Travelling to Morocco for the first time is an amazing experience full of lively culture, historic cities, breathtaking scenery, and kind people. Morocco’s busy medinas and calm desert dunes offers a unique mix of culture and adventure. This full Morocco travel tips guide will help you prepare with confidence, travel comfortably, and fully enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Is Morocco Safe For First Time Visitors? – Best Morocco Travel Tips:
Is Morocco Safe for solo female travelers? Absolutely, Morocco is safe for tourists, even first-timers. This charming country is completely safe for visitors. There are few crimes in big cities, such as pickpocketing and thieves. However, the country is completely safe. The Moroccan government works hard to prevent crimes, particularly against tourists. However, it’s important to consider some precautions when visiting big cities like Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca. like keeping mobile, money and personal stuff for safe and enjoyable experience.
It’s important to prepare your travel documents when traveling to Morocco. Most importantly, passport should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended date of entry into Morocco this to ensure a safe, and enjoyable experience. Additionally, It is also advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport in conjunction with an alternative form of identification, such as your national ID card or driver’s license. However, If your passport is appreaching its expiration date, it’s important to consule the embassy so as not to face any travel issue.
Best time to Visit Morocco:
Morocco is a rich country with diverse landscapes and natural wonders from deserts, Atlas Mountains, Valleys, imperial cities. As a results, visiting Morocco has different weather and climate depending on what you are visiting. However, the best time to explore the city is from Septemeber to December and from March to May during this period the temperature become mild and pleasant for exploring the country. But summer months, from June to August the temperature becomes hot and unpleasant.
Learn Basic Bargaining skills
When strolling the local souks of Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca. It’s important to learn some basic bargaining skills. Negotiating is a part of the Moroccan culture, so when you are about to buy something you can ask for less price for discounted offer. Haggling is common in souks. Be friendly, smile, and enjoy the experience. If you’re not interested, a courteous “La, shukran” (No, thank you) is appropriate.
Choose a reputable Tour operator:
If you are going on a trip of Morocco. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, book with a local tour operator. Also, check to see if the tour operator has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. Ask for the itinerary, agree on the price, and make a small deposit; do not pay the full amount in advance.
What to pack for Morocco:
When you pack for Morocco, it is essential to know what to pack for Morocco for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. For exploring medinas, wear lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton blouses, long pants or maxi skirts. If you would like to visit a religious site make sure to wear a scarf. Additionally, You need a light jacket or jumper, especially at night and if you want to go to the desert, where nights can be cold even after hot days. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun especially if you are taking a desert trip, this is one of best Morocco travel tips for a safe enjoyable and comfortable trip
Respect the local culture and Traditions:
If you want to have a good and interesting trip to Morocco. It’s important to respect their culture and traditions. Visitors should dress modestly, especially in traditional neighbourhoods, rural villages, and when going to religious sites. Always ask whether you can take pictures of individuals in the area first. This is polite and shows respect. It is best to keep public demonstrations of affection to a minimum, therefore saying ” Salam” is essential to greet someone. Travellers may make real connections with people and have a more authentic and inviting experience in Morocco if they are aware of local customs, behaviours, and social standards.
Use Cash and Understand local payment:
Carrying local Moroccan dirhams would be appreciated. It’s important to understand that Morocco is cash-based country which means it’s crucial to carry cash with you for daily payment. Moreover, Most of the places including restaurant, hotels and shops don’t accept credit card. Thus, cash is recommended.
Include Best Palaces to visit on your itinerary:
Moroco is one of the finest destinations world with rich culture, historic attractions and landmarks, so when planning a trip to Morocco. Don’t forget to include top destination in Morocco on your itinerary:
- Fes: Morocco’s oldest city with rich history and historic attractions including Al Qaraouine university, Bouaanania Madrasa and Attarine Madrasa.
- Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco, explore its old Medina with its blue washed streets. Visit the Spanish Mosque and Ras Lma waterfalls.
- Essaouira, if you are sea lover, Essaouira is one of the top destination famously know for its breathtaking beaches offering visitors a lifetime experience.
