Safety trips
Getting hassled in Morocco and Marrakesh
There are a number of simple rules and actions that visitors to Morocco and Marrakesh can take to avoid the street hassle having a negative impact on their stay. We have summarised these steps into 5 simple steps:
- Wear sunglasses which will avoid you having eye contact with any street hawkers and other nuisances.
- If you are approached, give a firm and polite “no” with a shake of the head, and walk on decisively (a smile also seems to help we find).
- If lost, better to retire to a nearby bar and get your bearings over a quick drink.
- Morocco is a liberal Islamic country and locals can be offended by western females who walk about in public in skimpy tops and shorts. The best solution is for us ladies to dress with more a little more modesty than usual, perhaps covering our shoulders and legs with a sari or sarong.
- Finally, remember to relax! A few unwanted comments are frankly only a nuisance if you react to them. Better to accept that this still happens, smile, and rise above it all. In the end there are too many enjoyable things to do in Morocco than get upset over comments from people who have nothing else to do but hang about and annoy tourists!
For the full length version of this article, click here.
All of the riads and hotels shown on Morocco Gateway will also advise guests on how to deal with any hassle that they experience.
.
Advice for women travelling to Morocco
For women travelling solo to Morocco and other African countries, personal safety will be your number one concern. The good news is thousands of women travel alone to the African continent every year, and by following just a few basic pieces of advice and using your common sense, you’ll have a great time and shouldn’t experience many problems.
The most important thing to remember is to respect the Moroccan culture. Morocco is a Muslim country and it is a good idea to dress conservatively to show your respect. It is quite a liberal country – for example it is not necessary to wear a hijab or headscarf unless you want to, as many Moroccan women don’t. But mini skirts, low-cut tops, shorts, tight shirts and outfits that show off your belly, should be avoided.
Even when you are conservatively dressed, expect to receive some attention from local men. Although this harassment is annoying, it’s generally not dangerous. Local women tend not to travel on their own, so the novelty factor plays an important role here.
Even when you are conservatively dressed, expect to receive some attention from local men. Although this is annoying, it’s generally not dangerous”
One thing you are virtually guaranteed to experience is cat calls and whistles – the best thing to do here is ignore them. If you do feel threatened by this or any other behaviour, seek help from a local woman or family or go into a busy shop or restaurant – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Not just specifically for women but pertinent to all travellers, street pedlars and hustlers can cause a real problem. It can be difficult to walk down the street without being stopped by someone trying to sell you something or offering their services as a taxi or guide.
Again, it is best to ignore them and walk away, or issue a firm “no” to make your intentions clear. Should your hustler persist or become abusive, it is again advisable to step into a shop, as many Moroccans will be all too happy to tell off your harasser.
As with travelling anywhere, you should always avoid dark alleys, keep money, passports etc in a safe at your hotel and make sure you have your purse and backpack with you at all times – with nothing in easily accessed pockets. Don’t go out alone at night and avoid dark alleys. Also avoid going into nightclubs and bars alone if you don’t want to attract attention, and don’t accept drinks if you are in a bar.
By following these tips and above all using common sense, you can help ensure your trip to Morocco is a safe and happy one.
At Morocco Gateway we have a selection of Moroccan hotels and riads that are particularly suitable for solo and groups of female travellers. Check them out on our website.