Is Morocco Safe? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

How Safe Is Morocco for Tourists?

Morocco is considered one of the safest countries in North Africa. And we’ve always felt very safe on our travels through Morocco — whether on a city trip or a road trip.

That said, you can’t compare the security situation in Morocco to what you’d find back home in Western Europe or North America. There are parts of Morocco you shouldn’t travel to.

The German Foreign Office strongly advises against traveling to the immediate border region with Algeria and to the Western Sahara. You should take that seriously.

Just to be clear upfront: you can absolutely still do a desert tour in Morocco. We’ll tell you more about safety in the desert below.

To make sure your Morocco vacation doesn’t turn into a headache, there are a few things worth knowing before and during your trip. We’ll walk you through them now.

Crime in Morocco

The crime rate in Morocco varies by region, but overall it’s relatively low. That said, there are certain things tourists do fall victim to on a regular basis.

The most common issues are theft, robbery, and scams.

The risk is especially high in larger cities like Marrakech, Fès, or Rabat, and near popular attractions in Morocco and historic city centers. In some cases, attackers may use violence and weapons.

Another thing to watch out for: illegal drug dealers. Cannabis is grown in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, and harassment from drug dealers can occasionally happen in that area.

Unfortunately, sexual harassment is also a real issue in Morocco. We’ve personally been catcalled and had comments made about our appearance.

This kind of verbal harassment tends to happen most in larger cities. Physical assaults are less common but do occur.

Safety for Women in Morocco

We’ve traveled to Morocco in an all-female group several times and always felt safe. We’d also be comfortable traveling to Morocco as solo female travelers.

That said, it’s a different experience than traveling with a man. If you walk alone as a woman through the souks of the major cities or through the old quarters of places like Meknès or Chefchaouen, expect to be stared at and approached.

Unfortunately, some men do catcall women, get too close, or make inappropriate comments. This has happened to us in Morocco too.

We recommend dressing respectfully. We like to wear long dresses or flowy linen pants and prefer a T-shirt over a tank top — simply to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

We’d also suggest avoiding being out after dark in non-touristy areas. That’s part of why we like to book our riad in Marrakech or our riad in Fès right in the heart of the lively medina.

Outside the cities, we’ve always felt safe too. Especially if you’re traveling solo, we recommend sticking to touristy areas.

If you’re planning a desert tour, you might be better off booking a guided tour to the Erg Chebbi desert from Marrakech, rather than organizing everything yourself.

Is a Road Trip Through Morocco by Rental Car Dangerous?

Honestly, no. We don’t think a road trip through Morocco is dangerous — whether by rental car or public transportation. We were actually a little surprised by how smoothly driving in Morocco went.

Sure, traffic in bigger cities like Marrakech, Fès, or Casablanca is more chaotic than what most Western travelers are used to, but it’s still far more manageable than, say, Vietnam. Just drive carefully and stay alert.

Outside the cities, the main roads leading to Morocco’s most important highlights are well paved and maintained, with very little traffic.

For driving the switchbacks of the Dadès Gorge, you’ll want some driving experience. The drive through the Todra Gorge is definitely easier.

There are of course some unpaved roads, but you won’t need to tackle them on typical road trip routes. Even those are manageable if you take it slowly.

One important thing: always follow traffic laws. Morocco has many police checkpoints, and tourists are frequently pulled over. As long as you have all your documents with you and stay calm, these checkpoints shouldn’t be a problem.

To keep your Morocco road trip safe, also keep the following in mind:

• We like to compare rental car deals on Discovercars and only book cars with a rating of at least 8.
• When booking, make sure you are fully insured.
• Follow traffic laws, speed limits, and drive carefully.
• Always keep enough water in the car.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in the car.
• Park in safe spots — ideally only in designated parking areas.
• Do not drive the rental car into the desert dunes — book a tour with a driver instead.

We’ve also always felt safe on buses, taxis, and trains in Morocco. The drivers were generally quite capable, and most people were super friendly and helpful.

