The Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Morocco.
Morocco is a notoriously tricky destination to navigate culturally, yet it more than makes up for it with its beauty and unique experiences. It stands as a beacon for the adventurous, blending ancient cultures with some really breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking to dive into Marakesh, Casablanca, and Fez in style, our solo female traveler's guide may just be the first step you need. In this piece, we’ll break down the basics of safety, accommodations, and embracing local culture.
Getting Started: What to Know
Morocco offers a blend of traditional and modern, but navigating its cultural complexities requires some prep:
Is Morocco Safe?
Off to the big one: We’ve seen a lot of the conversation around Morocco center around its safety. And while it’s true that these concerns come as a red flag for some visitors, there’s really not that much to worry about when visiting remote-friendly areas. Still, here are the three main considerations that will take you a long way, just in case:
Trust Your Instincts: Always listen to your intuition. Don't hesitate to remove yourself from the situation if something feels off. This could mean leaving a crowded market, avoiding less populated streets after dark, or staying in well-reviewed accommodations.
Use Trusted Transportation: Use official taxis or transportation your accommodation recommends whenever possible. Verify the identity of drivers in ride-sharing apps and always share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.
Keep Valuables Secure: When exploring, it's best to carry minimal cash and keep your valuables, like your passport and electronics, in a secure, hidden travel pouch. Consider using ATMs in safer, well-lit areas, preferably inside banks or malls.
Can I keep a Stable Internet Connection?
Plan for Unpredictable Internet: While major cities in Morocco offer good internet connectivity, it's wise to have a backup plan. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot or a local SIM card with a data plan can keep you connected, especially if you're venturing into more remote areas.
Coworking Spaces: Marrakesh and other Moroccan cities are catching up with the digital nomad trend, offering a growing number of coworking spaces. These can be great for reliable internet, networking with fellow nomads, and finding a productive work environment.
Offline Maps and Apps: Given the potential for spotty internet, especially in remote areas or while exploring the medinas, downloading offline maps and translation apps can be a lifesaver. This way, you can navigate and communicate basic needs without relying on live internet access.
Cultural Considerations
Dress Appropriately: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, meaning there’s a strict cultural line to walk for most Western visitors. Dressing conservatively not only respects local customs but can also minimize unwanted attention. Covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting non-touristy areas, is pretty much a guarantee.
Language Barrier: While French and Arabic are widely spoken, English may not be as common, especially outside tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic or French can go a long way in facilitating smoother interactions.
Understanding Local Customs: Morocco has a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years. Showing interest in and respect for local customs can make or break your travel experience and open some doors when it comes to befriending locals.
As with most places in the world, many of these culture shocks can be dampened with some local company, so if you’ve got a friend who could serve as a cultural bridge between you and the locals, we strongly encourage you to hit them up!
Navigating Marrakesh
Marrakesh is probably your starting point for this trip, so we’ll center a big chunk of this piece around it; let us know if you’d like us to make some more in-depth guides around other Moroccan treasures!
Often heralded as the heart of Moroccan culture, it’s a city that blends ancient traditions with the pulse of modern life. It's a city that’s alive with colors, scents, and sounds that are as inviting as they are overwhelming.
Population: As per the latest estimates, Marrakesh has a population of around 950,000 people. However, this number swells significantly with the influx of tourists drawn to its historic sites and culture each year.
Importance: Marrakesh is central to Morocco's cultural and economic scene. It's a former imperial city and a symbol of Morocco's rich history, showcasing a unique blend of Berber, Arab, and French colonial heritage. The city is renowned for contributing to Moroccan cuisine, crafts, and architecture.
Top Destinations In Marrakesh
Jemaa el-Fnaa: The beating heart of Marrakesh, this bustling square offers seemingly unlimited food, goods, and entertainment. By day, it's a marketplace with snake charmers, magicians, and stalls; by night, it transforms into a lively outdoor dining area.
Koutoubia Mosque: A landmark of Marrakesh, the Koutoubia Mosque is known for its stunning minaret, visible from miles around. While non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside the mosque, the surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat.
The Medina: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina is the old part of the city, filled with narrow winding streets, historic riads (more on these later), and shops selling everything from spices to textiles.
Bahia Palace: A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, the palace is a showcase of intricate tile work, gorgeous courtyards, and beautifully decorated rooms.
