would say I’m in the latter group. Travelling independently is usually my preferred option. But I also recognise there are times when a group tour has its place…and advantages!
In my experience, Morocco is a wonderful destination for solo travellers, particularly if you have some independent travel up your sleeve.
But there are some instances where joining a guided tour makes things logistically easier while offering a whole host of cultural insights.
So, rather than asking: “Do I need to join a guided tour in Morocco?” as a solo traveller, consider planning an independent trip with some guided experiences. That way, you’ll enjoy a balanced adventure and reap the rewards of both travel styles.
In this article, I’ll explain when I think solo travellers should consider joining a group tour in Morocco and when staying independent works best.
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Stay Solo in the Cities
Morocco’s cities are perfect for wandering alone. And with good public transport connections (buses and trains) across the country, it’s easy to reach them without relying on private vehicles.
For example, you can jump on the high-speed Al Boraq train in Rabat and be in Tangier in less than 1.5 hours. Or you can ride a bus from the beachside city of Agadir to explore the walled city of Taroudant, nicknamed the “Mini Marrakech”.
In places like Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira, solo exploration allows you to discover at your own pace and follow your curiosities. Most attractions are within walking distance…and the medinas are pedestrian-only anyway!
Personally, I think being alone sharpens my observation skills. I’m not distracted by talking to fellow travellers or listening intently to the guide’s words. I notice things that I wouldn’t otherwise and I find that I’m more likely to follow my instincts.
Unlike on a guided tour, you don’t have a set schedule with “20 minutes here” and “30 minutes there”. You can spend hours in a museum that piques your interest, people-watch at a cafe for an entire afternoon, or pop into concept stores and galleries that aren’t on “must-visit” lists.
Sitting quietly and watching the world go by is one of my favourite things to do while travelling. You experience so much in the process. Many of the best travel moments don’t require explanation or commentary, just time and stillness.
That’s not to say guided tours in Morocco’s cities don’t have their advantages.
Personally, I think they are a great option for getting your bearings, particularly if it’s your first day in a city. They are also ideal if you want to delve a little deeper into the history, culture or food of a place.
Some travellers also appreciate a guided experience in the souks to help them navigate the overwhelm!
Join a Group Tour to the Sahara Desert
The desert is different. Travelling to the Sahara almost always involves long distances (usually from Marrakech or Fes). Plus, you can’t simply wander into the dunes on your own and find a place to stay.
Logistics need to be coordinated with desert camps and there are safety risks associated with being in such an arid (sometimes challenging) environment.
Local knowledge is invaluable in this remote region. And for sustainably minded travellers, being accompanied by a guide helps support desert communities.
For reaching the Sahara, group tours are definitely the way to go for solo travellers, unless you want to splurge on a private experience. Group tours from Marrakech and Fes stop at several other places along the way, so you get to see a lot of the country beyond the desert.
That being said, you don’t have to travel all the way from Marrakech or Fes with a group if you don’t want to. You could make your own way to Merzouga (the gateway to Erg Chebbi) or M’Hamid (the gateway to Erg Chigaga) and arrange an overnight desert experience there.
And for solo travellers who usually avoid group tours because they prefer solitude, I would say there are plenty of opportunities to escape for some “alone time” once you’re in the Sahara.
You can climb to the top of a dune near your desert camp to watch the sunset solo or find a quiet spot to stargaze independently once it’s dark.
Travel into the Mountains with a Group or Join a Guided Hike
When it comes to venturing into the Atlas Mountains, I think you can travel both ways – independently or with a guided tour. It really depends on how much time you have available, where you are going and what you want to do.
Public transport connections are limited in the mountains. Buses connect some towns and villages, while others rely on grand taxis (which can take a long time to fill up).
If you’re set on going solo and have lots of time to navigate transport logistics, it’s definitely doable. Or if you’re comfortable driving in Morocco, you can hire a car.
Guided tours to the Atlas Mountains from major urban hubs, like Marrakech and Fes, make accessing remote towns and villages much easier. In my opinion, they are great for solo travellers who are short on time.
Most tick off several destinations and sights each day, many of which would take a whole day to reach using public transport.
Personally, I think guided tours are the best option if you want to experience a homestay in the Atlas Mountains – these are difficult to organise independently. Many hosts don’t speak English or French and there are no websites for making online bookings.
Even if you do decide to travel into the Atlas Mountains independently, I would still recommend hiring a local guide for treks. Trails here are rarely marked, the weather can shift quickly and getting lost is a real issue, particularly if you’re not a highly experienced trekker.
It’s also important to remember that much of the Atlas Mountains is a lived-in landscape with villages and grazing grounds – it’s not a “wilderness” in the Western sense. Local guides provide access not just to trails, but also to homes, meals and conversations that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Join Groups for Skill-Based Experiences
Cooking classes, calligraphy workshops or weaving sessions offer wonderful insights into Moroccan culture and these often work best (read: most affordable) in small groups. But it’s not just about cost.
Participating in a shared activity can help to break down social barriers, making interaction feel easier. This is particularly true for introverts (like me!)
Sometimes I get nervous going into group situations. But if I’m doing something with my hands (cooking, crafting), it’s sooooo much easier!
Yes, there’s a chance you end up in a group with annoying people. But you might also find yourself connecting with like-minded solo travellers who become friends for life. It’s happened to me!
Trust How Your Energy Shifts
All of the above suggestions are just that: suggestions. Ultimately, you need to decide whether joining a guided tour in Morocco or staying solo is right for you.
Morocco can be really stimulating, particularly in the cities. Even seasoned solo travellers may find themselves craving moments of relief.
Joining a group can provide that, just as solitude can restore clarity after constant interaction. You need to trust your instincts on this.
For me, the most rewarding journeys often involve moving between the two. It’s rare that I will join a multi-day guided tour for the duration of my time in a country.
More often, I’ll make independent travel plans that include some guided experiences, when and where they feel most advantageous. And I think Morocco is perfect for that combination!
Guided experiences are also a fantastic way to support locals and inject a little more money into local economies. They invariably include cultural insights and information you’d otherwise miss out on.
Plus, they’re a great opportunity to ask all those questions that have popped into your head during your solo explorations.
In Morocco, travelling solo does not mean having to do everything alone. It means choosing where independence enhances the experience and where joining a group dynamic deepens it. And only you can decide where and when that is right for you.
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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.