Still, always keep an eye on your valuables — especially at busy bus stations, train platforms, or taxi stands.

For more information about a road trip through Morocco, including the best routes, check out our dedicated article:

Is Morocco's Desert Dangerous?

Morocco has three desert areas you can explore. In the Sahara, those are the popular Erg Chebbi desert and the more adventurous Erg Chegaga desert. Both offer a true desert experience.

And then there’s the smaller Agafay desert right near Marrakech — it’s more of a rocky, gravelly landscape, but you’ll still get a real taste of desert life there.

In general, we’d say that none of the three deserts are particularly dangerous. You can plan and book your desert tour with peace of mind.

If you’d rather not organize everything yourself, you can also do it as a multi-day excursion from Marrakech and let someone else handle all the logistics.

That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are the key things to keep in mind and some basic rules to follow.

Weather and Temperatures in the Desert as a Hazard

One of the biggest risks in the desert is the weather. Temperatures are extremely variable — during the day it can get seriously hot, especially in summer. At night, on the other hand, it can get really cold, especially in winter.

What that means for you: pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a scarf, and long, lightweight clothing for daytime. This is especially important when you’re riding a camel out in the blazing sun. For the night, you’ll need a sweater, socks, long pajamas, and — depending on the camp — possibly a beanie too.

A second hazard is desert sand and sandstorms. Even in light wind, sand can whirl into your face and end up in your mouth or eyes. Always protect both well.

Actual sandstorms are more serious — bad enough that you could sink into loosely piled desert sand.

Don’t panic just yet though — that’s really the worst-case scenario. The best weather and fewest fluctuations occur in spring and fall, which is also the best time to visit Morocco.

Camels and Wild Animals in the Desert as a Hazard

The camels in the desert are very used to people, so riding them through the dunes should be quite safe. Always listen to your guide though, and it’s best not to touch the camels without asking first.

The desert can also be home to wild animals such as scorpions, lizards, snakes, insects, arachnids, and even wild camels. Your best bet is to give them a wide berth and, if in doubt, ask a guide or camp staff member.

On our desert tours, we didn’t encounter any of the animals mentioned above.

Venturing Into the Desert Alone

If you want to stay safe in the desert, don’t explore the really tall sand dunes on your own. That’s also why a guide accompanies you on a quad tour in the Erg Chebbi desert instead of letting you ride around solo.

If you head out to the dunes for stargazing or to catch the sunrise, we recommend always staying close to the camp and not wandering too far on your own.

Driving a Rental Car in the Desert — Too Dangerous

We strongly recommend never driving alone in a rental car through the desert to your desert camp. It might sound like a fun adventure, but it can actually be extremely dangerous.

Many navigation systems don’t work out there, and there are obviously no road signs either. In the Erg Chegaga desert, we’ve personally witnessed an experienced Moroccan driver struggling to find the way.

Even if you’re planning your desert tour independently, arrange a round-trip transfer by Jeep (or a camel ride) through your desert camp.

We’ve covered all the different desert options in Morocco in several dedicated articles — including how to organize everything yourself or book a complete tour.

Is the Atlas Mountains Region in Morocco Dangerous?

In our opinion, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco are not particularly dangerous.

However, the violent crime against two female tourists who were camping at the foot of Mount Toubkal at the end of 2018 rightfully raises questions about safety there.

That’s why you should follow a few rules.

• One of the main ones: never do major hikes alone.
• It’s better to hire a certified hiking guide and not to pitch your tent in the wilderness without a local guide accompanying you. Exploring off-the-beaten-track areas solo is something we’d advise against.
• Always keep your distance from wild animals.
• If you’re driving in the Atlas Mountains, don’t go off-road without a guide and always stick to the roads.

The Rif Mountains are known as a drug destination, as mentioned above. The military and development projects are working to curb cannabis cultivation there.

Occasional harassment from drug dealers can occur. The key thing: don’t buy any drugs — in Morocco, that’s severely prosecuted under criminal law.

Personally, we can say that we always felt very safe in the Atlas Mountains.

