Group tours vs independent travel in Morocco for solo travellers
If you’re thinking about venturing to North Africa solo, you might be weighing up the benefits of group tours vs independent travel in Morocco. Both are easily accessible in the country and it’s even possible to do a bit of both – join a small-group guided tour for a week and spend a few days travelling alone.
I’ve travelled extensively around Morocco independently and always love being able to craft an experience that is all my own. Yes, there have been challenges, but nothing that I haven’t been able to overcome, and truth be told, I’m a micro-manager when it comes to planning my travel itineraries – I love delving into all the details!
But I also have friends who are at the other end of the spectrum and don’t have the time or energy to plan an independent trip. They love the convenience and ease of group travel, plus the knowledge that local guides bring and the opportunity to make new friends along the way.
First and foremost, I want to say there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to deciding between group tours vs independent travel in Morocco and different experiences will appeal to different people. Some love the structure and ease of group travel (all the planning is done for you) while others thrive on being able to tailor a trip that is exactly to their liking AND they have the time to do it.
Independent travel offers a sense of freedom and flexibility that can be incredibly rewarding but it comes with navigating language barriers and added safety concerns. Group travel, on the other hand, includes the on-the-ground assistance of a local guide who will handle all of these challenges for you.
In this article, I’ll weigh up the pros and cons of group tours vs independent travel in Morocco to help you make a decision that’s right for you. I’ll also share who I think group tours are ideal for and the types of travellers who might gravitate more towards planning everything themselves.
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Pros of taking a group tour in Morocco
They can be a cost-effective way of exploring Morocco
Group tours in Morocco can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers, depending on the tour and the rates negotiated by your provider. By travelling in a group, you may benefit from discounts that are unavailable to those exploring independently, particularly when it comes to transportation, accommodation and activities.
Rather than having to pay for a private room, you may be able to share with a like-minded tour buddy, effectively halving your accommodation expenses. If you’re travelling to remote destinations not accessible by public transport, the shared transport costs of a group tour might be more affordable than a private transfer or rental car.
The itineraries and travel logistics are handled for you
When you take a group tour in Morocco, the travel itinerary is taken care of for you, not to mention all the accommodation bookings and transportation logistics. This means you don’t have to spend hours researching the top attractions or making travel bookings – a process that some people just don’t have the time (or patience) for.
Most Morocco group tours take in a combination of must-see destinations and little-known gems, as well as including unforgettable experiences that only Morocco can offer. They are designed to maximise your time in the country – there’s no spending an extra night somewhere just to accommodate a bus or train timetable. With the travel planning done for you, all you have to do is turn up!
They allow you to connect with fellow travellers
Group tours provide a unique platform to connect with other travellers, who are just as interested in exploring Morocco as you are. In some cases, these connections can lead to lasting friendships and even future travel adventures together. For solo travellers who crave shared experiences, this might be exactly what you need!
When you’re thrown into a group dynamic with individuals from diverse backgrounds, you may find yourself bonding over common experiences as you navigate a new culture together. There are endless opportunities to learn from one another and form meaningful relationships that extend beyond the duration of the tour.
The guides are a wealth of local knowledge
One of the main benefits of taking a group tour in Morocco (vs independent travel) is that they are led by local guides who can provide unique insights into Moroccan culture, history and customs. While a guidebook can tell you so much, it doesn’t compare to having an encyclopaedia of local knowledge at your side, ready to answer any questions you may have.
Not only will Moroccan tour guides offer valuable perspectives on the country’s history and traditions but also what it’s like to live in the country today. Most guides are in the industry because they love connecting with people, and sharing insights, anecdotes and lesser-known facts about their homeland. It’s these tidbits of information that can transform a simple sightseeing excursion into an experience that stays with you for a long time.
There’s an added sense of safety
The phrase “safety in numbers” has some truth to it, particularly when you’re navigating new and unfamiliar terrain. Doing so alone can feel daunting; with others, it’s an adventure! Yes, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth. But it doesn’t have to be on your two-week annual vacation.
