Dreaming of meandering through magical medinas and sipping mint tea under starlit Saharan skies? Morocco beckons with its kaleidoscope of colours, aromas, and experiences, but how accessible are they to solo travellers…
Before you start practising your haggling skills or planning your camel trek, let’s sort out the essential bits that will make your solo adventure truly unforgettable.
Getting Your Paperwork Sorted
First things first: the essentials! Travel information for Morocco Visa requirements is straightforward for most travellers, but you’ll want to sort this early. Most Western passport holders can enter Morocco for up to 90 days without applying for a visa in advance.
However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Keep a digital copy of your passport stored safely in the cloud, and bring a few passport photos – they’re handy for unexpected situations.
But, if you are from a country that requires a physical visa from an embassy, start this process ASAP. Bureaucracy is the last hurdle you want messing up a special trip like this.
Navigating the Currency Conundrum
Let’s talk dirhams, the local currency that you can’t technically buy outside Morocco. Yes, you read that right, the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you’ll need to sort your money once you arrive.
No need to panic, however, as there are ATMs at major airports and throughout cities. Bring a mix of payment methods: a main debit card, a backup credit card (stored separately), and perhaps €100 in cash for emergencies.
Many riads (traditional guesthouses) prefer cash, and it’ll definitely help for haggling in the souks. Remember to inform your bank about your travel dates – nothing ruins a shopping spree in the medina quite like a frozen card!
Packing Smart for Cultural Respect
Morocco’s dress code is more conservative than many Western countries, but that doesn’t mean you need to completely overhaul your wardrobe. Think loose, flowing fabrics that cover shoulders and knees. Ladies, pack a lightweight scarf – it’s the Swiss Army knife of travel accessories here. Use it to cover your head when visiting mosques, as an impromptu picnic blanket, or to shield yourself from the desert sun.
Accommodation Adventures
Forget anonymous hotel chains, Morocco is all about atmospheric riads and dars (traditional houses). These architectural gems typically feature internal courtyards, rooftop terraces, and a glistening pool if you are lucky.
Book your first few nights in advance, especially in popular cities like Marrakech or Fez. Many riads offer airport transfers, which are worth every dirham when the alternative is finding your way through the labyrinthine medina alone at night!
Solo Safety Savvy
Morocco is generally safe for solo travellers, but like anywhere, street smarts are essential. The most common hassle is persistent touts and “friendly” guides who offer to show you around (for a fee, of course).
A firm “La shukran” (no thank you) usually does the trick. Keep your wits about you, particularly in busy areas like markets and train stations. Ladies might experience more attention than they’re used to – it’s usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses helps avoid unwanted eye contact, and headphones (even if not playing anything) can deter persistent chatters.
Transport Tricks
Getting around Morocco is half the adventure! Trains connect major cities and are surprisingly comfortable and first-class tickets are worth the extra for assigned seats and air conditioning.
For shorter trips, grand taxis (shared Mercedes) are an experience in themselves. They leave when full, which usually means six passengers squished together. Modern buses from companies like CTM and Supratours offer reliable intercity transport. Within cities, petits taxis are your friend, though do insist on the meter running or agree on a price before setting off.
Food and Drink Fundamentals
Moroccan cuisine is a feast for the senses, but a few precautions will keep your stomach happy. Stick to bottled water (including for teeth brushing), and approach salads and unpeeled fruits with caution.
That said, don’t miss out on street food entirely, just choose busy stalls where locals eat. Breakfast in riads is usually included and magnificent – fresh bread, jams, eggs, and that life-changing mint tea. Speaking of which, accepting tea is a social custom, but in shops, it often comes with sales pressure. Feel free to politely decline if you’re not interested in buying.
Must-Know Tips for Solo Adventures
Before you jet off to explore Morocco’s enchanting landscape, here are some tried-and-tested solo travel wisdom that will serve you well not just in Morocco, but anywhere your wanderlust takes you:
1. The ‘Arrival Rule’ Is Non-Negotiable
Always, always book your first night’s accommodation in advance and arrive during daylight hours. Nothing tests your travel mettle quite like navigating an unfamiliar city in the dark while lugging your backpack around. Schedule your flights to land before sunset, and book that airport transfer. Also keep the hotel’s address in both English and Arabic on your phone, and download the area map for offline use.
2. The Coffee Shop Haven
Let’s talk about your secret weapon: the humble café. Whether you’re planning your next move, need a break from the chaos, or just want to people-watch, cafés are your solo traveller sanctuary.
They’re also perfect for pulling out your map without screaming “tourist!” to every passing tout. Order that mint tea, use the WiFi, and take your time. In Morocco, try to find rooftop cafés – they’re perfect for getting your bearings and capturing stunning photos of the cityscape.
3. The Social Media Safety Net
While it’s tempting to disconnect completely, keeping a light digital footprint while travelling solo is smart. Share your general itinerary with family or friends back home, and consider posting on social media with a day’s delay rather than in real-time. Join Facebook groups or forums for solo travellers in Morocco – they’re goldmines for current tips and potential meetups.
4. The Art of Looking Confident
Here’s a secret: you don’t actually need to know where you’re going, you just need to look like you do. If you’re lost (and you will get lost), don’t stand in the middle of the street studying your map. Instead, pop into a shop or café, or lean casually against a wall while you check your directions. Walk purposefully, even if you’re going in completely the wrong direction. Looking confident, even when you’re not, reduces unwanted attention and makes you feel more in control.
Morocco rewards the adventurous spirit with experiences that will fill your memory cards and your soul. Yes, it can be overwhelming at first, but that’s part of its charm.
Slo travel isn’t about being alone, it’s about being wonderfully, gloriously independent. You’ll make friends if you want to, find solitude when you need it, and discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. Now go forth and explore – Morocco is waiting!
