The ultimate solo travel guide to Morocco: Everything you need to know
North Africa’s most northwesterly country is just an hour across the strait from southern Spain, making it a perfect spot to begin your African adventure and try out solo travel in Morocco. Here, ancient Amazigh (Berber) culture intersects with a blend of Arab and European influence, resulting in a riot of colour and character.
Morocco’s diverse landscapes are just as impressive: from Mount Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains, and the silken sands of the Sahara to the coastal towns of Taghazout and Essaouira, where ancient ramparts resist wild Atlantic waves that are perfect for surfing. Then there’s the country’s energizing cities – rich in history, personality and charm. Centre stage is Marrakech’s maze of commerce-lined lanes that make up the medina (old town); in Casablanca, the mighty Hassan ll Mosque sits on the water’s edge; in the Rif Mountains, the blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen trail down the hillside, vying for the accolade of prettiest town.
And of course, Moroccan cuisine is everywhere, from tasty tagine (stews) to zaalouk (aubergine salads) to maakouda (crispy potato fritters). But if you don’t want to go it entirely alone, there’s always the option of a group solo travel adventure, where you get the freedom to explore without the hassle of having to organize everything yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about a group solo trip to Morocco.
Morocco travel facts
A short nine-mile hop across the Gibraltar Strait, Morocco is a heady mix of Berber, Arab and European cultures. Among the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the country’s characterful cities, you’ll unearth a whopping nine Unesco World Heritage sites, from the magical medinas of Marrakech, Fez and Tétouan to seaside Essaouira.
There’s also the historical cities of Rabat, Mazagan (El Jadida) and Meknes, the archeological ruins of Volubilis, and the red pisé buildings of the impressive Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, part of Flash Pack’s Best of Morocco trip. And, who can ignore the food, laced with flavor and infused with aromatic spices, drifting out from restaurants and street-food stalls in the country’s frenetic souks.
Is Morocco good for solo travel?
History and culture are the fuel that lights Morocco’s fire but it’s the hospitality and kindness of the locals that keep the embers burning and make it a wonderful option for going it alone. From thriving markets teaming with local artisans and charming riads to knock-your-socks-off scenery, there’s a richness to its people and panoramas that many travelers can’t resist. But its large expanses and velocity can be overwhelming for first-time soloists, so it’s worth considering group solo travel to Morocco with Flash Pack. You’ll be able to cover the main must-sees, along with above-and-beyond experiences that would be hard to arrange yourself. Find out more about solo travel with Flash Pack.
Best places to visit in Morocco
From mountains and medinas to desert camps and ocean waves, there’s lots to tick off on any adventure. So, what should you do on a solo trip to Morocco? As one of our most popular countries, we have several Flash Pack trips that cover the highlights, best-ofs and, of course, the unique experiences beyond them. Yes, you’ll immerse yourself in the chaotic charm of Marrakech’s medina and trek in the Atlas mountains. But you’ll discover the extraordinary, too. Like whizzing through the Afagay desert by vintage sidecar, lunching with a Berber family en route to Ait Benhaddou and sipping wine at a vineyard in the verdant Argan Valley. An award-winning guide can really make the difference, unlocking authentic local experiences that might otherwise be out of reach for solo travelers.
Where to stay as a solo traveler in Morocco
What are the hotels like in Morocco? Well, from characterful riads with courtyard pools, rooftop terraces and lavish meals, all tucked behind unassuming doors, to luxury desert camps resting under star-stitched skies and blissful boutique hotels, smart places to stay are hardly in short supply. If you want all three but don’t know where to start, Flash Pack will sort all accommodation for you, making it easy to travel solo in Morocco. Typically, you’ll share a room with a fellow Flashpacker in order to swerve the single supplement that normally puts boutique and luxury hotels out of reach for solo travelers. But if you’d still like your own room, that’s no problem either.
How to get to Morocco
Morocco has a wealth of airports served by both international and domestic carriers. The largest hub is situated on the outskirts of Casablanca (Mohamed V international Airport), a great jumping off point to also explore Fes and the capital Rabat, both easily accessible by domestic flights or high-speed train. Marrakech’s Menara Airport is the obvious choice for first-timers wanting to hit the souks. There’s also Essaouira-Mogador Airport for the beaches and surf and Tangier’s Ibn Battouta Airport for its whitewashed hillside medina, access to the Rif Mountains and the pretty towns of Chefchaouen, and Agadir-Al Massira Airport for the coastal resort city of Agadir. For anyone looking to take the scenic route on a solo trip to Morocco, you can sail to Tangier from the Spanish port of Algeciras in Andalucía.
