Safety and enjoyment in Morocco

Marocwonder has sent numerous guests to Morocco over the years, and we have never received reports of visitors experiencing safety issues or threatening behaviour during their stay. The vast majority of visitors find Morocco to be a hospitable and a friendly country.

Morocco take the safety and security of tourists very seriously and there is a heavy police presence in all regions. 

Fears over fundamentalism in Islam worldwide

Morocco is an Islamic country, and in recent years, the Western press has reported on fundamentalism in Islam in various parts of the world. However, in reality people of all faiths live side by side in Morocco and it is a peaceful and liberal country. 

The vast majority of Moroccans are non-denominational Muslims, and the country is not affected by the inter-sect divisions that cause many issues elsewhere.

That said, it is important to acknowledge that no country can provide an absolute guarantee of safety. Unfortunately, unrest can affect any destination, from London and New York to Bali and Peru. Casablanca experienced suicide bomb attacks in May 2003, and Marrakech was affected by a bombing in April 2011.

Take normal precautions and enjoy the wonders of Morocco. 

Morocco is a fascinating country to explore, but, as with any foreign destination, visitors should take standard precautions. For example, protect your valuables in crowded areas, and women should avoid walking alone through small alleys late at night. If you have any specific concerns, local staff will be happy to advise you.

While Morocco boasts a wealth of beautiful historic buildings, some may not meet European structural standards, especially those constructed of earth. Inclement weather can further affect their integrity. If you have concerns about the safety of a particular building, please discuss them with local staff.

Riads or Ryads are eighteenth or nineteenth-century family houses, usually found in the medinas of major towns and cities in Morocco such as Marrakech, Essaouira, and Fez.

Now often converted into boutique hotels or maison d'hôtes, they offer visitors to Morocco the chance to stay in authentic and often luxurious Moroccan accommodation hidden away behind unassuming front doors.

Riads are typically 4-10 bedrooms in size and conform to a traditional Moroccan architectural style that sets most of the major rooms of the house around a courtyard. The courtyards often contain a garden or a small swimming or plunge pool, giving guests a cool and private inner area within the property. Most also have rooftop terraces providing views across the surrounding town or countryside.

Riads typically include breakfast in the quoted room rates, and many offer an optional lunch and dinner in informal courtyard dining areas or salons.

The vast majority of the properties in the Marocwonder collection have been refurbished or upgraded to provide modern furnishings and amenities. Owners develop unique styles based on modern, old-world, or traditional themes, delivering a broad diversity of choices.

Dars have a similar structure to riads but are often larger and do not necessarily have a courtyard. The term dar is often used interchangeably with riad. Examples can be found at Dar Mounir in Chefchaouen and Dar Ayniwen in the Marrakech Palmeraie.

Although Morocco’s climate is generally hot and dry, the country boasts a remarkably varied climate—from snow-capped peaks to scorching desert dunes—making it a year-round destination. However, July and August can be extremely hot inland, away from the mountains. Traveling during Ramadan may pose some challenges, as services can be affected when people are fasting, but it’s also a fascinating time to visit and experience the unique cultural atmosphere.

Even in the depths of winter, the midday sun often provides pleasant warmth. That said, there is a significant contrast between day and night temperatures, so it’s worth being prepared for cooler evenings.

The Atlantic coastal region, including Essaouira, enjoys consistently mild temperatures throughout the year, avoiding the summer heat spikes. In contrast, Marrakech, Fez, and Ouarzazate, being inland, experience hotter summers. Taroudant, located in the south, is the warmest spot between October and April. Ouarzazate and the deep desert regions are best visited in spring and autumn to avoid extreme temperatures.

Rainfall in the lowlands is sparse—about a third of the driest areas in the UK. From May to September, rain is almost non-existent in the lowlands, making it a reliable period for dry weather. When it does rain, it’s often a short, heavy downpour that locals celebrate with joy—a stark contrast to the drizzle often experienced in wetter climates.

Morocco boasts one of the best road networks in Africa, with new highways under construction between major centres, as well as high speed trains and trams, significantly improving travel times. However, roads in remote areas, especially in the mountains, can still be surprisingly slow.

Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches connect major cities, but we recommend purchasing tickets in advance to ensure availability.

While taxis can be hailed at relatively modest costs within towns, for longer trips, we suggest using taxis with trusted drivers to ensure a safer and more reliable experience.

Car hire is also an option, but we recommend hiring a driver due to the scarcity of road signs and the unique driving culture.

