How to Build Your Own Morocco Itinerary as a Solo Traveller
In all honesty, I love travel planning and can spend hours devising the perfect itinerary. I think I love travel planning as much as I love travelling itself – for me, they’re two separate (but equally exciting) experiences!
But I also understand that Morocco is one of those destinations that can feel overwhelming, particularly for first-time solo travellers visiting the country.
Do you simply follow a Morocco travel itinerary template that takes in all the major attractions? Or do you design an itinerary that perfectly reflects you and your interests?
In Morocco, there are ancient medinas to explore, desert dunes to cross and towns that revolve completely around sun, sand and surf. There are also amazing riads and atmospheric kasbah hotels – staying at one of these is an experience in itself!
So, where do you even start with planning a Morocco itinerary, particularly when you don’t have someone else to bounce ideas off?
This guide will help you build a Morocco itinerary that suits your travel style, pace and comfort level, whether you’re chasing culturally immersive, action-packed or slow travel experiences.
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Start With Your Travel Style
Before choosing destinations based on where everyone says you should visit, be clear on how you like to travel.
Some solo travellers want to tick as many sights off their list as possible. Others want to embrace slow travel, spending more time in fewer destinations and having lots of downtime scheduled in.
Perhaps you’re a cultural explorer, with historic cities, architectural landmarks and museums high on your list of things to do. Or maybe you’re more about the great outdoors and want to focus on hiking, surfing and desert experiences.
Morocco is also a popular destination with food-focused travellers – there are great markets, restaurants and, of course, cooking classes to participate in.
As you determine your travel style, ask yourself:
- Do I prefer cities or nature (or a mixture of both)?
- Do I like independent travel or guided experiences?
- Am I comfortable with busy, sensory-heavy places?
- How important is rest and downtime vs seeing as much as possible?
Focus on Regions, Rather Than Destinations
Morocco is a relatively big country and seeing all of the “highlights” during a one-week trip just isn’t possible. Even with two weeks, you’d be racing from one end of the country to the other to try and squeeze it all in.
As a solo traveller, these long transit days can quickly lead to burnout, which is sometimes more difficult to handle without a companion. I find that getting between places (either using public transport or self-driving) is one of the most tiring aspects of travel, and I find it more draining without someone there for support.
If you have a limited time in the country (two weeks or less), I recommend grouping destinations by region and selecting one, two or three (depending on the number of days you have). That way, you won’t be zig-zagging across the country and spending most of your holiday simply getting from place to place.
Suggested Regional Groupings
- North: Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tetouan and Fes
- Imperial Cities: Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Marrakech
- Atlas Mountains: Imlil, Aït Bouguemez, Ouirgane
- Atlantic Coast: Essaouira, Taghazout, Agadir
- South & Desert: Dades Gorge, Skoura, Merzouga, M’Hamid
Plan Realistic Travel Times
Morocco is bigger than it looks on a map and while the public transport networks are good, travel days can be long. Aside from factoring in the duration of bus and train trips, you need to add on the time it takes to get to and from bus/train stations.
I would highly recommend that you avoid planning back-to-back travel days, unless you are renting a car and driving yourself. Instead, plan to spend at least two nights in each destination. That way, you will have a full day to simply enjoy it, rather than worrying about the logistics of getting to your next stop.
Transport Tips for Solo Travellers
- Trains: Safe, comfortable and ideal for travelling around northern Morocco and to Marrakech. Learn more about travelling around Morocco by train as a solo traveller.
- Buses (CTM, Supratours): Reliable for travelling around southern Morocco and to remote towns. Learn more about travelling around Morocco by bus as a solo traveller.
- Tours: Useful for desert trips or accessing remote mountain areas and great for solo travellers wanting company. Learn more about group tours vs independent travel in Morocco for solo travellers.
Choose Solo-Friendly Accommodation
Accommodation can make or break a trip, whether you’re travelling solo or with friends. But for solo travellers, it takes on extra importance. Not only do you want to feel safe and secure at the end of the day, but perhaps you want the opportunity to meet other travellers.
What makes accommodation great differs between solo travellers. Some want a basic and budget-friendly place to sleep each night. Others want the accommodation to be an experience in itself and are happy to pay more for little luxuries.
When I was younger, I was looking for the cheapest hostels – I just wanted to throw down my bag and head out to explore. Travelling was about making my money stretch as far as possible.
These days, I prioritise comfort and don’t mind paying a bit more. I particularly love finding accommodation that reflects a particular region (this is something Morocco does really well!)