Joining a guided tour in Morocco can provide peace of mind, as you will be accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and experienced drivers throughout the trip. They are not only adept at navigating Morocco’s roads but also cultural sensitivities and any challenging situations you might face. They know who to contact in an emergency situation and can offer advice on how to avoid getting caught up in any local scams.
Cons of taking a group tour in Morocco
You have less control over the itinerary and activities
One major drawback of travelling on a group tour vs independent travel in Morocco is that you have less control over the destinations you visit and the activities you engage in. For some people, this isn’t an issue, as they are happy to go with the flow. But for others, it can lead to experiences that feel more like obligations than enjoyable adventures.
For instance, the tour itinerary may include stops or attractions that don’t particularly excite you or even feel too “touristy”. On a group tour, there may be little room for spontaneous exploration or the chance to delve deeper into the aspects of a destination that truly interest you.
There is less freedom when it comes to pace
Aside from having a pre-set itinerary and activities, Moroccan group tours tend to operate at a certain pace, which may or may not correspond to your own. You’ll need to be up and ready to leave the hotel each morning at a particular time and will have only so many minutes/hours to explore each destination.
This structured approach may appeal to those who appreciate a clear plan and knowing exactly what they will be doing each day. But it can feel restrictive if you thrive on the freedom to wander and discover at your leisure. As a result, you might find yourself missing out on interactions that could enrich your travel experience, all because the group’s schedule is set in stone.
They can feel crowded and congested
Group tours can sometimes lead to a feeling of congestion, particularly at well-known tourist spots in Morocco. When large numbers of visitors converge on popular attractions, the sheer volume of people becomes overwhelming and it can be hard to appreciate what you came to see. In these instances, it can feel less like a travel experience and more like cattle herding!
That being said, you can find small, personalised group tours in Morocco that offer a less crowded experience, provided you don’t cross paths with a larger tour group. In reality, even solo travellers can get caught up in the chaos when arriving at an attraction at the same time as a busload of other tourists.
Should I take a group tour in Morocco?
Group tours in Morocco can be great for some travellers, particularly if you are time poor and don’t have the hours in a day to plan a well-researched itinerary. With all the logistics handled for you, from daily itineraries to hotel accommodations, airport transfers and transportation, you just have to turn up and enjoy the experience.
If you’re travelling solo in Morocco, joining a small-group tour can connect you with like-minded individuals, making the journey more enjoyable and providing an added feeling of safety. For those who have a thirst for knowledge, guided tours also provide the benefit of local experts who can share fascinating insights about the history and culture of the places you visit, as well as what it’s like to live there in the 21st century.
Things to look for when booking a group tour in Morocco
One crucial thing to keep in mind when searching for group tours in Morocco is the size of the group. Travelling in a large group of 40 or more can mean navigating crowded coaches and waiting for others, all of which can be frustrating. Smaller groups tend to offer a more intimate experience, allowing for better interaction with fellow travellers and personalised encounters with locals.
If you’re travelling solo to Morocco and considering a group tour, it’s also important to factor in any single supplement fees. This charge typically applies to solo travellers who prefer to have their own room instead of sharing accommodations with a fellow traveller. Decide whether you want to save by rooming with a stranger/potential new friend or if you’re happy to pay a little more for the privacy of having your own space.
Pros of independent travel in Morocco
You can completely customise your itinerary
When you opt to travel independently in Morocco, there’s so much freedom to create an itinerary that truly reflects you and your interests. Not only can you visit the destinations that most appeal to you but you can do so at your own pace, opting for an extra day in places that pique your interest and skipping any that don’t.
By creating a customised Morocco itinerary, you can venture beyond the typical tourist attractions and discover hidden gems that resonate with your personal interests. Perhaps that means spending less time in busy Marrakech in favour of a night or two in the Atlas Mountains or heading to the lesser-visited Sahara dunes of Erg Chigaga. While it is possible to do all of this on a private guided tour of Morocco, the expense is considerably more!