Majorelle Garden: Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, this garden is an oasis of exotic plants and colors.
Your Stay In Marrakesh
Upon arrival: The airport experience can be a bit overwhelming with the overly eager taxi drivers. Negotiating your fare in advance or arranging a transfer could make your arrival much easier.
Stay at a Riad: For the genuine Moroccan experience, pick a Riad within the medina as your accommodation. These traditional homes offer a quiet escape from the city's hustle and bustle. And while the Moroccans have certainly wizened up to the Riads’ touristic appeal (they will overcharge you), it’s still an experience not worth missing out on.
Explore with a Guide: Hiring a local guide can make a difference in exploring the old medina's labyrinthine streets; Marrakesh's rich history and culture are best heard from a local's perspective, after all.
Majorelle Garden: Start your day early to avoid crowds and take in this enchanting garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The colorful hues and exotic plants are the perfect setting for tranquil meditation or the best Instagram pics.
Bahia Palace: The intricate designs and craftsmanship of this 19th-century palace. A blend of cedarwood, plaster, tile, and marble, along with the hand-carved decorations, are but a taste of Morocco’s rich cultural history.
Culture and Cuisine
The Souks: The markets of Marrakesh are a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Approach them with openness and curiosity, and maybe try your hand at bargaining for some souvenirs. Be forewarned: Moroccans are among the toughest bargains we’ve experienced!
Community Ovens: Visit a community oven for a glimpse into daily Moroccan life and the communal spirit that defines it. It's a unique way to connect with locals and taste authentic Moroccan bread. We recommend you watch “Cooked” on Netflix, or better yet, read Michael Pollan’s fascinating book to get a sense of what these ovens mean to Moroccan culture.
Cuisine: Speaking of which. You should under no circumstance miss out on trying traditional Moroccan dishes like pastilla. The blend of sweet and savory flavors encapsulates the complexity and richness of Moroccan cuisine.
Transitioning from Visitor to Temporary Resident
We’ve covered the essentials of Marrakesh, but it’s very likely that after getting a taste for Moroccan culture, you’ll be craving some more. You can plan visits to other mind-blowing destinations like Fez and Casablanca. But living as a remote worker in Morocco, as opposed to merely traveling, comes with a slightly different set of considerations.
Finding Your Moroccan Home: Earlier, we touched on the charm of staying in a Riad for its authentic Moroccan experience. While this is the perfect star for shorter visits, longer-term nomads need to think about practicality. The Riads, as gorgeous and immersive as they may be, probably won’t meet your needs if you’re thinking of stable internet and a space to work remotely for the next couple of months.
A simple apartment should be the sensible choice for extended stays, particularly in areas blending Moroccan culture with modern amenities. Cities like Marrakesh and Fez offer neighborhoods where you can enjoy the best of both worlds—access to coworking spaces, reliable internet, and a local community eager to welcome you—time to start scouring your local Facebook group for a good deal.Living as a Local: Embracing Morocco means more than adapting to its internet speeds. You should absolutely try your best to weave yourself into the fabric of daily life here. Learning the language, whether Arabic or French, doesn't just ease transactions; it opens doors to some lifelong friendships.
Beyond language, integrating into Moroccan life means engaging with its customs and traditions. From communal ovens to the art of negotiation in the souks, each aspect of daily life is an opportunity to deepen your connection to this land.The Practicalities of Long-term Living: While the excitement of living in Morocco is palpable, it's underpinned by the need to navigate the bureaucracy and paperwork that come with the package: visa regulations, healthcare, etc.
Understanding Morocco's visa requirements and having a reliable healthcare plan are crucial to ensuring your adventure doesn't hit an unexpected snag.Safety Revisited: Our discussion on safety for the solo female traveler bears repeating here. As a resident, your interactions and routines will evolve. Staying safe means staying informed, being vigilant, and continuing to trust your instincts in this new setting.
Morocco Awaits
Morocco is a country of contrasts, offering experiences that solo travelers like you will cherish for a lifetime. With preparation and an open mind, you’ll uncover the beauty and depth of Moroccan culture. Morocco is a truly breathtaking place to call home, even if temporarily.
By embracing its challenges with preparation and respect, you unlock a world of unforgettable experiences. Morocco doesn’t just offer a journey through its streets but a voyage into its soul. With each step, you'll uncover more of its mysteries.