Location is also important. Do you want to stay in the heart of medinas, so you are within walking distance of all the action? And if you’re travelling by public transport, do you want to be able to reach your accommodation on foot so you aren’t spending extra on taxis?
Accommodation Options for Solo Travellers in Morocco
- Riads: Boutique atmosphere with hosts who can help with planning
- Guesthouses: Great in mountainous regions and smaller towns – many have in-house guides
- Surf or yoga lodges: Built-in community and daily activities
- Hostels: Convivial atmosphere, budget-friendly and great for meeting like-minded travellers
Check out my accommodation inspiration for solo travellers in Marrakech, Essaouira and Fes.
Decide Where You Want Support vs Travel Independence
If you’re travelling solo to Morocco, you don’t have to do everything alone. On the flip side, you don’t have to do the entire trip with a guided tour.
Personally, I think some experiences in Morocco are better shared as part of a guided tour. Others are easy to experience independently, with the freedom to follow your curiosity and explore at your own pace.
When planning a Morocco itinerary as a solo traveller, I’d recommend doing a bit of both. Perhaps join a guided tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert. Or book a trekking guide to explore the Atlas Mountains as part of a small-group experience.
Then, when it comes to medina explorations, you can go it alone. Getting between train-connected cities in Morocco’s north is particularly easy to do independently.
This creates balance, giving you a mixture of local insights (during guided tours) and the confidence that you can travel Morocco independently.
Ideal for Guided Experiences
- Sahara desert trips – travelling from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga doubles as a transit between the two cities.
- Multi-day Atlas hikes – hiring a guide to climb Mount Toubkal is mandatory anyway.
- Rural village stays where language is a barrier – local guides are often required to facilitate homestay experiences.
Ideal for Independent Travel
- Historic cities like Rabat, Fes and Marrakech – these are safe and easy to explore independently.
- Coastal towns like Essaouira (great for creatives) and Taghazout (renowned for its surf camps).
- Train-connected routes in northern Morocco (Tangier, Fes, Meknes, Casablanca and Rabat).
Schedule in Recovery Time
Morocco can be intense, particularly in the cities where there is a lot of colour, crowds and noise vying for your attention. I rarely spend an entire day wandering around a medina. After a few hours, I need time back at my riad or hotel to rest and relax, before heading out again.
Unless you’re someone who loves to go, go, go, I would recommend scheduling in recovery time – maybe beside your hotel pool or by taking a quiet moment with a book in your riad courtyard. That way, there will be less risk of burning out and you’ll have far more appreciation for what you are experiencing.
The good news is that many hotels and riads in Morocco are really atmospheric – think of your downtime as a cultural experience in itself. Hosts are usually happy to have a chat and share insights about local life and the architectural details are often worth lingering over.
Taking time out from sightseeing is not about missing out – not in Morocco anyway!
Easy Ways to Slow Your Solo Travel Itinerary in Morocco
- Spend at least 2 nights per destination (3 to 4 is ideal!)
- Add a coastal or mountain destination after each city stop
- Include a hammam visit or time reading/journalling at a quiet cafe
- Schedule in days where you have no plans at all!
Discover some of Morocco’s best destinations for slow travel here!
Travel More Sustainably as a Solo Traveller
As Morocco’s tourist numbers increase dramatically, travelling sustainably is more important than ever, and solo travellers are not exempt! I’m passionate about encouraging people to make responsible decisions when designing their Morocco travel itinerary and continuing with this mindset throughout their adventure.
How can you travel more sustainably as a solo traveller in Morocco? Here are a few tips:
- Stay longer in fewer places – you’ll reduce your carbon footprint if you’re not on the road each day.
- Book riads and hotels that are making a conscious effort to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Support family-run guesthouses and guides to inject money into local communities.
- Buy handmade souvenirs directly from artisans, rather than foreign-made “souvenirs”.
- Reduce plastic use – bring a refillable water bottle and a tote bag for shopping.
Being a responsible traveller extends to cultural respect for local customs (dress modestly) and photography etiquette (never photograph someone without their permission).
Building a Solo Travel Morocco Itinerary That’s Completely “You”
Designing a Morocco itinerary as a solo traveller doesn’t have to be overwhelming, not when you ask yourself the right questions. It’s about finding a balance between independence and support, curiosity and rest, all while exploring the destinations that interest you most.
Personally, I think Morocco rewards travellers who slow down and remain open to connection, rather than ticking off “must-visit” attractions.
You don’t need to see everything. Choose what aligns with your pace and interests – that’s the Morocco itinerary that’s perfect for you!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
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Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
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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.