- Sahara Desert of Merzouga: located in the southern part of Morocco. Merzouga is famous for its lovely golden dunes and activities including camel rides, quad biking and buggy ride. If you are visiting the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, yoi should not miss the opportunity to spend an overnight stay in the middle of the Desert.
- Tangier: It’s located in the northern part of Morocco. Tangier is famous for being gateway between Europe and Africa. The city offers some of the best beaches where you can unwind, relax and enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere.
- Agadir: Is a great coastal city famously known for its marvelous atmosphere offering visitors an unforgettable experience. Not very far from Agadir, you’ll find Taghazout, a wonderful town famous for its surfing activities attracting surfers of all levels from all parts of the world.
Stay safe and Be Aware:
Morocco is mostly safe for tourists, and violent crime against tourists is not common. But in busy places, thieves and scams might happen especially in the old Medina of Fes and Marrakech. As a result, it is important to Keep your things safe, don’t show off your valuables. Also be careful don’t take too much with your when going outside. Finally, dress like local not drag too much attention. However, other destinations like Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate, and Zagora desert are very safe.
Food and Drink Tips:
Moroco food is one of the best worldwide. Morocco is like any other country, there are certain safety measures you should follow to ensure that you can savour the excellent and typically risk-free food and drink in Morocco. It’s highly recommended to eat at local restraurant, riads or even street food recommended by your Morocco food guide. However, Additionally, tap water in Morocco is drinkable, but bottled water is highly recommed for you as a visitors.
Shopping in Morocco:
When shopping in the historic Medinas of Marrakech and Fes. Going with a local tour guide is recommended. A local tour guide will take you to the most interesting shops, where you may buy real local products at reasonable prices. Furthermore, if you go with a local guide, you may be confident that you will not get lost among the old Medinas. Local guides also know the best shops and can negotiate for the best deal.
Alcohol in Morocco:
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, but Alcohol is available everywhere you go for tourists especially in tourist-friendly like Fes, Marrakech, Merzouga Desert and Ouarzazate. Many restaurants, bars, and Markets offer alcoholic drinks. Local beers such as Casablanca and Special are widely enjoyed, and the country also has a thriving wine industry. Morocco produces around 39 million bottles of wine each year. Visitors should not drink wine at public places. It’s ok to request wine when visitng the Sahara Desert of Merzouga for a fantastic moment in the middle of the desert.
Tipping Culture in Morocco:
Tipping is valued in Morocco, but it is not obligatory. It is a common way to express gratitude for good service, particularly in tourism, It’s important to tip at restaurants, hotel, camel ride…etc. Moroccan highly appreciate the tip as it has a great impact on their living. Due the low wages in Morocco many camp workers and hotel staff depends on the tips to cover their own expenses. The tip is regarded a great way to say thank you. However, it’s not obligatory a smile and ” Shukran is a appreciated. The tip play a great role in encouraging people to work and improve their services. Finally, giving a tip when traveling Morocco would enhance your experience and allows you have an enjoyable trip across Morocco.
Commonly asked questions:
Is Morocco Safe destination for solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Morocco is an excellent destination for solo travellers, including those visiting for the first time, Morocco is hospitable, culturally diverse, and offers an extensive array of experiences from vibrant urban centres to tranquil deserts and coastal cities. Solo travelers can still enjoy their experience in Morocco, but they are required to consider some precautions when visiting big cities like Fes, Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat. Dress Modesty, respect local culture. Additionally, don’t eat at public places in Ramadan.
Is Sahara desert of Merzouga safe?
Yes, the Sahara Desert of Morocco is considered safe destination for visitors, particularly when engaged through a licensed tour operator or an experienced local guide. Additionally, the Sahara desert is totally safe and it’s one of the top destination you should add in your itinerary. The city receives thousands of tourists monthly because of its ideal dunes allowing for desert activities and overnight stays.
Final Thought:
Morocco’s a lovely country with a population of 40 millions people. It welcomes millions of tourists every year due to its varied landscapes, historic sites and attractions. Therefore, for a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s recommended to know some Morocco travel tips. that is, dressing respectfully, learning few words in Arabic language and respecting locals would of course enhance your experience.