You can select your own accommodations and activities
If you’re like me and LOVE travelling planning, then researching your next adventure is never a chore. When you travel independently in Morocco, you can tailor every aspect of your trip, from the properties you stay in to the transportation you take and the activities you participate in. Ultimately, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure!
Personally, I love being able to select my own accommodations (I could browse riads for hours), finding properties that appeal to me stylistically and are within my budget. Searching for activities that reflect your interests is also important, whether that’s hiking in remote mountains, shopping for local handicrafts or learning to surf.
It can be more cost-effective
Travelling independently in Morocco can be more cost-effective than a group tour, depending on the accommodations, transportation and activities you opt for. While you won’t benefit from group savings on some aspects of your trip, you also won’t be paying for experiences you aren’t particularly interested in (which can be the case on group tours).
If you’re on a really tight budget, you can find budget accommodations in Morocco that include hostels and guesthouses, as well as local homestays offering culturally immersive experiences. Public buses and trains in Morocco are also relatively cheap and will see you travelling around the country alongside locals, rather than other tourists.
It fosters authentic experiences
Independent travel in Morocco offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the local culture, fostering authentic experiences that are often hard to come by in more commercialised settings. By venturing off the beaten path, you can connect with locals in meaningful ways, whether it’s sharing a meal in a family home, participating in traditional crafts or simply enjoying a conversation over mint tea in a street-side cafe.
Finding activities and experiences that are authentic is important to me, no matter where I’m travelling, as I crave genuine interactions that are benefiting local communities, rather than transactional experiences. In some instances, independent travel allows for a more enriching experience, where the focus shifts from sightseeing to building relationships and a better understanding of local issues.
Cons of independent travel in Morocco
The planning can be stressful
Travelling independently in Morocco can come with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to the planning phase. Organising a trip without the assistance of a local tour operator means you’ll need to invest significant time and effort into arranging every, single aspect of your journey. If it’s your first time visiting Morocco, you’ll be doing this without on-the-ground experience to draw on.
This includes finding riads and hotels to suit your budget, researching attractions and activities, as well as coordinating local transport. And if you happen to make a mistake and book the wrong dates, it’s all on you! The ramifications of making a mistake and the time-consuming nature of travel planning can lead to stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process (or simply don’t enjoy it).
There may be language barriers
For those who don’t speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic) or one of the many Amazigh languages, communicating with locals may not always be straightforward. While many people in the country speak French and/or English (particularly in popular tourist areas), some don’t (more commonly in remote and rural regions). And they may just be the people you’re relying on for information or directions! When you have a guide with you, they will always be on hand to translate, with most speaking multiple (3+) languages.
In my experience, however, the language barriers I’ve encountered while travelling solo in Morocco have never been a huge hurdle – there are other means of communicating that don’t require you to understand exactly what is being said. And if you really need help, there’s always someone who knows someone who can speak enough English to be of assistance. That being said, it’s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Darija and/or carry a translation app to whip out when you need it.
There can be safety concerns
Although Morocco is generally a safe country to travel around, there is a vulnerability in doing it alone. Women in particular have voiced concerns about the catcalling they experience in some Moroccan cities, and while this is often harmless in nature, it can feel threatening. When you’re travelling solo, the fear this creates can be amplified.
Navigating a new country alone can also make you more vulnerable to scams as you don’t have a travel buddy to help ascertain the risk of situations. Engaging with locals can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s wise to approach interactions with a degree of caution, especially when it comes to accepting offers of assistance or guidance. Unfortunately, not everyone in Morocco has your best interests at heart (although I’d suggest the overwhelming majority do).
Should I travel independently in Morocco?
If you thrive on flexibility and love travel planning, then exploring Morocco independently is probably for you. Chances are, the rigid itinerary and scheduled activities of a group tour will leave you feeling restricted and craving more freedom than it allows. By planning your own itinerary, you can linger longer when the desire takes you and get the next train/bus out of town when you’ve had enough.
