Real Talk: What It’s Really Like Traveling to Morocco as a Woman
Tips, Lessons & Cultural Insights from Our All-Female Trip
Before booking our trip to Morocco, I’ll be real—I had doubts. Over the years, I’d heard unsettling stories from fellow women travelers: tales of being harassed in souks, ignored in service settings, or treated differently simply because of gender. One friend shared how a hotel porter wouldn’t touch her luggage because she was female. Another warned of men grabbing at women in crowded markets. I was curious, but cautious.
Still, Morocco had long been on my travel wishlist. So I did the homework, prepared our all-female group as best as I could, and decided to go into it with an open mind and a respectful approach. And honestly? It was one of the most memorable and enriching trips we’ve ever taken.
Here’s what made the difference—and what I’d recommend to any woman planning a trip to Morocco.
Hire a Professional Driver and Tour Guide
Let’s start here because this is the game-changer. If you take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this: hire a trusted driver and licensed guide.
Not only did ours manage logistics and keep us on schedule, but he also served as a cultural translator, bodyguard, and safety net all in one. If there was ever a moment of cultural misstep—say, walking into the wrong café or unintentionally offending someone—he smoothed things over quickly and calmly. He knew where to take us, waited for us after meals and activities, and made sure we were always comfortable, safe, and happy.
Trust me—worth every penny.
Cash is King—and Tipping is a Must
Once you land, grab cash from the ATM and make sure to get small bills, especially 20-dirham notes. Morocco still runs on cash, especially in markets, rural areas, and smaller establishments.
Tipping is also woven into the culture—people genuinely rely on it. Be prepared to tip:
- Hotel staff and porters
- Waiters (especially in smaller, non-touristy places)
- Drivers, guides, camel or mule handlers
- Hammam attendants
- Musicians or performers
Even small amounts are appreciated, and it makes all interactions smoother.
Learn Key Phrases (and Use Body Language)
You don’t need to be fluent, but learning a few local phrases makes a difference—and earns respect.
We picked up basic Arabic and French greetings:
- As-salamu alaykum (Hello/peace be upon you)
- Merci (Thank you)
- La shukran (No, thank you)
- Min fadlak (Please)
When we greeted locals with a smile and a respectful tone, they responded warmly. Politeness is everything. Add in nonverbal cues like a gentle nod or a hand over your heart, and people will often go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Dress Modestly—It’s Not Just About Respect
You’ll see a mix of styles in cities like Marrakesh, but most local women dress conservatively—and we chose to do the same. Long dresses, covered shoulders, and lightweight scarves became our go-to look.
Not only did it show cultural sensitivity, but it also helped us avoid unwanted attention and made us feel more at ease, especially in smaller towns and religious sites.
Pro tip: Pack one scarf you love. You’ll use it daily.
Be Open-Minded and Flexible
Yes, there were moments that made us pause—like the time we accidentally walked into a men-only café and were asked to leave. We didn’t take offense; we simply moved on to another spot and ended up having one of our best meals.
That experience reminded us: it’s not our job to change the culture, but to respect it. And doing that allowed us to build deeper connections with locals and embrace moments we might have otherwise missed.
Ask First—Always
This is a big one. Whether it’s taking photos, adjusting someone’s radio, or sampling something in a shop—always ask first.
A traveler in our group took a photo of a woman in the market without permission and was immediately scolded and asked for money. Lesson learned. In Morocco, privacy is valued, especially among women and children. When in doubt, just ask.
Final Thoughts: Would We Go Back?
In a heartbeat.
Despite some of the cautionary stories we’d heard, our experience as women traveling in Morocco was overwhelmingly safe, positive, and empowering. The people, the history, the food, the beauty—it blew us away.
My mother, who joined us on the trip, still talks about it constantly. We came home with hundreds of gorgeous photos, rich memories, and a deeper appreciation for a culture that’s incredibly layered and fascinating.
If Morocco is on your radar, don’t let fear hold you back. With the right preparation, an open mind, and a little cultural awareness, it can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences you’ll ever have.
Planning a Morocco trip?
Let Nomoon Travel help you plan a customized, all-female journey to Morocco—with vetted guides, stunning riads, cultural experiences, and trusted drivers to ensure a safe, seamless, and soul-stirring adventure.