In a separate article, we’ve written up everything you need to know about the Atlas Mountains:

Dangerous Animals in Morocco

There are some potentially dangerous animals in Morocco. Most are shy and you’ll probably never come into contact with them — but it’s good to know what’s out there.

Animals in Morocco that may pose a potential risk include:

• venomous snake species
• scorpions
• spiders, such as the black widow (rare) or giant spiders
• crocodiles
• lions and leopards (both rare)
• mosquitoes
• hyenas

Our tips for staying safe:

• Wear sturdy shoes in mountain or desert regions.
• Walk carefully through tall grass or between rocks.
• Many animals are nocturnal, so it’s best to wear sturdy shoes and carry a flashlight after dark.
• Don’t sleep out in the open (exception: desert camps with a guide).
• Check your shoes if you happen to take them off while outdoors.
• Don’t swim in inland bodies of water.
• Use mosquito repellent in the countryside and along the coast. We’ve had good results with Anti Brumm Ultra Tropical spray.

Natural Disasters in Morocco

Morocco lies in a seismically active zone, which means earthquakes can occur throughout the country.

In September 2023, a powerful earthquake struck, causing many injuries and fatalities — but thankfully, events like this are the exception, not the rule.

It’s also worth knowing that Morocco has a rainy season, which runs from November to March. During this time, flooding can occur in the High Atlas.

However, the wet and dry seasons in Morocco are not as pronounced as in, say, Thailand or Costa Rica. So flooding is relatively rare.

Diseases and the Healthcare System in Morocco

The likelihood of contracting a serious illness in Morocco is currently very low. That said, there’s always some risk.

The most common issue tourists run into is a gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Don’t panic if you notice any of these symptoms. In most cases, it’s just a reaction to the unfamiliar food in Morocco and tap water.

Here are a few tips to reduce the likelihood of getting a stomach bug:

• Never drink tap water. Stick to sealed, bottled water.
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t eat at restaurants or street stalls that seem unhygienic. We check Google reviews and look for places where lots of locals eat too.
• Make sure your travel first-aid kit includes medication for diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Order your drinks without ice.
• Before your trip, you can also get an oral vaccine against traveler’s diarrhea and cholera. Talk to your doctor about this beforehand.

In addition to the many stray cats, Morocco also has a number of free-roaming dogs. It’s best to keep your distance to avoid any risk of rabies exposure.

Consult your doctor in advance about a rabies vaccination. There are, however, no mandatory vaccinations for Morocco.

Morocco’s healthcare system isn’t comparable to what you’d find in Europe. That said, especially in Rabat and Casablanca, there are some good private clinics.

In rural areas, though, the standard in hospitals is lower, and most doctors speak little to no English — though they usually speak French.

Our tips for staying healthy and safe in Morocco:

• Pack a well-stocked, personalized travel first-aid kit.
• Before your trip, get a good international travel health insurance policy.
• If necessary, consult a travel medicine specialist about vaccinations.

Rules of Conduct and Tips for Morocco

As you can see, Morocco is not a dangerous destination for travelers. But to make sure you truly feel comfortable there, here are a few general pointers and tips to keep in mind.

• Book your accommodation in Marrakech, your hotel in Fès, and so on, in tourist centers like the medina.
• Be respectful during prayer times and near mosques.
• During Ramadan, don’t eat or drink in front of people who are fasting, unless you’re seated inside an open restaurant.
• Dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees. This applies to men as well. In places like Agadir or Marrakech, you’ll also see tourists dressed more revealingly.
• Don’t turn down an invitation to tea and pastries — it’s a big part of Moroccan culture.
• Holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public is not the norm and is often perceived as disrespectful. In tourist areas, it tends to be tolerated.
• Don’t photograph people without their permission.
• When bargaining at markets, stay fair and polite.
• A tip of 10 to 20 percent is customary at restaurants, hotels, and for taxi rides.
• Only book activities in Morocco through reputable providers.

Frequently Asked Questions