Railways connect all cities north of Marrakech, including Rabat, Tangier, Meknes, and Fes. Trains are an excellent choice for speed, affordability, and, in the case of first-class travel, comfort.

Most MarocWonder packages include private driver and you will not need to use public transportation. 

Moroccan cuisine is widely regarded as delicious, offering a healthy and flavorful diet influenced by Arab, Berber, Jewish, African, and French traditions. With a distinctive blend of fresh produce, spices, herbs, and nuts, Moroccan food reflects the country’s rich culture and diverse homegrown ingredients.

Care should be taken with food hygiene, particularly in hot weather. It’s best to eat at recommended restaurants or choose dishes that are well-cooked, such as those prepared in tagines—the iconic conical clay pots that intensify the flavors of the ingredients. Tagines come in a variety of options, from mildly spiced meat dishes to flavorful vegetarian recipes, often accompanied by fresh salads. In Morocco, meals are prepared with freshly picked and purchased ingredients, ensuring vibrant flavors and quality.

The abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables—such as dates, oranges, bananas, figs, melons, and avocados—is creatively used alongside local spices, herbs, and oils like argan oil, which offers a distinctive nutty-orange flavor. Moroccan flatbread, with its sourdough-enhanced taste, is a perfect accompaniment to many dishes.

Popular drinks include refreshing mint tea and fresh orange juice. Bottled water is widely available and safe to drink. While tap water in cities and towns is chlorinated and generally safe, it’s advisable to stick to bottled water throughout Morocco. 

Marocwonder encourages responsible tourism. As Morocco is an Islamic country, we recommend a modest dress code when walking the streets: both men and women should cover their legs, chest, and arms. In major cities, however, wearing long shorts and T-shirts is generally acceptable. Women are not required to wear headscarves except when entering a mosque, in which case your guide will provide guidance.

While some tourists may choose less respectful attire, it's important to remember that not all local Moroccans are comfortable with revealing clothing.

Although the dress code has relaxed over time, it’s still important to respect local customs and avoid causing offense. It’s perfectly fine to wear shorts or swimwear in specific locations, such as in your riad, by pools, or near the beach.

For the best experience, staff members will be happy to inform you of the appropriate dress code at each venue.

While days can be quite warm between late October and April, temperatures often drop significantly at night, especially in the mountains.

Most locally produced goods in Morocco offer remarkable value, while imported items tend to be relatively expensive. The souks (markets) are full of tempting crafts, and these are often good value if you engage in some friendly bargaining.

Typical Moroccan products include handcrafted leather goods, particularly leather sandals, carpets, and various foodstuffs such as argan oil, dates, walnuts, almonds, and spices (though some spices are imported in bulk).

Bargaining in the souk is meant to be an enjoyable part of the cultural experience. It should never be stressful or about squeezing every last Dirham from the asking price. Instead, it’s a cordial process where both you and the vendor find a price that’s fair. Be sure to allow enough time to step away from negotiations if needed, but once a price is agreed upon after reasonable haggling, it is considered rude to walk away without finalizing the deal.

We offer both Self-Drive and Escorted Tours (Car Hire, Taxi, and 4x4 Hire). To make the most of your trip, we recommend having a driver, but self-drive car hire is available for experienced drivers only.

Self-drive is a great option for the more adventurous, as driving in Morocco requires some skill. The roads, especially around cities and major towns, have unique traffic rules, and road conditions can vary greatly—particularly in the mountains. Additionally, road signs are sparse, making navigation challenging in some areas. Fines are issued very readily by police on the roads in the event of the slightest infraction. There is heavy police presence between cities and towns so care must be taken to adhere to the relevant speed limits and traffic laws.

Moroccan law prohibits smoking in most public buildings. However, at your accommodation, there is usually a designated area (such as a rooftop terrace) where smoking is permitted.

Although Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, Morocco is considered a moderate Islamic country. You are generally free to drink in moderation, either privately or in places where alcohol is served.

In the medinas, alcohol cannot be purchased in shops, but many riads and hotels do offer it. Some restaurants serve alcoholic drinks, and a few bars exist in cities and towns.

Outside the medinas, alcohol can be found in certain shops and supermarkets, as well as in larger tourist hotels.

Moroccan wines are often of excellent quality, and a selection of pleasant local lagers, along with some imported beers and wines, are available.

Most accommodations are happy for you to bring your own alcohol if they do not serve it.

In line with our responsible tourism policies, we kindly ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol in public places where it is not permitted. You may wish to purchase duty-free spirits on your way into the country to enjoy in your accommodation.