On occasion we get travelers, single women, planning their Moroccan holiday. Their main concern is safety. We understand, traveling as single women in an unknown African country with Muslim religion might not appear safe, BUT it is.
However, some precautions should be taken to ensure enjoyable experiences.
We have gathered here a few tips from my personal incidences (don’t have too many as often I travel with my husband or at least my daughter) and from our client’s experiences.
1. Dress Modestly
Women will get unwanted attention from Moroccan man especially walking as single girls on the streets. They generally use catcalling and some might use straight up come-ons, very rarely unwanted physical attention such as groping. The best way to avoid it is to merge with the clothing as similar to the Moroccan women. We recommend long skirts and loose, long sleeve shirts or even possibly wearing djellabas (there are comfortable!) even consider using headscarf loose wrap around your head. It will help and you might even get better deals from the shopkeepers!
2. Be confident, direct and polite
Appearing confident, strong women it will scare the man off. We recommend avoiding any eye contact (best is to wear sunglasses) and put your head up, make firm steps like you know where you going. Possibly consider wearing a wedding ring that will turn some of them away. Be firm but polite, direct but never rude.
3. Be prepared, you will have a better time
We are not saying that in spite of covering your body in proper clothes you will not be harassed by a man and called all kinds of names. But be prepared for that. Honestly, it is difficult to say whether it is better to ignore it or respond to it, but sure don’t go on lengthy conversation leading the man wrong way.
4. Don’t walk alone at night and avoid any huge gatherings, concerts
The old cities, medinas, of Marrakech, Fes, as well as other cities, are empty, deserted towns at night. Don’t walk alone in the streets in the middle of the night. Be at your riad by about 10 pm
5. Hire a guide, especially true in Fes and Marrakech
Hiring a responsible guide either through your riad or travel agency recommends it. The medina is a maze of streets and at first, it is difficult to navigate. Going on a guided tour will help you get a sense of the streets and you are also walking accompanied by an official guide so no one will pay any kind of attention to you!
6. In case something happens, make a scene!
In case if something unpleasant is to happen then we highly recommend making a scene! People around you, including Moroccans, will come to help you and scold your attacker. Remember that in every city in the old towns there is tourist police (Brigade Touristique) so ask for them to help you. Often just mentioning their name gets people scared off.
Or if you are close to some store walk in and start looking at the merchandise, the shopkeeper most likely will help you to get rid of that unwanted man’s attention.
If you are away from the city pretend to make phone calls to your husband asking him to get you that you are being pursued by unwanted attention. They might not understand everything, but they will get the message and will wear off.
7. Go on a tour
Going on an organize tour will ensure that you are well-taken care of every time. You will not be harassed but opposite you will be protected, ensuring you are safe. Choose the tour and driver/guide well!
We had arranged several tours a year for single female women travelers.
We offer experienced, knowledgeable drivers that will always help women in any kind of way. Customize and flexible itineraries, outstanding quality, and genuine experiences.