How to get around Morocco
Moroccan trains are some of the best in Africa – and the safest option for solo travelers. The classic ONCF national rail service easily links most of the major cities via just two main lines. But it’s the country’s first high-speed line, the 323km Al Boraq service, running along the coast from Casablanca to Tangier, that really takes the edge off long journeys, cutting it from five hours to two. For the budget savvy, there are options for overnight sleeper trains from Tangier to Marrakech and Casablanca, saving on a night’s accommodation. Bus services are also plentiful with the operator Supratours and typically have charging stations and Wifi. However, with Flash Pack, private minibus and arrival transfers are included in the group solo trips to Morocco, meaning less time on travel admin and more time savoring the adventure.
Best time to visit Morocco
Morocco enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning summer is generally a scorcher while winter nights, even in the desert, can be chilly – think cardigan climes. As a general rule, spring and autumn are ideal if you want to avoid the extreme heat. But, as in many countries, it’s also dependent on where you are and when. The Atlas Mountains are best visited between March and November, while hikers heading for Mount Toubkal should stick to spring and autumn to avoid the stronger rays at high altitude. Marrakech is fairly good year round, but can become stifling in the busy medina during high season (June to August), just when the coastal towns of Essaouira and Casablanca are at their best. Some businesses close during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr (the national festival that follows), which vary each year, so check dates before planning your Morocco solo travel adventure.
Morocco travel itineraries
Flash Pack’s eight-day Morocco Highlights: Coast to Medina adventure is the perfect taster trip for solo travelers wanting to explore with a like-minded group. You’ll wind down spice-scented alleyways in a vintage sidecar, hike, bike and glamp in the desert, and surf Atlantic rollers. You’ll also get a flavour for local dishes on a medina food tour and in a Berber cooking lesson, where you’ll learn to rustle up a Moroccan tagine. Need longer? Try Flash Pack’s 13-day Best of Morocco trip where you’ll do some of the same, along with visits to the intriguing city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the city of Fes with its 10,000 narrow alleys, the staggering Todra Gorge and the Unesco site of Ait Benhaddou.
What to pack for solo travel in Morocco
Morocco’s climate warrants light and airy clothes, so think cotton and linen fabrics, and a warm top for cooler evenings. As a Muslim country, it’s very important to respect the local culture, especially in or around mosques, so dressing conservatively and covering up knees and shoulders is a good benchmark. Comfortable and suitable shoes are an essential for exploring the souks and medinas on a solo trip to Morocco, as well as for mountain hikes and desert sands that get very hot under foot. A sunhat and sunscreen are musts, and a large scarf or shawl is a great multipurpose win. The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, so traveling with euros is advised for exchanging on arrival or in many hotels (sterling and US dollars are often changed, too). There’s a wealth of ATMs and cards are widely accepted. You’ll also need a two-point C or E plug European adapter – or a universal one will do.
Solo travel advice for Morocco
While Morocco’s brilliant domestic travel network makes solo adventures easy, language barriers can make it trickier, especially in the more remote towns or regions. The majority of locals speak Moroccan Arabic (known as Darija), Berber or French, with fewer conversing in English outside of the main hubs or tourist hot spots. With Flash Pack, solo travelers have direct access to the in-depth local knowledge and expertise of their Pack Leader, so exploration is smooth and stress-free. You’ll also be able to make use of their insider tips on in-the-know restaurants and experiences in your free time, especially if you want to add on a few more solo days at the end of your trip.
Is it safe to travel solo in Morocco
Thousands of visitors travel to Morocco every year and most trips are trouble-free. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before traveling. Once there, follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
While solo travel to Morocco is generally safe, it’s still important to have your wits about you. The narrow streets, especially in peak season, become congested, so ensure any key items, such as your mobile or wallet, are safely out of reach. Market touts are a particular problem in the medinas, with harassment an issue. It’s best to ignore or politely discourage, rather than showing frustration or anger, while continuing confidently through the souks. Or hire an official local guide who will naturally deter any unwanted attention. Better still, a group solo adventure will not only add an extra layer of safety, but give you the freedom to soak up each and every unscripted moment.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel in Morocco with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety and security of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first time solo traveler or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Flash Pack