Travelling independently in Morocco is perfect for those who love their own company and are comfortable making decisions, even in challenging situations. It’s also great if you’re someone with a niche interest (such as surfing, cooking or hiking) and want to indulge in particular activities during your trip. Opting NOT to take a group tour may also appeal to travellers who simply enjoy wandering and following their curiosity, rather than having to tick off a long list of tourist attractions.
FAQs about group tours vs travelling independently in Morocco
Should I take a group tour in Morocco?
Opting for a group tour in Morocco can be a great choice for many travellers, especially those who love the camaraderie of shared experiences or don’t have the time to plan a detailed itinerary. With a group tour, all the logistical aspects are taken care of for you, including daily schedules, hotel bookings and transportation, allowing you to simply show up and live the adventure!
For solo travellers, joining a small-group tour in Morocco can not only enhance the experience by connecting you with fellow explorers but also adds a layer of safety. Additionally, guided tours offer the invaluable advantage of local experts who can provide rich insights into the destinations you visit, as well as a glimpse into contemporary life in Morocco.
What is the best way to get around Morocco as a solo traveller?
The best way to get around Morocco depends on where you want to go, the budget you have available and the travel style you prefer. Some destinations are easy to access by public transport, with trains and buses providing a convenient means of getting there. Others are more off-the-beaten-track and you’ll need to rent a car, join a guided tour or navigate (sometimes infrequent) share taxis.
With a considerable budget, you can book private experiences and activities, complete with the services of a local guide. If you’re more restricted in the amount of money you have to spend, then a small-group guided tour with a set itinerary may suit you. Some budget-conscious travellers may prefer to travel independently, with public transport in Morocco relatively inexpensive.
When considering group tours vs independent travel in Morocco, both have their advantages and disadvantages, which will appeal to different travel styles. Some people love the flexibility of planning their own itineraries (complete with hotels/riads and activities) while others prefer to leave it to the professionals and book a small-group tour. Private tours provide a greater opportunity to customise the experience and travel at the pace you prefer.
Is it better to travel alone or with a tour group in Morocco?
When weighing up the pros and cons of group tours vs independent travel in Morocco, it really depends on the individual and their travel preferences. Travelling solo in Morocco offers a sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. You can select the hotels and riads that suit your style and book activities/experiences that resonate with you.
On the other hand, joining a tour group provides a more structured experience with the day-to-day schedule determined for you. It’s great for people who don’t have the time or energy to do in-depth travel planning and just want to experience the best Morocco has to offer in a certain amount of time. You’ll benefit from the knowledge of a local guide and have all travel logistics handled for you.
Do I need a tour guide in Morocco?
While it is certainly possible to explore Morocco independently, having a knowledgeable local guide can significantly enhance your experience. Not only will they provide valuable insights into the country’s fascinating history and diverse cultures but also the experience of living there in the 21st century.
When weighing up the benefits of group tours vs independent travel in Morocco, consider that a guide can assist with language barriers, making it easier to communicate with locals who don’t speak English. On sightseeing excursions, a tour guide can also provide a deeper understanding of the places you visit and anecdotes that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Is it safe to travel independently in Morocco?
Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, even if you’re exploring independently or going solo. While there have been instances of serious crimes taking place in the country that have impacted tourists, most issues fall into the “petty crime” category.
As with any destination, there can be challenges travelling independently in Morocco and it’s wise to be vigilant and approach unsolicited encounters with caution. Interacting with locals can be a wonderful experience but not everyone may have your best interests at heart.
Exploring Morocco independently may increase your susceptibility to scams, as you won’t have a local guide to warn you of potential risks. But reading up on common scams in Morocco is a good way to avoid getting caught up in any.
It’s also worth noting that some women travelling solo in Morocco have raised concerns about catcalling in certain cities, particularly Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca. While often harmless in nature, this can feel intimidating and a threat to personal safety.